Basically what you're saying is essentially it would be like having 3 #2 guys. At some point someone has to be 1, 2 and 3. Really, it doesn't matter which one is which.
- HonkFortheGoose

No-
We don't need a true #1 guy (BOS)
I prefer 3 solid #2's-

After reading that article, it definitely sounds like there's an issue in the lockerroom, just like we all thought. But where we were pointing fingers at various players causing disruption among each other, it seems that it's divided more between the coaching staff and the players. That to me, says it's time to make some changes. I think Ruff needs to go. I just don't know that we'll see Terry pull the trigger on it. I would think that just like any good businessman he'd take some of these comments that are coming out to heart and really evaluate what's going on, but who knows right now.
- HonkFortheGoose

That is exactly my take. I have tried not to over-read Pegula's comments about Ruff or Regier over the past year. I think those two are in more trouble than we might think right now. I also think that a growing drumbeat for Ruff's firing from the media and players could change Pegula's thinking.

Bottom line - something is up. At least one player is taking the first shot at Ruff we have ever really heard. No one is really sticking up for Ruff. The players might smell vulnerability.

We can't afford it. Look back at how much was spent on D-ma those years, it was pennies when you look at this years numbers and next years.
- Chipd

What are u talking about?
We have Roy signed and are under the cap for next year by around 6mil as stated by others on the boards
With only kaleta & ennis needing re-signing....
I'd say we are in good shape

Any chance Roy is right? Keep in mind, just because he is the only guy complaining publicly does not mean that he is the only one complaining. Most of these guys wouldn't publicly call out any coach, let alone someone like Lindy, under any circumstances.
- SabreSufferer

Seems to me that the only ones complaining are those who have been the focus of criticism this year.

New article from Greg Wyshynski:

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...erfeed&utm_medium=twitter
- SabreSufferer

Hmmm...
Very interesting

O'Reilly would be a perfect 3rd line center here. It's just a bit scary that a 3rd line guy would be getting that kind of cash.
- HonkFortheGoose

He's no 3rd line Center...

Seems to me that the only one's complaining are the ones who have been the focus of criticism this year.
- Purple Eagle

Fair enough, but I am not going to dismiss Roy's opinions out of hand simply because he is not my favorite player.

For me, worse than the complaining about Ruff's abrasive style was the criticism of Ruff's unwillingness to analyze game film. I didn't see this quote until I read that article, but Roy is very diplomatically questioning Ruff's competence here.

My whole point is that you RARELY hear criticism of a sitting coach from one his own players. Say what you want about Roy, but he does not have a reputation as being a complainer, or being outspoken. This isn't like Sean Avery spouting off.

New article from Greg Wyshynski:

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...erfeed&utm_medium=twitter
- SabreSufferer

If this team had real leadership then Ruff wouldn't need to be the guy yelling at everyone. Something tells me that Mike Babcock doesn't need to lay into guys in between bad periods. He's got guys that have pride and police themselves.

Guys like Derek Roy, Drew Stafford, Vanek aind Leino (to name a few) would benefit greatly from a vocal leader that wouldn't be afraid to stand up at the end of the bench and call a player out. They need to hear "Take the effing hit to make the play !!! and "Get yer ass back to the bench on the change you lazy POS !!!"

If this team had real leadership then Ruff wouldn't need to be the guy yelling at everyone. Something tells me that Mike Babcock doesn't need to lay into guys in between bad periods. He's got guys that have pride and police themselves.

Guys like Derek Roy, Drew Stafford, Vanek aind Leino (to name a few) would benefit greatly from a vocal leader that wouldn't be afraid to stand up at the end of the bench and call a player out. They need to hear "Take the effing hit to make the play !!! and "Get yer ass back to the bench on the change you lazy POS !!!"
- Pairo11

I think that is a gross over-simplification of coaching.

Furthermore, have you ever noticed that the Sabres have generally ALWAYS been soft under Ruff? 14 years, tons of different players and the one constant is Ruff.

Fair enough, but I am not going to dismiss Roy's opinions out of hand simply because he is not my favorite player.

For me, worse than the complaining about Ruff's abrasive style was the criticism of Ruff's unwillingness to analyze game film. I didn't see this quote until I read that article, but Roy is very diplomatically questioning Ruff's competence here.

My whole point is that you RARELY hear criticism of a sitting coach from one his own players. Say what you want about Roy, but he does not have a reputation as being a complainer, or being outspoken. This isn't like Sean Avery spouting off.
- SabreSufferer

A diplomatic response would have been none at all.
Maybe Roy is the focus of LR's criticism because he deserves it and gets his nads in a rash because LR calls him out on his piss-poor level of play.
Roy's best years were under LR-
My understanding is that Roy is a cancerous little prima-donna in the locker room.

That is exactly my take. I have tried not to over-read Pegula's comments about Ruff or Regier over the past year. I think those two are in more trouble than we might think right now. I also think that a growing drumbeat for Ruff's firing from the media and players could change Pegula's thinking.

Bottom line - something is up. At least one player is taking the first shot at Ruff we have ever really heard. No one is really sticking up for Ruff. The players might smell vulnerability.
- SabreSufferer

I'd understand if Ruff was let go, but I can't see why Regier would be. He did a pretty solid job last offseason and this past deadline. I honestly want to see what Regier does this offseason.

