NHL Public Relations
@PR_NHL
Frederik Andersen, Connor Ingram and Oliver Kylington are the three finalists for the 2023-24 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Think he's too laid back. I don't buy the "he's dumb" stuff, but I don't think he's super vocal either. Need to have a strong voice as the C. Dahlin has the respect around the league, but not that voice IMO.
- QuinnFan

Rah Rah is a little over rated, hopefully the Captain handles things before it gets to the point of having to get into it on the bench.

Captain’s best attribute can be leading by example.

you can get one in 5 minutes over at the leafs blog


ripped fuel would get one every month in the flyers blog
- homiedclown

they actually tolerate me over there

Troll is spelled L E A F S in French

Rah Rah is a little over rated, hopefully the Captain handles things before it gets to the point of having to get into it on the bench.

Captain’s best attribute can be leading by example.
- Ratsreign

I don't need rah rah but I do need accountability. I get where you're coming from and leading by example matters, but have to be able to pull players aside who are struggling and know when to give tough love. That last part is where I think he's lacking. In a few years that could change, but right now I think we need a strong captain, not a first mate who's a great sailor.

- jochfr

He certainly mastered junior hockey at this point. I really hope I'm wrong and he can successfully transition to the pro game.

I don't need rah rah but I do need accountability. I get where you're coming from and leading by example matters, but have to be able to pull players aside who are struggling and know when to give tough love. That last part is where I think he's lacking. In a few years that could change, but right now I think we need a strong captain, not a first mate who's a great sailor.
- QuinnFan

Spot on, very good post.

- jochfr

slacker only got 1 assist in the 12th game

https://www.hockeydb.com/...s/pdisplay.php?pid=227300

I don't need rah rah but I do need accountability. I get where you're coming from and leading by example matters, but have to be able to pull players aside who are struggling and know when to give tough love. That last part is where I think he's lacking. In a few years that could change, but right now I think we need a strong captain, not a first mate who's a great sailor.
- QuinnFan

I agree with all of this, just saying things should be handled before it ever gets to a snapping point on the bench. And any Captain’s words would be hollow if he’s not walking the walk and setting the example.

I don't need rah rah but I do need accountability. I get where you're coming from and leading by example matters, but have to be able to pull players aside who are struggling and know when to give tough love. That last part is where I think he's lacking. In a few years that could change, but right now I think we need a strong captain, not a first mate who's a great sailor.
- QuinnFan

Would the fans even know if a guy was a good captain or not? How could we?

Would the fans even know if a guy was a good captain or not? How could we?
- Slump Buster

Fans don't know poop... but pretend they do.

Sportsnet
@Sportsnet
Auston Matthews is OUT for Game 6, per Sheldon Keefe.

Would the fans even know if a guy was a good captain or not? How could we?
- Slump Buster

Did their comments at locker cleanout give you any insight on this?

Would the fans even know if a guy was a good captain or not? How could we?
- Slump Buster

Unless you're in the room, it's unlikely anyone has a full understanding...valid point. That being said, we have heard from players there's a lack of leadership and accountability and he's been wearing a letter. That, to me, is a sign that he isn't ready to steer the ship yet.

Sportsnet
@Sportsnet
Auston Matthews is OUT for Game 6, per Sheldon Keefe.
- jochfr

MAKE THE PHONE CALL ADAMS

The more I hear from former players, the more I like the Lindy signing. I've went from being perfectly whelmed to cautiously optimistic. Really hoping he can end this skid. This city and it's fans deserve playoffs...and like 7 Cup wins in a row. IS THAT SO MUCH TO ASK?!!!
- QuinnFan

chad's expected buffalo podcast from april 22nd goes into the hiring of lindy a bit. ive maintained since the second don was fired that lindy was a great fit for this roster. they echo that. it's worth a listen if you're interested.

