I will be curious to see what Risto's metrics are over the last 20 minutes playing less minutes
- Slump Buster

it's been very recent since he's played reduced minutes, so I don't know if there's much of a sample to pull from. maybe cong could help you out here.

This soccer super league thing is so interesting if you are not following.

This soccer super league thing is so interesting if you are not following.
- ImThatGuy

americans have given european sport the ultimate taste of freedom

profit over everything BABAYYYY

I wonder what Eakin's average ice time was under Ralph
- kritter65

amongst forwards who played in at least 20 games under ralph this year eakin was ninth in evtoi at an average of 11:34/game and sixth at 19.3 shifts/game...

solid third-line minutes

Tage has never been a high point producer at any level either- what do u think his ceiling is?
- jdfitz77

he had 14 goals in 27 games in rochester

there is simply no country that can compete with america when it comes to taking a highly profitable amazing product and then destroying said product to squeak out even more profits

since ralph's firing top scorers:

skunk 6+5 11 pts. -3 (4g, 8 ev pts)
fatty 7+3 10 pts +1 (4g, 7ev pts)
okopso 2+7 9 pts +5 (1g, 7ev pts)
pp specialist 4+4 8 pts -2 (4g, 7 ev pts)
skimmer 3+4 7 pts +1 (3g, 7 ev pts)
asplund 5+2 7 pts +5 (5g, 7 ev pts)
his tallness 5+2 7 pts +4 (4g 5 ev pts)

I disagree. The Sabres were good for the start of 18-19 and 19-20 and died, because they ran out of gas, the goalie luck fell off and frankly they were poorly coached. I think it's this time of year that shows you what you've got. We're done with the Devils, and every other team is in an honest playoff hunt. You should be getting their best efforts. The Sabres are not only keeping up with the good teams, but they're beating them by being hard to play against and offensively aggressive without giving up defense. Win or lose, they're playing a very solid game for the roster we have.
- TheSabresTaco

I agree that these games will show you what you’ve got but that’s it. It’s definitely easier to play with no pressure and be the spoiler. Also a point to remember is roles will change for most of these guys starting next year as players like Jack and whomever are reinserted into the lineup.

I will be curious to see what Risto's metrics are over the last 20 games playing less minutes
- Slump Buster

Does it matter? His contract situation is a serious question mark.

I agree that these games will show you what you’ve got but that’s it. It’s definitely easier to play with no pressure and be the spoiler. Also a point to remember is roles will change for most of these guys starting next year as players like Jack and whomever are reinserted into the lineup.
- Camel

As far as forwards go, wouldn't whomever only be Girgensons, unless you think they're going into the UFA forward market?

Does Girgensons really impact the top 3 lines?

I agree that these games will show you what you’ve got but that’s it. It’s definitely easier to play with no pressure and be the spoiler. Also a point to remember is roles will change for most of these guys starting next year as players like Jack and whomever are reinserted into the lineup.
- Camel

actually, the cool part about what donnie meatballs is doing is that he's keeping the kids together...when jack gets slotted in up top it more than likely will be with skinner and reinhart leaving the two kids lines intact and a fourth line to be determined...but, like you said it's a huge difference playing out the strand as spoiler and playing for keeps

As far as forwards go, wouldn't whomever only be Girgensons, unless you think they're going into the UFA forward market?

Does Girgensons really impact the top 3 lines?
- kingcong39

It depends on how much is spent on 2 goalies. I can see them going after one UFA top 6 forward

As far as forwards go, wouldn't whomever only be Girgensons, unless you think they're going into the UFA forward market?

Does Girgensons really impact the top 3 lines?
- kingcong39

how would you feel about exposing olofsson and girgensons

Reading through people's posts who say we shouldn't be hoping for the 1st pick this is their theory.

If we finish 7th and have a strong finish that means we will be even better next year but if we finish last and pick 1st we will be worse next year.

This is what they are claiming and its hard to wrap your head around that type of thinking.

So, getting an NHL ready player in the draft this year as opposed to waiting 2 years for that drafted player makes us better next year.

