dejeanneret

FINALLY!!!! A guy who can stand up for our young players and fight!!!!! KA must be drunk or something... About F'n Time!!!!

Another goalie who in the past 3 seasons has a GAA above 3. At this rate we are going to miss Carter Hutton

Awesome. Not counting 4 games this past season his record and GAA the last 3 previous seasons is worse than Carter Hutton. Maybe he can't see either?

Not only are we going to be bad this season, but we will have no one to protect our young players from getting run at every game. Adams has no clue how to build a hockey team.

This team has a lot of young stars on the rise. They are playing free, and they are playing fast. The Bruins and their gritty players will look once again to run them over, slow them down, and put their heads on a swivel. Unlike years past where you may have one game vs a team, this is a 3 game series back to back to back with Boston. After what happened last game, with players like Tage and Irwin getting owned in fights, Sabres need a competent guy that can make the Bruins accountable if they try the cheap stuff. Adding Samuelsson is a bonus, but you can't expect a rookie to start stepping up and taking on guys. Risto is a hitter, but he hasn't gotten in a fight this year and I don't see him being the answer either. I can see Cozens stepping in and taking on that role, but it's a lot for a young player to carry that on his shoulders. For me its a no brainer, you need to call up Dalton Smith. He's a proven fighter who can step in and take on your Miller's and Tinordi's. It's just something the Sabres need to do. Enough is enough getting our butts kicked. Time to bring in a guy that can embrace the role of enforcer.

“We have a little bit more information than maybe a fan does, some inner workings that we see some positives in.” Kim Pegula, May 2020. Words echoed by our storied Team President explaining the retainment of GM Jason Botterill, before performing an about-face and firing him weeks later. Botterill's departure led to the hiring of Kevyn Adams as GM after serving as the team's Senior Vice President of Business Administration for one year. An opportunity that had more to do with the Pegula's familiarity with Adams and less to do with his executive prowess. This elevated Head Coach Ralph Krueger to almost de-facto AGM. He knew more about personnel and coaching than Adams. They were to lead this team together by adding pieces whom, on paper, seemed to increase our goal production and make the Sabres an "almost" playoff contender, if not one. Fast-forward to a dozen games into the season and things began to fall apart with a quickness. Our starting goalie went down for several weeks, and Adam's inability to secure an NHL-level reserve bit this team hard. The team began to lose confidence. Scoring ran dry. Swagger disappeared. Simple plays seemed impossible to make. "Embarrassing" was a word used often to describe this team's performance. Meanwhile our head coach kept preaching "system" and placing round pegs in square holes that would eventually fit. One day. Fans and media called for Krueger's firing for weeks. The players looked lost and careless, and those who were regular point pushers couldn't buy one. The analytics were horrible. Under Krueger this team looked like an AHL franchise. Trade everybody. Fire the coach. Start from scratch. Tank for who knows. The usual Sabres drill. But our team President--you know the one who knows more than all of us--decided that making a coaching change wasn't a prudent move. Was it his salary? Who knows. But let's not fool ourselves. Adams was given his GM role because the Pegula's knew they could control him. It wasn't Adams call to fire Krueger, regardless of what he insisted upon in his press conferences. This was a Pegula call. One they failed to make until it was way, way to late. So the Hockey President--who knows more than all of us--finally pulled the trigger. They place an assistant coach whose highest level of Head Coaching was with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL 12 years ago, as the new head guy. After a few flat tires, this team began to show life. All of a sudden the players weren't so bad. The analytics weren't as horrible. That starting goalie who hurt himself came back, and the team began to perform. Before you knew it, they began to win. Now, 2-0-2 isn't a Stanley Cup run, and no one is crowning Don Granato as Sabres answer at head coach. But one thing is clear--the Sabres struggles could be placed squarely on the shoulders of one Ralph Krueger. Plain and simple. He was too stubborn and too naïve to think that the players were buying into his "system". He refused to change. He thought he knew more than they did. And it sabotaged Buffalo's entire 2021 season. One thing as a fan I sometimes fail to realize is that players are human beings. Because they make considerably more money than the average fan, doesn't take away from this fact. Whether you are an NHL player, or work at a warehouse. If your boss is riding you constantly and making you do something your not comfortable doing, you are not going to perform at your best. You may even lose intensity. Lose desire. Because you feel no matter what you do, or how hard you try, it's not good enough. You keep making mistakes. You don't comprehend what your boss is trying to make you do. Eventually, your like F' it. I'll come do my job, do my best, and let the chips lie where they may. If one thing the last handful of games has demonstrated, is that the players on this team are not as "horrible" as we thought. A simple change of leadership with a relatively unknown bench boss has led to this team playing totally different. They seem more confident. They seem less restricted. They seem to be having fun. It's amazing when your jerk boss gets fired, and a new guy comes in who "gets it." Which leads me to this. This team isn't going anywhere. Regardless of how many games we win, we aren't going to make the playoffs this year. We are in 2021-22 mode. That's exactly where Kevyn Adams' head should be at. However, that old "blow up the team and trade everyone" take is exactly that. Old. Because a coach destroyed your franchise for two seasons doesn't mean you trade away valuable pieces due to his shortcomings. Sure, UFA's who have value must be moved. We aren't going anywhere, and to let them stay on this team and not better our future is asinine. But for the homegrown UFA's and RFAs that everyone wants gone...let's take a deep breath. Sam Reinhart, the guy who supposedly can't play center, had a $13.4 million cap hit over the last 4 years, pumping out 82 goals and 106 assists during that time, and is currently one of the leading scorers on the team. Reinhart isn't the problem, and his payday is long overdue. Neither is Jack Eichel, a guy who scored 36 goals and 78 points in 68 games last year and who wants to win more than you or me. You'll have a better chance of winning the lottery than trading him for a draft pick or prospect that one day has the same production and/or intensity, so let's stop that silliness right now. Buffalo hasn't had a sub 2.50 GAA goalie since Chad Johnson in 15-16 (yes, Chad Johnson). Yet Ullmark is finally showing that he may be on his way to being a solid starting NHL goalie with a 2.44 GAA, with his play improving each game. Yet some are screaming for the Sabres to try and get a mid-round pick for him? Sure, he's a UFA, but why not try to keep him? He's home grown, and it's not like UPL is going to step in and dominate next year. That's like dumping your girlfriend who is in the final year of med school about to get her PhD because she's not able to help pay the bills. Imagine the thought of having two NHL caliber goalies on this team? Shudder the thought. Risto isn't a top line D, but with the right LD and minutes he can be an asset to this franchise. His ferocity and will to win is unmatched. That stuff doesn't grow on trees. I get it, if we can get a 30g/60p top 6 for him, sure. Otherwise, Risto isn't the problem either. A guy like Skinner who for all of his career has been a goal and point producing machine blanks under HC Krueger, and all of a sudden he's damaged goods. How about we pair him with an offensive minded head coach and see if that's really the case? Sorry, but Mittelstadt is playing like a man possessed the last handful of games. Looks like it's finally clicked for him. I used to consider him a trade throw-in for a goal scorer. Now I'll reserve judgement until I see him with a competent HC. If you want to start with players they should try to move for a bag of pucks, let's start with Eakin and Hutton. The point is you can't gauge this team based on their performance under one of the worst head coaches this franchise's history. But when it comes to RFA's and some home grown UFA's, trying to trade away pieces just to trade them away for draft picks and unknown prospects will set this franchise back years. Ralph Krueger was the problem in Buffalo, not the players. It's time to give these guys a competent coach, and let their play under competent leadership determine their future, as well as the team's. And for the love of everything holy---bring in a hockey guy who can tell Kim Pegula to buzz off--I got this. Just like Brandon Beane did for the Bills. She is literally killing this franchise.

