...

Okay, someone help me out. The allegations of Nolan having an affair with Hasek's wife, I think that's the set-up, has this ever been proven true? I always thought it was a made-up rumor to justify all of the crap going on at the time.

Nolan will have to earn his spot just like everyone else. I don't see a problem with that. Again, the past is so far removed from the present, I think a lot of the fogies are over-estimating the nostalgic impact of Nolan's presence.

I can't wait to see what Nolan does with Hodgson and Moulson.

I can't find the post or thread, but not too long ago we were talking about Pegula and his seeming avoidance of the public lately. My recommendation was to drag him out and just talk to the fans. Well, today, we're getting A LOT of communication from Pegula: the moves themselves, the presser, and now on HH with Sylvester. This is exactly what they needed to do and all of it sounds positive to me. We are being reminded by Pegula that he DOES want a Stanley Cup in Buffalo and he is, ultimately, willing to do what it takes to get there. The fans can not ask more than that. And Pegula is implying right now that the plan probably is to target McDavid. "You want to see Crosby, you have to get him through the draft...".

The FN Centre will explode when Nolan walks behind that bench for the first time, again, Friday. It'll be like an exorcism. If they introduce Lafontaine at the same time...watch out fabled "Buffalo curse"...you'll be blasted back into the void for a while.

I didn't know there was a book on that subject! Why didn't they want to keep Nolan?

Agreed. This is the beginning of the real re-building of this team and it feels exciting...for now.

Maybe. I think Pat could have brought in anyone at this point, well, anyone not already coaching the NHL. Nolan was brought in because he's already worked with Pat in turning around a culture.

Pat has the gravitas to correct Pegula, and Pegula will listen. Remember, this is the owner who cried in the presence of his heroes. This is a huge step for Pegula; he hired someone who WILL correct him and WILL guide him towards a winner, rather than keeping a wishy-washy yes-man around. Just look at Pat's first move: he brought in Ted Nolan - talk about a ballsy, left-field move. Very, very exciting and this speaks volumes about Pegula, IMHO.

Unless he sucks. Seriously, I think the past is so far removed from the present that if Nolan can't steer this team in the right direction, the fanbase won't care if he is truly only an interim coach. I think everyone wants a Cup. What's @fakedarcy going to do now?

A valid concern, IMHO. The Sabres have been through their share of smaller guys.

I've read he has the hands, and I'm thinking in terms of what the Sabres need. I didn't consider his size, but you could be right. I think the Ennis comparison is possible, considering the size and the reports of him liking to hang on to the puck, but that he likes to shoot it more often than not.

Who over Nylander? Nylander's rep, currently, paints a picture of a Vanek-type of player, as far as I read it. But, admittedly, I'm a 2014 draft noob yet. I think, as it stands, the Sabres need Reinhart at center and I'm undecided if they should grab yet another center in Draisaitl or a scoring winger. As far as I'm concerned, they need to ignore Ekblad unless they have three picks in the top 5.

From what I have gathered so far, I agree with this assessment. I'm glad the thread started so early; I have a chance to edumacate myself long before the big day! I think the Sabres are targeting Reinhart and Draisaitl - two centers who fill obvious holes. If they can grab Nylander before Draisaitl, they may, depending on the picks they have in hand. If the Sabres walked away with Reinhart and one of either Draisaitl or Nylander, would they still want to tank for McDavid? Seems like Reinhart is having a better season so far.

Rolston is in a pretty unique position. The idea is to tank, and so they hire a coach who, while on the one hand will teach the kids the game, will also guarantee at least one season of tanking. I think Regier and crew are gambling that Rolston doesn't finally figure out this whole NHL coaching thing by the beginning of next season. Perhaps they plan to give him two seasons to tank, and season three to audition for the "real" job after they get their picks. So, Rolston gets two seasons of baptism by fire to learn how to win as an NHL coach. That's a gift to someone who never played in the league.

What's with the pessimism? ~30 pts is doable, given the circumstances.

How can you be a Sabre watching this Penguins game and not instantly grasp the difference between legit competitive teams and themselves? The intensity difference is striking, I'm jealous.

Anyone watching this Bruins vs. Penguins game? Wow, the Sabres are no-freaking-where near the same league.

Sounds like Pegula finally got around to asking the question "just what the hell is really the problem, here?"

I think it was Rob Ray on the pre-game yesterday that said, directly, that Vanek's conditioning will have to get up to speed for him to play like they'll expect him to on the Islanders.

Almost an understatement...almost.

Alright! Two firsts for this draft, so far, right? What do we have, let's see...I need to bone up on this thread.

Vanek's fleas are better, though.

Meh, I'm getting the impression Moulson has been under the microscope: http://eyesonisles.com/2013/10/18/whats-next-matt-moulson/

Holy crap, Hamilton is huge! I thought he lost weight.