Daily Links for Friday, January 13

by Andy Boron on Jan 13, 2012 6:00 AM EST in Daily Links

Happy Friday, everyone, even though it is Friday the 13th. Spooky. The Buffalo Sabres are back in action tonight against Toronto, and after the break we have All-Star game fallout as well as a few Sabres blogger summit recaps.

Leafs go for home-and-home sweep of Sabres - NHL.com
Tonight's game preview from the big bosses.

SABRES DUO HEADED TO ALL-STAR WEEKEND - Buffalo Sabres
Jason Pominville was among the 36 players named to the All-Star Game lineup, and Luke Adam was one of 12 rookies selected to participate in the Skills Competition.

Adam's ice time on a nose dive - The Buffalo News
A very interesting chicken-and-egg argument about Luke Adam's ice time and production.

Gerbe, Lupul might be worth watching during Sabres-Leafs rematch; Lupul tweaks Buffalo again - Sabres Edge
With less than two minutes to play in the Leafs’ 2-0 victory Tuesday in Toronto, Buffalo forward Nathan Gerbe had a skirmish with Toronto forward Joffrey Lupul, who had his helmet knocked off by a punch. Both players earned roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

HAMILTON: Getzlaf Can Be Here Tomorrow If??? - WGR 550
There’s one problem with trying to move Derek Roy, nobody, yes you read that right, nobody in the NHL wants him right now.

More Sabres News:

Ted Black Gets a Taste of the Blogger World: Part One - BSN
Highlights from the Bloggers Summit.

The Summit – Faith, Love, and Patience - The Goose's Roost
Corey asks Ted Black why fans should care about the on-ice product when the team stinks.

Blogger Summit: 2.0 and some blogger talk - Buffalo Wins
Joe's bullet-point blogger recap.

Terry Pegula discusses trades with Darcy Regier (Buffalo Sabres) - YouTube
Exclusive video of a meeting between Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula and GM Darcy Regier.

Around the NHL:

2012 Tim Horton's NHL All-Star Game Roster - NHL.com
Rosters for the Tim Hortons 2012 NHL All-Star Game to be played at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Jan. 28-29, 2012.

NHL All-Star Snubs: Wait, No Nicklas Lidstrom Or Teemu Selanne? - SBNation.com
Nicklas Lidstrom and Teemu Selanne are two of the names curiously absent from the 2012 NHL All-Star Game roster, which was fully announced by the league on Thursday afternoon.

Habs winger Cammalleri criticizes 'losing mentality' - The Globe and Mail
As he and team struggle, Habs Montreal forward speaks of a creeping ‘losing mentality’ that must be overcome

Trade rumblings: Habs move Cammalleri; B's, Devils, Wild have tough decisions - ESPN
The NHL trade deadline got an early jump Thursday night with the Montreal Canadiens shipping outspoken winger Mike Cammalleri to the Calgary Flames.

Canadiens trade Michael Cammalleri and his big mouth to Calgary Flames - Puck Daddy
In the grand tarnishing of the Montreal Canadiens that is the 2011-12 NHL season, the Michael Cammalleri Trade could go down as the most grotesque stain.

Shane Doan, Monty Python & the Phoenix Coyotes - Yahoo! Sports
The Coyotes' quest for the Holy Grail - an owner who will keep them in Phoenix - is far from funny, but sometimes it helps to laugh.

Why is Scott Howson still employed by Columbus? - THN
While a coach has many hockey people over his head that determine his fate, the GM is in more control.

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Comments

Paul Hamilton’s piece is very interesting again. While I buy that Stafford and Roy won’t get you Getzlaf, I don’t buy that nobody around the NHL would want Stafford or Roy right now.
Especially considering Cammalleri went back to the Flames and has similar numbers/lower cap hit than Roy.
Would it be worth trading Myers to get Getzlaf? In my mind, absolutely not.
Also, there was finally news from Pegula today. Bucky says he blames injuries almost entirely for the struggles.

by Philaster on Jan 13, 2012 10:27 AM EST reply actions

Cammallari has a six million dollar cap hit for the next three years and was traded for someone with the same career numbers as Drew Stafford but three years older.

So apparently someone wanted Drew Stafford, and all it took was the right to get rid of a disgruntled cap anchor.

I’m not even sure I’d want a Stafford for Cammalleri swap, but I’d at least consider it.

As long as 70 minutes of ice time is being doled out to AHLers and Matt Ellis, the Sabres are basically doomed

by Ubiquitous on Jan 13, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I think a trade for trades sake may be something to bring some energy...

by 2010bulls on Jan 13, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions

It certainly would have been a fun trade, even if it didn't accomplish very much.

Also, apparently the Habs didn’t shop him around… because other GMs said to ‘insiders’ that they would have made (presumably better) offers for Cammalleri had they known he was available.

