Quoting: Jdfitz77
I could see a scenario where both Lazar AND Reider are in the lineup, and Tage could get sent down
Idk why (seemingly) everyone is acting like Thompson is a “lock” to make the team
He’s looked terrible with the Sabres since we traded for him,
had a few good games in the AHL,
and then got hurt
He might very well make the team,
but he’s by no means a “sure thing” to do so
I understand your point of view.
IMHO this is why I would have Thompson over Rieder:
Thompson is 6'6" 215 lb, Rieder is 5'11" 186 lb. Big players take longer to develop.
Thompson turned 23 yo last month Rieder will be 28 in 6 weeks.
Thompson had great prospect challenge in 2019, outstanding playoffs for Rochester in 2019 and in his other 24 Rochester games he has 12 goals and 21 pts.
Rieder is what he is, Thompson will still grow and I think he is a late bloomer.
Let me add one more, Rieder had ZERO goals playing 67 games for Edmonton in the 2018-19 season.
Thompson had 7 goals that season as a 21 yo and was instantly labeled a bust.
What is Rieder if he had ZERO goals.
I value your opinion and do not want to get into a food fight over this, let's agree to disagree until the end of the season.
BTW, let's be happy that Buffalo has the challenge of finding playing time for Eichel, Hall, Skinner, Staal, Reinhart, Cozens and Olofsson.
There could also easily be up to six options for the third line.
Okposo, Ruotsalainen. Thompson, Mittelstadt, Cozens, Girgensons.
As you also pointed out there a many viable options for the fourth line as well.
Lazar, Rieder, Eakin, Asplund, as well as Okposo, ang Girgensons.
Before you look at my line up, let me add that only Eichel, Olofsson and Reinhart had more pt/60 min than Okposo did last year.
So here it is:
Skinner Eichel Okposo we need to reunite Jack and Jeff. I think Okposo could provide the same qualities as Sam did last year.
Hall Staal Cozens give Dylan two good playmakers who have tons of NHL experience to Sheppard him through his freshman year.
Olofsson Mittelstadt Reinhart the line could also be centered by Ruotsalainen. This also gives Sam the chance to show he can drive his own line.
Girgensons Eakin Thompson
Ruotsalainen and Lazar in the press box.
Rieder and Asplund in Rochester.
We can shuffle the defense as there are many solid combinations if Montour can play the left side as he did last year.
Maybe Pilut will come back and play LHD for the Sabres.
IDK about GK.
Ullmark has some very good statistics.
He had the highest SV% on shots over 31' 0.984
He had the 6th best EV SV% of all GK who played in at least 30 games 0.926.
If Buffalo can solve the PK, and force long shots, who knows.
EDIT: That is my rant of the day.