LabattBlue Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 You really can't rely on Connolly as your second line center but at the same time, the Sabres desperately need a top 4 defensive dman who is willing to block shots, play physical and become the leader of the blueliners. I'm really torn at this point, but I believe the dman is the #1 priority. I'd be willing to move Tallinder or Lydman, the SJ #1 pick and Max or a good prospect(MacArthur??). Throw in another pick or Kotalik if need be depending on the player coming back to the Sabres. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom webster Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 You really can't rely on Connolly as your second line center but at the same time, the Sabres desperately need a top 4 defensive dman who is willing to block shots, play physical and become the leader of the blueliners. I'm really torn at this point, but I believe the dman is the #1 priority. I'd be willing to move Tallinder or Lydman, the SJ #1 pick and Max or a good prospect(MacArthur??). Throw in another pick or Kotalik if need be depending on the player coming back to the Sabres. I would agree with that but I would add a power play QB and a faceoff specialist may be just as important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabattBlue Posted March 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 I would agree with that but I would add a power play QB and a faceoff specialist may be just as important. They are definitely needed, just not the #1 offseason priority. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corp000085 Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 You've gotta go defense first. The offense has done fine with connolly out of the lineup. Plus, connolly is such a huge force when he's actually on, that i'm still willing to gamble on him playing to his potential, ESPECIALLY since roy has emerged as the undisputed #1 center. Remember, this year we were counting on connolly being the #1 center. He's much much better as a #2 guy, and i'm willing to gamble that he's going to be a force as a #2 center in order to bring in a defenseman. One thing you didn't include in your pole was coaching. I mentioned in another thread that i'd start by firing james patrick and possibly bringing in a guy like cunneyworth to be an assistant. I'm not to the point where lindy needs to be canned, but the team definitely needs a change of pace in the coaching department. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bmwolf21 Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Going all the way back to the last time Montreal ran roughshod all over us, I'd say it's obvious that the answer is defense. Over the last month or so we've seen our defense give up glorious scoring op after glorious scoring op - in the form of odd-man rushes, breakaways, uncontested shots from the slot, guys setting up shop in front of the goalie to screen and/or defelct shots and not paying the price for it, and guys still running the goalie with no repercussions. Toughen up the D with a gritty leader who isn't 40 years old (although I'd take Chelios if he came available) and then worry about the Jekyll-and-Hyde offense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamBam Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 This past off-season seems like ages ago now, but I'm having a hard time remembering if we acquired anyone? I realize Pratt happened during the season, but before him wasn't Spacek the last player brought in during an offseason? Is it possible that our lone off-season acquisition was that of Harry Neale? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarasotaSabre Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 You've gotta go defense first. The offense has done fine with connolly out of the lineup. Plus, connolly is such a huge force when he's actually on, that i'm still willing to gamble on him playing to his potential, ESPECIALLY since roy has emerged as the undisputed #1 center. Remember, this year we were counting on connolly being the #1 center. He's much much better as a #2 guy, and i'm willing to gamble that he's going to be a force as a #2 center in order to bring in a defenseman. One thing you didn't include in your pole was coaching. I mentioned in another thread that i'd start by firing james patrick and possibly bringing in a guy like cunneyworth to be an assistant. I'm not to the point where lindy needs to be canned, but the team definitely needs a change of pace in the coaching department. ah huh huh huh Beavis, you said POLE.....didn't you mean POLL ??.... <_< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom webster Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 ah huh huh huh Beavis, you said POLE.....didn't you mean POLL ??.... <_< So in all his time with the Sabres, how often has Tim Connolly been a "huge" force? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claude Balls Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 That's a no-brainer. We know this team can put the puck in the net, they just need some guys on the back end who know how to limit the puck going in their own net. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawk Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 I didnt vote for either choices because i believe that they need that #1 veteran center to take the load off Vanek, who is not ready to assume that role. I'm talking about the one superstar that almost every team has. The Sakic's, Ovechkin's, Ryan Smith's, etc. Think of all the teams that are successful over the years. They all have that one guy. I have no clue who that would be, but I feel that is what they need to find this off season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SabresFan526 Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 My opinion on this is that I think Weber will step into the role of gritty, defensive defenseman. I've been very impressed with the play of Sekera and Weber, and I do think they should be playing full time next year. Now, they should most likely be bottom pair, not top pair, but they've been very good together as a tandem and remind me somewhat of when Campbell and McKee played together. Sekera is the guy who pinches a bit more offensive, and Weber is the guy who stays back and covers for him as well as sound defensively. For me, the Sabres need a #2 centerman who will win faceoffs, kill penalties, provide leadership, and contribute offensively. We lost that when we lost Drury. We need someone who can replace the production and the intangibles that we lost with Drury. That's why #2 centerman is my top choice. I think the Sabres need to replace the losses of Kalinin and Campbell with a PP QB. This is why I'm a big fan of acquiring John Michael Liles as he is within the Sabres price range, is very good offensively, and not bad defensively. I do think we need a better top pair defense tandem that can go against any team's top line. Tallinder and Lydman are not cutting it. If it were me, I'd trade Lydman, Max, SJ's first round pick to go out and acquire #1 defensive defenseman that will shutdown any team's top line. It will cost money, but can we trim the fat in other areas to acquire said top pair defensive defenseman and still have money to sign Miller and Pominville? I think the answer is yes, but our front office has to agree with the fans and recognize that there is actually a problem in the first place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffalOhio Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 You really can't rely on Connolly as your second line center but at the same time, the Sabres desperately need a top 4 defensive dman who is willing to block shots, play physical and become the leader of the blueliners. I'm really torn at this point, but I believe the dman is the #1 priority. I'd be willing to move Tallinder or Lydman, the SJ #1 pick and Max or a good prospect(MacArthur??). Throw in another pick or Kotalik if need be depending on the player coming back to the Sabres. Why would any team move a high-quality defenseman for that back of pucks? HQ DMen are so hard to come by, teams try to hold onto them with all their might, well, except for the Sabres. