erickompositör72

Trade Samson for a goalie? :unsure:

It has, which is why they should do what I said- work harder to create the opening. You can't just expect it to be waiting there for the taking.

The problem is, he's too poised. He doesn't have that fighting/battle instinct, he doesn't fight for the puck, he doesn't break his neck trying to regain position when he's down, etc etc. I think he's a great backup. Unfortunately, he may be the best thing we have, ATM All the teams have watched the tape by now, and they know the drill- take away the Eichel one-timer. I still agree with you, but it's going to be harder, and it's going to take some practice for them to create that opening. I think they attempted it once or twice, but it wasn't tape-to-tape.

grammar fail ...sorry, I couldn't resist

But we already looked up the stats and found out Jack and Kane scored more when on the same line...

I'd say give Kane and Eichel more time to play in Housley's system. Yes, they've played together a lot and it'd be nice to see more chemistry, but adding Pominville to the equation adds another playmaker that Kane has to get used to vibing with on the ice. Obviously, Jack and Pommer have a natural chemistry. But the stats actually say that Kane and Eichel scored more when together on the same line last season. Having them out there at the same time, with a two-way forward like Pominville to cover for their lack of d-zone awareness, could really be a deadly threat, with their speed. I wish it was clicking already. But I think the potential speed threat of Kane/Eichel in Housley's system is worth being patient for. I also agree that this is an exaggeration. If you were talking about Foligno, then yes, absolutely.

Yes. He's the most talented player we've drafted in our lineup (besides Eichel), and he has the talent to quickly adapt to his new (less sh!tty) situation and really show what he can do.

Would love to have him and Kane a line for a time. Don't know if that messes up other lines, though...

I think there is a possible scenario where he walks for nothing and we still make out OK: if we're pushing for the playoffs/in the playoff mix, and he proves to be an important contributor. If we can't come to terms before July 1 and we get outbid in FA, we could possibly use that cap space to bring in another FA. With a successful season (maybe even post-season? I know, I'm too optimistic), perhaps we could draw someone else good. I wouldn't be devastated by this scenario, although I like Kane and hope we can find a spot where he will fit and excel, and sign him.

I'm not saying this isn't true. But you can technically still say "Lehner hasn't made a save in the SO as a Sabre" and not be making a false statement.

Just to clarify, about hitting posts (from SO conversation)- hitting the post does NOT count as a shot on net, and does NOT count as a save. You can argue, especially in a SO, that forcing the shooter to miss the net can be attributed (sometimes) to good goaltending, but you CANNOT say Lehner made the save.

I'm very impressed with Pommer & Eichel together. Maybe Kane would fit on another line better, where, as others pointed out, he would be the go-to guy on the line.

Was thinking the same thing Wasn't thinking that... but you might be right

If the whole team is picking up their game from last year, Lehner has to too, or he will be exposed, as he was tonight.

I predict he stops every shot

For many people, never

The other vote for him is mine ;)

Thank you for spelling this out; some don't seem to get it. Spot on with every point.

And there's also the option of retaining part of his salary. I don't know how that applies to cap hit vs. actual $'s, though.

I think it's as simple as that. I'm feeling pessimistic (perhaps prematurely) after the preseason; if Eichel doesn't really reach the level we had all hoped/expected, GMBot was a genius for doing this - as opposed to just giving him what he wants - like I was saying earlier. I'm actually thinking that the Sabres mgmt isn't looking for leverage/looking to low-ball Jack; I think they just simply want to pay him what he's worth, but not any more, and use this season to determine what that figure is. It'd be upsetting if it ended up being around 9mil (for the sake of the team), but very prudent of GMBot to wait it out.

I would have said the same thing about Aaron Judge after spring training this year.

I like this train of thought... just hope it actually works

No surprises to me... ...but to the original topic: After last night, I think Reinhart needs to be on Eichel's wing to put up impressive numbers. As others pointed out, #1 priority is finding the right chemistry to play on Eichel's wings. If Samson was to center a 3rd line, that'd leave him with whatever crumbs are left over, and that will not put him in a position to succeed at center. He's an impressive player, but he's not someone who can control the flow of play (because of his lack of speed and strength).

I enjoyed the Bobeau bromance

You guys are insufferable. I just read through this thread from when the game started. You'd have thought we were down 28-0 at the half from your comments. Jeez. I think Tyrod is actually improving. To those who've said "he's been in the league 8 years": he hasn't been a starter for that long, and he actually seems to be a student of the game and wanting to do the work to make the offensive scheme work, even if it doesn't always play to his strengths. Go Bills