Samson's Flow

Thanks @Sabel79 I guess that's why this thread says should and not will.

No doubt, but having the #1 pick and being able to draft Dahlin did mean that he didn't need to make another FA move for the defense since we could pencil in Dahlin as a top 6 player right away. It's more guarding against potential criticism of not doing enough to add to the defense, when going into the season he had 8 NHL level players for 6 defense spots (Risto, Bogo, Dahlin, Pilut, McCabe, Scandy, Beaulieu, Nelson... plus Hunwick).

The bolded is a huge reason why we are in this mess IMO. No difference makers in the lot, and only two solid pieces (Risto & McCabe) in 4 years. Those should be our 23-26 yr old players in prime roles.

That's easier to do with complementary players, it's much harder to do when it's Jack Eichel.

Re-reading I phrased that poorly. The intent was that the expansion Vegas didn't have the existing "this is my team" guys, so they had the opportunity to integrate many team's "best practices" in establishing a new team culture. Any new veteran voices added to the Sabres have to overcome the existing culture from the franchise guys like Jack & Risto who have been here a while. I don't want to say ROR, but I have a feeling that is what the locker room "issues" boiled down to.

Come on SDS, it's called the "Chiarelli Plan".

Admittedly, i'm less certain on Botterill than I am Beane, but I think there is something to be said about having a communicated strategy and sticking to it, and not reacting immediately to the ups & downs of a season or the demands of the fanbase. I'm keeping perspective that the team he acquired was the literal worst team in the league for the last few years, and he has brought the talent level up to one that is in the middle 3rd of the league in terms of points. Similar to my thoughts around the Bills, there are only so many holes that can be filled in one offseason, and Botterill (IMO) correctly identified the major priorities as a) #1 winger for Jack = Skinner; b) defensive depth improvement = Pilut, Dahlin and other lesser depth pieces; c) goaltending = Hutton on a cheap contract + Ullmark up full time -> remember we were all ready to dump Lehner after last year. In addition, the emphasis on building a winner in Rochester and allowing the prospects to over-develop in the AHL is a sound strategy, even if it means short term frustrations at the NHL level. Yes the rest of the forwards didn't step up this year like it was possible they would, and it does seem the cancer on this team is deeper than originally thought, but I am comfortable giving JBotts some time to wait for the right value move v. reactionary move. I know that doesn't jive with the pitchfork mob that is out right now, but IMO that is what separates the fan's role from the GM role.

Beane has had 2 drafts so far. After years of trepidation to even take a swing at a QB, Beane came in with a distinct focus on aiming for a franchise QB. NFL team success is strongly slanted towards having a top QB, so taking a swing and (seemingly) finding a good one gives him a lot of leash in my mind. The holes you speak of at WR and O-line were necessarily created in order to take a shot at a Franchise QB. I have faith he will correct those this offseason through the draft and FA - the resources available in one NFL offseason only allows you to fill so many holes, and I feel he prioritized appropriately.

The obvious counterpoint to this is Edmonton deciding that they needed to trade Taylor Hall, as he was still young and had value, but the team dynamic wasn't working. These 'hockey trades' only work when you can get back an equally good player back at a position of greater need, which is very rare that another team's needs & available players will line up perfectly value wise. There is a strong likelihood that trading Risto will make this team worse and not better. I know we're all frustrated, but making trades in reaction to poor play is a path to reducing the overall talent level on your team.

As someone who was lucky enough to get one of those "perfect dogs" as well - walking without a leash, hanging out in the front yard without fear of running away/into street, I can say that the same 'learned behaviors' happened when she spent time with my dads less behaved dogs. She learned to bark at everything by adopting their behavior, and now it is incredibly tough to get her to unlearn those bad behaviors. I wouldn't be surprised if the Sabres have learned the wrong way to be a pro, and the young players don't know any better. It's going to be tough to unlearn any bad habits they have picked up. Vegas' instant success has a lot to do with starting from scratch and instilling good habits right away.

My sentiments exactly. Seems its only fun if you go there with the intent of acting like a complete fool.

Right - a guy like Jaromir Jagr for the Panthers or Marian Hossa back in the Blackhawks cup days. Doesn't necessarily have to be in your face, but a guy with enough talent to still be a top 6 player who can demonstrate how to go about being a winner. Problem is, for every one Jagr there are 10+ Okposo/Moulson players who fall off the cliff and can't back up the mentoring with their play.

Expecting to see a lot of action in this thread tonight/tomorrow. You're not wrong. We didn't know how good we had it back in the Lindy Ruff for life years

Ironically, I think both the Bills and the Sabres have the best GM's they have had since Polian/Regier. I don't know if they lucked into it, but Terry and Kim did pretty good in my book on the GM front

Marty talking about coaching effectiveness in the post game... Hmmm

It would be a very "Buffalo" record to set. Most of our streaks and noteriety have to do with losing streaks or playoff droughts

As much fun as it was seeing everyone over the last few years, I always felt like the game portion wasn't worth the investment* since it was such a sub par product. The best part was the pre/post game party with everyone. *the exception may be the MODO game v the leafs. That game was surprisingly good.

Sorry Eleven as much as I like you guys, I can't justify spending $180 for two tickets to go to the game Saturday. I barely want to watch the games anymore, let alone attend them.

The plus is with the Pegulas and Botterill in the arena, we really could pull a Gallant and leave Phil on the street outside the arena in Florida

Bwahahahaha. That's great!

Sobotka with a late meaningless goal.

Yep. Just because we're bad doesn't mean we're tanking. We're just bad.

No complaints here* *about the GIFs at least

I appreciate your GIF game tonight. Sometimes there are no words

Huberdeau skates through the whole team. RJ thinks it's Barkov the whole time. L oh L