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Forums :: Blog World :: Michael Pachla: A look back at the 2016-17 Buffalo Sabres season--March
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dadeadhead
Buffalo Sabres
Location: I don't want to say Greztky was a dude when I was watching. Mentalorgasm5 , NY
Joined: 07.16.2006

Aug 17 @ 4:24 AM ET
Ben Affleck was in Stargate? I'm lost lol
- GERBE!!!75PTS



The Guy in the gif is Richard Dean Anderson........


He's mother fvcking MacGuyver you dolt.
GERBE!!!75PTS
San Jose Sharks
Location: Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Jack Eichel-, CA
Joined: 02.11.2009

Aug 17 @ 8:07 AM ET
The Guy in the gif is Richard Dean Anderson........


He's mother fvcking MacGuyver you dolt.

- dadeadhead


Lol I have no clue who MacGuyver is either lol
staples
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Western, NY
Joined: 04.17.2012

Aug 17 @ 8:44 AM ET
Lol I have no clue who MacGuyver is either lol
- GERBE!!!75PTS


http://www.macgyveronline.com/

He was like Murdock from A-Team but with more social skills.
TheSabresTaco
Buffalo Sabres
Location: For me. jack Eichel is bobby ryan….that's it. - Octavarium, NY
Joined: 05.05.2011

Aug 17 @ 8:51 AM ET
http://www.macgyveronline.com/

He was like Murdock from A-Team but with more social skills.

- staples


He doesn't know what that is either.

He's like... umm... Batman, if Batman was a normal guy.
Der Kaiser
Buffalo Sabres
Location: I Know Nothink ... NOTHINK!
Joined: 07.27.2007

Aug 17 @ 9:02 AM ET
Lol I have no clue who MacGuyver is either lol
- GERBE!!!75PTS


Tom Gallysano is rolling over in his grave.
TheSabresTaco
Buffalo Sabres
Location: For me. jack Eichel is bobby ryan….that's it. - Octavarium, NY
Joined: 05.05.2011

Aug 17 @ 9:03 AM ET
Tom Gallysano is rolling over in his grave.
- Der Kaiser


is he the bad guy in the wonder woman movie
Der Kaiser
Buffalo Sabres
Location: I Know Nothink ... NOTHINK!
Joined: 07.27.2007

Aug 17 @ 9:07 AM ET
is he the bad guy in the wonder woman movie
- TheSabresTaco


I havent seen it but I would bet that every guy in the wonder woman movie is bad.
GERBE!!!75PTS
San Jose Sharks
Location: Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Jack Eichel-, CA
Joined: 02.11.2009

Aug 17 @ 9:46 AM ET

The A team ? With Bradley Cooper
jochfr
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Nashville , TN
Joined: 07.11.2009

Aug 17 @ 9:53 AM ET
The A team ? With Bradley Cooper
- GERBE!!!75PTS

I will fight you
jochfr
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Nashville , TN
Joined: 07.11.2009

Aug 17 @ 10:17 AM ET
https://sabresdigitalpres...n-sale-dates-for-2017-18/



SABRES ANNOUNCE TICKET PRICES, ON-SALE DATES FOR 2017-18
burner087
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Orlando, FL
Joined: 01.18.2008

Aug 17 @ 10:36 AM ET
Not that we really care what ESPN says. But here is the top 100 prospects from the insider. I'll only put the Sabres players in here.

http://www.espn.com/nhl/i...co-hischier-mathew-barzal

7. Alexander Nylander, RW, Buffalo Sabres
DOB: 3/02/98 | Ht: 6' 1" | Wt: 181
2016-17 stats, Rochester (AHL): 65 GP | 10 G | 18 A
Projected 2017-18 team: Rochester (AHL)

Nylander had an up-and-down season. He was great at the World Juniors versus his peers yet again. In the pro levels, he struggled to earn the trust of his coaching staff and was sheltered from tough situations, although he was still a top power-play option. His skill is fantastic, as he makes high-level plays seem routine and is quite creative. I wish he was a little quicker, and his off-the-puck game needs a lot of work, but his offensive upside is NHL top-six level.

10. Casey Mittelstadt, C, Buffalo Sabres
DOB: 11/22/98 | Ht: 6' 0.75" | Wt: 201
2016-17 stats, Eden Praire (HS MN): 25 GP | 21 G | 43 A
Projected 2017-18 team: Minnesota (Big Ten)

Mittelstadt has been a highly touted player for the past few years, and was a top player in the USHL this past season along with a stint with his high school team. Mittelstadt is a dynamic playmaker who can generate scoring chances in bunches. He can dangle in open ice with the best of them, and can make a highlight happen at any moment. Mittelstadt sees the ice well, often executing on high-difficulty feeds and being a primary starting point of offense. His skating isn't as dynamic as his hands, but he skates well and has a separation gear in his feet. He isn't as great off the puck; despite a strong frame, he loses more battles than he should. He is committed to the University of Minnesota.

