Why are so many people surprised that the Sabres made the playoffs this year?
I'm surprised that they are in 1st place in the division and can finish as high as 2nd in the conference. But, I always figured that this team could make the playoffs since they were 2 wins away from making the playoffs each of the past two seasons.
Now the big question is can they get healthy in the next two weeks?
Torres shed his "Don't hit me" practice jersey today. But, his health is far less important than the health of Connolly & Vanek.
Although, if Ennis, Gerbe, and Mancari can light things up............
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tyler Myers >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Jimmy Howard
Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard is getting loads of Calder Trophy love right now.
I know I'm biased, but what Tyler Myers is doing this season is much more impressive, and Calder-worthy, than what Howard is doing.
Why?
Here are a few reasons:
1) Not only is Tyler Myers a rookie. He is a rookie pro. This is Howard's 5th season as a pro. ADVANTAGE: Myers
2) Howard is playing behind a Detroit team that has made the Stanley Cup Finals the past two seasons. Myers is anchoring the blueline of a Sabres team that has missed the playoffs the past two seasons. ADVANTAGE: Myers
3) Howard is 2nd to Tuuka Rask in rookie goalie GAA & Save%. Myers leads all rookie defensemen in goals, assists, points, and average ice time. Myers is also tied with John Tavares for the 2nd most points amongst all rookies (forwards and defense) and leads all rookies in assists. ADVANTAGE: Myers
4) You can have a legit argument on who the best rookie goalie is between Howard & Rask. There is no legit discussion about the best rookie defenseman this year. ADVANTAGE: Myers
I know it's a homer take, but if Tyler Myers isn't the Calder Trophy winner this year, it will be highway robbery!
I know I'm biased, but what Tyler Myers is doing this season is much more impressive, and Calder-worthy, than what Howard is doing.
Why?
Here are a few reasons:
1) Not only is Tyler Myers a rookie. He is a rookie pro. This is Howard's 5th season as a pro. ADVANTAGE: Myers
2) Howard is playing behind a Detroit team that has made the Stanley Cup Finals the past two seasons. Myers is anchoring the blueline of a Sabres team that has missed the playoffs the past two seasons. ADVANTAGE: Myers
3) Howard is 2nd to Tuuka Rask in rookie goalie GAA & Save%. Myers leads all rookie defensemen in goals, assists, points, and average ice time. Myers is also tied with John Tavares for the 2nd most points amongst all rookies (forwards and defense) and leads all rookies in assists. ADVANTAGE: Myers
4) You can have a legit argument on who the best rookie goalie is between Howard & Rask. There is no legit discussion about the best rookie defenseman this year. ADVANTAGE: Myers
I know it's a homer take, but if Tyler Myers isn't the Calder Trophy winner this year, it will be highway robbery!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The case for Brad Boyes
There is talk that the St. Louis Blues want to dump RW Brad Boyes who is struggling offensively this season.
Boyes would be a long term addition to the roster as he is under contract for two more years beyond this season at a cap hit of $4 million per season.
The big reason I would be interested in Brad Boyes is because he ended last season in the top 10 of the league in the Campbellnomics stat. Basically, Boyes finished just ahead of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in a stat that rates guys on clutch play.
It's a roll of the dice to add a guy when he's having a bad year. But, Boyes is coming off seasons of 33 and 43 goals and the Sabres could use an upgrade at the 2nd line RW spot with Roy, Vanek, and Pominville all having down years offensively.
If the Sabres could move MacArthur or Stafford for Boyes, I would do it.
Heck, I'd even give up Gerbe straight up for Boyes if the Blues are really desperate.
Boyes would be a long term addition to the roster as he is under contract for two more years beyond this season at a cap hit of $4 million per season.
The big reason I would be interested in Brad Boyes is because he ended last season in the top 10 of the league in the Campbellnomics stat. Basically, Boyes finished just ahead of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in a stat that rates guys on clutch play.