That is a head scratcher.

since ralph's firing top scorers:

skunk 6+5 11 pts. -3 (4g, 8 ev pts)
fatty 7+3 10 pts +1 (4g, 7ev pts)
okopso 2+7 9 pts +5 (1g, 7ev pts)
pp specialist 4+4 8 pts -2 (4g, 7 ev pts)
skimmer 3+4 7 pts +1 (3g, 7 ev pts)
asplund 5+2 7 pts +5 (5g, 7 ev pts)
his tallness 5+2 7 pts +4 (4g 5 ev pts)
- Michael Pachla

Kinda funny, everyone has their whipping boy, or player they don’t particularly like. I think most of us had/have at least one of the listed above as that (KO excluded, that is just a bad contract no matter what). For me it was the PP specialist, and while I’m still not convinced completely (like most) I wouldn’t mind eating crow on it. In fact, I’d gladly be wrong here.

how would you feel about exposing olofsson and girgensons
- Michael Pachla

Why not trade a draft pick to Seattle for them to take someone else?

Also ask Skinner to waive his NMC and expose him. There is no way Seattle Rioters take him.

how would you feel about exposing olofsson and girgensons
- Michael Pachla

Girgensons yes, Olofsson no as I believe Olofsson has trade value.

January-14.1 minutes
February-13.6 minutes
March-12.2 minutes
April-12.5 minutes

That's all situations.
- TheSabresTaco

OMG that is just ... gross.

It depends on how much is spent on 2 goalies. I can see them going after one UFA top 6 forward
- Camel

I don't have a problem trying to improve upon Ruotsalainen on the Cozens - Bjork line.

Reading through people's posts who say we shouldn't be hoping for the 1st pick this is their theory.

If we finish 7th and have a strong finish that means we will be even better next year but if we finish last and pick 1st we will be worse next year.

This is what they are claiming and its hard to wrap your head around that type of thinking.

So, getting an NHL ready player in the draft this year as opposed to waiting 2 years for that drafted player makes us better next year.

That is a head scratcher.
- sabresfan69

Getting all the way to 7 is a tough sell tho, you have to jump everyone (Detroit the furthest with a 7 point advantage) in 11 games. Likely not going to happen. And as far as this draft goes, there are 6 guys, imo, that all are “worthy” of going in spots 1 or 2. So you will still get one of those guys, plus some added confidence, which there’s no denying has been severely lacking for 3/4 years at this point. That’s all I got

Does it matter? His contract situation is a serious question mark.
- kingcong39

Yes and no. I've never been a fan of his and would be fine moving him. He might look much better as a bottom 4 defenseman - the problem is then obviously that he won't be paid like one if we were to extend him. Either way, the only real answer is to move him because of this fact and the expansion draft.

I don't have a problem trying to improve upon Ruotsalainen on the Cozens - Bjork line.
- kingcong39

I thought R2 has played well in his callup that being said Risto definitely has some value around the league and could improve that spot.

since ralph's firing top scorers:

skunk 6+5 11 pts. -3 (4g, 8 ev pts)
fatty 7+3 10 pts +1 (4g, 7ev pts)
okopso 2+7 9 pts +5 (1g, 7ev pts)
pp specialist 4+4 8 pts -2 (4g, 7 ev pts)
skimmer 3+4 7 pts +1 (3g, 7 ev pts)
asplund 5+2 7 pts +5 (5g, 7 ev pts)
his tallness 5+2 7 pts +4 (4g 5 ev pts)
- Michael Pachla

What ? No nicknames for Okposo or Asplund ?

How 'bout Slowpokeso (Slopokso ?) or Assplunge ?

how would you feel about exposing olofsson and girgensons
- Michael Pachla

It would be a crime not to expose Girgs to the draft. I'd even see if I could offer a sweetener in order to be rid of the contract.

Getting all the way to 7 is a tough sell tho, you have to jump everyone (Detroit the furthest with a 7 point advantage) in 11 games. Likely not going to happen. And as far as this draft goes, there are 6 guys, imo, that all are “worthy” of going in spots 1 or 2. So you will still get one of those guys, plus some added confidence, which there’s no denying has been severely lacking for 3/4 years at this point. That’s all I got
- SDSabre

Not really, you only have to get to 4th and move back 3 spots.