98. Cliff Pu, RW, Buffalo Sabres
DOB: 6/03/98 | Ht: 6' 2" | Wt: 192
2016-17 stats, London (OHL): 63 GP | 35 G | 51 A
Projected 2017-18 team: London (OHL)

Cliff Pu came out of the gates flying this season but cooled down in the second half. All in all, he had an impressive breakout campaign for London, serving as their No. 1 center. He's a great skater with good puck skills and IQ. He doesn't make dominant offensive plays, but he puts the puck in good spots and can create chances from the perimeter. On top of that, he's a reliable defensive player and a shorthanded scoring threat.

100. Rasmus Asplund, C, Buffalo Sabres
DOB: 12/03/97 | Ht: 5' 11" | Wt: 183
2016-17 stats, Farjestad (SHL): 39 GP | 6 G | 13 A
Projected 2017-18 team: Farjestad (SHL)

Rasmus Asplund doesn't wow you on a given shift, but upon careful observation, you see a smart all-around forward who can make plays and be a positive difference-maker every shift. His best trait is his IQ, particularly his vision, as he can make quick reads on the power play. He's not exceptionally quick for a player his size, but he skates fine and competes well at both ends.

The rest:

Brendan Guhle, Buffalo Sabres

Goalies:

18. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen, Buffalo Sabres
burner087
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Orlando, FL
Joined: 01.18.2008

Aug 17 @ 10:38 AM ET
Here is what they have as the top 10 per team. Again.. Buffalo only.

http://www.espn.com/nhl/i...luding-2017-18-impact#BUF

Buffalo Sabres


Pipeline rank: 11
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 4
2017 NHL draft grade: B


PLAYER, POSITION,
OVERALL RANK DOB HT. WT. 2017-18
TEAM
1. Alexander Nylander RW (7) 3/02/98 6' 1" 181 Rochester (AHL)
2. Casey Mittelstadt C (10) 11/22/98 6' 0.75" 201 Minnesota (Big Ten)
3. Cliff Pu RW (98) 6/03/98 6' 2" 192 London (OHL)
4. Rasmus Asplund C (100) 12/03/97 5' 11" 183 Farjestad (SHL)
5. Brendan Guhle D (HM) 7/29/97 6' 3" 192 Rochester (AHL)
6. Casey Fitzgerald D (N/A) 2/25/97 5' 11" 187 Boston College (Hockey East)
7. Viktor Antipin D (N/A) 12/06/92 5' 11" 179 Buffalo (NHL)
8. Nick Baptiste RW (N/A) 8/04/95 6' 1" 205 Buffalo (NHL)
9. Marcus Davidsson C (N/A) 11/18/98 6' 0" 191 Djurgarden (SHL)
10. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen G (G18) 3/09/99 6' 4" 196 HPK (Liiga)
Team overview: The Sabres have picked in the top 10 for two straight drafts, bringing in a pair of quality prospects in Alexander Nylander and Casey Mittelstadt. Later picks like Cliff Pu, Rasmus Asplund and Brendan Guhle also had strong 2016-17 seasons. The system is a little thin after the top names, with their AHL affiliate lacking in potential contributors.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Buffalo is high on Brendan Guhle. I'm not as enthusiastic about him, but I see things to like. He's a fantastic skater, particularly for his size, who can lead an attack well and close his gaps efficiently. I worry that his offensive skills aren't as developed; while he's fine handling the puck, he can be rather ordinary, moving it with his vision rather than his feet.

After a successful few years in the KHL, including being named a first-team All-Star and a leading scorer in last season's playoffs, Antipin looks ready to be a useful NHL player. He's a skilled puck-mover with good mobility. He's small and doesn't play a physical game, but his defense is passable given his gap control and reads.

Nick Baptiste had a solid second pro season. He's a good skater who plays a simple yet effective game. He's not a pure dangler, but he's smart enough to go to the right spots to get his scoring chances.

Scouts I talk to overseas have one common description of Marcus Davidsson: smart. He's a versatile player who can play center or the wing effectively and play a role on both special teams. Davidsson skates at an above-average level, sometimes flashing at a higher level. He can make some offensive plays, works hard to win pucks and projects to have value defensively as a pro.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is a physically towering netminder, and he takes away a lot of net before we even get into his skill set. He's not a super-athletic goalie but rather gets his stops by taking away space, being economical with his movements and reading the play well. He can get across the crease when he needs to, with solid power from his legs, and can make the occasional highlight-reel type of play.

