Decent trade coming

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

OK......didn't know where to post this so forgive me for a new thread.

 

Just came back from Casino Night with the Sabres....or at least the Sabres who weren't in Vancouver.

 

A few funny tidbits and what I think is a decent trade in the works. Maybe some others on the board were there.

 

1) Live auction portion of the event had Kevin Sylvester and Rob Ray trading barbs and trying to raise money. An item was auctioned "Be part of team photo". It was pointed out that the photo would be taken after the trade deadline, which was met with a "knowing" sarcastic laugh by the the other party. Could be total BS on my part, but I think something of decent level is in the works......and I think Darcy is a pansy, so I would not want to give him any credit ahead of time given his record. Just be on the watch.

 

2) d4rksabre......I swear to the Baby Jesus.....they had a Chineese auction of baskets by players....and the Derek Roy basket included a DVD set of Entourage.....I wanted to take a picture but my phone is of 2002 quality.

 

Larry Quinn...cute Irish lass on his arm...daughter/wife, don't know. I guess I have to upgrade him to Bi from pure Tynan-licker

Girl who I think is Pommers chick.....awesome and really nice. I don't impress easily.

Not a lot of love for Lindy....they had olympic jereys of the Sabres that were there including one for Ruff that was of same quality.....Sekera, Hecht were selling for twice that of Lindy. I found that a little strange. I bid on the Tallinder one for a joke, but was denied in my cheapness.

 

You get a feel for personality of some of the players and their wives/GF from the baskets they put together. I have to say I am a big fan of Lalime, Montador, Paetch, and Kennedy for their selections. Kennedy went pure top shelf booze. Some of the guys put it together themselves.

 

Ok....sorry if this is a BS LAMP post. I've got a bottle of Tanquery in me and have a good hunch someone of consequence is moving along.

[gregkash]

is Kennedy old enough to go pure top shelf booze?

 

and this isn't even circumstantial evidence... why would rob ray and kevin sylvester know about a trade that EVERYONE else is being kept in the dark about?

[Kristian]

is Kennedy old enough to go pure top shelf booze?

 

and this isn't even circumstantial evidence... why would rob ray and kevin sylvester know about a trade that EVERYONE else is being kept in the dark about?

 

They probably still talk to Bob Corkum.

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

is Kennedy old enough to go pure top shelf booze?

 

and this isn't even circumstantial evidence... why would rob ray and kevin sylvester know about a trade that EVERYONE else is being kept in the dark about?

 

Just a hunch....

 

The booze was flowing and Razor was candid about a few things if someone was paying attention. I am sure there have been talks going on and most of the hockey press is in Vancouver now. Rumors will only have a few days to take rut. If true, they probably don't know who is moving but they are dialed in to the doings over there. Maybe Darcy was actually in his office for more than an hour.

 

It could have been a drunken pipedream on my part, but when guys are improvising after hitting the booze.....little truths come out.

 

Hey....as good as any hockey rumor site.

 

Just looked....Kennedy is of age. Nothing like breaking the stereotype of a Kennedy by raffling off 8 bottles of booze!

[Assquatch]

OK......didn't know where to post this so forgive me for a new thread.

 

Just came back from Casino Night with the Sabres....or at least the Sabres who weren't in Vancouver.

 

A few funny tidbits and what I think is a decent trade in the works. Maybe some others on the board were there.

 

1) Live auction portion of the event had Kevin Sylvester and Rob Ray trading barbs and trying to raise money. An item was auctioned "Be part of team photo". It was pointed out that the photo would be taken after the trade deadline, which was met with a "knowing" sarcastic laugh by the the other party. Could be total BS on my part, but I think something of decent level is in the works......and I think Darcy is a pansy, so I would not want to give him any credit ahead of time given his record. Just be on the watch.

 

2) d4rksabre......I swear to the Baby Jesus.....they had a Chineese auction of baskets by players....and the Derek Roy basket included a DVD set of Entourage.....I wanted to take a picture but my phone is of 2002 quality.

 

Larry Quinn...cute Irish lass on his arm...daughter/wife, don't know. I guess I have to upgrade him to Bi from pure Tynan-licker

Girl who I think is Pommers chick.....awesome and really nice. I don't impress easily.

Not a lot of love for Lindy....they had olympic jereys of the Sabres that were there including one for Ruff that was of same quality.....Sekera, Hecht were selling for twice that of Lindy. I found that a little strange. I bid on the Tallinder one for a joke, but was denied in my cheapness.

