LTS

Regardless of your political stance, it is beneficial to have the type of hockey commentary you just submitted. If you feel so strongly about the current political situation of the country that you must proselytize to us in the realm of hockey I feel that this is both a boon for you and a bust for us. It's good to have a strong opinion and have an interest in what is going on. It's unfortunate that it consumes you to the point that it would bleed into the hockey forum where the moderators have decided that such conversations would detract from the primary purpose of the community. However, if this passion for speaking your mind allows you to take action and drive results that you see fitting to your position then all the best of luck to you. What's good for you may not always be what fits in every situation, but it doesn't make it wrong. Best of luck and if you feel it in your bones to drop in and provide the type of hockey post you just did we'll all be better for it. Onto the Dan situation... regardless of how you feel about Dan Bylsma I think it is clear that there are a group of established veterans who do not appreciate Eichel's go it alone strategy. Reinhart is probably in a tough position because of them being roommates, linemates, etc. However, I don't think Lehner was saying anything that others didn't already feel. His public pronouncement was probably already discussed by the groups of players on if, and or when, it would be appropriate. Whether they thought the other night was the right time it was clear Lehner was done with it. Jack Eichel needs to learn how to play a team hockey game and buy into the system because it might be possible for him to win in those situations too. If there is a strong contingent of the skilled players who would prefer Bylsma not be around I am sure they've expressed their opinions to Pegula and Murray. If they don't feel that way then Eichel may be in for a short ride in Buffalo if he doesn't want to change.

This is the development that makes him better. Other players are still learning to put that arm out, high or not. At some point the tweaks become that specific.

Yep.. was typing fast. I meant arrogance, I've said it before but got it wrong that time. The easiest way to prove the point to a primadonna? Put him out there, 1 on 5 and see if he can dominate the game. What development are speaking about? Eichel will develop core hockey skills for as long as he plays but how they are applied is a determination of the game plan. It's like saying a wide receiver doesn't know how to run a post route because the coach only calls receiving routes that are 15 yards or less. You can hate the system, but you have to do what the other guys on the ice are expecting you to do or you fail. I think the plan is to play more like the Ducks. They are widely regarded for playing a "heavy" game in the offensive zone. It might not be that they are pounding the hell out of the other team but they want to play a heavy game. They aren't able to execute that yet. I consider O'Reilly a guy who plays a heavy game. You can't get sloppy with anything or he will take the puck and many times he's hounding a player so much he'll take it anyway. He never lays out big hits but playing against him is like wearing an O'Reilly coat. Because players are not the same? They can be similar but not the same. Chemistry matters too. Leadership matters. if the coach can't inspire then it won't matter what system is being called either. I think the answers to your questions lie in the intangibles arena and venture into a realm of conversation that isn't easily answered by number or analysis.

Some people have bad reactions to bleu cheese. I think the market is bigger than you think.

Ahhh, I knew about Nilsson's flag, etc. I must have missed Lehner's stuff.

When a hockey player turns down more money to stay with a team then I'll THINK about chiding people for not showing some loyalty. You know why the argument "don't boo the players" falls flat? They got booed off the ice and then showed up in the 3rd period. They weren't happy about getting booed by the fans. They can complain about it but something turned their butts around between periods and I doubt it was a fiery Bylsma speech. I don't like getting chewed out by my boss, but if I earned it I know I did, even if I don't want to admit it.

What NIlsson digs? I missed something? I think Jack's attitude is mostly okay. He's right in not too high and not too low. However, I think Jack is going to need to learn the NHL. It's not college hockey. I think that's the key. Look at his quote about Toronto. I understand his mindset there but it's not prevalent among NHL coaches to continue to attack. He wants to just "go" and the NHL doesn't work that way. His other quote about "I'm going to keep doing the same things" underscores a prior criticism I have made of him. He has a certain confidence, bordering on ignorance, about what he can do in the NHL. He still tries to put pucks in places that are high risk. If it works 1 of 5 times he thinks it's worth it. If it causes a turn over and it ends up in his net 1 of 5 times he thinks its a breakeven so he might as well keep trying it. He's going to need to learn some humility. He just isn't that good. Oh.. and as for "outside things" I think he means the system and that jives with Gio. A system is a system. Some might be better than others or better suited at certain times but one thing is definitely certain, if all players are not on the same page then every system will fail. You can look at it from the outside and say the system is a failure but you can't if you know the players are not playing the system to begin with.