We could only be so lucky to get Rutherford. Would change our team in a snap.

If our goals for, and goals against were relative, I would agree. If we were both ranked 10th in the league in GF and GA we would be a playoff team. Our offense sucks. Lockdown or no lockdown. We need to score more goals. And Ralphs system keeps us from scoring and being 10th in GA is not good enough, then we need a new system. There are also teams that have played less games. It's all relative.

Sabres rank 10th in the NHL in goals allowed. Goaltending isn't the problem. They rank 27th in goals scored. We all knew they needed to score more to make the playoffs, which is why the addition of Hall and Staal were huge. Considering they were ranked 23rd in goals scored last year, they have gone backwards. That's on Krueger and his system. You can talk culture all you want. When you add talent, and your offense regresses, that's a serious system problem.

Mind you Ruff was fired after starting 6-10-1 in a strike shortened 12-13 season coming off a 39 win - 89 point season. Six seasons prior to that the Sabres earned 90+ points each year--four of which made the playoffs and two made the conference finals. Not to mention his run in the 90's of playoff appearances and Stanley Cup. We've been a wondering lost group ever since. Krueger is 34-37-10 for 78 points.

Jeff Skinner 18-19: 82 games-40g-23a-63p Jeff Skinner 19-20, 20-21: 71 games-14g-10a-24p The guy has been a scoring machine for most of his career. A head coach plays his best players to their strengths. Perhaps it wasn't the best move signing him to $9m AAV. But he sure as heck is worth more than what he is producing right now. That's on RK. This team has scorers and guys that can make plays. Olofsson, Hall, Eichel, Reinhart, Skinner, Staal are all guys that can put up 20+ goals and 50+ points. Not to mention Dahlin looking completely lost. 6 goals from our D-men in 72 man games? Ralph is either using a system that isn't allowing them to play their best hockey, or not allowing players to play to their strengths. There is no other excuse. None. Krueger needs to be given an admin role and we need to bring in a HC that can use these players to their strengths and allow them to play fast and produce.

