nfreeman

That stinks.

They haven't quit, and Comrie has bailed them out a couple of times. Exciting period so far. Come on boys.

Yes -- it kinda looks like they are getting used to losing, especially at home. As I've said previously, IMHO this is a coaching issue and if it doesn't improve (and I agree with waiting until New Year's), I will want to move on from DG.

This is my biggest fear. IMHO, the answer to the OP is that the Sabres have absolutely made significant progress in that the franchise has emerged from the stupidly self-inflicted nuclear winter of the tank -- but they have only partially hoisted themselves out of the abyss. They could easily fall back in with another season or 2 of missing the playoffs. KA needs to ensure that doesn't happen -- and that could require trading some assets, replacing DG and/or other hard choices.

That’s what I figured. Thanks. The horse has already left the barn, bu still — if he’s gonna play PK, shouldn’t TT have gloves, at least for the PK, that are sturdy enough to block point slappers?

Complaining about the refs during this game is like getting a cheeseburger covered with maggots and complaining that the mustard is yellow instead of brown.

Netgear Orbi mesh router system. You need the base unit and one or 2 satellites. I guarantee a huge improvement. Totally agree. There is no fire. Another strike against DM IMHO. You have got to be kidding me.

Leaving aside your major back-pedal here, which I suppose is a slight improvement over your prior post, I'm basing my assessment on watching and listening to him for the last 6 years, plus the statements of those close to him. Do I know him personally? No, of course not. Do you apply that criterion to every public figure whose character you assess? Well, I was responding to this: ...but thanks for the value-added comment. Should people start critiquing your posts this way?

Daboll wanting out is pure speculation. He took a HC job, which any OC would do. As for going up against better coaches -- last season, McD beat: - Sean McVay (coming off a SB win, btw) - John Harbaugh - Mike Tomlin - Andy Reid - Bill Belichick (twice) - Mike McDaniel (twice) - Dan Campbell The previous season, he beat: - Andy Reid - Sean Payton - Bill Belichick (twice) What does this mean?

Holy bad karma Batman. Separately: I want them to win, and I have various guys in mind whom I'd like to see play well, but more than anything I want them to present like a real NHL team -- i.e. they got embarrassed in their last game, they're back home against a division rival that has owned them for years -- they need to come out fast and determined and bring the heat all game. If they come out comatose again and the first 5 minutes are entirely in the Sabres' D zone -- I will continue to have real doubts about DG.

Fair question. They don't look like a well-coached team right now and there is something wrong with the team spirit. As others have noted, they seem unhappy, pressured and psyched out. However (and I'll credit dave_mcbride, an excellent poster on TSW for this), pretty much every really good NFL team that's had an extended run over the last 20 years or so has had a down year at some point in that run. They key is how they respond -- the best organizations are able to make changes and return to contender status. I think McD/BB are of that caliber. Why do I think that about McD? Because I remember the before times. And because I remember all of the great wins he's gotten out of this team. And because he gets them to the playoffs every year. And because he's a good man and his players play hard for him. The most important near term objective right now IMHO is getting the right OC. It might not have been fair for Dorsey to pay the price, but as OC he was accountable for the offense, and the offense has been terrible to mediocre all year. Brady, or whoever the permanent OC is, has to get on the same wavelength as JA and get the most out of him. We sure haven't see that this season. And FFS BB needs to get another real WR for JA. We'll see.

I don’t want McD to be fired, but Dorsey has to go, and it should be today.

Unbelievable. They are given a ridiculous gift and blow it via penalty? Someone needs to get fired.

But no passes on that drive!

Gee, I wonder how these last 5 minutes are going to go?

This is obnoxious.

If they lose this game and score 17 pts or so, I think they have to fire Dorsey tomorrow.

Both of these are obnoxious and not how we communicate here. Do better or keep quiet.

Speaking only for myself, Kane's origins aren't relevant to my interest in him. For me it's all about the skill, the productivity, the PP and the playoff experience.

Fair point. (Not intentional by me -- I think the moneypuck page I saw didn't specify 5 v 5 as opposed to all situations).

Good stuff here, although I thought Minny had the better of it in the 2nd until Skinner scored that beauty with 1 minute left in the period. Totally agree about Levi.

JJP is really stepping up. He plays with force and finish, and he can both score it and pass it. What a great pair of picks Quinn and him were -- they were drafted #8 and #34 in 2020, KA's first draft. The previous year, JB did pretty well too with Cozens at #7 and Ryan J at #31.

Totally agree on both Power and Johnnie, and think both are going to keep getting better. I can definitely see Johnnie beating out Joki and/or Muel next year for a spot with Dahlin or Power. It was pretty close between the 2 teams, IMHO. Certainly the Sabres needed Levi to shine, and he did. 2nd bolded: and TT and Skinner!

Yes -- and this move is very much evidence of that goal. There are some nice-looking forwards in Rochester, and a certain UFA, all of whom likely would contribute more towards a playoff run than Savoie or Benson. I am pretty bullish on both prospects -- they just aren't ready yet IMHO. OK, time to read your posts and take a breath before clicking "submit." I agree but I also think it's 80% likely he goes down before game #10.

Great post. I would just add that Edmonton is now 2-9-1! That is freaking terrible.