I agree with you.
But, if Phil insists on keeping him in the lineup, I’d throw him on the top line for a period to see if maybe Eichel or Skinner can gift the kid a goal or two to elevate his confidence. He supposedly has a great shot.
Player Discussion Tage Thompson 1
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I agree with you.
But, if Phil insists on keeping him in the lineup, I’d throw him on the top line for a period to see if maybe Eichel or Skinner can gift the kid a goal or two to elevate his confidence. He supposedly has a great shot.
I don't see him putting his size, speed, or shot to good use to positively impact the game. Some time with the Amerks would be good for him.
He doesn't just look rusty to me. He looks like he is in over his head mentally and physically, and he doesn't look very engaged.
I don't think he should be in the AHL.
He should still be in College. That's how far away he is. St. Louis really rushed his development.
He should still be in College. That's how far away he is. St. Louis really rushed his development.
Baccus
Garage League filled with Mickey Mouse teams
- Feb 18, 2014
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I don't disagree with your concept, it is one of the more aggravating aspects of the Thompson 'development'. Thompson shouldn't be in the NHL lineup, but if you are going to insist on playing him, why aren't you putting him a position to succeed at all? Obviously this goes into the reality that we don't have an adequate 2nd line center, so they can't put him anywhere for top 6 minutes without throwing him on our one real offensive line. There's nowhere to shelter him.
My biggest disappointment with Thompson being played is he doesn't seem to be showing any of the development they are supposedly doing. Mitts has struggled, even played far below peoples hopes and expectations, but you can still watch Mitts over the beginning of the season and see how he's slowly developing and improving. I don't see any of that with Thompson so far.
Put him in the AHL and hopefully he goes nuts down there.
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He really looks like Taylor Pyatt 2.0. You can see the raw talent and size. Was obviously rushed.
Buttons85
RJ & Rayzor Fan Club
Holy hell, do NOT put him on the top line. Eichel and Skinner will already face the toughest opposition; they don't need Toe-drag Thompson gifting their passes away. He has done nothing to deserve that spot. He won't gain confidence in the NHL because he simply doesn't belong at this level yet.
I am beyond confused as to why he continues to get playing time in the pros. Guys have been waived for lesser offenses that what he's committed on the ice. 2 consecutive games with giveaways leading directly to goals in his highly limited TOI should not be countenanced at the professional level. It's like a rookie running back fumbling the ball. They get benched, and frequently they get cut. Tage's leash is absurdly long.
Taylor Pyatt minus 30 pounds of muscle and those dreamy eyes.
Buffaloed
webmaster
Rasmus CacOlainen
The end of the Tank
I don't think he deserve to be playing the amount of games he has. someone else should take his spot. he can come up if someone is injured. he's the only sabres player I actually dislike.
SatanwasaSlovak
Registered User
Eh, you're all being too hard on him. He hasn't been THAT bad. He's just not a checker so his mistakes stands out more because you're all focusing on criticizing him but also his mistakes stands out more because he doesn't play the same safe game of getting rid of the puck like everyone else on his line.
It's good that he gaets some games, you were all complaining that he was just sitting all the time before that.
It's good that he gaets some games, you were all complaining that he was just sitting all the time before that.
HaNotsri
Regstred User
- Dec 29, 2013
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I have it!
Pegula demands that Botterill trades ROR.
Botterill tries to save face by keeping Thompson in the NHL.
Housley tries to buy time and keep Thompson out of the lineup ”watching video” until he has to play him. Then he tries to find the least damaging spot on the roster starting with the 4th line since he hopes Thompson can play a high energy game.
Pegula demands that Botterill trades ROR.
Botterill tries to save face by keeping Thompson in the NHL.
Housley tries to buy time and keep Thompson out of the lineup ”watching video” until he has to play him. Then he tries to find the least damaging spot on the roster starting with the 4th line since he hopes Thompson can play a high energy game.
Buffaloed
webmaster
I guess that eliminates the hockey coaches are notoriously superstitious and they're keeping him because he's a good luck charm explanation.
Montag DP
Sabres fan in...
I'm pretty sure everyone was complaining he was sitting out because they wanted him playing in Rochester, not here. Now that he's played a bunch of games here, it's that much more evident that he doesn't belong. We're simultaneously hurting his development and our chances of winning.
krt88nc
Registered User
Everyone seems to be calling for this kids demotion if Rochester, why can’t Botts and Housley see it? He’s in over his head at this stage.
That's certainly the question in all of this - why is he still in Buffalo and why is he still being given opportunities he is not fulfilling when on the ice?
Gabrielor
Registered User
His best game so far, but still a lot of rough edges to sand. Still, first time we’ve seen that prospect tourney package in a game.
CatsforReinhart
Registered User
He looks out of place. He definitely has skill and it shows. Awesome shot but doesn't seem to fit in anywhere at the moment.
truthbluth
Registered User
- Feb 2, 2011
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I noticed that right after he scored, he was way more aggressive and effective on the forecheck.
Gabrielor
Registered User
I went to the New Jersey prospect game, where he heavily stood out. It wasn’t the breakaway goal, it was his ability to stand up rushing dmen using his body position and long stick to strip pucks and force offensive possession. He did that like 5 times that game.
Last night was the first time I saw him do that successfully in the nhl for us. He needs to keep bringing that aspect of his game to the fold, because Reinhart can find him for every shot in the world if he forces more possessions.
Reinhart dishing to him and having him drop bombs sure would fit well.
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