PerreaultForever

Not small in terms of height. Maybe not even in terms of weight (someone with more time and inclination can research that if they want). But overall they mostly do play like "light weights" . So to the question, I think the answer is yes. You can argue though that you build the speed/skill first and then add the grit/toughness. personally I would do it at the same time though. We have some more willing combatants and push back types now but we could use a better mix. Especially if we ever want to be a playoff team. The Sabres, as a team, historically were not all about speed and skill. Sure, you remember the stars like the French Connection but they also had Korab and Dudley and crazy Spinner Spencer. Danny Gare was a scorer but he'd drop 'em too. It was a balanced team, even if ultimately still not quite tough enough in the bully era. Tampa and the Leafs and others in recent history have shown us that you still need team toughness to be successful and if you don't have it you can get tossed from the playoffs. Boston didn't beat Vancouver because they were more talented. They beat them because even their goalie threw a body check on a Sedin. The solution is easy though. Take that line up above, add a 3rd line center like Copp, add a RHD like Manson and maybe a big thug winger for the 4th line to upgrade Hayden and you are pretty much on your way.

If I remember correctly it was Asplund and not Skinner. Skinner got moved back up the line up later in the year.

KA probably asked for too much and then the window closed as teams went to other options. Biggest issue of all though was probably the salary. Sabres probably weren't willing to eat money making that deal next to impossible.

is that not perhaps because he doesn't want to be here, so doesn't care, so plays even worse, and thus is bad for the room? I have a hard time believing he got that bad that fast if attitude and effort doesn't have something to do with it. He's not the first for this to happen to. Montour and Scandella aren't tearing up the league or anything, but they are both playing solid hockey on good teams. Much better play than we saw out of them here. I will not be surprised if Miller ends up on Vegas or somewhere else next year and plays decent 3rd pairing minutes. But regardless, he's done as a Sabre for sure.

You really think they are "okay" defensively? TheSkinner Thompson Tuch line has been good offensively but even they were a defensive liability. very few of our forwards are any good defensively at all. might also be a test for VO. See what he does on the big line. If he can't score (a lot) there, they might want to move on from him or bring that up in negotiations.

I have to assume they do not think Miller is good for the room as he's a bad but better player than the other two. Maybe he's miffed he wasn't dealt at the deadline idk. idrc. I thought Mitts Tuch would be a good combo from the outset so now we shall see maybe. Cozens Kyle worked before should work again. Not sure about that top line. All snipers/shooters, somebody's going to have to be playmaker, I guess Thompson. Might work, could also be a defensive disaster. I think this is mostly about getting Mitts going and seeing if he can elevate. The rest is just what's left.

Out of curiosity have you completely forgotten what a good hockey team is? Perhaps I've just raised the bar a little. Think about it. A team that scores a few more goals than before isn't good enough for me, it's time for a team that knows how to win.

Team defense. They have absolutely no concept of it.

Looks like the Vegas watch is going to get depressing. Was a nice dream..............

Eh, what now? That was a colossal pile of defensive errors. Some of them made by the new kid. Horrible horrible hockey game . If that's the best we can do we are a very long way from truly competing (but I think we can do better, and will). I have no idea what you were watching, but it was not the same game as me.

True, Alberta teams have to come up big next two games.

Could be, but it's still all over twitter and I'm sure Lehner got to see it 🙂 and it's damn funny.

Ridiculous? The 7 players ahead of him are all pretty darn good in terms of prospects. There's a few lower down I'd question but the top 10 is pretty accurate imo. Nothing wrong with having #1 and #8.

that's the one that worries me too. Avs pounded them 9-3 tonight.

I loved them as I've said many times because they were very similar to the old Hamilton high school uniforms I wore back i n the 1970's (Hill Park Rams). One time Sabre Ron Roscoe would agree 🙂

Indeed. They're not wrong though. "his impact on them will be felt for years"

Vegas fan agrees.

Are they? I know they have all that dead cap money to deal with but they have most everybody important signed. Maybe they can re-sign Fluery and give us Talbot for cheap 🙂

Well all these guys just spew stuff for controversy and for ratings so you can't take any of it too seriously. It's really no different than people here or on twitter or wherever. They just have (sometimes suspect) "credentials". Always have believed giving Eichel the C when they did played a big role in the continued demise of this club. Still waiting for someone one day to confirm the other half of my theory as true, and that's how much that move pissed off ROR. Bisonette is no worse than Ray imo. Just another ex hockey jock yapping his gums for a pay cheque. As for their "opinions" changing, not surprised, they always want to be perceived as right or knowledgeable so they go with the tides or the moments.

lmao. I knew if I even mentioned a single flaw I'd get blowback here but that's okay. See above and read all the words. I did also say it was no big deal and nothing to worry about. Now let's discuss how well Hayden played instead 🙂

Can't disagree with the first sentence. Toronto's D is still not good and ultimately it and their goaltending is why they won't win the cup again this year. As for the rest, I said that. First game, no worries, no big deal. It's not like I'm going to get into a comparison of how good Beniers debut was by comparison 🙂 Don't disagree with the Joker part.

Ya, unfortunately Vegas salvaged a point but more importantly perhaps, Dallas and LA both won.

Man Philly has fallen fast and hard. They are a mess.

Disagree. Got turned around a few times, lost his footing, made a few rushed decisions. It'll all come in time no worries but that's the reality. Still, even with that, he's better than half our D core already.

We all know Tampa bent the rules with Kucherov but this Vegas situation is ridiculous and makes the entire thing a joke. It's like they have their cap list A and then their reserve cap list B. League really needs to stop this nonsense.