pi2000

I hope they find a way to trade Larsson and Girgensons. That would leave them with only 4 forwards under contract for next season.... 5 counting Rodrigues, who I think belongs in Rochester.

Worstest ever

I like this. I like this a lot.

Lehner starting

Jack will be fine, he just wants to win... if help comes from Roch I'm sure he'll embrace it. It's part of being a pro.

You make a good point. Would be ideal if he was coming in to a better environment. He sounds like he's in good place mentally, I enjoying listening to him speak. Less emotional than Lehner, more thoughtful and reflective. Very good demeanor for a goalie I'm excited for his future.

The problem is goal support, not necessarily giving up tons of grade A scoring chances... I'm fine with giving Ullmark a game or two... he wants it and deserves it.

Housley's system (and 99%) of systems out there today are to get the puck deep, work the forecheck, win the puck back, get it back to the point, go D-to-D if available and fire at the net while the forwards are creating havoc at the top of the crease. It's a safe system that limits odd man rushes against if played correctly and pucks are eventually going to find the back of the net. It's not sexy, it's not fun to watch, but it's basic vanilla hockey that can lead to success if executed consistently. It's the consistency that's an issue... 3 or 4 point shots a period isn't good enough... you need to send 10-15 of those at the net every single period non-stop and you'll get some goals. Housley keeps talking about getting away from that and I agree... they do it for a while, generate some offensive chances, then go back to trying to beat guys one on one if they don't find immediate success. My take is that this style of hockey sucks, it handcuffs the talented players by not giving them scoring chances they would otherwise create with their skill and creativity. It's hockey for dummies IMO, and it doesn't work unless you have a bunch of meatheads willing to get into the dirty areas and pay the price.

IMO it's a system issue. Housley's system is predicated getting as many shots on net as possible and having a net front presence... so players are shooting the puck first chance they get, which is more often than not, from the perimeter. Eichel hinted at this during one of his interviews where he questioned the Sabres shot selection... mentioning he'd like to see them take more high quality shots. It was a from a few months ago, but it stands out to me because it gives some insight into what they're being asked to do... and he obviously didn't sound happy about it.

Exactly. They're all getting along really well, coaches and players, enjoying their Pegulacoin together as one. That's a true team, and we as fans, should appreciate that.... wake up sheeple!

though CJ Smith would get a look first... don't like the Ullmark recall, unless CJ or Lehner are ill and can't go this week.

Yes his offensive skills are superb. However, still a lot of immaturity in his game... he tries to dangle every single guy one on one... and at the junior level that might work one out of every 3 or 4 times and it looks sexy when he pulls it off. That stuff doesn't work on NHL players, and we saw against Sweden his turnovers led directly to scoring chances going the other way.... and there were a lot of them.

He's enjoying his Pegulacoin, and golf... probably. Him and Botterill are close friends. Just sayin'.

No way Mittlestadt turns pro next season. He's got at least one more year of college hockey to get ready for the rigors of a full pro season. He's just not there physically yet, you could tell by his play at the WJC... he has a ways to go IMO.

Completely disagree. The primary job of the head coach is to get the most out of his players. EVERYBODY on the team is underperforming... it's not just one guy, or a handful of guys. They're all having career worst years offensively... ALL of them. That speaks volumes about Housley. Kane is the lone exception because he largely does his own thing anyway. Whether it's system, or motivation, or leadership... whatever Housley is doing is not working. I hope Botterill realizes this and doesn't start shipping guys out because he's not going to get a very good return based on their recent play.

If your QB is there, then pick him, but don't reach. The more QBs that go in the top half of the draft the more grade A prospects at other positions will get pushed down. Sure, they could use a QB, but I think they have more needs at DT and LB.

Housley is a very good assistant coach. This team has no head coach.

Of course they like him... he never benches anybody, everybody gets to play a lot and not feel any pressure to perform. Such a cozy comfortable environment for the players, everybody gets along, they all like each other and communicate very well. They don't need to answer to anybody, just go about their business, enjoy each others company and collect fat paychecks. They're living high off the hog and I'm sure it's a wonderful experience for all of them.

I don't think it's on the players. They look lost, like they're playing without a purpose.... there's a massive leadership void and PH can't lead these guys. Sadly, I agree that PH is prolly here to start the next season.

Goals? what are "goals"? This team plays like there's no point in doing anything. That's coaching. Phil is failing miserably. Unless they suddenly feel like competing again, then they'll be looking for a new head coach.... again.

bring bylsma back, this is getting dumb.

IF they trade Kane I think they'll attach a bad contract (Moulson/Bogo), so I don't really expect much in return.

I feel your pain... it was in the mid-50's when I tee'd off Sunday morning at Los Serranos South course. Eventually warmed up, but those first few holes.... brrrrrrrrrrrr.

The worm has turned.