I agree with all of this, just saying things should be handled before it ever gets to a snapping point on the bench. And any Captain’s words would be hollow if he’s not walking the walk and setting the example.
- Ratsreign

Can't argue with that, but I don't think MacKinnon is a lesser leader because he chirps his own guys when they're dogging it either. Time and place.

But you're right, the most important factor is likely the example you set. Hard work is infectious and you can tell from Byram/Tage's comments they respect the hell out of Rasmus for his physical fitness. There are worse captains in the league than Dahlin would be as well, so it wouldn't anger me if he got the C. Just don't know if he's THE guy.

chad's expected buffalo podcast from april 22nd goes into the hiring of lindy a bit. ive maintained since the second don was fired that lindy was a great fit for this roster. they echo that. it's worth a listen if you're interested.
- TheSabresTaco

I definitely will, thanks for this!

I agree in general, however in specific instances it isn't the be all / end all, right?
It is another informational tool that helps to fill in the painting.

That said, real production versus expected production will always win out...or should.

Stammer's real production was 40/41/82 playing on their top 2 lines as he was moved around frequently, mostly on L2 with Cerelli and Hagel after Duclair was obtained in March.

I'll take him any day if the week no matter what the expected stats say.
- IonSabres

As would I. The only question I'd ask is, how do you predict his age curve.

NHL Public Relations
@PR_NHL
Frederik Andersen, Connor Ingram and Oliver Kylington are the three finalists for the 2023-24 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
- jochfr

Ingram by a mile

On a side note, how frickin' cool would it be if Vegas was out in the first round? I did NOT see that coming.

McKrimmon reminds me of Lewis Black with an eating disorder and I want to see those chins jiggle in the end of year presser.

Unless you're in the room, it's unlikely anyone has a full understanding...valid point. That being said, we have heard from players there's a lack of leadership and accountability and he's been wearing a letter. That, to me, is a sign that he isn't ready to steer the ship yet.
- QuinnFan

You can steer the ship, but you also need deck officers, sea farers, etc to assist you. No captain has ever lead a big ship, or a hockey team, by himself.

To say he isn't ready because he isn't in the room cracking the whip by himself is just plain assuming things.

On a side note, how frickin' cool would it be if Vegas was out in the first round? I did NOT see that coming.

McKrimmon reminds me of Lewis Black with an eating disorder and I want to see those chins jiggle in the end of year presser.
- QuinnFan

Fans don't know poop... but pretend they do.
- jochfr

I have been watching the Sabres since 1979 I have seen the Sabres have many Captains, Gilbert, Ruff, Ramsey, Gare.. for me the very best Captain that did everything a captain should is easy..

Chris Drury. He could score, set up his line mates, played in critical points of the game both defensive and Offensive situations. he would do anything in crunch time to win a game including taking pucks to the face. Now I was obviously never in the locker room but from what other players have said when Drury talked people shut right up and listened.

That is what you need in a C.... for my money a C does not have to be the best player. it has to be the player who commands the locker room when speaking and a player that can work with the coaching staff and manage his teammates in the direction they need to go. it is not for everyone. Not anyone wants or can be a leader.

I have been watching the Sabres since 1979 I have seen the Sabres have many Captains, Gilbert, Ruff, Ramsey, Gare.. for me the very best Captain that did everything a captain should is easy..

Chris Drury. He could score, set up his line mates, played in critical points of the game both defensive and Offensive situations. he would do anything in crunch time to win a game including taking pucks to the face. Now I was obviously never in the locker room but from what other players have said when Drury talked people shut right up and listened.

That is what you need in a C.... for my money a C does not have to be the best player. it has to be the player who commands the locker room when speaking and a player that can work with the coaching staff and manage his teammates in the direction they need to go. it is not for everyone. Not anyone wants or can be a leader.
- hehateme

IMO it was Peca until it wasn't, when he held out

Barnes IMO was the most underrated as that 01-02 team, which could have been a playoff team if not for playing bob essensa, was as bad as any team not named atlanta or cbus that season