 

You get a feel for personality of some of the players and their wives/GF from the baskets they put together. I have to say I am a big fan of Lalime, Montador, Paetch, and Kennedy for their selections. Kennedy went pure top shelf booze. Some of the guys put it together themselves.

 

Ok....sorry if this is a BS LAMP post. I've got a bottle of Tanquery in me and have a good hunch someone of consequence is moving along.

 

Could the sarcastic laugh to the timing of the photo have meant "Yeah, like it matters whether it is before or after the trade deadline, the photo will be the same!"?

[deluca67]

I doubt the broadcast team would have any clue what is going on in the front office. I would consider Ecklund a better source.

[Dave Dryden]

OK......didn't know where to post this so forgive me for a new thread.

 

Just came back from Casino Night with the Sabres....or at least the Sabres who weren't in Vancouver.

 

A few funny tidbits and what I think is a decent trade in the works. Maybe some others on the board were there.

 

1) Live auction portion of the event had Kevin Sylvester and Rob Ray trading barbs and trying to raise money. An item was auctioned "Be part of team photo". It was pointed out that the photo would be taken after the trade deadline, which was met with a "knowing" sarcastic laugh by the the other party. Could be total BS on my part, but I think something of decent level is in the works......and I think Darcy is a pansy, so I would not want to give him any credit ahead of time given his record. Just be on the watch.

 

2) d4rksabre......I swear to the Baby Jesus.....they had a Chineese auction of baskets by players....and the Derek Roy basket included a DVD set of Entourage.....I wanted to take a picture but my phone is of 2002 quality.

 

Larry Quinn...cute Irish lass on his arm...daughter/wife, don't know. I guess I have to upgrade him to Bi from pure Tynan-licker

Girl who I think is Pommers chick.....awesome and really nice. I don't impress easily.

Not a lot of love for Lindy....they had olympic jereys of the Sabres that were there including one for Ruff that was of same quality.....Sekera, Hecht were selling for twice that of Lindy. I found that a little strange. I bid on the Tallinder one for a joke, but was denied in my cheapness.

 

You get a feel for personality of some of the players and their wives/GF from the baskets they put together. I have to say I am a big fan of Lalime, Montador, Paetch, and Kennedy for their selections. Kennedy went pure top shelf booze. Some of the guys put it together themselves.

 

Ok....sorry if this is a BS LAMP post. I've got a bottle of Tanquery in me and have a good hunch someone of consequence is moving along.

I did not get that impression, but I could be tone deaf. Grier said he thought Lalime would play the first two games after the break, to let Ryan catch his breath-fwiw.

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

Could the sarcastic laugh to the timing of the photo have meant "Yeah, like it matters whether it is before or after the trade deadline, the photo will be the same!"?

 

Like I said, could have misinterpreted the exchange......but I got a feelin here. Considering Darcy's big moves have been Moore and Zubrus over the past 4 years......I wouldn't expect anything to happen under normal circumstances. There were specific bits of info being dropped that were supposed inside jokes a couple of times, and I was in a position to pick up the truth in those jokes from where I was located....away from the crowd. That is what leads me to believe the exchange about the trade deadline had some color to it. They won't know for sure what is going down, and since they are Sabre employees they won't report anything.....but when you hang around the same office all the time, you tend to pick up when the bosses are acting strange. It could be as simple as that on their part. Or I could have had 8 too many drinks.....but I got a feelin........

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

I did not get that impression, but I could be tone deaf. Grier said he thought Lalime would play the first two games after the break, to let Ryan catch his breath-fwiw.

 

Cool......

 

Ray was letting little inside jokes go in the exchange, and I was at the bar behind him for the most part during the live auction. His groan/laugh and Sylester's smirk and eye dart to Ray during the exchange had some familiarity to it.

 

Total shot in the dark I admit......but I'm pretty good at shots in the dark usually.

[nobody]

 

Kennedy went pure top shelf booze.

 

 

Top shelf, where momma hides the good stuff.

[SabreInFla]

Cool......

 

Ray was letting little inside jokes go in the exchange, and I was at the bar behind him for the most part during the live auction. His groan/laugh and Sylester's smirk and eye dart to Ray during the exchange had some familiarity to it.

 

Total shot in the dark I admit......but I'm pretty good at shots in the dark usually.

Back to back losses to start the month. Just what the team needs to get back on track. In reference to Lalime starting the first two back obviously.........

[deluca67]

Back to back losses to start the month. Just what the team needs to get back on track. In reference to Lalime starting the first two back obviously.........

Against Pitt and Wash? With Lalime in net? Try back to back blow-out losses. Ottawa has the Rangers and Carolina after the break. The Sabres can be down five in the standings real quick.

