Buffalo Sabres News and Discussion

‘Regier did not do a search as Rolston was the only person he spoke with. Regier said, “It was a process that we worked through, conversations about players, a little bit about the staff, a little bit about players in Rochester that we had an opportunity to see last week in their playoffs, so it’s time that we had available to spend that we really didn’t have during the season when Ron was focused on winning hockey games.” Regier went on to say, “I think that the time that we spent together it was about me confirming what I thought and just locking it in.”’

‘Today Rolston was named coach, as in permanent. The Sabres put a ring on his finger. And the fans shrugged.’

‘Early in Rolston’s tenure, the 23-year-old defenseman revealed he’d been told by his new coach that he should focus on defensive play only and that Rolston “didn’t care if he scored another point all season.” Well, he didn’t score much under Buffalo’s new head man – only five points in 23 games – but the defensive aspects of his game improved.’

‘Before joining the Americans as head coach in 2011, Rolston spent seven seasons as head coach with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, where he became the first coach in U.S. history to lead the United States Under-18 team to three gold medals (2005, 2009, 2011) at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Under-18 Championship, adding a silver medal (2007) in his other appearance as head coach.’

‘“They have till June, basically,” Rolston said after the season finale. “We’ll see. Just like our team, my job was just to come in here and do the best job I could from day to day and control those things. That’s all I can do. The rest will take care of itself.”’

‘As the small-market Sabres morphed into a free-spending, win-at-all-costs club under new owner Terry Pegula, the Leafs began embracing development and patience, the Sabres’ old and successful philosophies.’

‘“If (general manager) Darcy (Regier) has different plans, that’s that,” McCormick said. “But going forward, everything I do this summer is going to be geared toward that training camp and making the Buffalo Sabres.”’

‘The Buffalo News analyzed the top 30 draft picks taken during a 20-year span, ranging from the 1992 entry draft to 2011. To measure the general value of players taken from No. 1 overall to No. 30, we found the median number of games played and career points produced for every draft spot.’

’1) Convince Ryan Miller to stop being a baby and sign a reasonable extension. 2) Trade Ryan Miller for a nice package that includes a big bodied forward prospect with some offensive skill and mettle while signing or acquiring a veteran goalie who isn’t a total tire fire. 3) Show Thomas Vanek by your other personnel moves that it matters less who your goaltender is than who comprises his supporting cast. Extend him.’

‘“No decisions yet,” Regier told reporters in Rochester as part of the Amerks’ locker clean-out day. “Fairly soon in the case of the head coach in Buffalo, and then Rochester will follow. Those are conversations we’re going to have.”‘

Rochester Amerks goalie David Leggio’s future murky (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
Future uncertain for several Rochester Americans (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

Sabres prospect Girgensons dynamic during Amerks’ short playoff run (Olean Times Herald)

‘But they shouldn’t waste time on some meaningless search for a head coach. The team played well under Rolston’s leadership. Until that changes, Rolston should be the head coach.’

‘“You have to look at every option for them to remain as Sabres” Button said. “I think they’re too good a players. You can let them go but who’s going to replace them? You go back and look at how the team looked different after Chris Drury and Danny Briere left and I think Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miller are a significant cut above those two players.”’

Girgensons impressive, but Amerks get swept from playoffs (Buffalo News)
Toronto ends Rochester Amerks’ season (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
Photo gallery (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
Sabres prospect Grigorenko ‘tired mentally’ after marathon season ends with Amerks (Olean Times Herald)
Acton scores in OT to help Marlies advance past Americans in AHL playoffs (CP)
Amerks Battle, Fall to Marlies; Girgensons Shines (WGR-AM)
Nick Tarnasky: More than a tough guy for Amerks (WGR-AM)
Amerks season ends with 3-2 overtime loss to Marlies in Game 3 (Amerks.com)
Marlies Sweep Rochester and Move Onto the Conference Semi-Finals (Marlies.ca)