Thorny

Calm down Ashton Kutcher

I like that we posted these on different threads so closely together, both points go hand in hand both times. Defence can and will be the strength that separates us, if the forwards/centre spine are merely par. We don’t need immaculate additions at forward just something reasonable from KA and Ruff And, if next year is frustrating for the prospect pool, that covers my entire second point

There’s honestly several areas of need, but imo by far the 2 we need to see go right are: - a legit 3C. Not a 3C/4C tweeter but a legitimate C more in the mould of “middle 6”, if anything. Our top 2 guys are well slotted imo but not so secure in their relative status league wide in those positions to make upgrading the third guy anything other than mandatory. We need to upgrade at C merely so as to keep the output at that position safely “acceptable”, at a break even point of sorts where our strengths in other areas (D?) can hopefully be an x-factor. Without a 3C add, any roster areas where we have advantages relative to other teams probably just go towards digging out of a hole. We’d be an incomplete team without it: the Mittelstadt trade was clearly half of a re-shape -2nd thing isn’t an add, it’s a lack of one: keep rookies scarce or non-existent. Equally important. - - - I’m not saying addressing these two things means we are all set, there’s more we need to do, just that I think missing on either of these likely represents an auto L. In truth there’s also another layer of additions to mould further from playoff contender to cup contender but WAY too much cart before horse to even go there yet. There’s are few more things we need for this year besides the two I mentioned, but i’m certainly not saying they need to think about that “next layer” yet.

Add it to the list of things he’s been wrong about Adams, that is That Cup was going to be ours

I just sort of expect him to employ a different tact. But I do think he’ll rip the heads off a few officials

No it’s the expectation regardless

I dunno if that works with this age group

I would hope Adams has a pretty good idea already maybe Ruff will contribute specific player ideas

Have to agree. He makes a great first pass and therefore starts off plays well, but if he could be moved for a guy who’s stand-out skill is ending them, it’s a demonstrably more impactful contribution. Particularly because of our strength at D. If you trust Byram. And I kind of don’t - so it would have to be a a player with equal upside to Power, just at forward. Probably very unlikely we’ll see that type of deal. Which is fine - Power is going to be very good

I certainly wont forget about it

The fanbase

Hope you are correct. One of the best things I inferred (perhaps incorrectly) from yesterday, truth be told, was that there was going to be literally no hedging on the standard this year, sort of an all-in agreement that playoffs are the only marker and indeed what job retention would be based on

Also should make the poll selections public

Love the hire. A little less enthused overall today by the running narrative im seeing come to the forefront, about the length of contract meaning Adams gets a further 2 years to make the playoffs. I just feel so thoroughly in my bones that this should be a do or die year. Finally it was “it’s about winning!” “it’s about winning…but not QUITE yet” just doesn’t invoke the same confidence Still love Ruff and the hire. My line still comes down to this season, though. I am going to try very hard to be a man of my word and stick to that line regardless of whether the team does.

He should have said, “sorry Terry I didn’t quite hear what you said just now, I’ve got a Stanley cup ring blocking my ear”

Just asked Chad and he thinks he’s got 2 years which, yes, unfortunately brings me down quite a bit

Good He took it cause he has no choice. In his heart of hearts he knows it’s true. tough titty

Energy probably wasn’t present because, unlike us Sabres fans, Lindy hasn’t been conditioned to, ya know, treat press conferences like the super bowl for a decade because we have literally nothing else

Tone doesn’t seem to be that Adams will be idle. Everything I’ve read makes it seem like he’s on the hot seat for this season and only playoffs are acceptable

Which wouldn’t preclude the scenario we were discussing yesterday, correct?

By looking no further than the actual results. It’ll be really fun praising Adams if and when those results arrive. If he’s doing it the right way, those things will simply materialize - so you don’t have anything to worry about, he’d get his due. Until then, “I’m not sure how anyone” is obtuse at best

Now THAT is a bad goal

Checks out

All good news

So how come you think it wouldn’t be the 2 years you had suggested previously? I’m glad they share my timeline I’m a reasonable man ..Shut up