Pimlach

Byram is not >> Mitts. Bryam is not a step in a half above Power. He is not even equal to power. Krebs was given a good look this past year. I saw nothing indicating he should be given the 3C job. He simply is not ready. He isn’t even a good 4C. Is this a year we win or not? We need to bring in a Lindy type defensively responsible of two way center that wins face offs and can provide secondary scoring. Krebs is not that at this time.

Well then Adams could just say that. Instead he said the opposite and painted a picture of a exhaustive coach search. There was no reason not to be honest, it is easy to understand why they picked Ruff. He said he talked to "double digit people", that was double talk, but probably not a lie. He said he interviewed a more that a few veteran coaches, that is looking to be a lie. Those coaches talk, GMs talk, players talk, and you build your reputation based on what you do. He certainly doesn't owe me the truth. But I will be skeptical about what he says from now on. I still question his GM skill, particularly his ability to bring in veterans NHL players that can make a positive impact and make this roster a playoff roster that can win. This off season he can prove he is up to the job. I sure want him to prove me wrong.

So ... Beane and his scouting team and coaches, really do know a lot more about football than the fans - including the alleged experts at TBD. Just wait until the Sabres get good, which could be next year, more TBD'ers will flock to this site and enlighten us all how to play hockey too. Bank on it.

Most of the draft experts said Josh Allen would never make it and we should have picked Josh Rosen.

Coleman is a very interesting pick. Could be a beast of a player. We will find out in the next few years, he is only 20 years old. TBD went wacko at the pick, the many wannbe GMs that read all the draft propaganda seem to have wanted everyone else. Some are still pushing for Franklin, who was passed over by 32 GMs for 100 picks. Maybe the experts know something? Or maybe Franklin will still be a good player? NHL draft is much more of a science than the NHL draft, the players are older and the NCAA competition is more uniform, but still there are errors every year in every round.

Agree that HNIC was iconic, as a kid I picked it up on Canadian TV using those rooftop rotary outside antennas .

what does this mean?

He already plays a responsible two way game, which has always been the knock on Skinner.

Cant say you are wrong either, especially the first sentence. Benson is going to be fine, but Adams gets an F for his off season work. My opinion on Adams has really dropped since the last off season.

Okposo might get an apple.

Yes. Lindy looks at the little things that add up. Win face-offs and you have the puck more. Have a true shut down line to protect leads. Have an enforcer to prevent your stars from doing that role. I commented last year on Lindy's Devils. They played us fast and open to start and their skill overwhelmed our at the time bad team defense. They took a 3 goal lead in the first. Then a 4 goal lead in the second. Halfway through the second he had them shut everything down and bottled up the neutral zone. They scored twice more by capitalizing on our inability to pierce their defensive shell. He basically had them play two styles and they won easily. Meanwhile Granato was teaching offense and saving defense for the next season. Ruff, and most coaches, start with defensive responsibility as the core of the system. But he knows he has a few guns and some wheels to work with. The players will have a lot to learn before the season opener. I hope he brings in all new assistants.

No doubt players like Thompson and Cozens had bad years. I don't think it will happen again to this same extent, I expect them both to be back. The bottom six does not contribute enough. They don't bring any of the intangibles you want from lines that score less. As you said 5 or 6 forwards need to be replaced.

I question the money they will tie up for Dahlin, Power, and maybe Byram. Plus Muel is getting paid. I don't see anyone moving people out, not enough physical presence with the mix we have.

You said it all in the first sentence - smart and doesn't quit. No, he doesn't have HoF hands and feet, certainly not impressive size - it is all heart and hockey sense. He reminds me of Marchand and that type of player. Players that that find a way to win and make their team better. He can top out at 5'11 and 185'ish by 25, which is decent size for a wing. By then he will be a 7 year vet and just reaching his prime. This guy was a steal at 13. What really impressed me is he fought through the rookie wall. He played a lot of games at the highest level in the world and he got better by the last 2 months.

Marchand did everything right on that last shift. And he scored.

Obvious penalty on a Tavares. Get in the box.

I will be in Buffalo most of the summer and will pick up some. Thanks for the tip.

Adams better listen to Lindy. Adam’s has a chance to learn a lot in his two years with Ruff. He better listen and get him what he needs. Lindy knows NHL pro personnel MUCH BETTER than anyone in the organization. He probably has a better chance of bringing in NHL players too. They better utilize that.

Love it. Marchand effects the game once again.

Yup, I thought about that too. Gallant may end up in Ottawa, which will give them a big boost.

None of the Buffalo media asked about roster improvements and what Lindy thinks they need. I would have ask him that. Ruff knows what they need. But will he say it on Day 1?

Southern Tier Smoked Bourbon.

I watch the game with the volume muted and I either stream music or spin vinyl. I have a nice Bourbon for tonight.

I will be watching the Broons and Leaves tonight. Go Broons (cant believe I said that)!