Well, at least it gives us something to talk about. More is bound to come out now that the chum is in the water. There's no stepping back from what Lehner put out there. This is a good thing. If the team had some differing opinions on how they are supposed to play then this will force the issue. It's clear Lehner stepped up to vocalize it but if there is a decent contingent in the locker room who feel that way then I doubt it goes over poorly with them... it might with those who were the target of his words.

Wes McCauley with the penalty call. https://twitter.com/RDSca/status/830944340927250432 This builds on his already awesome goal call from last year.

... a chicken sandwich?

Whose fault is that? ;) Truthfully, I would normally miss most afternoon weekend games because I'd be busy at youth hockey. Of course tonight our game starts at 6:10pm... so I'll be home just after puck drop.

Murray would trade anyone if he thought it would improve the team. I don't hesitate to think that at all. But, I don't think anyone is going to offer up enough for Kane at the trade deadline. The deal might come after the expansion draft when teams are more certain of their roster. Murray will know where Kane's head is at as well because he can attempt to sign him on longer. For now, enjoy the Evander Kane show... I am.

Can't wait to watch another game. This time I might stay sober for it!

Ok. I'll drink more on that one. Damn.

Living the dream... that's just absolutely perfect. Every time this story gets updated a new level of awesome is achieved. Oh... man...

My mistake on the wording.

Certainly what you describe is in the realm of possibility. It is however, not very probable. This team has not shown a threat of getting really hot. They have not shown any indication they would do anything other than limp into the playoffs. If they managed to do it while selling off assets that improve the team for next season I am fine with that. Addition by subtraction is possible. It's not a discussion about never making the playoffs... it's a discussion about this year.

Oh, the D&C and Alamo are definitely style plays. There were some really forced attempts at plays last night and a lot of errant passes. That's a skill thing. It's not always as bad as it was last night however. Also, most Sabres were wearing a Devils sweater over their own. Anyway.. Sharks.. I like the Sharks. I can't hate them. Just can't get there. So.. I can't wait to watch.

Let me say this... If Bylsma is the reason behind all of this then I have to give the players a lot of credit for not staging a revolt against him. I'm not sure I could sit there and continue to obey a coach who was demanding a system that neutered the skill of the team. That said, some of the stupid things I saw last night can't be blamed on the coach. But that was last night and tonight is tonight. Go Sabres.

In the 2017 draft a low 1st round is the equivalent of a 2nd round pick. I've not seen anyone predict even a semi-deep draft class.

Yay.. back to hockey. I get a small reprieve around the office until March when everyone starts blathering on about NCAA basketball. Go Sabres.

He actually has a house in Buffalo too. I am pretty certain they are living there and go back to their house on Lake Ontario in the off-season. I wouldn't be. He can slot anywhere in the lineup and be effective, has leadership, and on an expiring contract in a season with an expansion draft. He's a great rental player for a team in a seller's market. I think he at least gets a 2nd. I wouldn't be surprised if a team is willing to give up a low first rounder for him, the 2017 draft class is looking pretty thin.

Interesting that McCabe and Gorges are suddenly playing and Fedun is out. It's the time of year where lineup changes can really pique some interest. Go Sabres. Probably won't see this one, but love to see a W.

I'll put this out there. Gionta wants to be in Buffalo more than anywhere else. He does not want to be traded but he expects he will be. So basically he's not telling Murray to NOT trade him. I've said in other threads I expect him in MTL or CBJ and I think the Sabres will get a good return for him. I do believe they would want him back next year and I am pretty certain he would come back in a 1 year deal if it included a no movement clause. These are things I've been told by someone who knows him very well. I would trade him because he will bring in valuable returns and because they should be able to bring him back next year and he should be on this team. He brings a LOT to that roster and the locker room. Beyond anything else he's a leader and that leadership can't be undervalued.

I don't disagree with you but I think if the players understand the plan they are willing to deal with having had their chance to make the run prior to March 1. If, at March 1, they've not done the job then they look to next year. The roster will be quite a bit different I would think with some of the younger players in Rochester coming up into permanent roles. The Sabres can use this year to make the room by moving out players who are replaceable by the likes of Bailey, Baptiste, Nylander, etc. Interesting read. The one point that I hadn't considered is the scattered shifts that Moulson, Ennis, etc. get with ROR and KO. They are showcase shifts so teams can see what they do with some good players around them. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like much. That said, if GMs and coaches believe that Bylsma system is suppressing the player talent then they're likely to ignore on ice results a bit and look more at the foundations of the player. Should be interesting.