Nuthatch wrote:
Sabresfansince1980 wrote:
I'm guilty of this also, but the way Ruff handles the lines, using the terms "#1" and "#2" doesn't really mean much......
(deleted)
Regardless of the numbers though, Roy and Leino don't have to be penciled in as #1 and #2, they just have to center a scoring line and produce with their linemates. Each scoring line will get about the same minutes, and likely get jumbled up on a regular basis anyway since Ruff can't stick to any combination for more than two games. Roy doesn't have to pair with Vanek if they each produce or play better apart, and which "number" line they play on really won't matter.
That's my thought, too. Line #1 or #2 are just designators anyway. It's going to make more sense (to me) if we go back to scoring by committee. Let the other teams worry about covering our "best" line. Whatever. We'll score with the "other" guys. 
You don't have a line that's making $6.3M + $4.5M (Leino and Roy make about the same) + $4M so the "other guys" on other lines can score goals. The cap is $64M, the Sabres have about $15M in cap in that one line...it better score and score often.
Unless Roy can be okay with Vanek carrying the puck, Leino is the guy to center his line.
I tend to agree with this point. Although Ruff may never refer to them as a number one line, with the type of money tied up in Vanek, Roy and whoever else plays on that line, you'd expect big time contributions. I think there is something to be said for the "you make the big money, play like a big player" argument
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