Doctor of Philhousley

I'm just numb. Wake me next year.

It's Henrique's contract right (to '23-24)? Or should I also not be in favor of the player? On the surface, seems Kase + Henrique would solve a lot of problems.

I agree with you, but I don't see why this has to be. Watching other teams (I'm thinking specifically of the Bruins ), it simply doesn't matter when Tim Schaller is on the ice. They still carry play. I'm not sure if it is development, bad FA choices, or just the system they run, but for the past decade the Sabres 3rd and 4th lines have consistently gotten caved in. To me, that's the biggest difference between where the Sabres are and where they should be. When Moulson/Sobotka/Deslaurier/Legwand get a shift, not giving up a goal is a fantastic outcome. This must change, immediately. Even if they obtain a legit 2C, they need all 4 lines to be dangerous. This can come partly from having a more mobile and fast defense, but there must not be any weak links within the forwards. I believe the fastest way to this result is to cut, demote, or bench players that are regardless of contract status (sunk cost). Perhaps that would release the brakes on the offense.

Yup. If Botts isn't getting a 2C in offers now, would you go as far as Mitts + Risto for a decent 2C?

Ruby Slipper and Cochon Butcher are fantastic choices. I'm seeing you are short on time, but you must also visit frenchmen st. The Spotted Cat, cash only!

Data/evidence has been provided to support pushing Risto down the defensive pairings (or trading him altogether), does ignoring it over and over again work? Follow the data!

RF - May sound weird coming from a posting newb, but your reemergence has a similar impact on my Sabrespacing as an offer sheet to Marner. Welcome back ***wipes away tears***

All hope is not lost. Boston constantly finds mediocre players (Tim Schaller anyone?) who when on the ice do not get caved in at even strength. They aren't the only ones. If Buffalo signs Skinner, you have a solid nucleus of players who actually drive possession and scoring chances. It SHOULD be easy to fill out a roster and even use a few Amerks in lieu of high priced FA and again not have the ice tilt towards your goalie. My strategy would look to add a few average FA but also sprinkle in short term contracts with very high salaries. This wouldn't work for Skinner, but for other short term fixes (particularly at 2C) this could get a team to the playoffs while some of the incoming youth matures.

I have had this event on my radar for the past few months and was asked multiple times by my son to attend. $100+ per seat? Absolutely no way. This is the same as the world juniors, there's not enough people who will throw away 200 bucks on a curiosity. And I'm not advocating for a 10 dollar seat...Just make it reasonable and remember not one of these "amateur athletes" receives a dollar from the sale!

Innovate! The number 1 question should be whether or not you will use unconventional advantages (#FancyStats). If not, what would be your reasoning. You can justify players, lineups using analytics, you should be tasked with doing the same if you ignore them. If they pass the first question, then my next is how else can you increase odds of victory? In other words, not only should the sabres use all of the current strategies related to lineups, player usage, etc but in order to win big you must innovate. Tampa is dunking on everyone right now, and by the time you employ the same strategy the game has changed....Be ahead of the curve for once!!!

Please let all the old men with old ideas be gone.

By continuing to ignore the field of analytics and using data to inform on player usage, the sabres are handing the competition an advantage. This plays out in player acquisition, deployment and strategy. In each of these areas, the local hockey team is ignoring essentially free tools out of stubbornness. And as management rolls out their latest faith-based (they believe, culture, etc) strategies on coaching hires and player development it drives me to separate myself from them.

Phil isn't exactly young

Agree with the first few lines, but am concerned it is NOT for development. Rather management thinks Sobotka, Larson, Girgs, Tage's are better players. Otherwise, why are they consistently out during the end of the game? Why also is Nelson (who could use playing time) sitting?

I laughed

Just Estaban or does the deal include the Miami Sound Machine?

To take on these contracts you must be certain the player is better than available replacement. I don't come armed with fancy stats, so my question is 'is there any evidence to support sobotka or Bergland are superior to Baptiste, Bailey, Smith, & heck even Nylander.

+1

Ok I'll bite. Hamilton shows you who he is in every article and radio appearance. He doesn't require much evidence to begin a narrative that he will belabor for months. He also has trouble distinguishing events/facts with his own opinion. I feel for the other on air personnel that have to bite their lips during his segment.

Not sure you can get all of that from the Blues. However, this type of movement is the only way I can think of that trades ROR and also may improve this year's team. Otherwise, I'd rather they sign a center to play ror's defensive minutes (AND KEEP ROR) and look for a few 1-2 year FA Band-Aids on the wings.

Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison and I can't put it down.

The community deserves better reporting. We have Hamilton spouting nonsense which turns into this narrative. Beyond that, does the "locker room culture" matter at all? Shouldn't the emphasis be on crafting the most productive lineup that results in wins rather than who ends up hanging out at the bar following the game? Finally, selfishly I come here for the trade rumors not locker room gossip. I may lose some of my millennial street cred but I don't have the Facebook or the Twitter. Is there really nothing juicy out there we can discuss?

Yup. The narrative that Ovi wanted it more this year is just plain lazy. Historically, he has been a very productive player in the playoffs.

Fair, strome is just a throw-in so we have a center coming back. I'm really looking at the nuge (speed) on Ike's wing with Strome protecting middlestadt. How do they address LW otherwise? Open to suggestions

I'm obsessed with getting faster, especially Ike's wingers. How does that happen? This question will be on your QE