I have respect for what Ralph accomplished with that euro team at the 2016 WC. I'm not sure it's a good move to seperate Eichel and Skinner though. I'm not sure he can get the same type of support on the second line. He must really be high on Olofsson though, the first line should be ok.
It can be argued that the Reinhart-Eichel-Skinner line was in the top three in the NHL. (After COL & BOS.) It's tough to break up a first line that is that effective. But, is it really a good thing only to be left with a weak and ineffective second and third line? This is the underlying reason for Kruegger's line decision*. Having nothing behind a stacked first line makes it too easy for opponents to game plan for the Sabres. Eich has proven his ability to produce with anyone on his wings - he's great because he genuinely raises the level of play for teammates on the ice. Skinner has also proven his ability to score with average line mates. Of course he can produce more with an elite C, But he scored and lot of goals in Carolina with mush for mates. Also, he's getting paid to be a team leader. They're not paying $9MM for the next 8 seasons to score 40 goals on Eich's wing. They're paying him to score 30 or more goals where ever he's slotted. They're also paying him team-leader money to raise the level of production for all Sabres when they're on the ice together. The keys are: 1) Skinner is not dependent on an elite C to produce e at a high level, and 2) he needs to earn his salary by helping others produce more. This is almost ideal for Casey Mittlestadt; Mitts can become an elite pivot. But he did not look like an NHLer last season at 19, let alone an elite pivot. Mitts skills are well known and very real; he's not a mystery, but he needs more development. Giving him 2C responsibilities would be a mistake if they also fail to provide him with vet wings. Skinner is just that. Marcus Johansson is the other - when they're skating against a physical team they can replace MoJo with the bigger Jimmy Vesey. This second line may not get BUF to the playoffs this year, but the experience will pay big dividends in year two and beyond. Also Victor Olafsson is ready. He has a genuinely elite shot, and he plays a responsible 200 foot game. Playing with Eichel and Reinhart does not just benefit him; he compliments the two very well. Taking Skinner off the top line does not dilute the effectiveness of this elite line; in fact, he may even raise their production. It is also important * to remember that we're in early October for the HC's inaugural campaign. There will be changes to the lineup. But, as a fan, I am very pleased that the Sabres anemic secondary scoring might be dramatically enhanced through trade/FA, and through more thoughtful talent deployment.
Just dropped Ryan Poehling in my fantasy league (rookie slot) and picked up Olafsson. willing to bet on the kid.
Victor Olafsson (a.k.a. Goalafson) will - I predict - take the league by storm this season. Those who haven't followed him may be surprised. Those who have watched him are now expecting greatness and definitely will not be surprised. I'm not going to go nuts and claim he'll be like Panarin his "rookie" year. But he's had a few seasons in Sweden's men's league. At 24, this 7th round pick from 2014 is poised and ready.
There's nothing that says the 2nd line is set in stone anyway. I just have gut instinct that Skinner will be a 26-30 goal scorer playing alongside Johansson and Sobodka. It's the team that counts over individual stats so a well balanced lineup should be more in their benefit. How about the first PP unit?
Word is Ralph will use the now older fashion 3C - 2D PP. I think the REO line along with Dahlin + Risto will be our first PP unit for game 1. Montour and Miller can also contribute on D when/if the Sabres move on from Risto.
Nice win to start the season. In Pittsburgh and the good guys go home with a 3-1 W. Seriously outshot the Pens. Connor Sheary had 2 G’s against his former team. Rasmus Dahlin was the other Sabre to pot the puck. Spread the scoring round boys!
Big party tonight for the home opener, pre-game festivities begin at 5pm 15 Sabres captains in the house for the opening ceremony of their 50th season.
Big party tonight for the home opener, pre-game festivities begin at 5pm 15 Sabres captains in the house for the opening ceremony of their 50th season. I'm sorry but the NHL should have scheduled the Canucks for Buffalo Home Opener........both teams 50.
They both want the Saturday night for their own home opener. Any chance Snepsts or Bure going to be in the house?
I thought the Nucks home opener was tonight, they start the season with 3 in a row on the road and the home opener is wed Oct.9th. That is stupid, I thought tonight was such a no-brainer that I didn't even bother to check that the game was actually in Calgary.