Way to much. Cozens is a stud in the making. And then throw an 8th in an extremely deep draft? You can't make trades based on fear of failure. Cirelli could come to Buffalo and turn into a Vessey. Then what? Keep Cozens. Draft a stud at 8.

https://coloradohockeynow.com/2020/05/22/report-nhlpa-approves-return-to-play-nhl-playoff-format/ No surprise. Now the Pegula's can get down to planning for next year, including finding a new GM

Zadorov hit total BS. Yet no hearing for him?

It’s early but if they keep this up they’ll be buyers. Bots is too Shrewd to trade away 1st rd picks for rentals. If he does trade, it will be for veterans with playoff experience.

Scandella, Risto, Guhle, Nelson are the only GTD. Maybe McCabe. Everyone else needs to go.

royalrocks!

Anti-climatic as well. When we were tanking on purpose it seemed closer.

How is it possible that a team 65 games into the season has that? I mean, even guys that have just gotten called up have a negative number. The best player is Baptiste with -1. And how does a guy making $6 million a year (Okposo) have a -29. Does this guy even have a pulse on the ice? Does he even give a rats a$$? That just goes to show how lazy and disinterested this team is, and in the end about 80% of them are checked out and could care less whether the fans see a good product on the ice or not. Every minute this team is on the ice, they disrespect the game....they disrespect the fans...and they disrespect the league. The disgrace and garbage they call "effort" is laughable. I'd say it straight to their face. It wouldn't surprise me that they all point to the stands and laugh at the fans for how naïve they are to actually pay to see them skate around with no effort. The Florida game tonight was horrible. You call yourselves professionals, and you stand around while opponents skate around you like your cones? Besides a handful of players, the rest should just donate their salary back to all the season ticket holders and refund them for their trash performances that didn't even resemble an AHL franchise. Meanwhile, hardworking fans are spending $100s of dollars per game taking their family to watch this garbage with them skating around with their heads in the clouds thinking about where they will be vacationing in a few months. It's no coincidence this is a team full of negatives. Disgraceful. Can't wait for Bots to clean house. Bring in winners who want to play and make their fans proud instead of steal their money.

That's why I always felt that JV going to free agency wasn't a negative for the Sabres. It just allowed him to see how more valuable an option our team was once he was able to speak with everyone. Also having a relaxed extended stage (owning his rights) benefited the Sabres as well I'm sure.

ProHockeyRumors sums up all the chatter from "alleged" sources. Those with an inside source within the Vesey meetings and mullings have not been shy about reporting their thoughts. Sportsnet’s Howard Berger says not to be surprised if Vesey signs with the Maple Leafs, but also warns that Buffalo is very much still in the mix. Mike Grinnel of ESPN New Hampshire confirms the theory of colleague Jimmy Murphy that the New Jersey Devils are leading the chase. DJ Bean of Boston’s WEEI hears that the Bruins excelled in their meeting with Vesey and are still considered major contenders, counter to cross-town rival Joe Haggerty of CSN New England who said that Boston is all but out. Many have become skeptical of the Penguins ability to sign Vesey, having just re-signed Matt Cullen and reportedly having reached an agreement with another college free agent, Notre Dame’s Thomas DiPauli. All is quiet on the NYC front as well, with both the Islanders and Rangers considered strong contenders, but little chatter to support either’s position. Perhaps the most accurate “insider information” out there is the Chicago Tribune’s Chris Kruc’s take on Vesey and the Blackhawks, that they are just waiting for a decision from the Harvard star and that no known pecking order is in place. My take is everyone is just throwing darts in hopes they are right. Tomorrow is when we should start hearing what team he is leaning towards.

Great post. So true I was in the same boat 15 years ago after my divorce. Blew up like a balloon after being in great shape. Humbling experience having to go back to the gym not being able to recognize yourself in the mirror. She's classless and clearly has the maturity of a 10 year old. Makeup and a treadmill can't hide inner ugly. Playboy or not, no thanks.

Honestly this is a pretty exciting pick. Hearing nothing but great things about this kid. I think a gem just fell into Murrays lap and he pounced on it. Should be interesting to see where his progress is after this season. Personally think he'll be on our opening day roster in 2017 and can put together a 15g / 25a season.

Right now it's all posturing. We won't truly know until August 15th comes and he stil isn't a Sabre. Like Murray said he hasn't sat down or been pitched yet by Murray and Co so of course he is going to tote the same line about free agency. But between a billionaire owner who will do anything at any cost to win, a GM who will make any deal or trade to better the team, his best friend who happens to be the 2nd most hyped player to be drafted this decade, and a top six who will arguably be the best in the league in a few years, Buffalo has to get strong consideration. No one will truly know until the two sides sit down and meet. Then I'm sure the press will report where things stand from there.

I think someone still in play here is Tyson Barrie. Rumor mills are churning regarding his contract situation and if he goes to arbitration and wins the Avs are gonna be in a tough spot. 38 goals and 140 points over his last three seasons and he's only 24. It wouldn't surprise me if Barrie is who Murray really wants. He's a snake in the grass and has no problem patiently waiting for the right moment to strike. Hopefully he won't wait to long and miss out on all three.