pi2000

Hutton: "I try to battle, there's a lot of things I can't control".... "these last few games at home.. giving up too many scoring chances"... on the 4th goal "it just popped out to him, not sure where the d-man was, never saw the release"... "doesn't matter how many big one's you make, it's that one that hurts"... "i just try to compete, i think I've given us a chance to win when I've been in there." Dahlin: "they had their chances and they scored on them"... when asked what he likes about the team right now, "Everyone has bought in to the defensive side of the game, we play solid in the d-zone, we're tough to play against. We need to get our 5 on 5 scoring going.." Sounds like they're on 2 different teams haha

Reinhart no question. He's been doing the same thing as Risto did on the PP, only Sam has better offensive instincts/skill. Everybody does it, that's hockey 101. What do you suggest?

He has that 1000yard stare we're so used to seeing from players on this team. Welcome to Hockey Hell.

When does Eichel get moved down?

Something changed this off-season, I believe he's mentally and emotionally checked out of Buffalo. Listening to his Spitin Chicklets interview from a month ago or so, he sounds just very aloof and whatnot, cussing, just seemed very out of character.... like he's reached the IDGAF point. He's the captain and he's had what, 1 or 2, post game pressers? Something ain't right.

...and to top it off, in Hutton's post game presser last night, he said he felt like he gave them a chance to win.... what?! And Dahlin says he felt like they played really good defensively. What is going on in that lockerroom? These guys are delusional.

Maybe he lost his love of the game.

I've come to the realization that it's simply lack of talent on this team. I know it's sour grapes, but it's terribly frustrating thinking about what could have been, we end up with... Reinhart instead of Draisaitl Eichel instead of McDavid Nylander instead of Sergachev Dahlin instead of Svechnikov or Q. Hughes ...and with $15m/yr going to Skinner + Okposo there's simply no way to recover. They keep trying different coaches but it's like we keep watching the same game over and over for the past 10 years. I'm not advocating for a complete rebuild, but their only way out of this is to get some kind of steady production from Skinner and find a way to unload Okposo maybe in expansion, but they're going to have to get creative. This season is already a wash.

Irwin played pretty well his first game in the lineup. Its been a dumpster fire since then.

I'm fine with Ullmark and his performance.... he's still young (for a goalie) and has shown steady improvement. But you need a proven veteran starter to split time with him.

It's funny how they have one good game, get a win, and Ralph says that's a "confirmation of the system".... well what about the other 5 or 6 ***** games? Those don't count? Staal is done. I'm already tired of him getting caught from behind and turning pucks over. Him and Okposo would probably find some success in my beer league. Can Ullmark play every game? If Hutton savea that breakaway 20s in, it's probably a different game script. The boys see him make a big save and get fired up, completely different game. But he wasn't even close, completely faked out, just tough to watch as a teammate.

A better goalie and they likely win this game.

MOIST WIND

7 points with 6 of those games against arguably 2 of the top 5 teams in the league. They're imrpoved, unfortunately in a tough division, but long term they will be better for it.

Anybody missing Larsson or Girgensons yet? You think either of them bury that shorty by Rieder?

MAF?

IR is the new "retirement"

They had eons to address the goaltending situation after last season abruptly ended. They did nothing and now we hear they're talking to teams about the position? The ineptitude is mind-blowing.

M. Johansson > Staal

IMO the win last night was more due to Philly being flat than a "confirmation" of the system. The defensive zone play is still atrocious, with even the slightest amount of puck luck, Philly gets 3 or 4 past Hutton. Until the defensive zone play improves I'll remain skeptical.

I dont think it's the losing. It's the culture. Play hard earn a contract then go through the motions, collect your Pegula bucks and keep getting ice time because the franchise cares dearly about your feelings so they won't cut your ice time or waive you in the offseason... it's a nice comfortable cozy life as a Sabres player.

Why does every player who has a nice season or shows promise (skinner, dahlin, etc..) eventually settle into complacent mediocrity? It's like Buffalo is the place you go to earn a nice hefty contract and then put it in cruise control for the remainder of the deal. When was the last time they had a guy outplay his contract value?

...in otherwords, they'll never play together under RK

🤦

he's added weight which is good, but short term he will be adjusting to his new playing weight so don't expect too much out of the gate... trust the process