Okay, SABRES NATION, I'm going to try something a little different tonight. Give me feedback on your thoughts. Let me know whether you like this or not.
Tonight, I was on the Sabres message boards, and I happened to get involved in a very heated discussion with a member who loves the Derek Roy/Maxim Afinogenov/ Thomas Vanek line. It's a great line, but since Drew Stafford has filled in for Max, making the Roy/Stafford/Vanek line, it has created many debates about where to put Max, and in turn, where to put Stafford.
Stafford is a rookie, and Max is a proven Veteran, meaning Max will probably produce wherever he goes, though it's possible he won't have as many points. Stafford may not produce as well with other linemates.
What I will do differently is basically cut and copy the discussion I had. I won't do this often, only when I feel it's pertinent and relatively interesting.
Arguer- The opposition
Aguees- Me (with an asterisk) and knucklesandwich
Original post by arguer: Stafford has 12 points in his last 12 games. Max when he was with Roy was getting more than a point per game. You fans are so funny. Max will go back on the RAV line. See Max plays very well with Roy and Connolly. Stafford can play well with Drury. Do you see my point? Zubrus can go lay an egg. put him on the 4th line. There is also no way to know how Max and Zubrus will play together. I don't want Max with a guy whos a big minus all the time. Zubrus was even a minus vs washington. Vanek, Roy and Max will be a plus line and have good chemistry together. Don't get all excited over a players 12 game stats. Max put up good numbers all season and last year. Why break up the RAV line.
arguees- The RAV Line broke up the minute Max got hurt, and since then, Stafford's been playing GREAT with them. You don't break up a Line THAT productive, EVER.
arguer-Max was getting 1.5 points per game with Vanek and Roy. Why didn't we trade Max if hes going to play 5 minutes on the 4th line. So if Kurri was hurt for 20 games you would not put him back with Gretzky when he was better? You better go back and watch the highlights of the RAV line. Stafford is a rookie and is still learning. You guys all ready have him in the hall of fame. 5 good game don't make a career. max is a better player at this point in his career. Better also than Zubrus.
arguees- Stafford has been phenomenal with Roy and Vanek, and Max has been clamoring about how he wants to play with Zubrus, and Zubrus has been extremely effective since he got acclamated to our system, and is improving daily.
The Arguer then put up facts that Max has put up a better point to game ration than Stafford. Which is true, but the line together hasn't. I produced the following statistical evidence:
arguees*-Afinogenov - 1.07 PPG
Roy before Afinogenov injury - .72 PPG
After - 1.06 PPG
Vanek before Afinogenov injury - .96 PPG
After - 1 PPG
Stafford before Afinogenov injury - .26 PPG
After - 1 PPG
Therefore, statistical evidence shows that RAV scores 2.75 PPG while SRV line scores 3.06 PPG. Who's got more chemistry? The line isn't about Max, it's about all three players.
arguer- Max has 13 points in his last 8 games. Stafford has had 12 in the last 12 games.
With this, I compiled the statistics of the players in the eight games prior to Max's injury, Feb 15th against Edmonton.
arguee*- Okay, 13 points in 8 games for Max - 1.625 points per game
in those same eight games
Vanek - .875 PPG
Roy - .5 PPG
RAV before Max's injury - 3 PPG
SVR - 3.06 PPG
Sorry, man, but the new line is STILL more productive even with hot streak of Max included.
Okay, guys, that's pretty much the most important parts of the thread. This is a huge debate within SABRES NATION right now, and since I'd been talking about it all night, I thought it would be beneficial for everyone to know where I stand on the issue.
Season Scenarios
The Magic Numbers are now reflective of the games on 3/22.
-For Buffalo to win the Northeast division, any combination of Buffalo points and opponents squandered points that equals
a) Ottawa Senators- 10
-For Buffalo to win the Eastern Conference, any combination of Buffalo points and opponents squandered points that equals
a) New Jersey Devils- 10
b) Pittsburgh Penguins- 8
c) Ottawa Senators- 10
-For Buffalo to win the President's Trophy, any combination of Buffalo points and opponents squandered points that equals
a) Nashville Predators- 16
b) Detroit Red Wings- 16
c) Anaheim Ducks- 14
d) New Jersey Devils- 10
e) Vancouver Canucks- 12
f) Dallas Stars- 11
g) Pittsburgh Penguins- 8
h) Ottawa Senators- 10
i) San Jose Sharks- 10
j) Minnesota Wild- 9
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