[theend]

Against Pitt and Wash? With Lalime in net? Try back to back blow-out losses. Ottawa has the Rangers and Carolina after the break. The Sabres can be down five in the standings real quick.

 

The same Lalime who got us 3 out of 4 points in the first two Pittsburgh games, you mean? Lalime's ONLY terrible game has been against Anaheim. He should be fine against Pittsburgh, especially because I bet Malkin, Gonchar, Crosby, et al will be in more of a funk from the Olympics.

 

My guess would be this - Lalime plays on the road vs. Pitt, and if Ryan wins the gold with the U.S. on Sunday, he'll start at home vs. the Caps to celebrate with the fans. If they lose, then I think he probably gets both games off and comes back versus Philly.

[deluca67]

The same Lalime who got us 3 out of 4 points in the first two Pittsburgh games, you mean? Lalime's ONLY terrible game has been against Anaheim. He should be fine against Pittsburgh, especially because I bet Malkin, Gonchar, Crosby, et al will be in more of a funk from the Olympics.

 

My guess would be this - Lalime plays on the road vs. Pitt, and if Ryan wins the gold with the U.S. on Sunday, he'll start at home vs. the Caps to celebrate with the fans. If they lose, then I think he probably gets both games off and comes back versus Philly.

So are we just going to pretend the Ottawa and Columbus games didn't happen? Or, that when they needed him most last season he fell on his face? Lalime is not a goaltender this team can rely on.

[gregkash]

It only makes sense the Tallinder or Lydman would get dealt this year.. with Sekera on the bench, and also paetsch and weber being ready to play as well... I don't see us signing both, and moving one might get a decent return with how well Tallinder has played and the fact that Lydman despite what you think is a good defenseman. It's just so hard to see Darcy going outside of his norm and bringing anyone that will make a true impact in.

[theend]

So are we just going to pretend the Ottawa and Columbus games didn't happen? Or, that when they needed him most last season he fell on his face? Lalime is not a goaltender this team can rely on.

 

Are you going to pretend like the Chicago and Pittsburgh games didn't happen? That he didn't basically win that Chicago game himself at the end...that he backstopped the come-from-behind Pittsburgh win? Since the beginning of December, he is 3-2-2, picking up 8 out of 14 possible points, and neither of those shootout losses was on him, either. If we had more reliable shooters, we definitely win...meaning 10 out of 14 points.

 

And, really...Columbus? With that fluke goal and two power-play chances he really had no shot on? I'm not blaming him for that crappy Columbus loss...that was the worst I've seen the team play all year, and Miller would've given up those goals, too.

 

I'm not arguing that Lalime is our savior, or that they're aren't better backups out there. But really, predicting back-to-back blow-out losses just because he would be in net is ridiculous.

 

Now, if you were going to predict back-to-back blow-outs because the team as a whole doesn't come out of the break focused, that is a much fairer possibility.

[deluca67]

Are you going to pretend like the Chicago and Pittsburgh games didn't happen? That he didn't basically win that Chicago game himself at the end...that he backstopped the come-from-behind Pittsburgh win? Since the beginning of December, he is 3-2-2, picking up 8 out of 14 possible points, and neither of those shootout losses was on him, either. If we had more reliable shooters, we definitely win...meaning 10 out of 14 points.

 

And, really...Columbus? With that fluke goal and two power-play chances he really had no shot on? I'm not blaming him for that crappy Columbus loss...that was the worst I've seen the team play all year, and Miller would've given up those goals, too.

 

I'm not arguing that Lalime is our savior, or that they're aren't better backups out there. But really, predicting back-to-back blow-out losses just because he would be in net is ridiculous.

 

Now, if you were going to predict back-to-back blow-outs because the team as a whole doesn't come out of the break focused, that is a much fairer possibility.

I seen more than enough of Lalime. He is not a starter or a capable backup. Are there none better out there? Let's find out and bring some in. The Sabres had no problems bringing a better goalie at last seasons trade deadline. Shouldn't be that hard to find someone.

[theend]

I seen more than enough of Lalime. He is not a starter or a capable backup. Are there none better out there? Let's find out and bring some in. The Sabres had no problems bringing a better goalie at last seasons trade deadline. Shouldn't be that hard to find someone.

 

Not saying that there isn't a better back-up out there...but I think that we have other, more pressing needs to fill before back-up goalie. If Miller goes down or cold, no one that's available is going to be able to lead us far into the playoffs anyway. Not even Biron. Addressing the back-up is an offseason move IMO, and Lalime's contract is up anyway.

