irregularly irregular

Amen.

I don't have any idea who Tyler Randell is..... but we need someone like him on the Sabres. Veteran leader who takes time with the young guys to show them what they need to know, and to be professional hockey players. In my mind the more important piece of the puzzle that was missing this past season was the lack of leadership from the players themselves. Eichel may be captain, but I didn't see it from him. Give me Tyler Randell, or his NHL level equivalent. That is the missing link that the Sabres need most. Didn't mean to steal the thread. I hope Borgen shows up bigger, stronger and ready to play next fall. If his skills improve to match his attitude, we've got a nice player for the next 10 years.

In December it was inconceivable. In January it was remotely possible. In February it was plausible. In March it was beyond conceivable. In April it is to the point where their firing PH is almost (>95%) a given. There is no argument, that I am aware of, that can be made in his defense. Sad, but true. Earlier this season I would have never thought it possible as I viewed this year as the last year of the rebuild and Phil would be here next season with a competitive team. Can't say that now. Not even close.

Denver and UMass have tickets for Buffalo. Other side of the bracket will be known tomorrow. DU goaltending is hot. UMass scoring is hot. Should be a good game.

Kona. Several Hilton and Marriott time-share condo locations in the area. Agree to do the "tour" and get your lodging for a greatly reduced price. It's about $100/night for the each additional bedroom. That way you can save $$$ by not eating out for every meal, although there are some local places that are reasonably priced. Costco on the north side of Kona. Stock up there for whatever you need. Also a Walmart and Safeway in town. Tons of stuff to do. Make sure you spend at least a couple days just relaxing by the pool.

Agreed. We've seen more than flashes. Overall, I doubt there is anyone that visits this board who is not disappointed with the results of this season. There are many unanswered questions at this point. The next 6 months will tell us if JBot has what it takes to be a long term, successful GM.

Better than last year and we've seen some flashes of what they could potentially become. That sums it up for this year.

Spot on. Although I would like to see something happen to improve the team now, it's much more likely to happen around the draft.

Something should happen, but I have doubts that any major moves will take place. This team as it consists today is not built for the regular season, much less to playoffs. Still a long way to go and the need to add players with some backbone.

Liger has a point. Actually a very good take on the situation. If this team had 80 points right now, would anyone have started this thread? I think not. Is a rookie Dman, regardless if he was the #1 pick or not, going to single handedly give the Sabres an additional 17+ points in the standings. I think not. Is everyone disappointed with the way this season has played out. I think so. Some of us more than others, especially if you listen to Harrington blow steam. Does that mean point a finger at any one player and say he has been disappointing, is going to make it better? I think not. I believe it was Dennis Green who said "you are what your record says you are". Is that record because of any one player? I think not. It would have been great if every single Sabre played to the very best of their abilities all season long. Does that mean the Sabres would have 80 points? I think so. Is that realistic? I think not. In fact, we all know it is not. Was Dahlin going to win the Norris in his first NHL season? I think not. Don't let your expectations cloud the reality. Dahlin is going to be very good, if not great and a joy to watch for many years. Give him a chance.

Nope. I expect JBot to move some contracts before the deadline and make the team much younger as a result. This season is about the future. That 10 game winning streak skewed the curve and got people giddy with anticipation of the playoffs. If it happens, that's great, but not at all likely from my point of view. I hope they stay healthy, show improvement and strengthen the core that makes deep playoff runs for the next 10 years.

Don't over analyze the tea leaves. Here is a guy looking at what could very well be his last year in the NHL, on a team that is swirling the drain for the past month, while he watches from the press box. Cries of desperation to get sent anywhere that he might have half a chance to breathe life into his career and get a one year, two way contract for next season. Just another bump in the road. By the end of October 2019, most will have forgotten his 20 games played this season for the Sabres.

If everyone would join me in displaying their handle in Svenska, I'm almost certain that he can win his first Norris this season. Hey, why not. This trick got us the #1 pick, so what do we have to do to get that Norris for young Mr. Dahlin?

He would not have been suspended if there was anything even remotely indicating a medical issue. Either mental or physical.

Bump in the road. Give it a week to shake out and when/if Berglund returns to the lineup, he better be playing his A+ game for the rest of the season. I agree that this would not have happened if there was a reasonable underlying cause. This might be the "wake up call" and a message to not only Berglund, but the team. Do your job to the best of your abilities, don't be a whiney brat and help us win games, or we will find someone else to fill that position.

