All I know is the Sabres struggle to get any secondary scoring. Take out Ennis, Roy, Vanek, and Leopold and it is bad times. Something needs to change. Connolly didn't work. Adam isn't working.

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mechaphil

Couldn't agree more Phil.

I do believe our third and fourth lines are starting to pick it up, last night Goose should have had that goal, but whatever. I honestly can't say Adam is or isn't ready yet, this is what, his 5th game in the NHL, and all he has is an assist. He's adjusting, but I would rather have him in over Connolly at this point, because I know that kid will find his NHL game real soon.

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So still struggling to score, but without his lame brain mistakes. Sounds like improvement to me!

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"I love that you know how to do that." Cheryl/Carol/Crystal

"And I love that I have an erection that doesn't involve homeless people." Kreiger

Granted, the game before last was a score-fest, but last night's game, while a WIN, was also a freakin' SHUTOUT through OT.

As scoring goes, I don't see that as effective.

As far as playing better as a team, I see it as much more effective. Forwards playing responsibly, etc...

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True.

Baby steps to the blue line....baby steps to the net....baby steps to the rebound.....

A win is a win in this league though. You can't deny we earned two points and Miller and Elliot were fantastic last night. Teams don't always score 5 goals a game, a good team can win the 1 goal games by defense if they aren't scoring goals also.

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Don't be so defensive. It is a win, but the point had to do with line effectiveness and I was simply echoing what one of the commentators said last night---which is that the teams scoring was shut down. That's important to think about going forawrd.

Has the teams poor play been a lapse in their great play---or has their great play been a lapse in their poor play?

I am personally not ready for any circle-jerk as of yet. A win is a win, but there is still cause for concern, especially in the scoring department. Last night's win causes that to be glossed over at the moment. They are still in 11th in the East and a lot of distance needs to be closed.

Adam's been so bad I've been pining for Tim Connolly.

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Proud LGBTQQ Individual

Say it ain't so.

Actually, my point wasn't line effectiveness at all; it was the active roster that was my point. The players on the bench each game, not the order in which they get on the ice.

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Ya, the kid needs a couple of seasons in Portland, including this one.
But when your center depth is non-existent, this is what happens.
Too bad to. The kid looked like he was building his skills and confidence in Portland. I can imagine he is a bit frustrated up here with the big club.

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

Adam will figure it out. I almost wonder if it'd be worth gritting the teeth and keeping him up. Try a youth movement.

Adam makes mistakes because he's inexperienced. Connolly makes mistakes because he's kind of careless.

Which of the two is more detrimental to the team?

If I were Ruff, I'd make Connolly earn his spot back.

You know what else I'd like to know? Why doesn't Ruff force Connolly to practice faceoffs for a short while after practice? Or all of our centers for that matter.

If you see an issue, force your team to correct it.

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Wheelhouse

I don't get the hate on Adam, he's a rookie for god sake, he isn't Crosby or Ovechkin and won't score 100 points his rookie year. But he is not as bad as you're calling him out to be. He's going to be on this team next year for sure, so get used to the kid. He's gonna be good.

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Word Sky. Adam has been knocking on the door in terms of scoring too.

He isn't going to do anything crazy flashy, but he's a good build for a center in today's NHL.

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Wheelhouse

What the lineup should look like (IMHO of course...) when everyone is back and healthy

1st Vanek-Roy-Ennis
2nd Hecht-Connolly-Pominville
3rd McCormick-Goose-Stafford
4th Ellis-Adam-Kaleta
-Neidermayer(IR, then Scratched)
-Grier(Scratched)
-Gerbe(Assigned)

1st Myers-Sekera
2nd Leopold-Montador
3rd Morisson/Rivet-Butler
-Weber (Assigned)

...and what is more likely to happen (unfortunately)

1st Vanek-Roy-Ennis
2nd Hecht-Connolly-Stafford
3rd McCormick-Neidermayer-Pominville
4th Kaleta-Gaustad-Grier
-Adam(Assigned)
-Ellis(Scratched)
-Gerbe(Assigned or scratched)

1st Myers-Sekera
2nd Leopold-Montador
3rd Morrisonn or Rivet-Butler or Weber
-Weber or Butler (Scratched)
-Rivet or Morrisonn (Scratched)

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Has Ellis returned to Portland? I did not notice him on the roster against the Penguins Saturday.

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Let's go Buffalo!

Ellis went back to Portland weeks ago.

Okay, that confirms my inquiry. Blitz's lineups confused me momentarily.

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Let's go Buffalo!

Mike Harrington reporting from practice. Check out these lines:

Niedermayer-Roy-Vanek (seriously)
Stafford-Hecht-Pominville
McCormick-Gaustad-Grier
Gerbe-Ennis-Connolly-Kaleta

Gerbe expected to sit.

No change on defense, with Shoane Morrissonn (concussion) not on the ice and Craig Rivet as the extra on defense.

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Wheelhouse