JohnC

The goalie issue for the Sabres, as it is for all teams, is that with the exception of the few elite goalies, the players playing the position are erratic in their play, year to year and also within season. Reimer has been stellar over his recent extended play. Can he expected to carry a full load next season if he becomes our primary goalie? I'm skeptical about that. Should UPL be relegated to a backup role or be dealt because his recent play in general has been lacking? I'm not sure? What this recent winning stretch demonstrates is that with good goaltending this team can be a competitive team. However, what does the GM do to solidify the position and make it a more consistent position to depend on? I don't have the answer for that. As you point out with Swayman, he gained a rich, long term contract based on his play when his contract was coming up. Now, it seems that he is adrift. In watching the game against Boston what became apparent was that the Sabres were the superior team. And as the game advanced it became ever more apparent. Looking back at this season, how many games against lesser teams did we lose to and how many games against superior teams did we elevate our play and win. This team had opportunities but due to a lack of maturity it did not seize on them when they were there for the taking. I'm aware that from a playoff standpoint this is a failed season regardless on how this team plays these end of season games. But what is apparent to me is that this team in general is playing a more responsible two-way game. And it is also apparent that the coach is giving out playing time and roles based on performances. The focus now isn't so much player development as it is on which players put this team in a better position to win. How Quinn is being handled by Ruff is an example of that. When his play is lacking, his playing time becomes limited and his line assignment is dropped. That's a good thing for the team and also for the player in question.

They didn't simply beat us---they thoroughly spanked us!

There is a bookstore that I frequent that sells old books on the cheap. I have reread a few James Michner books such as Chesapeake and Texas. His research is so detailed, and the family lineages in his books are captivating. I've also acquired from the same bargain bookstore a few Tom Clancy books that I read a long time ago. After re-reading The Hunt for Red October and Red Rabbit I have solidified my view that Russia is a malignant and malign country. Many of their past and current leadership are outright evil. The term "Evil Empire" (I think was given by Reagan??) is an apt description of that country. Putin is an evil person who is a world-wide menace.

It was Coach Donny that also got Dahling unlocked from the Krueger shackles. Krebs is starting to carve out a role for himself for his energetic and gritty play. But the player who will be appreciated more when the Sabres become more of a factor in the league is Benson. When he becomes more physically developed he will be recognized as one of the mainstay players on this team. To their credit, both Krebs and Benson are full effort players.

He did say 15 games. I would give him a longer period of time. Not an unlimited period of time just more than he would. We have different opinions on the time frame on that issue. Big freaking deal. As I said before: TBD.

I know exactly the point LGR is making. I simply disagree with it. If it's not understood, then so be it. I can handle a difference of opinion.

And I view your haughty tone as irritating.

Give it a freaking rest!

I don't understand the point you are attempting to make. I believe that a particular young player has more upside. There are others that see this particular player with less upside. I'm willing to wait on him a little longer. That has little to do with complacency as it does with evaluation of a player.

Sometimes you don't recognize how obnoxious you can be. You are giving an opinion just as I am. It's not about refuting you or me as it is expressing different opinions.

Ovie breaks the record. https://www.nhl.com/video/wsh-nyi-ovechkin-scores-goal-against-ilya-sorokin-6371144441112

You are a legend in your own mind. Congratulations on your copious pomposity. What is intoxicating for some is insufferable for others.

If you believe that I have a high regard for our GM, you are grotesquely wrong. I'm far from taking a complacent attitude towards improving the team. You are distorting what I have said regarding Quinn to make a case on your behalf. We simply disagree on what the upside is for this particular young player. That's okay. We'll just have to wait and see how things play out with this player.

Quinn playing well doesn't diminish his value, it increases it. I'm not an ideologue/resistant to trading any young player with the exception of Power. I'm open to any deal that improves this team if it makes sense. What it comes down to is that I believe that Quinn has more upside than many others do. TBD.

It's likely that he is going to miss the rest of the season.

We simply disagree on this issue. However, do you believe that our sycophantic GM is more likely to follow your approach or mine leaning toward patience?

With respect to Quinn I would rather be patient and get a better sense of what his potential is. The organization possesses plenty of other assets to possibly trade.

You are making good analytical arguments as to not only how best to use this particular player but also all players. Who fits where and with whom. These puzzle pieces are constantly shifting with changing rosters due to new players and injuries. In some respect you are reinforcing my main point about Quinn: That he has offensive skills and some defensive liabilities. The question becomes: Where do we play him and with whom do we play him with? Those are tough coaching decisions that need to be made about him and other players as well. What I'm strenuously arguing not to do is be premature in assessing him and dealing him off.

That's my point. Enjoy the win. Next year is next year. The Sabres played a good game last night. When the games are played next season, I'll judge those games when they happen. If anyone is going to be agitated about these concluding seasonal games, then don't watch them. Self-flagellation is painful, and also unnecessary right now.

Not necessarily. Maybe he will be relegated to the bench when those players return next year. But the scenario you described is what we want to happen i.e. competing for roster spots and roles. That's a good thing, not something to lament. (I'm aware that you are not saying that.) For too long, this regime has worked under the system that young players were bestowed their roster spots and roles. That era is over with. Ruff is right in playing players who are outperforming their teammates. The goalie position is a good example of that. Samuelsson has been dispatched to the "suite" for inadequate play. Now he seems to be playing at a consistently good level. Both Quinn and JJP have watched games from the "suite" instead of being on the bench. And that sterner evaluation of play has seemed to have worked. The Sabres are at a stage where they have built up some depth to the point that when injuries happen the drop off isn't as noticeable with the replacements. Players like Quinn, UPL, Samuelsson etc. are now going to be pushed instead of always feeling comfortable that their spot in the lineup is guaranteed. I find that encouraging.

That’s why I’m arguing for more patience with him. We don’t know for sure either way on this issue. So let’s give him a little more time to show what he is capable of.

If you can’t acknowledge good play when it happens, then why bother to watch or follow them? Of course, I’m disappointed at how this season transpired, but what do you want the team at this stage of the season to do? Just give up and not give effort?

The GM doesn't need to tear down the pillars of this roster, but he does need to make a couple to few moves to better round out this roster. Can he add another Zucker-like player who may be a little younger? I hope so. I'm not suggesting an overhaul so much as a few smart transactions can make a difference to getting this team over the hump.

There is no question that Quinn needs to round out his game beyond the offensive side of the game. It comes down to whether he can improve in being a more responsible two-way player or not. I believe he can while many don't. I recommend patience.

The issue comes down to whether he can improve on the defensive side of the game to being better than adequate. I think he can. I can't say it with a lot of assurance but I do see him putting more effort on that area of the game. I'm still recommending more patience. I don't see him as an Olofsson version 2, as you describe it.