It's a roll of the dice to add a guy when he's having a bad year. But, Boyes is coming off seasons of 33 and 43 goals and the Sabres could use an upgrade at the 2nd line RW spot with Roy, Vanek, and Pominville all having down years offensively.
If the Sabres could move MacArthur or Stafford for Boyes, I would do it.
Heck, I'd even give up Gerbe straight up for Boyes if the Blues are really desperate.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
I beg to differ Mr. Sullivan
Jerry Sullivan lays out some reasons why Darcy Regier should go "All in" at this year's trade deadline on the heels of Ryan Miller's MVP performance at the Olympics.
I will disagree with a few things.
1) Horton is not the player that Sabres fans wish that Stafford would be. Horton is a better goal scorer than Stafford. But, Horton's physical game is almost as streaky as Stafford's and that is a big reason why the Panthers MIGHT consider moving him.
Also, Florida's GM has said that there will NOT be a fire sale......
2) This may not be the right season to go "All In". Miller is under contract for 4 more seasons after this year. Personally, I think it may be a year or two too soon to go all in. Why? Here goes:
A) Our best defenseman is a rookie. I'd rather have him get some more seasoning.
B) Miller has a history of wearing down. He is on pace to play in 71 games this year and he had a heavy workload for Team USA at the Olympics. Next year the Sabres might be able to use Enroth more than they have been able to use Lalime this year.
C) Too many offensive leaders are having down years. Connolly has been good with 55pts in 60 games. But, Pominville, Roy, and Vanek are all having down years offensively.
3) There are no key UFAs-to-be on the roster. Grier, Mair, Ellis, Tallinder, Lydman, and Lalime are the players that are slated to be UFAs after the season. I'd like to see Grier back and you could make an argument for trying to keep Tallinder or Lydman. But, it's not like when they had Briere & Drury staring UFA in the eye making it an obvious "Go for broke" season.
Next year you have Connolly, Rivet, and Montador hitting UFA, so there may be a slight bit more pressure to do something a year from now.
4) You might have more firepower a year from now with Myers & Kennedy growing and perhaps Ennis & Kassian fighting to make the roster as well.
5) I don't see too many really good players available that the Sabres are likely to land that address the needs this team has.
I'm all for going "All In" while Miller is still in his prime.
I'm just not sold on this being the ideal year to do so.
I will disagree with a few things.
1) Horton is not the player that Sabres fans wish that Stafford would be. Horton is a better goal scorer than Stafford. But, Horton's physical game is almost as streaky as Stafford's and that is a big reason why the Panthers MIGHT consider moving him.
Also, Florida's GM has said that there will NOT be a fire sale......
2) This may not be the right season to go "All In". Miller is under contract for 4 more seasons after this year. Personally, I think it may be a year or two too soon to go all in. Why? Here goes:
A) Our best defenseman is a rookie. I'd rather have him get some more seasoning.
B) Miller has a history of wearing down. He is on pace to play in 71 games this year and he had a heavy workload for Team USA at the Olympics. Next year the Sabres might be able to use Enroth more than they have been able to use Lalime this year.
C) Too many offensive leaders are having down years. Connolly has been good with 55pts in 60 games. But, Pominville, Roy, and Vanek are all having down years offensively.
3) There are no key UFAs-to-be on the roster. Grier, Mair, Ellis, Tallinder, Lydman, and Lalime are the players that are slated to be UFAs after the season. I'd like to see Grier back and you could make an argument for trying to keep Tallinder or Lydman. But, it's not like when they had Briere & Drury staring UFA in the eye making it an obvious "Go for broke" season.
Next year you have Connolly, Rivet, and Montador hitting UFA, so there may be a slight bit more pressure to do something a year from now.
4) You might have more firepower a year from now with Myers & Kennedy growing and perhaps Ennis & Kassian fighting to make the roster as well.
5) I don't see too many really good players available that the Sabres are likely to land that address the needs this team has.
I'm all for going "All In" while Miller is still in his prime.
I'm just not sold on this being the ideal year to do so.
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