As long as 70 minutes of ice time is being doled out to AHLers and Matt Ellis, the Sabres are basically doomed

by Ubiquitous on Jan 13, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

People had mentioned Cammalleri as a replacement for Briere back in the day, but I don’t think he’s as good.

by Philaster on Jan 13, 2012 11:35 AM EST up reply actions

Well shame on the other GMs for not asking. In my opinion, every player in the league is available for the right price at the right time. If you want a player, step up and ask if he’s available. Hit them right between the eyes, because all they can say is no. You won’t ever make the trade you want if you don’t ever ask. I am highly skeptical that Regeir has even spoken to Anaheim, and I doubt what Hamilton says as well about them demanding Tyler Myers in return. For what it’s worth though, I wouldn’t trade Tyler Myers for Getzlaf.

"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula

by willgarr15 on Jan 13, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

I agree completely on your first point. A good GM will ask about other players he likes, even if they’re not the high profile guys. I love the way Montreal and Calgary did this while everyone is concentrating on Anaheim.
I totally buy that Anaheim is requesting a high price, if not Myers for Getzlaf. The deal hasn’t gotten done yet which suggests that they want a lot. Other reports have said Anaheim wants “core guys” that they can build on. If I were rebuilding, Roy and Stafford would not be on that list, while a young incredibly talented player like Myers absolutely would.
Buffalo swapped best players with Winnipeg back in 1990 at the draft in the Hawerchuk – Housley trade. There are a lot of parallels between then and now. Hawerchuk was the captain and best player on the Jets just as Getzlaf is the captain and best player on the Ducks. Housley was a phenom that started from a very young age and was even more productive than Myers was, although he was never as good on defense as Myers is projected to be. He was also a little older at 26. Buffalo also had to give up Scott Arniel and Jeff Parker, which would kind of be like giving up Cody McCormick and depending on how you look at it, a more talented Gaustad/Ellis or less talented Hecht. The Jets and Sabres ended up swapping first round picks as well, which turned out to be Keith Tkachuk for Brad May. I still wish the Sabres would have kept Tkachuk. Would you want to trade Myers / McCormick / Hecht plus a first round pick for Getzlaf and the Ducks pick (let’s say it’s not the first overall for the sake of argument)? It would certainly change the dynamic on the team dramatically.
So anyway, my point is that there is precedence. Would Darcy ever do something like that? No. And maybe he shouldn’t. Myers is probably better all around than Housley was. At the very least, we’d need more time to say that he wasn’t.

by Philaster on Jan 13, 2012 1:57 PM EST up reply actions

As exciting as that seems, this team is committed to building around Myers and as far as I’m concerned, he and Vanek are the only two players I would not condiser including in any trade proposals.

by lassathrax on Jan 13, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

But I think that is why the Getzlaf trade isn’t going to happen. And shouldn’t happen. Just speculating on what it would take and showing it’s been done before. I understand the circumstances of the Housley/Hawerchuk trade more than I would trading Myers as part of a package for Ryan Getzlaf.

by Philaster on Jan 13, 2012 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed.

If Gretzky can be traded, anyone can.

I hate that I love Buffalo.

by bflo on Jan 13, 2012 4:42 PM EST up reply actions

Forget about any trades!

Now the owner has come out and blamed injuries for all the bad play. Someone should remind him that good teams overcome and find ways to win.

by Winnie33 on Jan 13, 2012 1:10 PM EST reply actions

So what you're saying is...

Pittsburgh isn’t a good team this year.. Gotcha.

"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."

by FloridaBuffalo on Jan 13, 2012 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

I hope Gerbe just drops Lupul.

Even getting a few game suspension will show that someone gives a fuck on this team about our reputation and is sick of sitting there and getting beat on. I know Gerbe plays with heart already, but maybe an “Oh shit!” moment will wake the rest of this team up.

Enjoys long walks on the beach, Molson Canadian, and making the playoffs.

by AcesNines on Jan 13, 2012 1:46 PM EST reply actions

I think the refs would notice if he tried to bring a ladder onto the ice.

by LeafInVancouver on Jan 13, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs

You would think they would notice a lot of things they don’t and can be even more amazed by the things they notice that never happened.

I thought you were going to save this for the game thread.

by VFN FTW on Jan 13, 2012 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

What, short jokes? Nah, there’s pretty much an infinite well of them.

by LeafInVancouver on Jan 13, 2012 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

Like Gerbes so short,

he has to slam dunk his bus fare.

Gerbes my favorite player tho, I just used that joke on a short girl at work the other day.

I hate that I love Buffalo.

by bflo on Jan 13, 2012 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Like Gerbes so short,

The concept of intelligent hockey play goes right over his head.

by LeafInVancouver on Jan 13, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions

Har har har

I hate that I love Buffalo.

by bflo on Jan 13, 2012 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Gerbes so short

Everything he scores gets written up as SHG.

by LeafInVancouver on Jan 13, 2012 4:51 PM EST up reply actions

Better than the over the head joke...

I actually liked that one. Good job leafs fan

/throws up.

