[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

At this point, probably.

Maybe I need to take a break from this place until something actually happens with the team.  Assistant coaches, anything.

 

Have a good night.

[The even randomer thread]

9 hours ago, shrader said:

My islander fan neighbor kept his kids home from school yesterday because “canes fans are mean”.  Ladies and gentlemen, the future of America. 

Yeah but they're not "eating babies" mean, are they?

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

1 hour ago, ... said:

Where's @nfreeman with a "this isn't necessary" response. Dude, do you seriously think you can cast the first stone? I recommend some rigorous meditation and self reflection.

He's going on and on and on about.  We get it:  He thinks Kevyn lied to HIM.  Personally.  And he doesn't like it.  Can we move on now?

To be honest, the real problem is that there's very little going on in Sabreland.  Okay, Lindy was hired.  But there will be few, if any, roster changes before the playoffs are done and we're all ready to start next season.

[The Music Thread]

3 hours ago, Indabuff said:

First time I've seen this.   As a huge fan of The Doors, this is incredible.  Thank you. 

When I first saw it a few months ago I played it over about 10 times.  He really nails the Morrison impersonation.... like uncannily so.

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

2 hours ago, JohnC said:

I wish Lindy the best. Now the onus is on the GM to get Lindy the players he asks for.

fify  😉 

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

6 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

Called it. Again, I don't like being lied too.

Talk your therapist about it instead of torturing us with your rants.

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

6 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

You want me to say deliberately deceived his audience instead? Adams knowingly and purposely made it sound like he conducted a more extensive search than he clearly did. They wanted Ruff and they got Ruff. 

I don't care if he said the moon was made of cheese.  If Lindy Ruff takes the team to the next level, I'm not gonna be mad.

5 hours ago, dudacek said:

Lindy’s interview with Marty today came across better than the big presser.

Yep.  Just watched it.  Lindy's still Lindy.

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

28 minutes ago, Mr Peabody said:

Lindy likely was more in lock step with KA. 

I wouldn't say that.  Rather,  I'd say Kevyn is more likely to act on Lindy's recommendations than those of another coach (i.e., I hope Lindy's driving the roster bus, not Kevyn).

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

25 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

I don't think all of them were truly interviewed. They wanted Ruff and got Ruff. 

Interviewed, as in, in-person meeting wearing a suit and all that?  Yeah, you're probably right.  Interviewed, as in gauged for interest and discussed what a given coach could bring to the team?  Yeah, probably a few, or if you believe Kevyn, at least ten.

Doesn't matter really; it is what it is.

[Arizona Coyotes are relocating to Utah]

Yes, I know some people from Phoenix; they're hopeful that the Coyotes will return, but I told them I doubt Meruelo will be able to get things (i.e. the arena) laid flat in the next five years, even if he wins the land auction.

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

If Kevyn decided to replace Donny, say, as a result of how he handled the player revolt against the fans, he had a month or so to talk to coaches that were unemployed.  I would imagine that in those discussions he stressed that any conversations had to be kept confidential; you don't talk about replacing a coach before that coach is fired.  Granted, leaks happen, but just because Gallant, Berube, Boudreau, etc., kept their mouths shut doesn't mean they weren't interviewed.

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

45 minutes ago, dudacek said:

Where they’ll clash is those times when Jeff freelances.

Part of any high-performing offensive player is creativity.  Doing the unexpected gives an offensive player an advantage.  I think Skinner's version of creativity is off the map compared to what other players do.  For a period during the 2022-23 season, Skinner's linemates were in sync with his style and the Tuch - Tommer (/Mitts) - Skinner line was wildly successful at scoring goals.

So we know Skinner can be part of something like that.  But his linemates need to have some idea what he's going to do, and he needs to support what his linemates are doing, for the line to excel.  It's that latter part that Skinner struggles with (and part of that is team defense).

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

15 minutes ago, Archie Lee said:

The theme was that former players see this as the Sabres playing it safe, living in the past and generally continuing to not function like a normal NHL team. 

So... pretty much the same as the overall Sabrespace take.

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

6 hours ago, dudacek said:

Skinner Vanek

And interesting couplet.

Vanek had a reputation as a floater who would score goals.  So does Skinner.

As much as some want Skinner gone I just don't see it happening this year, and depending on what he does under Lindy he may be able to play out the contract as a contributor.  No matter who the new coach was going to be I think one challenge the incoming coach would have is how to handle Skinner and get the most out of him.

[The Lindy Lindys announce new uniforms for 24-25]

3 hours ago, TageMVP said:

Your own username is a poor attempt at comedy 

I know you are but what am I?

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

2 hours ago, Demoted said:

I don't want to listen to some podcast just tell us what they said.

Yep.  While their takes might be interesting I'm listening to those two buffoons for an hour.

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

The Hockey Guy's take (just click it, it's cued up to the right spot)

 

[Arizona Coyotes are relocating to Utah]

The SLC Stormin' Mormons

[The Music Thread]

Still the greatest late night performance ever.

 

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

6 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Jokiharju needs replaced and I'd look to upgrade Bryson. Johnson is a top 6 defender unless your team is run by idiots. 

"in whatever combination"... meaning, yeah, Johnson in the top six.  I think Bryson is fine as 7D.  He played well to close out the season.  Replace Joki with an upgrade?

But I don't see the D in general as seriously lacking.  I don't mind an upgrade but it's not the top priority.  Replacing Mitts is the top priority in my book, and getting a 4th line that other teams hate playing against.

[Lindy Ruff officially hired as Sabres HC]

45 minutes ago, ... said:

That second pair needs a testosterone injection. The third pair won't make it 10 games without an injury that keeps one of them out (Muel) for 10 weeks. 

I fully expect Johnson to be a top sixer this season anyway.

26 minutes ago, triumph_communes said:

Lindy Ruff is the guy who made this happen.  Our team full of Nordic kids are in for trouble 

 

https://sports.yahoo.com/news/ville-leino-depicts-third-season-sabres-jail-clothing-design-185834130.html

Ville Leino made this happen.

[The Lindy Lindys announce new uniforms for 24-25]

On 4/22/2024 at 8:05 PM, Pimlach said:

My second favorite Lindy Ruff moment.  Here he is a 20 year old rookie.  
 

 

I'm surprised there was a soundtrack on the clip, as opposed to tin pan alley piano accompaniment and caption cards.

[2024-2025 Checking Line]

7 hours ago, The Jokeman said:

Bring back Zack Kassian!!!

What a concept.

[Well, What Is Your Reaction To Ruff Being Hired. A Poll]

Actually, you need to other choice.  Something like "I've been hurt too many times by this team to harbor any hope"

[Well, What Is Your Reaction To Ruff Being Hired. A Poll]

My initial reaction was "Not really but it could work I suppose" so I checked that box.  But I'm coming around to "I'm ok with it, not super happy" and hoping it becomes "Yes, its a good move" when the season starts.