Second Line Center

Quick takeaways 1. He mentioned faceoffs. I have zero doubt this has been discussed as a massive problem. 2. He talked about needing elite Defensemen. He’s correct. Common denominator with the best teams. 3. He talked about how - these weren’t his exact words - but how it’s important for everyone to get excited about the little things they do in the game that should get guys fired up. Like blocking shots or good clears, etc. There is more to get excited about then scoring goals. I feel good about this. I think Adams and Lindy know what needs to be addressed and where they have to improve. It was awesome to hear him interact with Harrington and Hamilton again. Flashbacks not just to 2006 but 1997-98. Cannot wait to see what we do.

Lots to like. But I understand any frustration. My list was Peca, Lindy. To me more then anything else this feels like it puts to bed forever the “stink” of the tank years. Jack. Gone. Sam. Gone. Their coaches plus DG gone. Lindy had nothing to do with those teams. Nothing to do with the tank and not one player we acquired. He won here. A lot. It’s a true fresh start in every way with a leader that right away will show these guys what it means to win in Buffalo.

McKee has to be on the staff, right?

Where can the Sabres buy 2 or 3 Dakota Joshua’s?

Not if you’re watching this Canucks game rn. NFL game advantage is its once or twice a month. 8 games a year. People will go. Have a terrible hockey team playing another one on a Tuesday in January? Tough draw.

He could live another 15-20 years. He’s over 70. He also may not have many more years and really - I mean what happens with the teams if something were to happen to him say in the next 3-5 years?

I’d be slightly worried about Cozens if not for the entire team offense disappearing this year and everyone stunk. It just stinks of a team that made excuses and quit on its coach. Why did they make excuses? Because they felt the pressure and heard the outside noise. This means they are embracing that it’s been 13 years despite what Okposo said. So the optimist in me will just say at least they care. Now they need to find out who the leader behind the bench will be and the leaders on the ice. My votes: HC: Peca (I know; it sounds like Gallant.). But I’m hiring Peca if it’s me. Captain: Dahlin A: Tage A: Tuch

Is there a link to his exit interview anywhere?

I’ve been taking this in all day. What a ****ing disaster. Even if this is true - YOU DON’T SAY IT OUT LOUD!!! Omg! This frigging team. Burn down the analytics department. Revamp all of it. I was of the belief Tage, Tuch, and Dahlin were better than this leadership wise. Especially the latter two. The ONLY explanation I have - the only one is that Skinner and his coasting and his salary just completely screws this team’s chemistry. How can you sit Cozens or Dahlin (who the heck exactly did Tage think needed to be sat?????) for doing things wrong or not working hard enough when Skinner not only repeatedly is at fault for what these guys are saying today but he’s paid 9 million dollars a season for it! Get him out of here yesterday. Get 5 new players on this team identify what the data cannot - and that’s who are the freaking losers with loser mentality and get them out. My guess is that list is probably one guy.

It’s all moot - the worst icing call ever. Caps win.

Detroit what a freaking joke. That never should have been icing. All faceoffs matter nice job Montreal. Awful.

This is probably all right. And odds of this ending with Adams losing his job in April of 2025 probably are higher than making the playoffs. This is why I didn’t really think I wanted Donnie fired at this point. It’s a sign the GM may not actually have his finger on the pulse but hopefully it was more Pegula saying just wait till the end of the year DG deserves at least that.

I think their reaction to the boos in December cemented it for him - if anything sent off massive red flags. Was there any moment that said “we’re too comfortable” then this?

“Bottom 6 needs to be a bit more abrasive.”

He sounds like he knows what this group needs.

Agreed.

Fine by me. Get PECA

Least of my concerns is the on ice developments. Everyone under Granato has improved and developed. Careers were saved - Dahlin and Thompson and now UPL. Benson had a fine year under Granato as an 18 year old. We deliberately focused on trying to be more responsible defensively and I do think overall we were. But it cost us offense. Maybe they were good with that. I think you have to be much better on faceoffs to be significantly better defensively. Helps in the O zone but especially in your own. We suck at face offs. The PP sucked that was one reason why. Major reason. I think Clifton got better as the year went on. And it’s not Granatos fault outside of him and Dahlin no one wants to hit and Samuelson is made of glass. You want a hard team to play against you can’t build that team with 18-23 year olds still finding their way. The biggest issue: Granato at start of games - team isn’t always ready. And terrible in game adjustments. The captain was a loser that clearly let the pouting over the fan reaction persist. Unacceptable. Tuch disappointing on that front to. It’s no wonder Tage and Dylan said we let outside noise get to us - that’s what they meant. Was there way of saying “we messed that up.” Granato has done an overall admirable job but it isn’t good enough. I just don’t care either way bc apparently you just fire coaches whenever so who cares if he starts the season. Just fire him if we start 3-8. The collective mental toughness is a problem - only if it’s the result of the players failing to rise up to the moment of winning a game in February you have to have. But if it’s just too much youth and lack of physical toughness bc they’re young and don’t deadlift we can fix that. If it’s the former then that’s coaching, and lack of respected leadership. I think you can keep Donnie if this team had legit alphas as Captain and 3rd and 4th lines that change games and take pressure off the top 6. Need a new 3rd line C. And a new 4th line. And one tough d man. Let Granato work with a better constructed and older roster and I’m ok with that. But his leash is short. Let’s see what everyone is made of.

Awesome to see teams like Detroit salvage their season by winning in 3 on 3 OT games. True measure of team greatness. Washington demolishes Boston in regulation. Detroit needs 3 on 3 OT to still have a chance. In case you can’t tell I hate Detroit and I absolutely hate this league’s points format.

19 points in 27 games off those injuries. He’s a stud and that injury derailed this season - but it got Benson here 30 points all at age 18 in 70 games. If Adams gets the tweaks right this team man…..

Everyone’s balls dropped in game 80.

Quinn has 8 goals in 25 games 9 months removed from an Achilles tear.

Good to know Skynet isn’t fully self aware yet.