 

Trade deadline should focus on getting one of three things - a strong, physical forechecker to win battles in the offensive zone, a set-up man with good eyes/hands for someone like Vanek, and a power-play quarterback on the point. Leadership is also needed, though I doubt we're going to get that in a rental.

 

I wouldn't mind sending someone like Gerbe or a few other prospects out...but not for a rental. It has to be someone who fills one (or more) of the criteria above, who's been a proven leader, and is under contract for at least another year. Otherwise, it's not worth it. It's not like we're one step from the Cup, here. We're a few, and the one thing Regier is right about, is that it's not worth sending our young players away for someone to play a few months for us.

[deluca67]

Not saying that there isn't a better back-up out there...but I think that we have other, more pressing needs to fill before back-up goalie. If Miller goes down or cold, no one that's available is going to be able to lead us far into the playoffs anyway. Not even Biron. Addressing the back-up is an offseason move IMO, and Lalime's contract is up anyway.

 

Trade deadline should focus on getting one of three things - a strong, physical forechecker to win battles in the offensive zone, a set-up man with good eyes/hands for someone like Vanek, and a power-play quarterback on the point. Leadership is also needed, though I doubt we're going to get that in a rental.

 

I wouldn't mind sending someone like Gerbe or a few other prospects out...but not for a rental. It has to be someone who fills one (or more) of the criteria above, who's been a proven leader, and is under contract for at least another year. Otherwise, it's not worth it. It's not like we're one step from the Cup, here. We're a few, and the one thing Regier is right about, is that it's not worth sending our young players away for someone to play a few months for us.

The Sabres have a goalie having a career year. If you and Darcy want to throw that away go ahead. The Sabres may not be this close to being a Cup contender for a long time. Unless you are a power house franchise like Detroit, hot goaltending is the quickest way to get to the finals. If the Sabres ignore the chance they have now they and the fans will regret it for a long time.

[louC]

I doubt the broadcast team would have any clue what is going on in the front office. I would consider Ecklund a better source.

you mean those men who are paid to comment on hockey, especially the sabres, those men who fly with the the team across north america? those who are most definately "in the know" so to speak with whats happening with the organization, not to mention the sabres took a crap in their last 20, roy has been mediocre, (shooter) pominvilles population is increasing slower than molasses, gaustad needs to find gaust-nads, rivet looks more like the captain of a slow pitch team,vanek has shown that maybe hes just waiting til after the olympic breeak to really bring it, .....mair, ellis, and paestch all cleared waivers and are basically untradeable ie a bag of pucks. sakera, roy, pominville, gaustad, gogulla, and hecht are all expendable to me with the exception of jochen hecht, he is a one man gang,just cant finish too well

[theend]

The Sabres have a goalie having a career year. If you and Darcy want to throw that away go ahead. The Sabres may not be this close to being a Cup contender for a long time. Unless you are a power house franchise like Detroit, hot goaltending is the quickest way to get to the finals. If the Sabres ignore the chance they have now they and the fans will regret it for a long time.

 

Throw it away? Be realistic, man - you're pretending like we're on the cusp of a championship. You're arguing that Lalime's a sieve and needs to be cast aside...but what about the rest of the team that contributed to that horrendous streak a couple weeks back?

 

Miller's having an amazing year, no doubt. But do you really think he's going to steal multiple best-of-7 series w/o this team playing better? If there's one thing that the Olympics have confirmed, it's that Miller's ready to win the big one, when surrounded by like-minded, confident and talented teammates. The rest of the Sabres need to step up and prove that's what they are.

 

I don't see the difference between this team winning a Cup or not being some back-up goalie who gets a few more points for us in the next month and a half.

[darksabre]

OK......didn't know where to post this so forgive me for a new thread.

 

Just came back from Casino Night with the Sabres....or at least the Sabres who weren't in Vancouver.

 

A few funny tidbits and what I think is a decent trade in the works. Maybe some others on the board were there.

 

1) Live auction portion of the event had Kevin Sylvester and Rob Ray trading barbs and trying to raise money. An item was auctioned "Be part of team photo". It was pointed out that the photo would be taken after the trade deadline, which was met with a "knowing" sarcastic laugh by the the other party. Could be total BS on my part, but I think something of decent level is in the works......and I think Darcy is a pansy, so I would not want to give him any credit ahead of time given his record. Just be on the watch.

2) d4rksabre......I swear to the Baby Jesus.....they had a Chineese auction of baskets by players....and the Derek Roy basket included a DVD set of Entourage.....I wanted to take a picture but my phone is of 2002 quality.

