erickompositör72

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

But it's not a nickname- it's actually his real name

Moulson remains ahead of Fasching and Bailey on the depth chart because, despite all his flaws, he will score more goals than either of them (esp PP) and he will be less of a defensive liability with our improved d-corps

trade Reinhart :P

I love Antipin's aggressiveness. I'll take it. Beaulieu will be a stud. Eichel is like having 2 players on the ice. Did anyone see that shorthanded scoring chance he created single-handedly?

Bylsma was quite scientific. He found things that worked beautifully and then never did them again.

Even if they gelled and Moulson found his scoring touch, I don't think they should be on the same line as their lack of speed could be a detriment in Housley's system I agree to an extent. The tank - combined with years of unwatchable hockey - has the feel of some sort of video game cheat code. Yeah, you can win with it, but it doesn't feel the same as beating the game the "right" way... I know other teams "tanked" ...but there was a certain deliberateness to our approach that made it seem kinda dirty... luckily, Jack's brand of hockey is so unique and thrilling to me (rather watch him over McDavid) that - for me at least - it seems to be worth it. Even though the tank was deliberate, I think we still got super, super lucky with the player Jack will turn out to be.

Right. And you can bet they're feeling the pressure to impress every shift. They'll look way better if they're on lines with ROR, Eich, or Samson and another veteran winger