I'm losing patience on Hudson Fasching (No. 11). I see a big man with decent tools and the ability to make plays at both ends, but it just seems like he's never going to develop the offensive instincts to be an important player at the NHL level.

Noteworthy prospect: Casey Fitzgerald is a great skater who can make standout offensive plays. I've always been troubled by his defensive coverage and risk management, but he's at least shown some progress on both fronts. In the end, he's still a work in progress.

2017-18 impact: The Sabres' system isn't ready to graduate too many players, though KHL import Antipin will be an NHL regular and potentially useful on Buffalo's power play. Guhle should get a long look at camp but could probably use some AHL time. Baptiste and Fasching could also contend for a depth role.
sbroads24
Buffalo Sabres
Location: We are in 30th place. It's 2017 , NY
Joined: 02.12.2012

Aug 17 @ 10:47 AM ET
Not that we really care what ESPN says. But here is the top 100 prospects from the insider. I'll only put the Sabres players in here.

http://www.espn.com/nhl/i...co-hischier-mathew-barzal

7. Alexander Nylander, RW, Buffalo Sabres
DOB: 3/02/98 | Ht: 6' 1" | Wt: 181
2016-17 stats, Rochester (AHL): 65 GP | 10 G | 18 A
Projected 2017-18 team: Rochester (AHL)

Nylander had an up-and-down season. He was great at the World Juniors versus his peers yet again. In the pro levels, he struggled to earn the trust of his coaching staff and was sheltered from tough situations, although he was still a top power-play option. His skill is fantastic, as he makes high-level plays seem routine and is quite creative. I wish he was a little quicker, and his off-the-puck game needs a lot of work, but his offensive upside is NHL top-six level.

10. Casey Mittelstadt, C, Buffalo Sabres
DOB: 11/22/98 | Ht: 6' 0.75" | Wt: 201
2016-17 stats, Eden Praire (HS MN): 25 GP | 21 G | 43 A
Projected 2017-18 team: Minnesota (Big Ten)

Mittelstadt has been a highly touted player for the past few years, and was a top player in the USHL this past season along with a stint with his high school team. Mittelstadt is a dynamic playmaker who can generate scoring chances in bunches. He can dangle in open ice with the best of them, and can make a highlight happen at any moment. Mittelstadt sees the ice well, often executing on high-difficulty feeds and being a primary starting point of offense. His skating isn't as dynamic as his hands, but he skates well and has a separation gear in his feet. He isn't as great off the puck; despite a strong frame, he loses more battles than he should. He is committed to the University of Minnesota.

98. Cliff Pu, RW, Buffalo Sabres
DOB: 6/03/98 | Ht: 6' 2" | Wt: 192
2016-17 stats, London (OHL): 63 GP | 35 G | 51 A
Projected 2017-18 team: London (OHL)

Cliff Pu came out of the gates flying this season but cooled down in the second half. All in all, he had an impressive breakout campaign for London, serving as their No. 1 center. He's a great skater with good puck skills and IQ. He doesn't make dominant offensive plays, but he puts the puck in good spots and can create chances from the perimeter. On top of that, he's a reliable defensive player and a shorthanded scoring threat.

100. Rasmus Asplund, C, Buffalo Sabres
DOB: 12/03/97 | Ht: 5' 11" | Wt: 183
2016-17 stats, Farjestad (SHL): 39 GP | 6 G | 13 A
Projected 2017-18 team: Farjestad (SHL)

Rasmus Asplund doesn't wow you on a given shift, but upon careful observation, you see a smart all-around forward who can make plays and be a positive difference-maker every shift. His best trait is his IQ, particularly his vision, as he can make quick reads on the power play. He's not exceptionally quick for a player his size, but he skates fine and competes well at both ends.

The rest:

Brendan Guhle, Buffalo Sabres

Goalies:

18. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen, Buffalo Sabres

- burner087

Asplund should be higher
Sabresfan-365
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Lockport, NY
Joined: 12.09.2012

Aug 17 @ 10:56 AM ET
Asplund should be higher
- sbroads24



The rest: Brendan Guhle



Pronman is turrible
sbroads24
Buffalo Sabres
Location: We are in 30th place. It's 2017 , NY
Joined: 02.12.2012

Aug 17 @ 11:02 AM ET
The rest: Brendan Guhle



Pronman is turrible

- Sabresfan-365

IMHO - Guhle is a tad overhyped.

Did he not have him in our top 10? Or just the overall top 100?

