Calling out Max and Vanek

[OpIv37]

Like it or not, this is an up-tempo, scoring team. The problem is they're not scoring, and the reason is that the speedy skill players like Max and Vanek aren't getting the job done.

Max is once again trying to do too much, taking bad shots, giving away the puck, and making bad passes on the rare occasion that he actually tries to pass. He needs to utilize his teammates better and make better shot selection.

Vanek just isn't doing anything. I can't believe he didn't shoot on that breakaway after the penalty last night. He just needs to start getting more pucks on net.

Also this team needs a real leader. It would be nice if Vanek would step up, given that he's last year's scoring leader and the highest paid player, but that's unlikely since he's so young. Hecht, Gaustad, Connolly maybe Tallinder- I'm thinking one of these guys has to start showing some Drury-style leadership pretty damn quick before this team digs themselves into an unsurmountable hole.

[SabreEleven]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

None of these guys have the street cred to lead like Drury. He has been there and done that. Guys need to lead by example and nobody is doing that.

[Philagape]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

Plus, this is what happens when players go from the third line to being the other teams' focus.

[Michael82]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

Nice to see that we paid all that money to Vanek, yet weren't willing to give Briere or Drury any of it....

[JD]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

10 million dollar man

[SabreEleven]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

they should have let Vanek walk...He could have been the Herschel Walker of the NHL.

[camelcowboy]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

i'd like to put a APB out for Stafford as well.

[Philagape]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

they should have let Vanek walk...He could have been the Herschel Walker of the NHL.

I would have been willing to lose him to keep Briere & Drury. Then we'd take our best shot now, and if it failed, we'd rebuild using the four No. 1s we get for Vanek. (And remember these are Edmonton's No. 1s, so they probably would be high No. 1s)

[im4bflo]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

Another game, and nowhere to be found

[Typ0]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

Like it or not, this is an up-tempo, scoring team. The problem is they're not scoring, and the reason is that the speedy skill players like Max and Vanek aren't getting the job done.

Max is once again trying to do too much, taking bad shots, giving away the puck, and making bad passes on the rare occasion that he actually tries to pass. He needs to utilize his teammates better and make better shot selection.

Vanek just isn't doing anything. I can't believe he didn't shoot on that breakaway after the penalty last night. He just needs to start getting more pucks on net.

Also this team needs a real leader. It would be nice if Vanek would step up, given that he's last year's scoring leader and the highest paid player, but that's unlikely since he's so young. Hecht, Gaustad, Connolly maybe Tallinder- I'm thinking one of these guys has to start showing some Drury-style leadership pretty damn quick before this team digs themselves into an unsurmountable hole.

I have to disagree with you a bit. Yes, we would look good if we just went all out as a scoring team. But from a coaching perspective we have to shore up defensively to win in the long run. So all the offensive talent we have has to develop a mentality that protects our zone. The team might just be ok in the long run.

[Ebenezer]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

Plus, this is what happens when players go from the third line to being the other teams' focus.

BINGO!! Losing Drury and Briere actually caused the loss of at least 4 players. Management should pay.

[clumping platelets]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

Max is trade bait

[Billscusey]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

Like it or not, this is an up-tempo, scoring team. The problem is they're not scoring, and the reason is that the speedy skill players like Max and Vanek aren't getting the job done.

Max is once again trying to do too much, taking bad shots, giving away the puck, and making bad passes on the rare occasion that he actually tries to pass. He needs to utilize his teammates better and make better shot selection.

Vanek just isn't doing anything. I can't believe he didn't shoot on that breakaway after the penalty last night. He just needs to start getting more pucks on net.

Also this team needs a real leader. It would be nice if Vanek would step up, given that he's last year's scoring leader and the highest paid player, but that's unlikely since he's so young. Hecht, Gaustad, Connolly maybe Tallinder- I'm thinking one of these guys has to start showing some Drury-style leadership pretty damn quick before this team digs themselves into an unsurmountable hole.

Nail on the head right here! Good post!

[Billscusey]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

Nice to see that we paid all that money to Vanek, yet weren't willing to give Briere or Drury any of it....

And the four first-round picks the Sabres would have received in return......man that would have been sweet! For sure Vanek better step up!

(on a side note, I think the Sabres could have kept Briere with the right offer, but from the sounds of it, Drury was never coming back, no matter what the offer was. He had his heart set on the Rangers, that was his dream-job so to speak, and no one was gonna pry him away from it)

[Philagape]

Re: Calling out Max and Vanek

Max is trade bait

I'd pull the trigger for the right deal, like getting a stud physical D-man