Season predictions.

[JATMtheJATM]

After a 4 win preseason, how do you feel about the sabres? Where do you think they end up come the conclusion of the regular season?

I say 12th in the east. Much better over last season, but still need work and development. Lehner did not impress me this preseason, but I'm hoping he can get it together. Eichel.. wow. Reinhart did well this preseason as well. So what ya say?

[OpIv37]

Re: Season predictions.

Top 6 forwards are playoff caliber. D, depth and goaltending, not so much. They will be competitive and they will be a team that bubble teams and teams looking to improve their position don't want to play, but they will finish on the outside looking in.

[JATMtheJATM]

Re: Season predictions.

The D did get thinner once zad was moved. I expect risto to take a massive step forward and pysyk to be steady eddie and be solid as well. Lehner is a wildcard. All the talent in the world, large, and young. Poor season last year and injured, but has the potential to be a very good, top tier kinda goalie if he realizes his potential. But it's a risk. I think they'll be on the bubble too, but like the extreme outside bubble.

[coastal]

Re: Season predictions.

they can't play defense and they don't have a goalie.

its going to be a long year.

not as long as Toronto's year... but a long year nonetheless.

and send Reinhart to the Amerks.

[JATMtheJATM]

Re: Season predictions.

Reinhart was one of the preseason scoring leaders. No, he's not going anywhere.

[coastal]

Re: Season predictions.

Preseason being the operative word.

suprising attitude seeing what the hockey culture you've been immersed in.

[JATMtheJATM]

Re: Season predictions.

Preseason being the operative word.

suprising attitude seeing what the hockey culture you've been immersed in.

isnt that what preseason is? a chance to earn a spot on the team? what? being amongst the league leaders isnt earning a spot?

[Dude]

Re: Season predictions.

I agree that defense and goal are trouble spots. No better than 12th place.

[coastal]

Re: Season predictions.

isnt that what preseason is? a chance to earn a spot on the team? what? being amongst the league leaders isnt earning a spot?

I'm not making a decision on a points leaderboard. Maybe they were giving him all the opportunity in the world so they could evaluate him?

i know that's what I would do.

this isn't a playoff year by the way things look... shelf him. Piss him off. Make him grind it out in the AHL for a year. It certainly isn't going to hurt him.

[JATMtheJATM]

Re: Season predictions.

I'm not making a decision on a points leaderboard. Maybe they were giving him all the opportunity in the world so they could evaluate him?

i know that's what I would do.

this isn't a playoff year by the way things look... shelf him. Piss him off. Make him grind it out in the AHL for a year. It certainly isn't going to hurt him.

But why hold someone back that is ready? That makes zero sense. Let him grow with the team, he's earned it. Let him have his bumps and bruises.

[The Jokeman]

Re: Season predictions.

But why hold someone back that is ready? That makes zero sense. Let him grow with the team, he's earned it. Let him have his bumps and bruises.

It sounds to me that coastal wants Samson to gain some grit to be a better player. I disagree with it as to me he's a Connolly/Roy type in think he could excel as a PP specialist and eventually a #2 Centerman yet not sure where he fits this year unless we put Zemgus on the 3rd line.

[JATMtheJATM]

Re: Season predictions.

It sounds to me that coastal wants Samson to gain some grit to be a better player. I disagree with it as to me he's a Connolly/Roy type in think he could excel as a PP specialist and eventually a #2 Centerman yet not sure where he fits this year unless we put Zemgus on the 3rd line.

That's fine with me. But having a player earn a spot, just to send him down sends the wrong message.

[ckg927]

Re: Season predictions.

I'd say no higher than 10th in the conference.

Buffalo will be better, but this team will still have some bumps in the road. And to me, that's fine.

I still see the playoffs as another season or two away.

[gebobs]

Re: Season predictions.

Super Bowl!

[coastal]

Re: Season predictions.

He's played a few preseason games. What has he earned?

Nothing.

im thinking longterm development... he's 19 and he's not going to be a difference maker this year because of what's in front of him.

Send him down now. He will be monumentally pissed off. Too ***** bad. Take the year and lead the Amerks. Gut it out. Grit it out. Frigin earn it.

next year comes... you have a different hockey player on your hands.

And he would have nothing but mad respect coming from all of his teammates for having to go through it.