pi2000

Must be why Housley cancelled practice. We got this.

I would've been OK with sending Nylander down IF they also sent Mittlestadt and Thompson down. I'd like to see those 3 on a line together, whether that's in Roch or Buf, doesn't matter. They showed some nice chemistry throughout the preseason and prospects tournament.

One mans trash is another mans treasure.

Is it? Or is it so spot on that your mind is just blown to pieces? you forgot the "#housleysoft" Has Babcock cancelled any Leaf practices leading up to opening day? Why not just skip one practice a week then? I mean, these guys work hard, so give them some time to rest... what's one hour less of ice time a week? #housleysoft Maybe Sheary or Dahlin or some other new guy gets just a bit more comfortable in the system... but no, let's not ask them to work. #housleysoft Why not both? Have a system walkthrough on the ice, a couple wind sprints at the end.. shower up, then go hang out and do some fun team building activity in the afternoon. I guess Housley is comfortable with the system implementation. That's a good sign. I expect a strong start this season.

and there you have it

I'm on board with Flagg. Yesterday I revised my prediction down to 69 points. https://www.sabrespace.com/community/topic/26186-buffalo-sabres-predictions/?do=findComment&comment=1085152

Dahlin will make a better captain in the long run, he has better leadership traits than Eichel. If they name Eichel captain now, there is no chance Dahlin ever gets the "C" in his career. Go with assistants for now and see which player ultimately takes on that role.

Well, I don't agree with that either. How did they start out that season?

If Housley is that confident that they don't need to the practice time, I expect them to come out to a fast start this season.

I don't ever remember him cancelling practice 2 days before the season with a new roster.

You don't have to cancel practice to do team building. Why not both? These guys are professionals, it's their job. Have a 1hr practice to cover system stuff, pound it into their heads... then go do some team building activity in the afternoon if you feel so inclined. At this point in the season, practice time is invaluable.

Can you imagine if McDermott cancelled a Bills practice two days before the season? Is he coaching a peewee team?

Dez and Witten left, now he's very pedestrian. Every QB needs weapons.

They have a lot of new players and the season starts in two days. They should at least be on the ice going over system stuff. I've never heard of this... cancelling practice two days before real bullets start flying? It reeks of incompetence. Just wait until they get off to a slow start again and you'll hear all the same tired excuses... "we have a bunch of new faces, it might take some time to come together..." blah blah blah... meanwhile Phil decides they don't need to practice 2 days before the season. Just unbelievable.

Coach Phil, soft as baby poop.

wow I liked Baptiste, hope he finds a role in Nashville. Dougherty, a -15 in 63 games with the Admirals last year. Yay.

I saw nothing in preseason to suggest the results will be any different this season. My issue is with Housley... for whatever reason nobody seems to play hard for him.

Wilson's weight is on his right side, he's not leaning into the hit. His elbow is down, leading with his shoulder and his feet are on the ice. Looks clean to me.

WIlson almost falls over leaning back. If he wanted to, he could've followed through on it and really do some serious harm. Let me ask you this... do you think Campbell's hit on Umberger was clean?

Yep, he even backs off at the last second to avoid head contact. Good. Clean. Hit. Not even close. The Neil hit was very very late and to the head. Wilson initiates contact while the puck is still on Sundqvist's stick and he doesn't target or hit the head.

I too blame Sundqvist for putting himself in that position. Yeah, it's a bit aggressive for preseason, but the rules are they same. He didnt target the head either. If you're not allowed to check a guy with his head down starting at the at the puck, then I'm not sure how you're supposed to play defense.

Team Predictions Sabres' Final Record: 27-40-15 69points 6th Atlantic Total Goals Scored: 210 Total Goals Allowed: 290 Power Play Ranking: 18th PK Ranking: 30th All-Star Players: Eichel Award Winners/Finalists: N/A Player Predictions Top 3 goal scorers 1.) Skinner 34 2.)Eichel 27 3.)Samson 25 Top 3 point totals 1.) Eichel 75 2.) Samson 50 3.) Skinner 62  Sabres' best rookie: Pilut Biggest surprise: Thompson Biggest disappointment: Hutton How many games/wins for the goalies? Ullmark: 12g 3w Hutton: 70g 24w other(injuries): Bogo, Okposo, Scandella, Mittlestadt, Dahlin, Sheary Overall outlook: Dim. Housley's system does not utilize the talent available at his disposal. His system is predicated on firing pucks from everywhere, getting pucks back to the point and throwing everything at the net. That artificially inflates CorseFor%. His system simply doesn't generate enough high quality scoring chances to make a push up the standings. That, and he's too soft... he doesn't hold players accountable (benchings, etc) and the players don't respect him.... that and he CANCELLED PRACTICE two days before the season! He won't last the season.

Anybody at the Knights game?

Larsson, Baptiste *should* be cut, but won't. I forecast Mittlestadt, Nylander and Thompson get sent down to Rochester because they're waiver exempt and probably could use some pro-level seasoning. This regime is all about developing the young guys, and those 3 will play top line in Roch... in all situations while learning the Housley system. I know we all want to see them on the big club, but we'll just need to exercise some patience.

I may be in the minority, but IMO Sam is currently a better center than Mittlestadt. I'd rather see MIttlestadt on Eichel's wing and Reinhart center Sheary and whoever (Okposo/Nylander/Thompson/etc).