Scottysabres

In my humble opinion, General Manager Jason Botterill needs to address the fan base on what the plan moving forward is. That includes the tenure of Phil Housley. To myself in any event, as I watch the games, especially these past 2 months, it is more than clear that whatever strategy and tactics Phil is using are not working. There is something inherently wrong with Housley's inability, unwillingness, refusal, incompetence, call it what you will, to adjust strategies and tactics to fit the abilities and skillsets of his players. This, to me, is a sign of very bad coaching staff or a roster of players who simply are not able to adapt. Now, on this roster, yea, I can 6 to 8 players that may fall in to the latter's category, but 23 of them? Actually more given the replacements from time to time from the press box or Rochester. I'm having a really hard time believing EVERY PLAYER in the Sabres organization is unable to adjust to Housley's system, and yet, night after night, game after game, it appears there is a complete disconnect there. I'm there now, Housley needs to go, if for no other reason than to try a different strategy.

So it looks like that fight last night may have injured Okposo. If that is the case who gets called up? Or is it just insert Mitts? On a larger roster view, Glotov is looking good in the ECHL, don't know why he can't stick in Rochester..... UPL had a bump in the road in 1 game in his development but overall has been superb, wonder when he can shoot up to Rochester...…. The time has now come, following this 7 game home stand, for Botterill to make some choices. We all have our selections on what we'd want to happen, but honestly, are we really going to ride out the season with the roster situation the way it is? We have far to many LHD's with NHL caliber, even if 5/6 or even a 7th depth positioning on other teams. Personally, I want Botterill to start making trades, and not just for picks or Rochester bolstering, but actual hockey trades. I also would like him to move some salary, specifically Sobotka and Hunwick, yes, I realize they are lower end salary with a year left, still, I see no reason to throw money down the toilet next season as well. Any thoughts from you all? Any reasonable, doable ideas? I am all ears this morning.

Both have shown that compete for sure. But no worries, if Housley were to get a hold of either he'd be sure to press box it out of them.

Skinner just looks so disheartened. You can tell he so wants to stay here, but I think he's thinking on it now. Sure looks like it tonight anyways.

Sometimes. Reminds me of the 85 to 89 campaigns, no identity.

Anyone notice, Dahlin taking over as ice time leader on a rather regular basis as the season has progressed.......

Ok Botterill, if you were waiting to see how this home stand went before making a move, might I suggest you fire up the old phone........ It's time....... Start shipping out the under-achievers and bringing up the kids.

Well, this went well tonight hey boys?

#2 And The Legend Of Skinner Grows...

They need to score here.

Where is the team we saw last game?

#1 And The Legend Of Skinner Grows...

Yea, and its been a problem for awhile now. Fear maybe? Or coaching?

Plenty of game left, but yea, they definitely aren't playing inspired.

I'm expecting the Legend of Skinner to Grow this evening...………...x 4 ? GO SABRES!!!

This kid has size, some speed, some hands. I look at this kid, and I see a winger for Larsson ?

Ryan Rishaug‏Verified account @TSNRyanRishaug Follow Follow @TSNRyanRishaug More Oilers had discussion with Markus Lehto, agent for Jesse Puljujarvi today. Team is open to trading him if a proper return can be found, and in the meantime an AHL stint to help boost offence and confidence is being considered. No decisions yet. Ryan Rishaug‏Verified account @TSNRyanRishaug Follow Follow @TSNRyanRishaug More I think the return needed to convince the Oilers to trade Puljujarvi would be quite high. Team still believes in the player and if return isn’t what they want they’ll be happy to sit tight and continue working with him.

Didn't feel the need for a new thread for the approaching trade dead line, but, I do not believe Botterill does much at all. Maybe move one player, defense, Beaulieu. An outside chance, and very outside, that he moves a forward. I don't believe Sobotka is going anywhere honestly. Same with Okposo. Larsson may be sought after by other teams, but I wouldn't trade him. Defensively, the LHD position is a big log jam, and this is where my question mark lay. Scandella? I think so honestly. A team looking for depth may concede a late 1st or prospect for him. Putting aside his bad season this year, he's still a very serviceable 3/4 LD with a years term at a reasonable price. I see him as the one to be moved if at all.

Scandella's value is low at this time, to the bolded, we have until next deadline to move him, with a potentially better team around him next season, why would not trading him now, at a low value point, be worth more than a year from now, where his value most likely would raise? There is a long game to be played here, I know you know this. Beyond the "satisfy me now" scenario's.

ROR as Frodo would not work. Frodo resisted the ring. ROR's contract is proof the ring over came him.

So, do I commit to watching the team again this season? That is a question I've pondered the past week. Quick backdrop, I haven't seen more than a game or 2 a season since the Super Bowl loss of 94. I cursed this team, and it's inability to finish (there's a paradox across sports venues in Buffalo for ya'll). I don't know. I was tempted with Flutie, since then, nothing. But, this seems different. Yes, they have some of the same old issues, yes Brady is still playing, but something is different. I like this kid at QB. He shows heart. He shows desire. Yes there will still be a hill to climb, but...…..(my wife is a rabid fan, literally, she froth's at the mouth) I feel as though this coming season is the one. Don't know why, I just do. So, I will immerse myself yet again, in to the abyss.

Frodo is an elite superstar. Bottom 6 forward??????? Frodo took on the moniker of battling mentally with the ring, Frodo carried the ring nearly 90% of the time, Frodo stepped forward WHILE the group around him squabbled and dedicated his very life to carrying the ring to Mt. Doom and throwing it in to the lava. In short, Frodo came, Frodo saw, Frodo conquered. ROR couldn't hold Frodo's jock strap. In the interest of full disclosure, it did take Frodo 3 seasons. Just sayin...……..;}

To the bolded, And I'm sure they are. But both clubs have their own warts as well. I do agree with you, the Eastern Conference has become a powerhouse. Nothing short of 2 to 4 stacked teams.

Thought we should have picked up Vanek last season. This season to. If for nothing else to put Vanek and Pominville on Reinhart's wings. With they way Reinhart's vision is, all they'd have to do is fall to the front of the net and...……...He Scores!!!! lol

Greg McKegg (with an arm for a leg and a leg for an arm) may be had, are we interested?