I hate that I love Buffalo.

by bflo on Jan 13, 2012 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Gerbe so short

Marchand’s clip attempt became a headshot.

by LeafInVancouver on Jan 13, 2012 4:55 PM EST up reply actions

Gerbe's so short

He needed a backhoe to bury the coin at Center Ice.

by Philaster on Jan 13, 2012 4:56 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Gerbes so short,

when he goes 5 hole on Gustavson, HE actually goes 5 hole on Gustavson.

I hate that I love Buffalo.

by bflo on Jan 13, 2012 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Gerbe's so short

He’s the only one who’ll look the Habs in the eye.

by LeafInVancouver on Jan 13, 2012 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

I laughed.

by lgbfromoregon on Jan 13, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I'm glad that Pegula didn't come out and publicly flog his coach and GM

This team is on a three year plan. It’s three years for a reason. Everybody knew, or should have known, that going into the season this team was not a serious cup contender and personally speaking, I can accept whatever happens this year because I have confidence that the right changes will be made as neccessary.
I commend the owner for supporting his staff and not following the fans in completely overreacting to a disappointing half season. In their long tenure, Regier and Ruff have rarely, if ever, put an underachieving team on the ice, so I appreciate Pegula not blowing up the entire hockey culture in Buffalo based on one injury ridden half season. The only thing to blame if you’re down on this team right now is your unreasonable expecations, not the coach or GM.

by lgbfromoregon on Jan 13, 2012 1:50 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Agreed.

If this team gets healthier, gains some confidence, and puts together a 6-7 win run, then we’ll all be singing their praises again.

I still think they’ll make the playoffs.

by joeysimms on Jan 13, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions

recrecrecrecrec

This x100000

by lassathrax on Jan 13, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

Pure

unadulterated, rational thinking. This post is the porridge that is not too high, not too low. Just what I needed.

by VFN FTW on Jan 13, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions

This team is on a three year plan. It’s three years for a reason.

Well if its a 3 year plan, you should be going backwards in year 2…

Everybody knew, or should have known, that going into the season this team was not a serious cup contender

Really? We went to 7 games with the Flyers last year. And added their playoff hero Leino, Nucks stud Dman Ehrhoff, Flames lockdown Dman Regehr and got another year of play under young guns like Myers, Sekera, Ennis, Gerbe and Enroth.

I guess you didnt expect much from this team this year, but I sure as hell did.

I hate that I love Buffalo.

by bflo on Jan 13, 2012 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

That was also a team that needed a crazy second half just to make the playoffs.

And again, where are you getting it that this is year 2 of 3?

Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place

by Ogre39666 on Jan 14, 2012 3:51 AM EST up reply actions

This team is on a three year plan. It’s three years for a reason.

Unfortunately, it includes a coach/gm who’ve been here for 13 years, and a core who’ve been here for 5-8 years . . .

Everybody knew, or should have known, that going into the season this team was not a serious cup contender

So, all the hype that surrounded the offseason acquisitions of Leino, Erhoff, and Regher were, what? Just to increase jersey sales?

In their long tenure, Regier and Ruff have rarely, if ever, put an underachieving team on the ice

Either being pushed out in the first round — or missing the playoffs entirely — in eight of their thirteen seasons might cause some to feel otherwise . . .

The only thing to blame if you’re down on this team right now is your unreasonable expecations, not the coach or GM.

I hear that a lot lately — it seems to go hand in hand with, “if only the fans in the building were more excited and made more noise” . . .

First, to address the last point: I live not in Buffalo but a burb of San Diego, CA — I cannot speak to what the fans in Buffalo do or don’t do, but forgive me for thinking it somewhat ludicrous that my not yelling loudly enough some 2598 miles away from FNC has a direct bearing on Erhoff turning the puck over, Poms missing an open net, or Miller letting in a soft goal . . .

As for mine, and others, “unreasonable expectations” being to blame for being down on the Sabres this year, that begs two questions:

1. As has been pointed out, the Sabres have the league’s highest payroll — is it not fair to have increased expectations for increased payroll?

2. If we were wrong to have increased expectations this year, just when will it be acceptable to have them? R&R have been here 13 seasons — will it be in the middle or at the end of the next 13?

It seems funny how the coach and gm are not to blame or to be held accountable when the team falls short of expectations, but are to be given credit when the team is successful . . . that sounds like the kind of excuses made for certain politicians . . .

"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson

by go_buff on Jan 13, 2012 7:39 PM EST up reply actions

.

Either being pushed out in the first round — or missing the playoffs entirely — in eight of their thirteen seasons might cause some to feel otherwise .

Way to put something in a negative light. Ruff and Regier have made the playoffs more often then not and when in the playoffs, have made it past the first round more often then not.

It seems funny how the coach and gm are not to blame or to be held accountable

There is being held accountable, and then there is being fired. Over their time here they have done a good job. I thought I put this to be wrt Ruff? Is one underachieving season among many, many successful seasons grounds for removal? And don’t give me that “13 years and no Cups!” BS.

Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place

by Ogre39666 on Jan 14, 2012 3:58 AM EST up reply actions