I'd understand if Ruff was let go, but I can't see why Regier would be. He did a pretty solid job last offseason and this past deadline. I honestly want to see what Regier does this offseason.
- Gmcc24

Regeir was in a position to make changes and impact the season months before the deadline and stood pat. He deserves kudos for pulling off some great deadline deals. But his inactivity in December and January gets lumped into the big blame pile with Miller, Ruff and anyone else who we would like to pin this season on.

I think that is a gross over-simplification of coaching.

Furthermore, have you ever noticed that the Sabres have generally ALWAYS been soft under Ruff? 14 years, tons of different players and the one constant is Ruff.
- SabreSufferer

Of course it's an over simplification. It was meant to be. You can read between the lines..

I don't think they've always been soft under Ruff. They had some tough teams early on under him. They've been soft since openly committing to the core.

No-
We don't need a true #1 guy (BOS)
I prefer 3 solid #2's-
- Purple Eagle

I'd say that's what we have now with ennis, hodgson & roy
I'd prefer if it was someone like pavelski instead of roy,
But Roy could really dominate as our 3rd line center
We wouldn't have that "checking line" that a lot of ppl think they need...
But I don't think we need it
Three lines that can possess the puck with the ability to score is more valuable in my opinion

I think that is a gross over-simplification of coaching.

Furthermore, have you ever noticed that the Sabres have generally ALWAYS been soft under Ruff? 14 years, tons of different players and the one constant is Ruff.
- SabreSufferer

Ruff wasn't a soft player in his day by any means and it must eat him alive to see how some of these guys play. I agree with a lot of the Ruff critics on many points but not this one. In fact, I would venture to say that guys like Mair, Gaustad, Montador, Kaleta, Ellis, Grier, Nieds and others over the years have gotten way more responsibility on the team than they should have because Ruff sees himself in players like that. I think he relates more to the so-called grinders than he does the skill guys.

We're soft because the GM has filled the roster with mostly soft players.

the Foligno-Ennis-Stafford line looks like it could produce like the Hecht-Briere-Dumont line
And the Drury line actually wasn't the most productive offensively
Vanek should out produce what drury did...
And Hodgson should be better than Grier, gaustad, kotalik, etc
If Pommer plays on that line instead of Tropp, or we get someone like Dustin Brown, then the production shouldn't even be close

Regardless of whether or not the production of the 1st 2 lines is as good as the briere & drury lines...
Point is that when teams do their gameplay against us, they will look to account for the ennis & Hodgson lines first
That would leave Roy's line with good matchups most nights
- jdfitz77

i agree, but only if we bring in someone to take tropp's place on the "3rd line" of the past 10 games. and it cannot be gerbe. it needs to be another strong RW preferably, so vanek can go back to his natural left side.

dustin brown gets thrown around a lot on this site, and for good reason. he would be a fantastic addition and another guy that is not afraid of the physical play. if brown was brought in and roy or leino was flipped for another guy who plays physical (clowe?), that would be 3 guys in the top 9 who play with an edge, something this team really lacks.

oops wrong blog lol

I'd say that's what we have now with ennis, hodgson & roy
I'd prefer if it was someone like pavelski instead of roy,
But Roy could really dominate as our 3rd line center
We wouldn't have that "checking line" that a lot of ppl think they need...
But I don't think we need it
Three lines that can possess the puck with the ability to score is more valuable in my opinion
- jdfitz77

That's why I like O'Reilly.
A follow-up of Pavelski would be a wet dream.

That's why I like O'Reilly.
A follow-up of Pavelski would be a wet dream,
- Purple Eagle

BOING !!

I'd understand if Ruff was let go, but I can't see why Regier would be. He did a pretty solid job last offseason and this past deadline. I honestly want to see what Regier does this offseason.
- Gmcc24

Regier made some good moves, but he once again failed to address our biggest weakness in the summer (strength down the middle and just all around size), I'm a fan of the Regher trade and I was willing to see how the Leino signing would work out (He was garbage, but I guess he can be allowed another year).

Sorry about that
- Gunner Staal

Any chance of Staal being traded from Pitt?

Any chance of Staal being traded from Pitt?
- Chipd

Not until contracts become an issue.

What are u talking about?
We have Roy signed and are under the cap for next year by around 6mil as stated by others on the boards
With only kaleta & ennis needing re-signing....
I'd say we are in good shape
- jdfitz77

So your saying the same team we have this year is good enough for next year?

That's why I like O'Reilly.
A follow-up of Pavelski would be a wet dream.
- Purple Eagle

I just don't know that either will be available...
The Avs prov find someone (Toronto?) to take Stastny off their hands & keep O'reilly & Duchesne
And I'm guessing the sharks would try n move Thornton or Marleau (bc of age & salary) before pavelski (who's easily my top choice to bring in at center, reminds me A LOT of drury)

It could even be another "Hodgson"
That's why I threw out using Roy to trade up to get Galchenyuk
It'd prob be better for him to play 1 more year in juniors to get confidence back in his knee & develop a little more...
But the kid has the talent to make the jump right away
His health shouldn't be an issue, as he was reportedly ready to come back at the end of last season, but stayed out as precaution

A lot of ppl keep saying we NEED a "#1" center...
Well, here's our chance to (likely) draft one
We should've traded up last year for couturier...
Let's not make the same mistake again!

anyone familiar with Mark Lee of HNIC?