LQ, DR and Lindy

[PASabreFan]

There are two questions I wanted to hear but didn't. Maybe Bill Hoppe can address the issue of why the media can get so timid at these events, why it's hard to ask the tough questions assertively without being rude.

 

1. To Lindy: Your power plays have been historically poor. Do you accept the idea this is not a strong point in your coaching repertoire and will you hire a power play specialist and let him run the thing? (Adam Benigni asked about the power play in general.)

 

2. To LQ: You said seven years ago the goal of the organization is to win a Cup. You haven't won a Cup. How long does the current regime have to win one? If the next seven years go like the last seven, will you still be pleased with the current regime? Would they continue to be extended? (Some guy got toward this point at the end, I think it was Steve from WNY Hockey Magazine. He said how some fans have been waiting 40 years, while "you guys" have been around for 13 years. This led to LQ saying the Sabres have as good a chance as any team to win a Cup in the CBA atmosphere and DR saying how much it hurts to lose. In fact, he said, "If anything knocks you out of the business, it would be losing." Interesting point. The frustration of losing, he meant. In Buffalo, it's certainly not the losing that costs anyone a job.)

[carpandean]

A lot of the same ol', same ol', making excuses beforehand in case things don't work out. The only two things that make me feel a little glimmer of hope that they are at least thinking the right way were:

 

1) Darcy changing from "as long as Timmy is healthy, we're OK down the middle" from the last couple of years to "we would make a move to improve at center, if it's there." Of course, that was followed up by "it's hard" and "usually from within", but at least they backed off of "we're fine with a healthy Timmy Connolly."

 

2) "We have some room to play with" and "ownership has been generous with spending" or something like that. Again, may not amount to anything, but at least they aren't claiming poor.

[Buffalo Fan]

What are the odds of DR or LQ syaing...

 

"There WILL be major changes this off-season" or something like that.

 

 

More importantly, what are the chances that major changes WILL happen...

[shrader]

I listened to this online on GR. I know you guys were mentioning some sort of video feed earlier. Could you actually hear the questions on that because all I could hear from the GR feed was the responses.

[spndnchz]

I listened to this online on GR. I know you guys were mentioning some sort of video feed earlier. Could you actually hear the questions on that because all I could hear from the GR feed was the responses.

 

Video replay is up on Sabres.com now. You could hear some, but not all of the questions. The guy with the mic couldn't reach the whole room.

[PASabreFan]

Video replay is up on Sabres.com now. You could hear some, but not all of the questions. The guy with the mic couldn't reach the whole room.

Musta been inky.

 

I have no idea what that means.

 

I hate that. Reporter: mummble mubble grumble erra erra harumph. Coach: Yeah, definitely.

[carpandean]

I hate that. Reporter: mummble mubble grumble erra erra harumph. Coach: Yeah, definitely.

If it's possible that the rest of the room (or virtual room, if it is being recorded) might not be able to hear questions from the audience, then it's on the speaker to repeat the question. I have to do that in a class full of student, so I don't know how these guys don't get it. Maybe, it seemed plenty loud to them.

[deluca67]

Darcy reminds me of the little bald dude in the Dilbert strip who gets away with doing no work.

 

Bucky asked Darcy is he would be active in the trade market this summer. Darcy's response was classic: "I will try to be busy."

 

DeLuca, you must have loved the explanation about how tough it is to address the Sabres' deficiencies at center. If we can find a center, Darcy said, "we'll probably try to acquire" him. Darcy thinks that elusive number one center can only be had if you're really bad and get the top pick.

My first thought was if it is so hard to acquire quality centers why let two walk away for free? My second thought, Regier has to be the laziest GM in all of sports. Finding a #1 center will be hard. So f'n what! It's his job. If it's "too hard" he should quit and let someone with a set take over as GM and actually get things done. Maybe I am being too hard on Regier, after all why expect so much from a man who can't even find a decent backup goalie.

 

It was hilarious for the five minutes after on WGR when Jeremy White did his best to ball wash Regier. I know it's his act and completely expected, still funny to listen to.