Agreed. Although the good feelings brought about by the improved play this season are nice, it is a very perishable product. One injury, one DWI, one E. Kane type of event early some morning in a bar on Chippewa can change the course of the team. JBot is driving the franchise bus and likely has a plan. I'm more concerned about his ability to correct course when the road gets bumpy or a wheel falls off. The adjustments since the 2017-18 season are looking good (not great, but certainly good). I hope that all of you are with me when I want the Sabres to win Lord Stanley's Cup..... multiple times over the next decade.

Several solid takes from an assortment of knowledgeable participants. A special thanks to GA for the thoughtful and well written OP. It's wonderful to open up threads like this and see all of the great hockey know-how. I truly enjoy these types of conversations.

Classic reaction to the loss that ends a long winning streak. Almost all teams, regardless of the sport, seem to lack the ability to turn it back on again. Sabres are showing that tonight, although they have the 1 goal lead at the 2nd intermission. Lets hope there is someone in that locker room turning up the motivation to get back in the win column.

My understanding is that exposure is determined by seasons of service, as GA alluded to. Middy's 6 games do not trigger a year of service. The contract burning a year of ELC is strictly about the contract and not a determinate of service. I'm not a players agent or team executive, and I'm too ugly to play either on television. Feel free to correct me if you have a better understanding of the situation than I do.

Lots of variables at play with this thought process. First is that there have been no significant injuries (knocking on wood) to this point. If and when that occurs, is the depth there to overcome the loss of an important player? Is that depth sitting in the press box or is it with the Amerks? Secondly, seasonal fatigue will rear it's head. As the season progresses and the bumps and bruises multiply, it gets tougher every game to give everything you've got and be productive. I like the idea of rotating players up and down the lines as needed. Yes it messes with the chemistry, but it also recharges the batteries of guys like Pommers by allowing him a few games with reduced minutes against opponents less taxing. Like it or not, Pommers is a very big piece of this seasons success. Woody said it best. To date, this team is playing much better than any of us expected. I think that includes JBot and the Pegula's. They say they are building for the long term and the current winning record is just a bonus at this point in time. Build the team for the long run and multiple years of contending for and winning Lord Stanley's Cup! Let's not worry about the icing on the half baked cake. IF (a really big if) this cake is baking much quicker than anyone could have expected, and a particularly compelling flavor of icing is out there at the trade deadline, then maybe it would make sense. But that decision is a long time from now and there are lots of games to play before that can be considered. Now I'm suddenly hungry for cake. Bring me cake!

He has a very long leash. JBots is going to give him as much leash as he can, without damaging the team. It will be at least Thanksgiving before any move is made. And if it were to happen, it will have to be extremely obvious to everyone at the time that the move HAD to be made. I believe JBots has a long leash as well. Like 5 years long, but he can't be burning through coaches in the process. The Pegula's are trying hard to not be churning through GMs and coaches for both the Bills and the Sabres. They need to show they can endure the hardships and support their hires, not cut and run when things don't go as well as they think they should be going. Both leagues are watching and they have little room for error given the past few years with both teams.

This may be a contributing factor for the "toxic room" that was talked about so often, and last year in particular. His teammates had to (or at least should have) seen the signs and symptoms. Being alienated and outcast as a result would fit with the toxicity. That said, it is good to know he is getting help and it is good to hear that Jbot is offering support. I hope you get it figured out Robin Lehner. I was quite critical of you last season and now that seems like an idiotic stance. Get healthy and then get back to hockey once you have your life under control. Peace and health be with you.

The conference final 4. Semi-final and finals. Not one of the glamorous conferences, but good teams at tournament time is always worthy of your entertainment dollar. Wish I could be there.

tournament is moving to the Harborcenter starting with the 2018-19 season. A nice opportunity to watch some quality D1 hockey games.

I voted playoffs, when he gets hurt playing for another team. That's right, Bogo has a career year and as a result gets moved at the trading deadline. First game with his new team is good for a goal, 2 assists and 5 for fighting. Then he gets hurt in the first game of the playoffs. I hope Bogo has his best year as a pro. My confidence in that happening is not strong.