erickompositör72

He may be tuning out Housley and improving as a player. in other words Housley may not be responsible for his improved play

Unless there is no correlation between his play and Housely's influence on him/the team

Lehner is not sought after. His injury is irrelevant. The idea of getting a return for Lehner is Sabres-sucking-induced delusion.

It's been reported there is no market for him. I do not understand the incredulity about this on this forum.

Offering him 4mil would already be an act of charity, IMO

Right. And the reports are that the scouts have been watching recently- I'm sure they've seen all they need to from him. We can just let him walk as an RFA, right? We don't need a 4mil backup. And that's assuming it doesn't go to arbitration.

He is awful. We need somebody who can paint a picture for those listening on the radio. RJ is amazing at that. It's like you can see the ice. With Dunleavy, you don't even know who's zone it's in, who has possession, and God help you if a goal is scored... especially by the opposing team. And then there's never updating you on the score, the time, etc. Oh, and I almost forgot- if he's making commentary, or going off on a tangent/giving an anecdote, and then an exciting play happens, he doesn't TELL you what the play was, HE JUST STARTS GETTING LOUDER TALKING ABOUT THE ANECDOTE! What an amateur!!

No joke. I woulda made that save.

Right. Neuvirth is better than Lehner. Why would they wanna downgrade?

The thread is sitting here. And it's not just going to post itself...

As someone who also takes pride in their modest athletic abilities, I'd have to slightly disagree with you. Some people who have incredible athletic abilities sometime have unorthodox technique. It is a technique that only works with their unique physique. I'd say Eichel's technique allows him to perform maneuvers while appearing as if he's not putting any effort into it. This may lead someone to conclude he is "lazy." In reality, he's just executing in the way that is most effective for him. I pray that this technique does not lead to frequently putting him in dangerous situations. An analogy could be made to someone like Roger Federer (although I don't think Jack is as graceful). Federer looks like he's just floating around the court. The reality is, he's using tremendous power in his legs when he springs off them, and generates a tremendous amount of force on his groundstrokes, but uses the utmost efficiency of motion (and a very aesthetically pleasing technique). Not an exact parallel, but it illustrates the difference between the perception based on appearance vs. what's actually going on, physically. You don't hit serves as hard or forehands with as much pace as Federer with "grace," you do with raw force.

Tanking is a short cut. No respectable GM does it. Real GM's have an ego/confidence that tells them they can build a real team w/o tanking. Tanking would offend their dignity. XGMTM wanted to tank, because he's not a quality GM. Tanking is a shortcut. Naturally, he tried to take other shortcuts. The tank shortcut "worked," but his other shortcuts didn't. Very predictable. The Sabres picked Murray because TP wanted to tank, too. And XGMTM was the only guy willing to do it. That's what you get.

I don't think any team with a halfway-competent goaltending scout will bite on a Lehner trade. His inability to recover is glaring.

Nelson can play

I think he plays Subdivisions every game...

How many faux pas's can he commit in 1 minute? I can't stand it when he refers to players by there first names. "...and Robin makes the save..."

Lehner didn't stop a breakaway? I'm stunned

That's the right idea, Jordan- hit someone in the face with your stick on the opposite side of the ice from the puck.

Reinhart starting to use those edges!!!

Silver lining: the rest of the core can prove to themselves that they can score/win without Eichel. They still played a great game after he went out. As far as the team building confidence and the core believing in one another, this is actually a very good test. I predict further growth will ensue.

Sam is starting to look much stronger on his skates. Not necessarily that he has become stronger, but rather he now knows how to brace for a hit, lean into a move to protect the puck, and lower his center of gravity. If I remember correctly, I noticed the same thing about Brian Campbell. His first season, he would just get pwned in the corners, and looked downright scared to battle for the puck in the corners. He then figured out how to use his quickness and leverage to win those battles- and transition/move the puck up the ice very effectively.

I believe this is the real Sabres team. The first half of the season was a rookie coach learning how to be a head coach.

Nelson can skate!

you mean, like, with the ladies? j/k, I actually think he has potential

Another nice play by Samson and nice save again