Although he's been producing at a point a game clip for the Amerks, his performance has been disappointing. He may be in for a rude surprise when the lockout ends. Given that he's on a 2-way contract, and Tim Connolly is healthy, his spot on the Sabres roster is not guaranteed. It won't be pretty if the lockout ends and Roy stays with the Amerks as it's obvious he doesn't want anything to do with the AHL. Hopefully its been explained to Roy that there's no spot reserved for him, and he'll have to play better to force himself onto the roster. It's better to explain the facts of life to him now, than have him throw a tantrum and demand a trade later.
Very true. On most nights he's not even noticable out there. He's producing points purely based on the fact that he's just very talented. The Amerks very sorely lack offense, even though they are winning. He needs to be a key guy to produce, or else the Amerks could be in for an early exit this season.
My question is this. What is expected of him? Is Cunnyworth happy with his perfromance? It looks to me like he is not playing with Vanek, and if he is playing a 3rd line type of roll (remember we got rid of Brown because of Roy) then perhaps he is exactly (points wise) where he should be expected.
That said, I am not following the Amerks very closely.
Cunneywroth called him out publicly before the game in Buffalo. He responded witha good game. However, they are few and far between. He needs to play consistently. He's suppoised to make our offense go, and with the lack of money to sign anyone, it appears it'll be that way the rest of the year. So he needs to step it up.
My question is this. What is expected of him? Is Cunnyworth happy with his perfromance? It looks to me like he is not playing with Vanek, and if he is playing a 3rd line type of roll (remember we got rid of Brown because of Roy) then perhaps he is exactly (points wise) where he should be expected.
That said, I am not following the Amerks very closely.
Cunneyworth is not happy with the way Roy is playing. Randy has been saying that Roy is doing just enough to "get by". If 34 points in 34 games is getting by, then I understand why they are frustrated he isn't working harder because imagine what he could be doing. He could have monster points if he wasn't coasting on pure talent and was working hard night in and night out. I've been to a bunch of games this season, and he always racks up a point or two, yet he's never a stand out on the ice. Playing with Milley and Ryan, who aren't the most blossoming offensive talents, hasn't helped Roy's stats. But I wish their work ethic would have rubbed off on him.
What does Cunyworth exatly think is the issue, performance-wise? Where is Roy's game lacking right now, other than "effort". Good players make things look effortless...
Over winter break, I went to see the game against the Albany River Rats. He put in a good effort (#1 star if I remember correctly - GWG, 1 assist). I guess I could have seen him on a good night...
Three players who really impressed me:
Gaustad. Every time I see an Amerks game, this guy is all over the ice. He is massive, plays a mean game, and has at least some limited offensive upside.
Bartovic. Yah, I know he was with the Sabres for a while and looked solid, but his stats havent exactly been impressive this year. In this game, he should have been the #1 star. He scored a short handed goal and was running circles around the Albany defense.
Paetsch. I thought he was the best defenseman on the ice for Rochester. Played well especially in his own end.
What does Cunyworth exatly think is the issue, performance-wise? Where is Roy's game lacking right now, other than "effort". Good players make things look effortless...
He's not back checking like he can. He's not being his usual pest or doing much of anything physical. He just doesn't seem to be in some games, despite notching a point. It's about the little things, too, not just points. It's not as if Roy hasn't played like that in the past. It's not wrong to expect him to perform like he has.
He's not back checking like he can. He's not being his usual pest or doing much of anything physical. He just doesn't seem to be in some games, despite notching a point. It's about the little things, too, not just points. It's not as if Roy hasn't played like that in the past. It's not wrong to expect him to perform like he has.
I just don't understand the base of the criticism. A point a game on the 3rd line, and they are at the top of their division... maybe if they were losing, but to me this sounds a little like nit-picking... of course, I have not seen him play.
I just don't understand the base of the criticism. A point a game on the 3rd line, and they are at the top of their division... maybe if they were losing, but to me this sounds a little like nit-picking... of course, I have not seen him play.
He's not getting a point per game on the third line. He's playing on one of the top lines with Norm Milley and Mike Ryan (Paille now that Ryan injured his groin). I think they get just about as much ice time as the Vanek, Taylor, Pominville line. Are they nitpicking some? Yes. But they should nitpick some because they know he can do better. I've seen him a bunch this season, and he hasn't been quite the player that I've seen him be in the past. Cunneyworth had Roy part of the season last year, and he said that he was playing better then than he is now. Cunneyworth is no genius (sometimes I disagree with much of what he does), but I would guess that he can compare to partial seasons of play to one another. He's been to every game.
Roy is playing well but can play better. I think it's as simple as that.
Roy has 1 assist in the last 5 games and 0 goals. He looked pitiful tonight. Not making one single play, and coughing the puck up repeatedly on the powerplay.
