Dear Lindy,

After watching the Stafford/Roy/Vanek line play very sloppy and go -2 last night vs the Kings, and consistently be our worst line on the ice, I think the time has come to make some changes.

First of all, Stafford, Vanek and Roy are all soft, finesse players who don't like to get their hair mussed. The fact is, we need to make all our lines balanced with speed, skill and toughness if we want to get the best out of our talent.

Here's my suggestion.

Vanek-Gaustad-Grier
Hecht-Connolly-Pominville
Kennedy-Roy-Kaleta
MacArthur-Mair-Stafford

By putting scorers, checkers, and hitters together I think it will pay dividends for everyone. Checks and balances like that will make us a tougher team to deal with, and that will translate to more wins and better consistency.

Please understand that I am very, very happy with the coaching job you're doing, and hope you stay with the Sabres for the rest of your coaching career. These suggestions are only in the spirit of a fan wanting this team to play at the highest possible level on a regular basis.

Keep up the great work!

Many Thanks,
ETC

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Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, 'cause I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, but I'm doin' the best that I can.

I like your lines, except Vanek - Gaustad - Grier would be a slow-mo line

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thought I saw Vanek out there with Kaleta a few times, i like that pairing.

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Proud LGBTQQ Individual

Vanek and Stafford are not soft. Both of them were laying hits last night. Evidence in the gdt.

Defensively, we weren't as sound last night. That can happen when you're playing against a team you're not used to seeing.

As a side note, first back to back losses since early december?

I'll take it.

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Wheelhouse

I'm sorry man but that first line is boot. And like PSP said, Vanek is laying some decent body checks as of late so he is not soft.

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I am, you know I am. I am Canadian.
#1 Hockey Nation.

Vanek, Staff and Roy are statistically at or near the bottom of the team in hitting. They are finesse players, who aren't strong in their own end or on the forecheck. This is not a slight, it's just the truth. They play a skill game. Break them up and balance out the lines.

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Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, 'cause I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, but I'm doin' the best that I can.

I wouldn't mind it, as long as he keeps Hecht - Connolly - Pominville together.

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"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." ~ Han Solo


We truly are not worthy of Miller!

Stafford and Sekera for Raffe Torres or insert name here. Stafford is not the power forward we need he lacks the intensity to spark his linemates and rarely delivers big checks like he should with his descent sized frame.

Trade Staff and Mac to Florida for Horton!

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"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." ~ Han Solo


We truly are not worthy of Miller!

Wow that would be amazing, but I don't think the Panthers will get rid of him considering they already lost one of their young stars in Boumeester. I think Horton would be the piece we are missing for sure and he already knows the system considering he played for the Rochester Americans.

The Panthers suck. I don't understand why teams like them, ATL, and Columbus even try to make themselves seem like contenders. All they're doing is being selfish and keeping good players to themselves when they could be on real contenders for a chance to win it all rather than miss the playoffs every season or have a first round exit.

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"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." ~ Han Solo


We truly are not worthy of Miller!

Vanek-Roy-Horton
Hecht-Connolly-Pominville
Grier-Gaustad-Kaleta
Mair-Kennedy-Ellis

I like those lines alot. The only thing I would change is Vanek and Goose on the same line. Both score their goals from the same place right in front of the net. I'd like to see them split up some we don't have one of them not being in their best scoring position. Maybe switch Goose with Roy? I know it keep Vanek and Roy together, but I doubt either would take shifts off with Grier on the RW

These lines look beast............Although I would work on a positional level, like this:

Vanek-Roy-Horton
Hecht-Connolly-Pominville
Kennedy-Gaustad-Grier
Ellis-Mair-Kaleta

I like it, make the call to Florida

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

I like the Vanek/Goose/Grier combo because Vanek would benefit from the tough grinding and strong positional play that these guys bring. Vanek would have more room to operate in scoring positions with them occupying bodies, plus other teams would be very reluctant to hack on him with these badasses on the ice.

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Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, 'cause I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, but I'm doin' the best that I can.

Don't you think that Gaustad and Griers lack of offensive skill and speed would only make Vanek more invisible than what he's been. He needs a bad ass power foward with above average skill set that comes to the rink everyday with high intensity. I think that would only bring Vaneks level up because on some nights he just lacks the will to fight.

Gaustad is one of the fastest skaters on the team...much faster than Vanek. He's the closest thing the Sabres have to the badass power forward you described, which is the reason I would team them together.

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Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, 'cause I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh lord, it's hard to be humble, but I'm doin' the best that I can.

its bound to happen, ya know?

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Not a big fan of Vanek playing with Roy and Staff. Put Vanek with Goose and Kaleta or something.

Good point. It would force him into being "the guy" on that line offensively. He would most likely shoot more since he is playing with grinders/powerfoward kind of players. I'd like to see it tried out for a few games for sure.