Is Connolly's comeback enough?

[Bay Side]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/rumors/post/Is-Connolly-s-comeback-enough-?urn=nhl,20400

The Buffalo Sabres may get forward Tim Connolly back by February or March. But will his return give the Stanley Cup contenders enough depth to survive a deep run into the playoffs?

Last year Buffalo was decimated by injuries in its Eastern Conference final series against Carolina. The Toronto Star speculates that Buffalo must make a deal before the Feb. 27 deadline.

[ricogarion]

Folks are really gambling that a player who has been concussed twice in the last three seasons for nearly a year at a time will remain sturdy enough and reliable enough to lead the Sabres to the promised land.Now thats some serious optimism.

[unklechucky]

It would be nice to think having Timmy back would be enough, but I have to agree with rico here and knowing his injury history....wouldn't count on anything with him.

[Carl J. Ironsides]

Yes, it will be enough. However, I still want Gary Roberts or Bill Guerin just in case.

[JLB]

Folks are really gambling that a player who has been concussed twice in the last three seasons for nearly a year at a time will remain sturdy enough and reliable enough to lead the Sabres to the promised land.Now thats some serious optimism.

Gotta agree with Rico.

[SHINEdown30]

Did anyone else read those blogs on that article. Pretty much saying Connolly's comeback wouldn't help us.

[anEinherjer]

Connolly will help for sure, but what worries me now is that today's News isn't talking about the whole pinched nerve thing any more - they're back to concussion symtoms.

We will need to do something else, I'm afraid, unless we can get back on track where we were at the beginning of the year, of course.

[Slowriot]

do you remember last year's power play with and without timmy?? it was night and day. he brings a ton of poise, puck control, and great puck movement from the right point. he was the quarterback out there. we are sorely missing that right now

of course, this is assuming he's the same player when he comes back

[thisisfunah]

do you remember last year's power play with and without timmy?? it was night and day. he brings a ton of poise, puck control, and great puck movement from the right point. he was the quarterback out there. we are sorely missing that right now

of course, this is assuming he's the same player when he comes back

great post... timmy was excellent on the power play (he registered two assists on the power play after he returned from his 7-week knee injury march 29th)

[aWinAgainov]

having Tim Connolly isn't playoff depth. He's great but he's not reliable

[unklechucky]

having Tim Connolly isn't playoff depth. He's great but he's not reliable


Thank you...thats what I'm trying to say, yes he is a help, but can he be counted on to stay injury free, or is he a hit away from being Bret Lindros or LaFontaine?

[Acoustic-Fury]

Thank you...thats what I'm trying to say, yes he is a help, but can he be counted on to stay injury free, or is he a hit away from being Bret Lindros or LaFontaine?

Front office put up a lot of cheese in the hopes that he can stay injury free. I'll take that gamble too. He gets injured again, he's done - there is no coming back, so you can't really worry too much. Lady Fate guides that hand...

All I know is, the man was our power play and we averaged two goals less a game when he was out of the lineup. That dude is so creative on the power play...can't wait to see him back out there again and I hope it's this year.

[ricogarion]

Acoustic-Fury Quote:

"All I know is, the man was our power play and we averaged two goals less a game when he was out of the lineup. That dude is so creative on the power play...can't wait to see him back out there again and I hope it's this year."

Knowing his value to this team is exactly why he wears a target when he returns.Just as Ottawa targeted him as a primary concern last year after game one others will see the exact same thing and be out to neutralize TC.He will be a focus and with that focus comes the hits.Knowing that, there will always be concern for the great Tim Connolly.

[Scary Good]

He very well could be enough.

He's got great skill and he's not a shabby defensive forward either.

[Acoustic-Fury]

Knowing his value to this team is exactly why he wears a target when he returns.Just as Ottawa targeted him as a primary concern last year after game one others will see the exact same thing and be out to neutralize TC.He will be a focus and with that focus comes the hits.Knowing that, there will always be concern for the great Tim Connolly.

I'm trying not to lose the point of the thread so I'm sticking with:
Tim Connoly in the lineup we will be a much better team in the playoffs. This is regardless if he is prone to injury or in the off chance teams will be "gunning" for him because he has a soft head. (Which by the way I still feel that the stars and moons aligned just right for him to get hit like that in the Oshwa series - which I have detailed in a previous thread a couple months back)

We paid for him. Statistically we are better when he is in the line-up. He knows the risks, our team doctors know the risks and the front office does too. Replacements are on the bench if he is knocked out again, which by the way if he isn't going to be ready - those replacements will be starting for him in this years playoffs anyway.

If he can knock the rust of his skates and stick before the playoffs I don't see how we can't be a better team.

[ricogarion]

There is no argument we are better with TC.

[bigdog72ny]

if timmy does come back we will be forced to make another move as he will put us over the cap.

[hftornadoes1]

Thank you...thats what I'm trying to say, yes he is a help, but can he be counted on to stay injury free, or is he a hit away from being Bret Lindros or LaFontaine?


I think you have to hope timmy can come back this year for the playoffs because he is such a special player, and he makes us that more dangerous at even strength and on specials. I really don't know if he can stay healthy, but I really hope he can because a healthy tim connolly would lessen the blow if we do end up losing briere or drury.

[BanditsRock11]

The Sabres need to worry about their defense more than their offense. Still think they need to make a move for a better D man.

[ArlieKoz13]

Yes, it will be enough. However, I still want Gary Roberts or Bill Guerin just in case.

I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth...

[Carl J. Ironsides]

I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth...

Why? Roberts and Guerin are both really good veteran producers and leaders.

[SHINEdown30]

Why? Roberts and Guerin are both really good veteran producers and leaders.

My only argument is the salary. Both guys are receiving more money than their production. I don't think its worth it, can't seeing Darcy spend more money.

[deconstruction]

My only argument is the salary. Both guys are receiving more money than their production. I don't think its worth it, can't seeing Darcy spend more money.

I agree, the money thing is an issue. But remember back to 1994 and the ranger's stanley cup. They traded the farm for a bunch of players that put them over the top. I'd gladly make the same bargin. This is the year.

[unklechucky]

I agree, the money thing is an issue. But remember back to 1994 and the ranger's stanley cup. They traded the farm for a bunch of players that put them over the top. I'd gladly make the same bargin. This is the year.

Thats exactly why I wouldnt do it.......they decimated the farm system and have yet to recover over 10 years later.

[deconstruction]

Stanley Cup

[Carl J. Ironsides]

Thats exactly why I wouldnt do it.......they decimated the farm system and have yet to recover over 10 years later.

I don't think acquiring Roberts or Guerin would "decimate" the farm system. In fact, I'd happily trade away Jiri Novotny, who's basically been useless since an impressive October.