Wild Card

[buffjoe]

It pains me to say it but Tim Connolly may be the one player that really benefits from the new rules. He's almost been cast aside after a two year absence but I think he's going to provide more offense than we expect. Also, I think he's going to be one of the " go to" guys in shootout situations. I sure hope I'm not smoking the wacky weed on this one!

[two4trippn]

No TIMMY should be an asset and have less pressure upon him compare to the past. With Jeff & Teppo on the RH PP point that should keep TIMMY from looking misplaced on the point. Hopefully the past 2 years, his sack finally dropped and he'll realize its a man's game that he's got the potential to succeed in without carrying a franchise on his back.

[stuuuuuuuuuuu]

And given the rule changes, Miro would have been an assett too! I could see Tim Connolly as an NHL player of the week though if he does what he's capable of.

[CupCrazy]

It pains me to say it but Tim Connolly may be the one player that really benefits from the new rules. He's almost been cast aside after a two year absence but I think he's going to provide more offense than we expect. Also, I think he's going to be one of the " go to" guys in shootout situations. I sure hope I'm not smoking the wacky weed on this one!
If you are then you'd better share!

I had really high expectations for Tim last season...I had read that he really worked out in the off-season and was determined to have a big season, but then the damn concussion...very sad.

Ultimately I think his fate is in two people's hands...most importantly, his own because he has to decide if he really does want to be a great hockey player. A LOT of people (myself included) believe he has the talent, but it remains to be seen if he has the HEART to break through.

The other person is Lindy Ruff. If this guy insists on Tim playing the point during a power play, then we're gonna have big problems again. Lindy's gotta quickly evaluate what his players' weaknesses are and not put them in situations where those weaknesses can be exploited. Connolly playing the point on the power play is just STUPID yet Lindy did it over and over and over.

Definitely a crucial year for Tim...I'm really pulling for him!

[BuffaloRanger]

Tim hasn't shown much as a Sabre. He is soft and underachieving, the 2 things you can't be in the eyes of Buffalo fans.

Remember how we were all excited about this FA period? Look what happened. Nothing good for the Sabres. I think this "Rule Change" against obstruction will be just as disappointing. Don't get your hopes up for a big change.

[DaFan]

If you are then you'd better share!

I had really high expectations for Tim last season...I had read that he really worked out in the off-season and was determined to have a big season, but then the damn concussion...very sad.

Definitely a crucial year for Tim...I'm really pulling for him!


I'd like to see him excel in his element of speed and open ice, but I am not 100% confident the rules will be called. We've heard this so many times before.

I haven't heard how he is doing and he was out a very long time with the head injury.

[buffjoe]

Actually, I should have phrased my post differently. It's not the rules changes that are going to affect Tim, it's the expanded offensive zone. He tends to hold the puck a second too long and maybe the extra ice will allow him to do that without turning the puck over as much. He has the talent and the vision it's just the one extra move that's been killing him.