 

Larry Quinn...cute Irish lass on his arm...daughter/wife, don't know. I guess I have to upgrade him to Bi from pure Tynan-licker

Girl who I think is Pommers chick.....awesome and really nice. I don't impress easily.

Not a lot of love for Lindy....they had olympic jereys of the Sabres that were there including one for Ruff that was of same quality.....Sekera, Hecht were selling for twice that of Lindy. I found that a little strange. I bid on the Tallinder one for a joke, but was denied in my cheapness.

 

You get a feel for personality of some of the players and their wives/GF from the baskets they put together. I have to say I am a big fan of Lalime, Montador, Paetch, and Kennedy for their selections. Kennedy went pure top shelf booze. Some of the guys put it together themselves.

 

Ok....sorry if this is a BS LAMP post. I've got a bottle of Tanquery in me and have a good hunch someone of consequence is moving along.

 

The only real important part of this whole thing is that this forum has Roy pegged. Picture unneeded, I believe you.

[apushms]

If a decent trade or two doesn't come now, then it never will. Miller has clearly established himself as one of the top, if not the top, goalie in the NHL and a player capable of carrying a team far into the playoffs with a solid team (especially Defense) in front of him. If they can shore up the defense and add a veteran with the ability to add to the scoring in the playoffs, they can have a look at it this year. If they do nothing, it says a WHOLE LOT to the rest of the team. It may cost them some younger talent, but I don't think it needs to cost them their future.

 

On a separate note, this team is lacking scoring ... Ennis is lighting it up in Portland. Why not give him an extended look ... I know it may cost Mair or Ellis a game or two ... but c'mon ... it could really open things up.

[deluca67]

Throw it away? Be realistic, man - you're pretending like we're on the cusp of a championship. You're arguing that Lalime's a sieve and needs to be cast aside...but what about the rest of the team that contributed to that horrendous streak a couple weeks back?

 

Miller's having an amazing year, no doubt. But do you really think he's going to steal multiple best-of-7 series w/o this team playing better? If there's one thing that the Olympics have confirmed, it's that Miller's ready to win the big one, when surrounded by like-minded, confident and talented teammates. The rest of the Sabres need to step up and prove that's what they are.

 

I don't see the difference between this team winning a Cup or not being some back-up goalie who gets a few more points for us in the next month and a half.

Goaltending is the great equalizer in the NHL. If the Sabres can go out and get a decent backup that can allow Miller to rest and accumulate some points it only bolsters the Sabres chances. Back up goalie is not my top priority. Breaking up the brat pack and infusing some talent with grit (and yes Darcy those players do exist) should be the #1 priority. They need to change the makeup of the core significantly. If they can somehow get that done before Wednesday? With the level Miller is playing? Maybe add a defensman for the top four? Than getting to the finals is a real possibility. I do think think if Miller plays at the level he was earlier in the year he can steal a series or two. If the Sabres can toughen up in the forward ranks and get a solid defenseman maybe Miller won't have to steal a series, especially early.

 

I can tell you great certainty what will prevent the Sabres from making a playoff run this year. Standing pat while waiting for your core group to get better, having a defense that includes Lydman, Montador and Rivet in the top six and having one of the softest teams in the NHL.

[PASabreFan]

Goaltending is the great equalizer in the NHL. If the Sabres can go out and get a decent backup that can allow Miller to rest and accumulate some points it only bolsters the Sabres chances. Back up goalie is not my top priority. Breaking up the brat pack and infusing some talent with grit (and yes Darcy those players do exist) should be the #1 priority. They need to change the makeup of the core significantly. If they can somehow get that done before Wednesday? With the level Miller is playing? Maybe add a defensman for the top four? Than getting to the finals is a real possibility. I do think think if Miller plays at the level he was earlier in the year he can steal a series or two. If the Sabres can toughen up in the forward ranks and get a solid defenseman maybe Miller won't have to steal a series, especially early.

 

I can tell you great certainty what will prevent the Sabres from making a playoff run this year. Standing pat while waiting for your core group to get better, having a defense that includes Lydman, Montador and Rivet in the top six and having one of the softest teams in the NHL.

But what price do you pay to get that decent backup? You weaken your current team, or your future, a bit, for what end? On the other hand, the recent slump has put not only the division and an "easier" first round opponent in question, but even making the playoffs should the freefall continue. Worst case scenario for the Sabres, because now Ruff is going to really feel the need, perhaps unnecessarily, to ride Miller. I just don't think the backup situation has any relevance here.