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabattBlue Posted March 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 I didnt vote for either choices because i believe that they need that #1 veteran center to take the load off Vanek, who is not ready to assume that role. I'm talking about the one superstar that almost every team has. The Sakic's, Ovechkin's, Ryan Smith's, etc. Think of all the teams that are successful over the years. They all have that one guy. I have no clue who that would be, but I feel that is what they need to find this off season. I don't see Roy or Pominville suffering because of the lack of a #1 center. Stop making excuses for Vanek's piss poor play all year long except for a month long stretch in late January and most of February. He needs to step up in a BIG way next season. PS Roy is a #1 center. They need a #2 center to go along with him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabattBlue Posted March 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Why would any team move a high-quality defenseman for that back of pucks? HQ DMen are so hard to come by, teams try to hold onto them with all their might, well, except for the Sabres. A team that is desparate for scoring help. i.e. Phoenix or Vancouver. They get a blueliner back in Tallinder or Lydman, scoring in the form of some combination of Max, Kotalik and MacArthur and a draft pick or two. I'd say that is significantly better than the standard proposal consisting of castoffs Ryan, Peters, Zagrapan and Card. If Darcy needs to up the ante, than so be it, but the defense was suspect in 06-07, they stood pat and got worse in 07-08. If they do nothing but promote Sekera and Weber full-time next year leaving them with Tallinder, Lydman, Spacek, Paetch, Sekera & Weber, it will be another long year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wonderbread Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 A team that is desparate for scoring help. i.e. Phoenix or Vancouver. They get a blueliner back in Tallinder or Lydman, scoring in the form of some combination of Max, Kotalik and MacArthur and a draft pick or two. I'd say that is significantly better than the standard proposal consisting of castoffs Ryan, Peters, Zagrapan and Card. If Darcy needs to up the ante, than so be it, but the defense was suspect in 06-07, they stood pat and got worse in 07-08. If they do nothing but promote Sekera and Weber full-time next year leaving them with Tallinder, Lydman, Spacek, Paetch, Sekera & Weber, it will be another long year. Sadly I fear that DR will look at the pogress this young D has made and feel that it is worth it to wait until they develop rather than risk losing any face by wading in to the in FA pool or a trade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bills_fan_in_raleigh Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 You really can't rely on Connolly as your second line center but at the same time, the Sabres desperately need a top 4 defensive dman who is willing to block shots, play physical and become the leader of the blueliners. I'm really torn at this point, but I believe the dman is the #1 priority. I'd be willing to move Tallinder or Lydman, the SJ #1 pick and Max or a good prospect(MacArthur??). Throw in another pick or Kotalik if need be depending on the player coming back to the Sabres. I agree. I am liking Spacek, Pratt/Paetch, Sakara and Weber. But we really need 2 Top line D and get rid of Lydman, Kalinin, and Talinder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Strike Force Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 You think they can trade Max and/or Connolly for a young D-man? I'm not knowledgeable as to who's good on the other teams, or what those two guys could bring in. I do think that there are teams that will drool over the offensive flash of the #19, and #61, and it may not be as difficult to unload them as we think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabattBlue Posted March 31, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 Sadly I fear that DR will look at the pogress this young D has made and feel that it is worth it to wait until they develop rather than risk losing any face by wading in to the in FA pool or a trade. The D is not that young (Tallinder, Lydman, Spacek, Pratt & Kalinin all have 5 or more years at the NHL level)and they have regressed this year not improved. :angry: They(DR & LQ) thought they were all set on the blueline last summer and we all know how that worked out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inkman Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 I don't see the Sabres making any major acquisitions this offseason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom webster Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 I don't see the Sabres making any major acquisitions this offseason. Hasn't this been the same thing you have stated in roughly 50% percent of your recent posts? Just saying cause you know I love ya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carpandean Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 Hasn't this been the same thing you have stated in roughly 50% percent of your recent posts? Just saying cause you know I love ya. Jealous that his % is bigger? ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inkman Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 Hasn't this been the same thing you have stated in roughly 50% percent of your recent posts? Sometimes I think you are the only one reading my posts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claude Balls Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 Sometimes I think you are the only one reading my posts... Did you say something? <_< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bmwolf21 Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 Did you say something? <_< I don't think I've fully read a single post of yours since the lovely Miss Bell showed up under your name... :blush: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knightrider Posted March 31, 2008 Report Share Posted March 31, 2008 I went center. We're load with blue line prospects. While we are great at running up scores, we have a hard time scoring pressure goals. Faceoffs are a issue, too. I'd settle though for a hard hitting Dman that can score on a shoot out, though. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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