Edit- He's not in our top 10? Ok that's asinine
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Aug 17 @ 12:13 PM ET
Droz: What's your major?
Sanskrit Major: Sanskrit.
Droz: Sanskrit? You are majoring in a 5000 year old dead language?
Sanskrit Major: Yeah.
Droz:

- dadeadhead[Searches through a pile of theses] Latin, best I can do.



PCU!
Love it
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Aug 17 @ 12:26 PM ET
Here is what they have as the top 10 per team. Again.. Buffalo only.

http://www.espn.com/nhl/i...luding-2017-18-impact#BUF

Buffalo Sabres


Pipeline rank: 11
Prospects in top 100, top 10 goalies: 4
2017 NHL draft grade: B


PLAYER, POSITION,
OVERALL RANK DOB HT. WT. 2017-18
TEAM
1. Alexander Nylander RW (7) 3/02/98 6' 1" 181 Rochester (AHL)
2. Casey Mittelstadt C (10) 11/22/98 6' 0.75" 201 Minnesota (Big Ten)
3. Cliff Pu RW (98) 6/03/98 6' 2" 192 London (OHL)
4. Rasmus Asplund C (100) 12/03/97 5' 11" 183 Farjestad (SHL)
5. Brendan Guhle D (HM) 7/29/97 6' 3" 192 Rochester (AHL)
6. Casey Fitzgerald D (N/A) 2/25/97 5' 11" 187 Boston College (Hockey East)
7. Viktor Antipin D (N/A) 12/06/92 5' 11" 179 Buffalo (NHL)
8. Nick Baptiste RW (N/A) 8/04/95 6' 1" 205 Buffalo (NHL)
9. Marcus Davidsson C (N/A) 11/18/98 6' 0" 191 Djurgarden (SHL)
10. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen G (G18) 3/09/99 6' 4" 196 HPK (Liiga)
Team overview: The Sabres have picked in the top 10 for two straight drafts, bringing in a pair of quality prospects in Alexander Nylander and Casey Mittelstadt. Later picks like Cliff Pu, Rasmus Asplund and Brendan Guhle also had strong 2016-17 seasons. The system is a little thin after the top names, with their AHL affiliate lacking in potential contributors.

Prospects outside top 100, top 10 goalies: Buffalo is high on Brendan Guhle. I'm not as enthusiastic about him, but I see things to like. He's a fantastic skater, particularly for his size, who can lead an attack well and close his gaps efficiently. I worry that his offensive skills aren't as developed; while he's fine handling the puck, he can be rather ordinary, moving it with his vision rather than his feet.

After a successful few years in the KHL, including being named a first-team All-Star and a leading scorer in last season's playoffs, Antipin looks ready to be a useful NHL player. He's a skilled puck-mover with good mobility. He's small and doesn't play a physical game, but his defense is passable given his gap control and reads.

Nick Baptiste had a solid second pro season. He's a good skater who plays a simple yet effective game. He's not a pure dangler, but he's smart enough to go to the right spots to get his scoring chances.

Scouts I talk to overseas have one common description of Marcus Davidsson: smart. He's a versatile player who can play center or the wing effectively and play a role on both special teams. Davidsson skates at an above-average level, sometimes flashing at a higher level. He can make some offensive plays, works hard to win pucks and projects to have value defensively as a pro.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is a physically towering netminder, and he takes away a lot of net before we even get into his skill set. He's not a super-athletic goalie but rather gets his stops by taking away space, being economical with his movements and reading the play well. He can get across the crease when he needs to, with solid power from his legs, and can make the occasional highlight-reel type of play.

I'm losing patience on Hudson Fasching (No. 11). I see a big man with decent tools and the ability to make plays at both ends, but it just seems like he's never going to develop the offensive instincts to be an important player at the NHL level.

Noteworthy prospect: Casey Fitzgerald is a great skater who can make standout offensive plays. I've always been troubled by his defensive coverage and risk management, but he's at least shown some progress on both fronts. In the end, he's still a work in progress.

2017-18 impact: The Sabres' system isn't ready to graduate too many players, though KHL import Antipin will be an NHL regular and potentially useful on Buffalo's power play. Guhle should get a long look at camp but could probably use some AHL time. Baptiste and Fasching could also contend for a depth role.

- burner087




Nice posts... thanks
Notably missing imo is Bailey
Unless they consider him a Sabre already bc of games played last year
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Aug 17 @ 12:27 PM ET
IMHO - Guhle is a tad overhyped.

Did he not have him in our top 10? Or just the overall top 100?

Edit- He's not in our top 10? Ok that's asinine

- sbroads24




He's 5th in our top10
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