Come on now. Really? Just stop.

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It's like taking a square and trying to force it into a circular hole. You try and try and eventually that wood block will wear down until it fits. But right as that block is about to fit you shuffle it up again and try to get that nearly perfectly circular player into that triangular hole. People need time to gel with other players. We can save line shuffling for later in the year when we get some injuries(hopefully only minor).

I think it could easily be said that shuffling players around has not worked just as much as it has. When can we look back and remember two players in a slump, flipping them around and seeing both players start producing? One player might get started but another might not. I can't ever point to a time where there was an overall net gain in production just because of line shuffling. I sure would like to try out and see long-term line chemistry for once, just for kicks.

He has always shuffled lines, what makes you think he'd stop? That is Lindy's coaching style, he'll never change.

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I don't think an early season jostle is what they need. I don't mind shuffling but I would let the players get comfortable with long term potential linemates first. Plus if we have one or two lines that can produce every night who gives a shit. We have four lines that can produce highly at any given time. I like our odds that on any given night at least one can produce highly enough for us to win.

Every coach in the league shuffles lines. 3 guys playing together for months is the exception, not the rule.

Kind of like after the lockout?

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Well, he's won over 500 games so he can shuffle all he wants. Its not everyday you get a line like the French Connection or a LaFontaine/Mogilny duo.

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"...they came down into the stands and asked if I knew how to do play by play. I said...No. But. I'll take a shot at it if you want".- Rick Jeanneret

It's hard to tell if we never get the opportunity to find out. Shuffling has obviously worked out but I would not mind seeing some regularity with at least the first two lines. I think shuffling the last two could make sense depending on what team you are playing and adapting game plan accordingly.

*DISLAIMER* *NOT SAYING THEY ARE NEARLY AS GOOD* *DISCLAIMER*
But I think the Vanek/Pominville duo is pretty effective. Lindy should keep them together.

Not trying to be a douche, just making sure I don't create a misunderstanding.

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Rest in Peace Nani. 10/3/10

Gerbacity



"Grier coming in over the line. He leaves it to Gaustad. The shot. THEY SCOOOREE!! RING UP ANOTHER ONE FOR THE GOOSE!!! HONK IF YA HEAR THE GOOSE!! 3-0 BUFFALO!"

I think line chemistry is overrated. These guys are professionals playing a system. They should know where their teammates are supposed to be and what they're supposed to be doing regardless of who they are. That isn't to say it's not something, but I think it's a smaller issue than fans think.

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Proud LGBTQQ Individual

I think part of it has to do with the abilities of the different players within the system. Yes, you know where you're supposed to be, but some guys are going to be there before or after others...you have to get used to that kind of timing.


As far as the 500 wins thing goes, he's also been with the club for a LONG FUCKING TIME...

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He'd probably still have 500 wins even if he hadn't been with the Sabres this long. Ruff is a good coach and does get the most out of his players.

I like the Vanek, Adam, Pominville line, but if only one line is going to put up points, you ought to break it up because that's not how you win in the NHL. Scoring by committee seems to work the best or two offensive juggernaut lines work best.

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Once again, First two lines have potential to be offensive juggernauts. I say let them mold into something beautiful. You play with someone long enough and you learn their tendencies. Their tendencies become your tendencies. I will agree about the players working in a system. I think that goes more for players that are that "product of a system", those being our 3-4 line pairings.

That goes both ways, though. If you play long enough together, not only do you learn your linemates' tendencies, but the other teams watching film on you also learn these tendencies, and plan a gameplan around those tendencies.

Line chemistry is just about the most overrated thing in hockey.

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Girgensons for captain. Team Keep Nick DesLauriers forever.

@TJLuckman550

I can agree with some of that. But if you have talent and gel well together as a unit, other teams can only hope to contain your opportunities, see the Sedins-Burrows, Heatley-Spezza-Alfie from 05-08, French Connection, Triple Crown line, etc, talent beats game planning 9 times out of 10.

I think breaking up the Vanek-Adam-Pommers line is a major mistake, can shuffle around Roy, Staff, Ennis, Leino, Boyes, Gerbe all you want though, as none of those lines have been overly explosive.

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"She's like plan C after an 18 pack"

Squanto 7/27/2010

Like I said, it's not nothing, but it's not a world beater either.

The other thing that people are forgetting somewhat is that these players spend a lot of time practicing together. I'd be surprised if similar type players knew one guys tendencies significantly more than another's.

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Proud LGBTQQ Individual

Lol this should come as no surprise to anyone.

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Wheelhouse

the ennis//leino//stafford line has apparently been broken up as well.

wait, was that even the line? i dont know. ive been watching baseball. proceed.

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http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabre ... 606427.ece

"Actually, Ville had mentioned that he'd like to go to the wing, so it's funny how it works," said Ruff of the team's offseason acquisition. "You'd like to find a line and keep them together, that would be the thing that you would hope most. I'd like to see Roy, Leino and Stafford play together for a while and gain some chemistry. I think that's the most important part. It isn't position to position, it's leaving three individuals together for a while, and they develop some chemistry."

Hmmm, maybe chemistry isn't so over rated, and maybe Ruff is seeing the light.