Ribs only had about 12 minutes of ice last night because he has a Rib injury. Although playing hurt, he still is the man that goes to the net lately. +1 last night and an assist. I still think he's playing consistent enough hockey lately for a guy who's paid as our third line center.

 I don't see him as the problem for losing last night as a couple posters mention in rebuttal to why Saks is struggling. That's like saying Souray was struggling because Streit isn't very good. It doesn't make sense. Players have to play up to their potential especially when they're the core and highest payed. They also have to set the example especially if they wear a letter.

 Gainey is giving Saks a huge chance to come around with the tons of PP ice and like last night, almost 23 minutes of ice. It's not how Ribs utilizes his ice but what Saks decides to do with his that matters. Ribs is pitching in even if it's secondary offense. Is it fair to ask him to carry this team offensively when you have multi- million dollar men on your bench?

  The core players have to do their thing for us to make the playoffs.