Flashsabre

Does EP40 know about the lack of palm trees in Buffalo?

From Sabres Reddit: Excerpt on Pegula from Lance Lysowski’s mail bag Terry Pegula isn't selling the Sabres. We'll get that question and answer out of the way, even though one of our readers, @rmitro8 on X, is justified in asking if there's a chance a different owner will save the franchise. There's a realistic scenario in which Pegula sells a minority stake of the Sabres, but he's not walking away. His love for the sport began before the Sabres' inception in 1970 and blossomed into a passion during the era of the French Connection. Pegula watches video of draft-eligible prospects and poses questions to the scouting staff during meetings. He signs the checks, so a significant free-agent signing like the one involving Taylor Hall in 2020 doesn't happen without Pegula's approval. Pegula has influence on every consequential decision. The owner won't take his hands off the steering wheel and he wants his opinions to be considered. The Sabres' repeated failures − perhaps none more maddening to this fan base than this season's collapse with Lindy Ruff back behind the bench − aren't the by-product of an absentee landlord. Pegula is as involved as ever, even when he's tending to the Bills' stadium or his other businesses. He routinely talks to Ruff and Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams. Pegula cares, but he doesn't know how to fix the mess that he created through years of bad decisions. Another lost season may lead to another firing or two, but it won't convince Pegula to change his approach or abandon the hockey team that he purchased nearly 14 years ago

Sabres in the hunt when they have no chance of finishing the hunt. A tale as old as time.

I have a feeling Schaefer will be seen as the top prospect by the time the draft rolls around. So young by draft standards and such an elite skater that control the game all over the ice from the backend. Bob McKenzie said he feels Schaefer has passed Hagens but we have half a season left to go and Schaefer had a nasty injury that will keep him out. I think Liger is right that there is a top 4 right now with some combination of Schaefer, Misa, Hagens and Martone.’ I was impressed by Eklund of Sweden. Right shot RW with great wheels and tremendous tenacity. He is ranked top 10 too.

Marjala and Sardarian are two under the radar prospects having very nice years. Marshals in Liiga in Finland and Sardarian at Michigan Tech in college. Both shifty skill players

Never understood the hype around him. A guy who does nothing but has a shot but doesn’t even want to work to use his shot. He won’t last long in the Rags.

I think everything is funnelled through Adams who listens to all his ideas and says they are great. The Smithers to his Mr Burns.

He is right near the top. 14 years without playoffs when half the league gets in is mind boggling. No other owner has pulled that off. The thing that gets me is the pride. If I owned the Sabres for 14 years and never made the playoffs I would be so embarrassed and ashamed I would be in isolation. But we have never gotten the sense that he is too bothered by it. The fact he has avoided seasoned hockey execs is just baffling. Like he just can’t figure out that not having one running the ship for 14 years has led to this state of affairs.

A real organization would be looking at Carle who has 2 D1 college championships at Denver and back to back WJCs gold medals. Alas this not a real organization as that would cost money and Adams is leading this franchise to nowhere and Carle would take one look at this franchise and say “I think I’m good thanks”

At the end of the Broncos games they talked about making the playoffs for the first time since 2015 and how the new ownership has changed things. And Romo said “Real change has to begin at the top” God do we ever need real change at the very top of this organization.

Hence why they are trying to move him. Taking their cast off to get the deal done. Hope for the best he turns it around

Cozens and Byram for EP40 and Vincent Desharnais He is a 6’7 RHD they signed from Edmonton but it hasn’t worked out and they are looking to move him. Plays defensively. Take a shot as Power’s partner for the rest of the season.

You know the team is a complete dumpster fire when it is forcing Harrington to admit he was wrong about something.😝

From Matt Bove: [Bové] “This is game 40 for the Sabres. One away from the halfway point of the season. They have won 14 games. On November 26th they were 11-9-1 and in a playoff spot”

From the Athletic article grading all organizations this season: Buffalo Sabres: F The Sabres were supposed to be in win-now mode, ready to take the next step under new coach Lindy Ruff. Instead, they are in last place in the Eastern Conference after a 13-game winless streak derailed their season. It’s tough to justify anything other than a failing grade for a team that had 91 points two seasons ago and is on track to regress for the second straight season. — Matthew Fairburn

BLOW IT ALL UP FROM THE TOP DOWN!!! When a front office declares this season is playoffs or bust and has the team competing for the first OA pick in January then it is a complete and utter failure. Add 13 previous years of ineptitude on top and it is unbearable and inexcusable.

All Terry’s money is in the Bills and the new stadium. He’s not spending on this failure of a hockey team anymore. Adams has his marching orders: go lean, keep costs down, take the bullets.

Helenuis with an assist on all 4 Finnish goals today. 7 points in 6 games so far. Let him cook in Rochester for a couple years and you have a good middle 6 C.

Did anyone think the 4th line was the reason this team didn’t make the playoffs Most people can’t name other teams 4th lines. Robinson was fine. Competent GMs fill out their 4th lines in an hour during the offseason. The fact Adams thought the 4th line and an 8th dman like Gilbert needed to be the focus shows his incompetence. Power has desperately needed a vet partner. Zucker has been a great pickup and McLeod has been fine but those should have been the secondary moves. Adams is just an unqualified yes man for Pegula who agrees with whatever Terry says, won’t spend a penny that Terry doesn’t want spent then turn around and lie through his teeth at PCs about there being no financial restraints. Adams is gone, he will be the fall guy, but I have zero faith anyone better will be brought in. Just like with the coaching staff, it will be next man up that doesn’t cost Terry anymore money. Have to maintain the lifestyle. Imagine the lifestyle if he did things properly, made the playoffs and had the building full most nights.

Having Levi helps a lot too.

They might want to sign Metsa to an NHL deal while they are at it.

I’m not letting Adams make any player moves what so ever. I just watched Team Canada flame out because their brass failed to understand the basic concept of roster building. Adams has proven the same mistakes. Im not moving a single player until a competent front office is put in place. Enough of this SH/T already!!

On the bright side they can’t blow anymore leads to Colorado this season.

Who’s also elite defensively. But he doesn’t punch people in the face so no dice.

Don't you realize that 18 year olds in the AHL is the end of the development cycle for players.😜 Helenius will be a solid 2C. He’s not flashy but he is an effective player with) IQ, compete, playmaking and shooting skill. When you are 17 playing in the Finnish pro league and playing in the AHL at 18 and holding your own then you are doing well.