Spoonman

@ 10-17-5 (4-5-1, L1) 13-16-3 (3-6-1, L1) 25 pts / 32 gm 29 pts / 32 gm https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/buf-vs-cbj/2023/12/19/2023020485 Levi, JJP, Benson. TNT & hand injury? Cozens starting to come to life? Tuch, Tuch, Tuch.... manage injury? Quinner back with a chicken dinner? Will they @Shoot da Puck (on net)? Can they decline penalties, not go on Power Plays, and stay 5x5? Does Rayzor wear a shirt that buttons and actually cinch his tie? This and more on the next installment of Sabres '23-24, tonight ....right here on Sabre Space...

She thinks @Spoonman needs to get her a Sabres neckerchief for game days, like her Bills one, and that Uncle @Doohickie should bring seat tax (chicken, but fries in a pinch!) to her too!* *My German rottie, Layla at the Bills Backers bar ... Uncle @Doohickie watches her when I run to men's, The "taxes" are seat and delivery - a group joke at the bar for a bite of whatever when we pass food orders to each other or save a seat... did same saving a seat for e @Doohickie yesterday, and he brought "Russian tea cookies" (a.k.a. Mexican wedding cakes). BTW - was quite the scene with Cow fans at Bills Backers Bar, and cleared out Cows during 3rd.... Go Bills!

Sabre Spacers - I am asking for thoughtful replies, as we look at this version of the Sabres. FAIR WARNING: 3 min read (insert jokes here), 30 min for some of you! Sorry no .ppt presentation today. Thinking about the Sabres: Talent on roster ✅ Fan support (though legitimately frustrated beyond human comprehension) ✅ Team friendly contracts ✅ Assets - picks, prospects ✅ GMKA Built up the prospect pool to a top one in NHL ✅ Got good/one day great (?) players from Jack, Rino, Risto trades (grade - Inc.) Isak Rosen Anton Wahlberg (C-SWE 18yr) - playing in SHL (Malmö Redhawks) will be on Team SWE at 2024 World Jrs Devon Levi Juri Kulich Alex Tuch Payton Krebs Noah Östlund (C-SWE 19yr) - playing in SHL (Växjö Lakers HC) - should be 1C for SWE at 2024 World Jrs next week, BUF/ROCH next yr Jordan Greenway 2023-24 Roster - ran it all back from a team that finished 1 pt out of playoffs. Resigned everyone back sans Hinostrosa ❌ Okposo - OK C, last yr Girgensons Jost Free Agents - not close to enough, need winning experience that can play ❌ Eric Johnson Kyle Clifton Trades (inc. pending future moves in '23-24😞 Did not move Olofsson (probably due to Quinn injury?) Eric Robinson Coaching: March 2021 - 2022/23 season: focus on development - last year showed that players can develop and perform 2023-24 season - team openly discussed playoffs as goal, development not ONLY goal Some takes: GMKA IMO loves his picks and players too much (we are the Overstock.com of NHL!), not using as commodities to trade for difference makers (you know what FLA, NJ, etc… have done to get stars to their teams, for example) Cannot get FA’s of any note to BUF (E Johnson roomies w Okie who convinced him to come, and Clifton a USA dev team connection to Meatballs) Injuries are exposing lack of NHL experience and depth, which was not addressed in off season Granato and staff Really good at unlocking & developing talent ✅ Great guy(s) He and staff are all first time (except G coach) Has helped build A Sabres Culture in the club, right one? Does not seem to be an X’s and O’s nor motivator on bench (keeps saying he allows guys to figure it out…..not happening) ❌ Injuries not helping his efforts, but everyone has injuries Leadership includes being a good listener, supportive, and to care, but it ALSO includes direction, feedback, correction, accountability, and results. Accountability/Consistency seem to be second to his and GMKA form of “culture” ❌ Players They say they care, are "accountable", and working hard to get better Don’t show it on the ice consistently ❌ Goaltending (UPL and Levi)is not the issue ✅ that said, Comrie needs to be released, and make room for another F (question is who?) if someone gets hurt, Tokarski has a better save % in more games with Sabres than Comrie Not consistently working as a 5 man unit ❌ Not seeing effort on back check Too much gliding Not accounting for D activating in the O zone, leading to odd man rushes the other way Sabres CAN get on boards and work, but get pushed around, play soft, look for pretty plays (hey love’em), but need to get dirty goals….due to Not going to dirty areas consistently (sans 18yr, 5’10” 170lb Benson) I would say sit guys, but who first? Also, cannot even ice a full team many nights (11/7 lineups) What's my answer? I am no GM, but here goes. Something needs to change ASAP. GMKA needs to put on his big boy pants and : make some substantive trade for NHL quality player (see NJ and FLA making bold moves last year to get difference makers) DO NOT bring back any UFAs Face Facts: the Sabres are seen as a soft team without leadership and guts it takes to win (Jack, Rino, O'Reilley all gonzo due in part to this) 20 something yr old players today were pre-teens the last time Sabres got to the playoffs Sabres need a stronger message with NHL players that this is a different Sabres team, truly committed to winning This will REQUIRE trades, as FAs worth anything will not come to Buffalo as currently constructed Seriously look at changes in the coaching staff, starting with Don. I like Donny, but not sure he is the answer for this team to take next steps. Need a culture person with a strong hand to provide accountability, structure, and guide this group. What say you?

Because he never is... look at his injury and illness games missed.... You are the expert Human.... on the ups and downs!

Then if not Matt Ellis (who never played on PP, and had same guys on PP last year) who will tell Rayzor the Three Keys of the Game and give him Talking Points to report out to start the 2nd and 3rd periods?

Duffer laughing so as not cry. But I don't know that for sure because MSG won't allow ESPN+ to show pre and post game shows....

@Pimlach reason and facts have no place here. Quit being an informed poster and backing your comments with what actually happened. Last Mullet for the night also....

I like his chances as he grows into his body. He has the mind and talent. He will be on this list soon. https://thehockeywriters.com/top-10-undersized-nhl-players/

Except Benson.

Sadly, Sabres....

OOPIE WELP WELP...

Bus is running coach.....

In a galaxy far, far away....

UPL with the Assist.

He doesn't seem to be here tonight.

Yeah, the one in the rafters...doh!! MSG Trivia question on #19 and Sabres scoring leader ....

Were you happy before or after a "few"!? 😁

Got it. Filed. Duffer LOVES the Bandits and Lacrosse. Marty is humoring him a bit. And, well company promotions.....

On it.

@TheAud We need a report on the facilities. Was there a log of signage for the game?

7-11 line up ...when the opposition is always open. Lets go Buffalo! The did it once this year.... so there is that.