Comments for Two in the Box

Comment on Do the Sabres struggles trace back to how Lindy Ruff handles his players? by Chris Ostrander

Chris Ostrander — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:58:24 +0000

You make a pretty interesting point. I agree that the Sabres could use more elite talent, but I don’t think it is because of their lack of lottery picks. Getting elite talent and lottery selections aren’t mutually exclusive. Example: Raffi Torres and Tim Connolly are top-10 picks.

I think if you look at some of the deals Regier has made lately, you will see the attempt to infuse offense (Boyes a 40-goal scorer, Hodgson). However, the way these players, and those already on the roster, have meshed with the “system” hasn’t worked out.

That is kind of the crux of my argument, of course. Is Lindy Ruff capable of utilizing the talent given to him to make the Sabres an elite offensive threat?

Comment on Do the Sabres struggles trace back to how Lindy Ruff handles his players? by James Weise (@JimBobv2)

James Weise (@JimBobv2) — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:53:44 +0000

I think the major factor in the Sabres lack of elite talent is the lack of top 5 draft picks that this team has had over the years.

Since the Sabres took Pierre Turgeon 1st overall in 1987, they have picked on average 17th overall with their first pick in the draft. There are two years (2007 & 1993 where they didn’t own a 1st round pick). But, if you take those two picks out, you are still at an average pick of 15th overall.

Within those 24 drafts, there are only two top 10 picks and one top 5 pick [96 - Rasmussen 7th & '03 Vanek 5th].

The utter lack of bottoming out and not having multiple top 3 to 5 picks on the roster has not helped. And the Sabres haven’t gotten lucky with a late round pick like Detroit did twice with Datsyuk & Zetterberg.

Ruff has worn out his stay in Buffalo and they team needs a new voice. But, it’s not like there is a ton of “Can’t miss” talent on the team or in the system.

And Regier hasn’t traded for a big time difference maker offensively since the B&D deals.

Comment on Buffalo Pipe Dream: The Webster Block and the Sabres by Sugel

Sugel — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:24:58 +0000

This has become already evident as an expansion to the Blue Cross Centre was completed in 2006 and a new Marriott Residence Inn opened in 2008. The new regional law courts on Assumption Blvd opened in 2011. Momentum is also building for a new downtown 9-10,000 seat multipurpose events centre and arena. On the Riverview side, the Gunningsville Bridge now connects to a new ring road around the town and is expected to serve as a catalyst for development in east Riverview .

Comment on Grading the Sabres: The new core by Chris Ostrander

Chris Ostrander — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:46:35 +0000

It was foolish to expect him to play center, his best hockey was played at wing. I haven’t scoured my previous posts, but I may have even said as much at the beginning of the year. He played some great hockey on the wing this season when placed with skilled players. As he said in his end of the year interview, putting the players in a situation to succeed is important and the Sabres haven’t been doing that lately.

Comment on Grading the Sabres: The new core by brian jones

brian jones — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:19:39 +0000

“That is ok considering he is very well suited to play the wing with an adequate center and winger on the other side….(re Leino…)”
HUH?
Guys he was brought in to BE the adequate center for other wingers. A number 1 , even,mayyybeee…
Has anyone apologized to Terry and Ted for this arguably Wade Redden level free agency disaster? WHO didnt do the diligence before signing him to a position he mutinously refused to play?
Oh, right.The guy with four picks in the first 2 rounds…oh goody.

Comment on Grading the Sabres: Role Players by Buffalo Sabres Daily Links: Rangers, Devils Advance – - SportNewsX - Sport News AggregatorSportNewsX – Sport News Aggregator

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:36:46 +0000

[...] – Grading Buffalo’s role players. [Two In The Box] [...]

Comment on NHL playoffs marred, but captivating with physicality by Coyotes' Raffi Torres suspended 25 games for Marian Hossa hit - new google trends : new google trends

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:25:53 +0000

[...] by NHL's joke of a justice systemChris Jericho Retiring Again; Final Day Set, Edge Contract UpNHL playoffs marred, but captivating with physicality /* Settings for Syon Policy */ #syon-privacy { font-family:Arial; font-size:12px; [...]

Comment on Inaugural 2ITB Sabres season awards by Chris Ostrander

Chris Ostrander — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 01:54:47 +0000

That will be included in the 2013 edition

Comment on Inaugural 2ITB Sabres season awards by Cosiflow Brolino

Cosiflow Brolino — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:37:21 +0000

Um you forgot the Cos Polino Award for Best Flow

Comment on Sabres retain Ruff and Regier for 2012-13 by Joe Wasik

Joe Wasik — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:11:42 +0000

I am very disappointed with the decision to retain Regier and Ruff. I have no confidence in their ability to bring a Cup to Buffalo.