tom webster

Ron Meyer Raymond Berry Rod Rust Dick MacPhearson

Now, I know there are multiple reasons, opinions, variable universe possibilities that could have changed everything. As I approach my 60th birthday, I have had many revelations but one thing that keeps hitting me in the face is how much luck, fate and happenstance plays into how things play out. I can shout it out publicly now because my four children have become awesome, successful adults and I don’t have to worry about them just lazing about waiting for their life to be determined by some uncontrollable circumstance or circumstances. They bought all that stuff about hard work, getting an education and treating everyone with respect even if you think ninety percent of them are dumb as a bag of rocks. So I’m going to say it, The Buffalo Sabre’s would be one if the best teams in the league if Robin L. had figured out his mental issues sooner and Elias Petterson fell to them instead of Casey. Now obviously that didn’t happen and it’s incumbent on them to find a true number two center and number one goaltender but my point is that all the rest of it is irrelevant. According to a study in 2018, they were number 11 in drafting the last ten years prior. They have their share of diamonds in the rough, dumb decisions, poor development, dumb coaching hires, head scratching ownership moves.....Even Bill Belichek doesn’t look so smart when his QB can’t complete NFL required throws. None if it matters, a true number two center and top ten goaltending make them cup contenders. Everything else takes care of itself. FIRE AWAY

And thus is the most prevalent point in my book and my continued contention that luck plays such a big role in all this. The tank for Eichel should have happened a year later even if they were not guaranteed a shot at Matthews. I love Jack but his class was loaded. Toronto jumped ahead of Buffalo getting Marner and Matthews while Buffalo got Eichel and Nylander. He should have stayed in College.

This. Somewhere between 17-19, non-immigrant visas have taken a back seat and are no longer rubber stamped. There were several cases of Olympic sport athletes missing events because of original back log. Also, and Taro would know this better but I thought the bargaining agreement gave veterans more time to get their affairs in order.

OK, I’m trying this for third time. These were the the second half drives. 1) 19 yard run by Allen followed by incomplete pass, 7 yard run by Singleterry and then two yard loss by Singleterry 2) following fumble recovery, a 14 yard run by Gore sets them up for field goal. Drive ends when no one blocks Watt, no chance to tell what play was. 3) drive to mid field, as 4th quarter starts, 3guys decide not to block Mercelus causing fumble 4) Allen melts down after driving deep using Singleterry, hated run to Gore 5) drive down for tying field goal 6) drive in OT that should have been an Allen TD run. Where is the problem? Gores run which may have been audible? And to Swamps point about two third and longs, pass to Singleterry was awesome play by Allen, pass to Knox was more play design and Allen should have checked down sooner

There were two third and longs and one was caused because Allen missed a read and an open receiver and one because a lineman missed a stunt and caused a quick throw to Williams that he should have caught. Read through the drive charts. You might be surprised. In the age of free agency and small windows of opportunity it is vital for a young QB to work with the same coordinator for at least three years. It takes at least that long to install the whole offense and hopefully you have another coach on staff that continue the same offense if the coordinator moves on to another job. It would be a huge step back if they had to hire a new coordinator with a different philosophy.

I don’t get the complaints about what he called in OT. He had them 1st and 10 at the 42 and called a play that wins the game if Knox makes a block. Then they are stopped from attempts game winning field goal on a horrible block. My only complaints with Dabol are his use of Gore and I’m not sure if that’s all him. Other then that, the offense is still a long way from completed after changing nine starters and working with a second year quarterback. I hope he doesn’t get hired away and is able to install more of his plan with an added couple of playmakers.

This became an issue recently. I remember reading an article a couple of years ago that change in laws in both countries would make this a lot more paperwork intensive and no longer a “rubber stamp.”

Effie Ryan Tannehill is going to be two games away from a Super Bowl.

The offense had 9 new starters. The QB’s improvement through the year was obvious. As I stated previously, there was in TD dropped today and another one missed by inches and the play in overtime might have gone for a TD if Knox blocks the linebacker and Morse escorts him downfield. There was a ton more to be optimistic about then not. And for the record my original post was aimed at people who stated he definitely was a bust and my take was that “that” was ridiculous.

Completely and utterly amazing.

I’m sorry, first field goal drive he just misses John Brown at around 2. Second field goal drive he hits Williams right in hands for touch down. Third drive Watts sacks him, no one seemed open anyway. Then, I admit, inexplicable melt down briefly. BUT, he gets another chance and drives them right down to tie it. Then in overtime, he marches down field IF either Knox or Morse blocks linebacker. I still don’t get how you can be anything but encouraged by this performance. Sorry if anyone is offended but if you are sure he’s a bust you just are praying your initial feelings are proven true. Kind of reminds me of Jerry Glanville’s opinion of Favre.

I can’t believe people are questioning Allen after this game, The “he’s not going to get any smarter” is the best. Isn’t that what experience is supposed to do. I have no idea yet if he will develop into a franchise QB, but after two years, I’m excited. The offense was completely re-built, still lacks a number one receiver and came within a play or two of winning today, a year earlier then most expected. Exactly. If Morse makes that block, game over.

I think Asplund is going to be a very important player for this team going forward.

I agree. This is exactly ONE of their needs. Now get me a second line center and better then average goaltending and I’ll be happy.

If that kind of play was called a pick there would be twenty penalties on each team. No doubt Sam was trying to create space but the Edmonton player didn’t come close to hitting him.

Pretty sure he was kidding

Jagr? Elias?

What small amount they paid Smith Wednesday went into the garbage can. They had healthy guys scratched so even if they paid him $1.00, it $1.00 less then they had.

I so want to hear a response from JNOT on the radio today but I know like everything else with him, forget it.

If that’s really a legit account of a NHL executive that has to be an all time body shot and requires a Sabre’s response.

I know it’s a minuscule amount but a team whose main focus is cap compliance just threw a couple bucks in the garbage can.

I disagree, it would not have been easy, but it could have been done. The new narrative is bull, as well, because if cap compliance was the goal this year, then there is no MOJO, Vesey or Miller. Last year, at the end they told us they didn’t make moves because they knew they weren’t good enough. This year it will be about saving cap space for next year. They have no plan and keep changing it on the fly. Additionally, the key to staying under the cap? Value contracts, finding guys like Briere, Duclair. Their only surprise so far has been Olafsson and that’s TM’s guy. It’s been three years, whose JNOT’s diamond in the rough?

And now the team is starting to “leak” stories telling everyone why they can’t do anything. I think they have realized what a lot of us have; nothing they do this year can put them on par with the best teams in their division and thus they are going for the covert tank.

The power play doesn’t have to score. Between the momentum from that and Smith’s fight they are bound to go on ten game winning streak.