pi2000

I believe that you believe it.

That may be true, but he did better with less than what Housley was given. That's an indisputable fact.

I think those are the best center combinations in the league. I agree 100%.

Would make sense.... something is definitely up, I don't think he's anywhere near done turning this roster over.

Take possession stats for example.... WSH had only the 24th best SAT% during the season, yet they win the Cup. I was told (by many folks on here) that wasn't possible, and the reason BUF sucked so bad under Bylsma was because of their dismal possession numbers. .

That's really working out well for Edmonton isn't it? I hate these stupid stats... everybody freaks out when they see a chart like this and think something must be wrong if their team looks bad and that something needs to change.

People forget that under GMTM and Dan Bylsma the Buffalo Sabres improved from 50 points to 80 points in one season. After the 81 point season, they dropped to 78 points because Eichel missed half the year. So they all get fired, and then they drop to 62 points under JBOT and Housley in what was supposed to be year they showed progress and sniffed a playoff spot after improving the roster and playing the modern NHL game vs Bylsma's archaic (albeit successful) system.

There's a big difference between making a sweeping accusation against a large group (the entire NHL) vs singling a guy out based on conjecture and publicly crucifying him without giving him a chance to defend himself. The only personal attack I've made is on Auston Matthews because he's a greedy, money hungry little bitch who only cares about himself... which is much different than singling a guy out based purely on conjecture.

I don't believe Botterill is done wheeling and dealing. I expect Risto to get moved because I know guy who knows that he's addicted to Friend's re-runs.

I don't see how this makes sense financially for Tampa. Even without Karlsson's contract, they're going to have to get creative with only $23m to re-sign Kucherov, Point and fill out 10 additional roster spots next season.

You're being naive if you don't think there's a drug problem in the NHL. Again, I'm not pointing the finger at anybody specifically, but to come out and say for certain 100% that ROR has a problem with alcohol is a bit rich even for my blood. I've never claimed to know it as fact... it's all speculation. That's much different than coming out and saying "I know a guy and he knows for a fact (without saying how) that ROR is a raging alcoholic." Without even citing sources. That's unfair. I believe that you've heard it, however I'm finding it hard to believe as a "fact"... which is how it's being discussed here.

"sources" Then give me one good reason why I should believe this outlandish story.... and yes I fully understand you don't care if I believe it... Which makes it even more untrustworthy.

So ROR is an alcoholic? Nice spin guys, real nice. Still waiting on a source for that one. Way to throw the guy under the bus. At his lockeroom cleanout interview, when asked about what turned his game around Sam Reinhart said.. "I just said screw it, and went back to playing my game.". Not a good look for Housley.

I like the optimism. My concern is if Eichel misses any time with injury this becomes a slam dunk last place roster. I don't think Botts is done dealing this summer. Risto and Reinhart are two big GMTM pieces that I don't think are Botterill type of guys. I'm expecting a Risto+ for top 6 scoring winger and LHD veteran to pair with Dahlin.

Unfortunately, he threw the baby out with the.... toilet water.

Baker with the positive spin... shocking.

1/5

Nylander is their only RFA?

Respected head coach of whom? Just because you are a Hall of Fame player doesn't make you a good coach... see Gretzky, Wayne. He's did well with a stacked defense in NSH... big deal. He let the locker room in Buffalo spin out of control, he doesn't have the players respect (they take nights off), and his line combinations are questionable at best. I'm still waiting for somebody say... "boy that Phil Housley is such a great coach, he has these guys playing hard and showing up for every game. Player X, Y and Z are having career years... Player A has come such a long way from last season... etc etc...". I've not read or heard that from anybody at any point last season. Reinhart had a great second half, but in his exist interview he said "I just said it, and started playing my own game". If that's not a shot at the coach, then I don't know what is. If Housley wasn't ready to be head coach, then maybe they should've put Taylor in BUF and Housley in ROCH... that decision falls on JBOTs shoulders.

The more I dissect this, the more I point the finger at Housley. When your team doesn't have anybody worthy of the Captaincy... you better have a head coach with a very very strong personality to get everybody pulling in the right direction. Housley is not that guy. Do you think ROR gets traded if a guy like Babcock, Gallant, Tippett or Tortorella are behind the bench... nipping all this squabbling Sabre's stuff in the bud before it ends with All-Star talents getting shipped out of town for nickels on the dollar? Let's not lose sight of the fact that all these locker room issues are happening under Housley's supervision. But Phil is teflon and everybody loves him because he's not Dan Bylsma (who took a less talented Eicheless for half-a-season team to a 20 point better finish).

excellent

Dave Tippett

Neither is letting a young core rot away under an uninspiring coach who is in over his head.

Nothing. Just tells you how desperate the fan base is to put a positive spin on the ROR trade.

Draft's 3 left-handed Swedish defensemen.