Scottysabres

Which leads me to this question. Why would Botterill re-sign a majority of last seasons roster or not trade a couple pieces of those already signed in an effort to change the coming seasons (this season) end result? Is there a larger plan here in play? For the following season? I don't believe that for a second. I think Botterill was hoping on the coaching change, combined with the couple of additions made in the past 12 months would push the team to at least playoff contention this season. That has completely failed imo. If that was his intention, which I believe it was.

Skinner isn't built for the physical game he's been playing lately, or at least, trying to. He needs a top notch center to roll with, a RW with size and near equal speed would be nice to, but a center is a must. Is Cozens that guy? So young yet? I just don't know, but Skinner really needs some help on that second line if they're hell bent on keeping Olofsson on LW for Eichel. Personally, I like Skinner with Eichel, the chemistry last season was just so obvious. But, that's just my take.

Drink more Crown, hold the coke...…………..

This team needs more than a 2 center. The 3rd and 4th lines contribute so sporadically they basically need 4 out of 6 players overhauled. The 2nd line is a complete disaster, both C and wings. Netminding could be improved over Hutton. Ullmark looks serviceable. The Defense is only going to be as good as the forwards are at keeping some offensive play actually showing results. Jury's still out on D. At least, to me. Could they pull it off between now, and say, next November/December? I guess, but...……………...what are the odds Pegula and Botterill will? Not good as of right now. Just sayin...………...

I don't see a rebuild. I see perpetual (in my best Darcy Regeir voice) "suffering".

Jack won't stick around past next season if major changes aren't made imo. He's not going to let his career rot away here in Buffalo.

I won't post on Kane or ROR save this, they went to teams with "Established Cultures". There were already expectations where they went. That is not the case here in Buffalo, and that, is a huge problem. I do agree with your GM hiring assessment. The coaching one as well. Once again, I'm not advocating trading Reinhart, I could care less if he stays or goes, but if he gets us a player or players that can make a larger impact, and I feel they can, I'm all for it. The turn around with this organization has to start both in the management system and on the ice, imo.

It's already to late. He had his opportunities in the off season to adjust the roster, he didn't do it. He'll be here next season as well most likely. From a fans perspective, where we are sitting, at least myself and others I speak with, we are looking at 3 to 5 more years before true contention, and that is if they turn it around at all. I don't see Jack here at that time.

I disagree respectfully. The roster is a product of ownership/management. Not the other way around.

The culture of this organization was dead long before Kane or ROR were here to begin with. Their presence made 0 difference in it, that fact is bore out in the teams record while they were here. They are a red herring in my opinion, to a much larger problem, a problem that was here before Pegula bought the team imho. The Sabres weren't exactly tearing up the league before him either, he's just magnified the problem to it's lowest common denominator. Whether Reinhart stays or goes won't be relevant to fixing this mess, once again, imho. As I stated above, he doesn't have the killer instinct, the drive, and quite frankly, the talent to alter anything significantly here. And while it is true he may very well do much better in the right roster surroundings, the fact remains, the Sabres aren't going to get that surroundings without moving some pieces just like Sam to get there, imo. Mind you, I'm not a Reinhart hater, I'm just not a fan. To me, he's a Meh player, nothing more, nothing less. Very replaceable imo.

Sums it up right here...……………...

This dogma of "actual talent" is a fallacy based on Sam's draft position imho. He's shown nothing in the form of killer instincts, and I mean, nothing. Confusing talent with drive, motivation, going 100% on the ice 100% of the time is what is leaving this team well to the bottom of the standings. Pimlach is correct, the culture needs to be "your in Buffalo, ***** or we'll pull you off the pot and replace you with someone who will". Reinhart doesn't have what is needed here in Buffalo, once again, imho.

Just remember, it's not the team, it's the ownership/management that is the problem. They put this crap on the ice, for the better part of 5 years + now. They are that bad unfortunately.

Not gonna happen. If he had it in him, he'd of shown it by now imo. He'd make a great trade piece however. Because honestly, this team still needs a complete over-haul save 2 to 4 roster players.

Problem is, we don't have anyone willing to inflict pain well, that's the game right there.

Like a train wreck in slow motion, I'll watch and hope it doesn't derail. Go Sabres!

Admittedly I'm only going off of what I've seen when he plays the Sabres, he just looks like he has a pep in his step against us. Then again, your reminding me just how many players look better against our Sabres. ?

I'd bring in Patrick Kane for sure if it were possible. But, coming back down to earth a bit I would like to see some size/energy and/or speed added to the line up. My realistic targets for bottom 6, Galchenyuk out of Pitt and Wood out of Jersey. Both are energy type guys. Shouldn't remotely break the bank for either/both. As for the 2C and 2RW, ?????? Looking for input there.

That's one hell of tweaker - whiskey bender were sending Bowman on lol

So, how much should Botterill consider cutting away from the team mid season? That seems to be a question that needs to be asked. Contrary to popular belief or opinion, the Sabres could move some roster assets I would surmise. Sheary, Bogo, Scandella, Risto, Reinhart, one of Girgensons or Larsson, E-Rod and yes, even Hutton could be moved. Obviously the returns aren't going to be as palatable as fans would like, but at the end of the day, when all is said and done, this team needs more than just a shake up imo. It needs muscle, to protect the skill, it needs additional skill, it needs a PK specialist or 2, it needs another netminder with some up tick in stable play, it needs a 2nd line center and, to me in any event, most important of all, it needs size players with energy and grit. One more item, I even hate saying it, but, something that I've felt for some time, but if the ownership and management of this team don't address the situation, how much longer before Jack decides to bale? Honest question considering the first 5 years of his career appear to have been completely wasted, and Jack is a competitor that I am more than sure would like to win. Just a question that I ponder more often than not this past year or so. The organization as a whole, in my view, based on product entertainment value and performance over these past 5 years, is a complete and utter failure overall imo.

I completely agree with you on the hockey trade scenario. I also agree with Krupp, I watched a good bit of Reinhart this evening, and some other games this season, he is a floater for a good portion of games. Not something this team needs nor can afford to allow imo.

I'm just going to straight out say it...……………..I've seen more than enough, Jason Botterill's plan is a complete failure. Win, Lose, it wouldn't have mattered tonight. There are just an awful lot of problems to address with this roster, some self inflicted, some lack of action and some pre existing. But it is painfully obvious this organization will continue to waffle in to obscurity until the roster is properly addressed. 2.5 years is ample time to begin to see results, imho.

If I was Eichel I would have dropped them instantly and upper cut his ass.

Par for the course with the "Pegula" Sabres it seems.

Sabres getting out hustled and out muscled for the most part...……...