The issue I see is this: I'm perfectly happy with a team as skilled as the Jets trading chances with their opposition. If there are ten high danger chances for each team, I like the Jets odds of scoring on more of theirs. Three years ago, Buff alone was creating 3-4 four of those chances himself and yes, was giving up a couple of them a game to the other team. This year, though, he is not creating the same number of opportunities, while giving up at least as many as he did before. Last night, I think there I counted four times he put the Jets in a hole (fourth man back in the first period and takes a penalty because he's behind the play; 2nd period clearing pass right up the slot and intercepted by Vancouver; two terrible pinches in the third, leading to odd man rushes against, while nursing a one goal lead). I cannot recall even one offensive chance he created. He misfired (through no fault of his own) on a one-timer on the PP in the third, but he certainly did not create the chance.
There are more and more of these types of games; where you are only getting the defensive risk, without the offensive threat and I think that is a legitimate reason for concern.
And to those who don't think he took a discount from market value; I'm sorry, but I couldn't disagree more. The $$ are likely market rate, but the most damning thing in the cap era is a contract that is too long and there is no question that his willingness to take a 5-year deal is team-friendly.
