I respect yuur opinion, however maybe Sam is never going to be a leader, maybe he is more of a skilled supporting role guy. there are only a handful players that are true take over the game players. I just don't think Sam will ever be one of them. I think he is a skilled supporting role top six winger... - hehateme
Nah, he’s slightly outplayed Pominville. Pominville was a PPG player on that line and had multiple huge goals. Like against Minnesota, Montreal etc.
The problem people have with Sam is every time he’s put on his OWN line, and expected to produce (Like a second overall pick should be able to) he’s fallen on his face.
He’s been great this year with Jack. I’m happy for him, and don’t want to break them up.
But anyone who complains about secondary scoring can point to the 23 year old top pick as one of the reasons for that - sbroads24
And after about 10 games, Pommer slowed down substantially, as I posted. Regardless, he outplayed Pommer by your admission, Girgs, Okposo and the rest of the trials were duds. Again, it is factual to say he is the best RWer we have and has outproduced all other options.
And you hit the nail on the head in this post...his production and play isn't the issue, it's his draft position. We knew it was a weak draft going in, but everyone thought we were getting our Malkin. Somehow, that has followed him for 5 years.
And the bigger reason for the lack of secondary scoring is GMTM. We will have it soon. I'm not worried. At least we aren't ready to trade or cut him like we were after the first 8 games...
I respect yuur opinion, however maybe Sam is never going to be a leader, maybe he is more of a skilled supporting role guy. there are only a handful players that are true take over the game players. I just don't think Sam will ever be one of them. I think he is a skilled supporting role top six winger... - hehateme
Location: "___________ stinks."-Sabres89, NY Joined: 07.26.2008
Dec 18 @ 1:56 PM ET
can't we all agree that Hockey is a team sport? you can't have one without the other.... That line is playing very well as one unit. great to see - hehateme
Because around here you need to split hairs over something that's working, didn't you know?
In general, anyone is going to be more productive playing with Jack than without. Whether it's because he's making passes to them or because they're more open due to Eichel being more focused on by the other team in general. All 3 of those players are capable of putting up points. They all do it even more when playing together.
The team is doing well, why do we need to nitpick?
Location: We are in 30th place. It's 2017 , NY Joined: 02.12.2012
Dec 18 @ 1:59 PM ET
And after about 10 games, Pommer slowed down substantially, as I posted. Regardless, he outplayed Pommer by your admission, Girgs, Okposo and the rest of the trials were duds. Again, it is factual to say he is the best RWer we have and has outproduced all other options.
And you hit the nail on the head in this post...his production and play isn't the issue, it's his draft position. We knew it was a weak draft going in, but everyone thought we were getting our Malkin. Somehow, that has followed him for 5 years.
And the bigger reason for the lack of secondary scoring is GMTM. We will have it soon. I'm not worried. At least we aren't ready to trade or cut him like we were after the first 8 games... - RhinoFan
My point is that the “hating” isn’t due to his play with Eichel or on the PP. Which is where he’s been very good.
The “hate” has come when he’s disappeared for the first 15 games this year, or the first 35 last year, when he’s been asked to provide secondary scoring.
That’s peoples issues.
I’m perfectly happy with the top line and him included
Location: I don't want to say Greztky was a dude when I was watching. Mentalorgasm5 , NY Joined: 07.16.2006
Dec 18 @ 2:00 PM ET
Because around here you need to split hairs over something that's working, didn't you know?
In general, anyone is going to be more productive playing with Jack than without. Whether it's because he's making passes to them or because they're more open due to Eichel being more focused on by the other team in general. All 3 of those players are capable of putting up points. They all do it even more when playing together.
The team is doing well, why do we need to nitpick? - HonkFortheGoose
My point is that the “hating” isn’t due to his play with Eichel or on the PP. Which is where he’s been very good.
The “hate” has come when he’s disappeared for the first 15 games this year, or the first 35 last year, when he’s been asked to provide secondary scoring.
That’s peoples issues.
I’m perfectly happy with the top line and him included - sbroads24
In fairness to this year, didn't he miss most of training camp and preseason? With all the new teammates this season it would take time to mesh and/or find the right spot for players to succeed.
I respect your opinion as well.
Good perspective - Boss34
You mentioned it in a previous post, I think all the hate comes from one thing, Sam was drafted #2 and typically that is a great player.. IMO over the past 4 years watching Sam play, I feel he is a very solid player who can make all the passes, all the shots, a little on the slow side but adequate speed, but needs to be around better players. And he may have been a center in the OHL but in the NHL his skill set is better as a winger.
Sam on Jacks Line with Skinner he may put up 75pts, Sam centering a 2nd line he may put of 55 pts. Just my take...
In fairness to this year, didn't he miss most of training camp and preseason? With all the new teammates this season it would take time to mesh and/or find the right spot for players to succeed. - adambuffalo
Also THOSE Sabres sucked A$$, I'm sorry, I know we had Kane and ROR but how fast do you think those guys got down on themselves as soon as Lehner let in a softy? Hard to get motivated when you know you are going to lose night after night.
My point is that the “hating” isn’t due to his play with Eichel or on the PP. Which is where he’s been very good.
The “hate” has come when he’s disappeared for the first 15 games this year, or the first 35 last year, when he’s been asked to provide secondary scoring.
That’s peoples issues.
I’m perfectly happy with the top line and him included - sbroads24
The slow starts are one thing, I agree.
Other than that, I'll take this as reasoning for him to never leave the top line. Thank you for that.
My point is that the “hating” isn’t due to his play with Eichel or on the PP. Which is where he’s been very good.
The “hate” has come when he’s disappeared for the first 15 games this year, or the first 35 last year, when he’s been asked to provide secondary scoring.
That’s peoples issues.
I’m perfectly happy with the top line and him included - sbroads24
