Beer

There were signs... many people in Buffalo thought Rex was a good hire too. We were desperate and willing to believe that a coach with a winning record and SC ring would be our savior. We too easily dismissed why he was fired by Pittsburgh and how he completely failed USA hockey in Sochi. The Leafs and the Oilers landed the two best coaches in 2015. I would love to have McLellan. He proved he was a good coach in SJ and he's doing it again in Ed. Having McD helps but he's a great coach. Good post, I think you're spot on with this comparison.

I may be wrong but I too don't see Murry in the hot seat. Being a GM is more strategic and long term. As long as GMTM and Terry agree on vision for the organization then he'll stay. The coach on the other hand does not have that luxury. It's either produce or get out. DD didn't produce, the team actually regressed. If you watch the teams in the playoffs, it's night and day from how the Sabres play. Pittsburgh fired him for a reason. I would bet a cheeseburger Sid the Kid got into Lemieux's ear just like Jack is doing now with GMTM. Coaching makes a huge difference in this league. It's pretty clear to me and many others on this board that the players don't like playing for DD. I also remember the Sochi Olympics where DD was such an uninspiring coach that a loaded Team USA forgot to show up to the bronze medal game and was completely embarrassed by Finland 5-0. He's a crap coach that lucked into the Pittsburgh gig. It's not hard to pile up wins in the regular season when you have the likes of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang on your team.

Just checked, you are correct, asst coach in Nashville. Intriguing, although he may be hesitant with our current D corps, other than Risto and McCabe not much to work with.

The Preds D was lights out last night. They were setting records for blocked shots. Ellis was a complete stud in the 3rd. Playoff hockey is fantastic.

I was going to reply something very similar to this. Thanks for saving me the time :). Any plans to get a new avatar now that your boy is off the table?

I'd like to see someone with more speed on Jack's line, maybe Baptiste or Carrier replaces Foligno... but we have a long offseason to discuss line combos. I'm still pissed DD didn't put Nylander on Jack's line for a game. I think a new coach who gets the team to play a possession game is our biggest need. If GMTM can sign a couple solid role players (which is entirely possible) then we have a real shot at the playoffs.

Oh and I watched the 3P of Nashville and Chicago last night... We want to build a D like Nashville. Playoff hockey is amazing. I cannot wait until Buffalo gets back to the dance.

If GMTM and TPegs decide to let DD go, who are the legitiment replacement options remaining? Gallant and Hitch are off the table. Lindy and Sutter are available. I don't think we want Sutter. I've seen the BU coach mentioned. Who else?

I don't know anything about this draft class. I'm still holding on to the idea that Sam is a very important part of this franchise going forward.

I thought Sam made an honest mistake, maybe there is more to the story. It's a shame if he does get shipped out IMO anyway. Does anyone know if Jack and Sam had a falling out?

True I hope you're right. Although our bait is few... I'll be sad if it's Sam. GMTM must cut the dead weight... Moulson, bogo, Franson have to go. I'll give Kuli one more year.

Absolutely, jack is our man, now find a coach who can motivate this team to win.

Is this much drama normal? The young and restless

Duff and Peters think the same thing about Jack as captain.

I think he just asked for an update

DD is going to have an interesting interview

Coach and system talk with Jack, wish I could have been a fly on the wall

Doesn't bode well for DD

GMTM a little hot abou KO

Puck possession is a fail

Players have legit gripes about the coach ????

Second that, wouldn't that be our luck as Sabres fans. I may find a rock and never come out from underneath it if this happens. I also fear we continue to chase the big names in free agency and miss out on the solid role players. We need quantity of quality not another big contract.

I think I'll have a listen. It could be interesting.

Get out

Who is the prized free agent that will break our hearts this year? I'm actually hoping we stay away from the big money FA and go after solid role players. Since TPegs bought the team we've been fixated on landing the big prize but the team continues to struggle... something needs to change.