mjd1001

Ok, I ran some numbers, 'back of the napkin calculations' so to speak, on how Lindy Coached teams have done in each period. For his coaching CAREER (1165 games as head coach), his teams goal differential by period is: 1st: +59 (+4.15 per 82 games) 2nd: +51 (+3.59 per 82 games) 3rd: +69 (+4.85 per 82 games) And those are totals, again, over 1165 games. I think it would be harder to find stats that close over that many games. Basically, his teams, at least in terms of goal differential, are pretty much the same each period. For comparison, the Sabres this past season over 82 games were: 1st: -30 2nd: +7 3rd: +25

Good. I like Lindy. Hes a coach with a lot of experience, ties to Buffalo, he's had a good year coaching a team recently. Fine. In the end, he's not a bad coach, and that is all I care about. Ultimately, once we get a game or two into the season, I watch the team play not the coach behind the bench.

He may be, or maybe not, but I didn't get that at all from his press conference.

I'm kinda waiting for a question about team toughness, nothing yet.

As far as Mike Weber as an assistant, he is a dark horse candidate for the head coaching job in Ottawa apparently. Late last week I was listening to 590 out of Toronto, they spent a few minutes talking about the Ottawa job and his name was brought up (not as the favorite but they did bring it up). I like the hiring, I like Ruff and want him to do well. But at the same time, I think what you said has more truth to it than most want to admit.

I'm good with this, his success may very well come down to assistants.

I'd be ok with another "EJ" guy under 2 conditions: -He be at least SLIGHTLY better than EJ was. Doesn't have to be great or even very good. Just a guy with experience that doesn't kill you out there, a guy who works hard on the ice, works hard in practice. Defends his teammates, etc. -He is penciled in as the #7 guy, getting a game every once in a while and when injuries happen. Not thinking he is a 2nd or 3rd pair guy. Even Bryson and Clifton played much better once the forwards starting supporting them in their own zone. I want an experience guy back there, but one that you have to promise ice time to in order to sign him.

one of the reasons I am not THAT upset at the Sabres not making the playoff is....sure I WANT them there, but I just love playoff hockey. Especially the first 2 rounds. Yeah, the Sabres need to be there, but when they aren't, I still love watching it.

I'm not worried about Byrum. You can see the talent there. He's a good skater, fast, carries the puck well. Has a decent shot for a Defenseman. I think the biggest thing is what he said, he was 'the new guy', he needs to find his role on the team and be confident in it.

If you want to say within 6 feet of the crease and right in front, they yeah, 44 of his goals from there....

Not sure if this was posted yet....pertains to the conversation and what you just said above...

Sam Reinhart 2nd in the league in goals with 57. Zack Hyman 3rd in the league in goals with 54. I have to think those are 2 things no-one going into the season was thinking.

So what is the benefit of someing BUYING 25% share of the Bills? I'm guessing if there is a sale of team anytime in the future, they are in best position to buy it?

I think Levi is ready for a role with UPL in Buffalo. He had his taste of the NHL AND a heavy workload in Rochester that he has responded well to.

Possibly. But the other side of it is, if he has another season of playing only half a season (or less) what will his value be? And who is going to want a guy signed to a long term deal that every single year can't play half the season. The same reason Buffalo might want to get rid of him would be the same reason another team won't want that long term deal on a guy who is injured just about EVERY year. Maybe if the Sabres retained some salary, but if you are retaining salary, you might as well just keep him here as a guy with potential you HOPE gets healthier.