SABRES 0311

Taking stock of what we have: Good goaltending tandem Two out of three defensive pairings Threatening top line and good fourth line Three out six middle six players who have the ability to score and getting better defensively (TT, Mitts, Sheary) Good PK Prospects on both ends who show they belong on the team GM with a plan What we need: Third defensive pairing 2C A real PP A real coach Captain who captains

He just sat there with a thousand yard stare. Swedes are an interesting people. Bogo is a beast. The C would just make that beard pop.

I went with that time frame because I think they will need a couple runs before they have the experience needed for emotional maturity. I don’t think JBot is putting a one hit wonder together. I think the plan is to put something in place for a perennial contender. This translates to our now young guys mentoring new young guys with their playoff experience. My reasoning for all of this is the lack of big moves aside from Skinner. Contrary to some opinions we have trade bait to get the middle six in shape now but it sacrifices long term plans. Another reason is our young core seems like they will need a few more years to toughen up physically and mentally. Personally I think Jack should have an A not the C. Tonight was a chance for him to take the bull by the horns but he was just another player. Imagine this version of Captain Jack in a game seven. Mid 20s Captain Jack would have given Benn a couple taps on the thigh after that hit and we’d hear Ray talking about him trying to fire guys up on the bench. I believe this was an attempt to force post game interview Jack into on ice Jack. Captain should be a guy who can anchor the team and lead by example. I think that guy is on the team now but if I say his name I’m gonna have to build my own bunker. One guy I forgot to add to the departed list is Phil. He will not coach the Stanley Cup Sabres. If he gots a long term extension, JBot will not manage the Stanley Cup Sabres. Again just my opinion and I have been wrong before.

I think this team is woefully underprepared for the playoffs but I think they have just enough to get in. If so they will get bounced in five or six games of the first round. Nevertheless I want the experience that comes with playoff style hockey. They aren’t going to go from non playoff to cup in a single season. Likely they will make the playoffs and get bounced a couple of times before making it to the finals. Each time gaining more experience. If I had to guess, the Sabres will have a real shot within the last three years of Jack’s current contract. That team will not have Scandella, Beaulieu, Bogo, Sobotka, Hutton, KO, Pommers, Girgensons, ERod or Sam. Hutton - traded for a backup to Linus Sam - traded for a 2C (package deal both ways maybe) Bogo - traded for a second/third round pick or second pairing dman KO - who cares Pommers - retired Sobotka - some overseas league ERod - traded for a bottom six player Girgensons - traded for a fifth or worse pick Scandella - traded for a #4 dman Beaulieu - traded for a prospect or #6 dman Edit: Sheary - traded for a third liner

But but but we like familiar names. Nolan, Housley, Lafontaine. They are going to turn things around. Never mind two can’t coach and the other didn’t get his way so he left. Talk about loyalty.

Ray just said the Sabres don’t let teams take advantage as much when playing at home. YANDLE disagrees.

Watched the Beaulieu interview. Noticed Dahlin looked like a kid sitting in timeout.

So the Sabres give you roids?

I put a lot of the blame on the players. Unless Phil told them to make no look passes, play timid, and miss the net.

So you want him him to go out later in the game and fight Benn? Benn would crush Eichel and he would be in the box for five minutes with even less time remaining. I do agree Jack should man up but he had his chance. Probably just looked at the ref then threw his head back like he always does.

Well the captain had his chance and all he did was look at the ref.

Not sure Eichel is the guy. Bogo however would knock him out then dry shave that child predator gotee off of him.

Bogo and McCabe need to go to work. Get a point or a head count.

Two chances for Eichel and he screws it up

I hope Nate scores then gives Phil the finger

Is it just me or does it seem like NHL refs have been a problem league wide this year?

ROB RAY’S ANALYSIS:

Would like to see more of FL2. In their very short time together they seem to work well and can gain possession time. I think if they can get a line out there who can cycle it they will wear Dallas down.

We know Hasek thought Mike Wilson’s real name is Willie

Ray giving a shout out to Kane. Little does he know Kane is patient zero for the metoo movement

Bogo just dropped a guy

Everyone except Eichel’s line

Hypothetically the line least likely to score a goal.