Tyler Myers has been pretty quiet so far. The Sabres' big defenseman has no goals and two assists in nine games, not the numbers of an offensive catalyst.
Coach Lindy Ruff said today he wants Myers to be more aggressive joining the rush.
"There’s a little indecision in his game," Ruff said after an optional morning skate for tonight's game against Florida. "He had a couple games where I thought he was real good at it, then I thought there was a couple games where the young man looked tired to me, didn’t get there. We pointed out there’s situations where he needs to be there. We’ve talked about that with him even this morning.
"Those are the plays we need. Our whole system is built around those guys being able to get in the play and create those odd-numbered situations."
Sticking with the defensemen, Ruff said he's liked the recent partner swaps. Andrej Sekera is skating with Christian Ehrhoff after starting the season with Marc-Andre Gragnani. Jordan Leopold has left Ehrhoff's side and joined Gragnani.
"I’ve liked it so far," Ruff said. "Andrej has played well enough that I wanted him to have that extra ice. His ability to get up ice and create enough offense where we can play a longer period of time in the other end is something we were looking for."
Forward Jochen Hecht was one of 11 skaters to take part in the skate in First Niagara Center, one day after sitting out because he didn't feel well.
"I just developed a little bit of a headache [Thursday], so I just decided to take the day off and see how the day goes," said Hecht, who hasn't played since suffering a concussion on the second day of training camp. "The day went fine without any injuries again. I’m back out again skating."
Hecht visited a chiropractor Friday.
"He adjusted me, and I’ll see how that goes," Hecht said. "It takes away some of the stiffness of my neck and some of the discomfort I have back there that might cause the headaches. We’re trying to take every step and every measure to make me feel better."
To hear the interviews of Hecht and Ruff, click the audio files below.
---John Vogl
Lindy Ruff
Jochen Hecht
