K-9

Noone? Did you say, Noone?

I’m always leery of that first home game after a week out west, so I don’t expect much tonight. Maybe they’ll surprise me. Mighty weary

Me likely.

So far in the time he’s been here, I have to be honest and say no. The moments of great D play are few and far between and his contributions on offense don’t come anywhere near offsetting his gaffes on D.

Gionta expressed similar thoughts on a podcast over the summer. Had interesting things to say in general about how during his time as captain over the two years he played with Eichel, his leadership was rejected in favor of examples by others in the room; that Eichel chose the Kanes and Bogosians to gravitate towards instead. Most telling to me was his mentioning of how you can tell about character by the way people treat other people around the building. He didn’t name names, but said some guys were total pricks towards people. He went on to say that KA had years to observe this behavior around the building as well and that it most likely informed his views about several players along the way.

I think Dahlin is pressing and might benefit from a game or two in the press box. I was miffed at his game last night and in frustration implied that he sucked, but in reality, he’s a highly talented player, playing with a total stiff for a D partner (I do think Butcher sucks).

Poise. Such a simple word but imo it’s what separates good from great most often. Taking that extra tic to better assess the situation so often leads to a better play to be made. Coulda used more of that last night for sure.

Oh, no! Which one of the kids is he boxing out?

Perhaps the OP meant to say, “Dahlin - It’s time to take a seat.”

I can respect that, MODO. Although I think you could drop the greatest coach in the history of the game behind bench of this current group, and he would struggle mightily. Sooner or later, talent MUST trump heart, hustle, and strategy. Regardless, it’s nice to be able to respond to a MODO post and I hope you’re doing well.

I agree and wouldn’t have let him play here again. The damage was done, the team reformed, new leadership in the room. The last thing Granato and the players needed was Jack to come back and use the Sabres as his “conditioning assignment” style exhibitions. A critical component of what Meatballs et al are trying to implement, especially in a youth movement, is the idea that you have each other’s backs and play for the guy next to you. Can’t do that with guys who’ve already checked out.

Easy to see why Lindy refused to play him in Jersey. He's just a place holder anyway.

Dahlin needs to go. He is clueless and doesn't possess NHL defenseman skill. I'm ready for the move to forward, but I think his lack of speed will be exposed just as easily.

It's getting so difficult to watch this lack of skill night after night. If the hustle ain't there, it's just not worth it. Donnie needs to find a switch. And fast.

I feel your pain. Makes me wanna skewer my ears.

Yeah, and? He only blows when he's tired? 😂

We need D desperately.

Kyle O!

Skinner blows

Be sure to get Dunleavy as well.

Tage Thomahovlich!

All lot of people didn’t know that indeed, including Eichel apparently, who said he told the Sabres a year ago that he didn’t want to do a rebuild and wanted to be traded.

Several years ago someone wrote a similar looking post and @darksabrehad the best description; he said that wall of text looked like a goalie pad. 😂

Looks like the boys have conflated Granato’s advice to be efficient with being complacent. And our lack of grit, on the blue line especially, becomes more apparent with each game. Lucky they’re only down one.

It’s an impossible question to answer, imo, because we won’t know definitively until they actually win, make the playoffs and contend. The lack of knee jerk moves lately, especially with the fans not coming to games, has me thinking they’re on the right track. So do the last two drafts. It ain’t much evidence and I’m not convinced yet, but it’s at least something for now. I fully understand that some need to see plenty more before giving an ounce of credit. And that’s on Pegula’s for their dismal track record to date. Perfectly reasonable. Great assembly of talent. Lousy construction of a team. I think KA and Co. appreciate what it takes more than any of their predecessors.