Eleven Posted June 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2017 I don't know that what Tocchet did was any more immoral than what the guy running the office pool does, except for richer people with much higher stakes. It was a crime because the state of New Jersey wasn't getting its take. http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2882460 It was more than a decade ago, he didn't bet on hockey, and he paid for it. He seems to have the respect of industry; one gets a sense that the hockey community looks at him with a bit of "poor guy, coulda been me" So, no, the gambling doesn't worry me. What worries me is his ability to coach, which is unproven. But Botterill knows him well and is in an excellent position to judge. I agree with you on the irrelevance of the gambling thing. I look at Tocchet and Housley, and I remember them as players, and it always seemed to me that Housley was the more intelligent player. That, and the fact that Tocchet didn't exactly wow anyone in Tampa, have me firmly in the Housley camp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kas23 Posted June 8, 2017 Report Share Posted June 8, 2017 I don't care about the gambling thing. Anyone of us would've done the same thing (and do so when we don't declare our earnings in office pools or poker games or bets with friends). The only difference was the amount of money - about $1.7 million - exchanging hands. NJ saw a significant tax loss and went after them. However, Pegs may see differently. I agree with you on the irrelevance of the gambling thing. I look at Tocchet and Housley, and I remember them as players, and it always seemed to me that Housley was the more intelligent player. That, and the fact that Tocchet didn't exactly wow anyone in Tampa, have me firmly in the Housley camp. The problem comes when JBott has to pick from someone he knows very well and who players openly praise or a person who is held in high regard, but he doesn't know him. I think I know how this is going to shake out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taro T Posted June 8, 2017 Report Share Posted June 8, 2017 It may well be unfair, but given the type of player he was, I have some concern that Boughner may be too sympathetic to the Deslauriers of the world for my liking. Maybe not players as bad as Deslauriers, but the bangers that don't do much else. Boughner says all the right things, and his work with Burns is encouraging, but it's something that'd be in the back of my head. I wouldn't have that concern with Housley. Again, this may be wholly irrational, but he wouldn't be the first coach in history to be overly drawn to players like himself. No, the concern w/ Housley is that he'd be too drawn to the Satans & other kitties that are afraid of certain areas of the ice in both ends. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samson's Flow Posted June 8, 2017 Report Share Posted June 8, 2017 I want Housley to be the next HC, the glaring weakness on the Sabres is the defense and I believe he is the right person to fix it. There is turmoil in the locker room, it has been mentioned by Paul Hamilton, Rob Ray and Marty Biron at various points during the offseason. Hamilton went on to say that Kane was one of those involved. This is where the hiring of Rick Tocchet would get very muddled for the Sabres. If they want to stress character in the organization, what kind of message would hiring someone with a two year suspension on his resume send? If the new coach is to restore order to the locker room, why would Kane listen someone telling him how to act both on and off the ice, when he has zero suspensions compared to Tocchet? Maybe Kane would like his style of coaching and respond to him. Who knows? In the end Botterill has demonstrated he is good at picking coaches, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt on which ever coach he selects. Interestingly Kris Knoblach of the Erie Otters has reported he has been contacted by a few organizations, I imagine Buffalo is one of them. Is it for the Sabres or Rochester though? I was coming to write exactly this, so I will just quote you :thumbsup: Housley is my choice to improve the defense and focus on team offense. Tocchet scares me because his character issues of the past send a mixed message counter to the message from the Bills/Sabres/Pegula organizations that we are going to win with high character guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kas23 Posted June 8, 2017 Report Share Posted June 8, 2017 If they want to stress character in the organization, what kind of message would hiring someone with a two year suspension on his resume send? Fake news. He was only suspended for 3 months, partially because some punishment had to come down due to him pleading guilty to conspiracy to promote gambling. http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3234595 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubkev Posted June 8, 2017 Report Share Posted June 8, 2017 Fake news. He was only suspended for 3 months, partially because some punishment had to come down due to him pleading guilty to conspiracy to promote gambling. http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3234595 Tocchet and Gretzky's wife...it always seemed strange to me. Just seems a little too convenient. Too much mob movie "fall guy" stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brawndo Posted June 9, 2017 Report Share Posted June 9, 2017 I'm told Kris Knoblauch had meetings with #Sabres & #LAKings before deciding on #Flyers. Was scheduled to meet w/#Canucks, but never did. Per Dhiren Mahican. Wonder if it was for the HC Position in Rochester? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brawndo Posted June 9, 2017 Report Share Posted June 9, 2017 (edited) Fake news. He was only suspended for 3 months, partially because some punishment had to come down due to him pleading guilty to conspiracy to promote gambling. http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3234595 Twenty One Month Leave of Absence coupled with a Three Month Suspension still equals a two year absence from the game for the same infraction And this little tidbit as well. http://www.thenassauguardian.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20035&Itemid=27 Edited June 9, 2017 by BRAWNDO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kas23 Posted June 9, 2017 Report Share Posted June 9, 2017 (edited) Twenty One Month Leave of Absence coupled with a Three Month Suspension still equals a two year absence from the game for the same infraction And this little tidbit as well. http://www.thenassauguardian.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20035&Itemid=27 2 year absence does not mean 2 year suspension. Let's try to be accurate. It's for everyone's benefit. Remember, the NHL thought they had a much bigger mess on their hands - a NHL coach betting on NHL games and possibly throwing games. It doesn't get worse than that. Once the smoke cleared, this wasn't the case. NHL gave his wrist a slap. But yes, bringing that undeclared cash into the country doesn't look good. I would hope Pegs asks him about both instances. Tocchet and Gretzky's wife...it always seemed strange to me. Just seems a little too convenient. Too much mob movie "fall guy" stuff.So you think he took the fall to keep The Great One clear of the mess. I don't know. The Feds thought they had a much bigger fish on their line. Investigation was extensive and drawn out. Edited June 9, 2017 by kas23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brawndo Posted June 9, 2017 Report Share Posted June 9, 2017 (edited) 2 year absence does not mean 2 year suspension. Let's try to be accurate. It's for everyone's benefit.Ok fine, but three month suspension is still a suspension for an illegal off ice activity. Plus the arrest and guilty plea in the Bahamas in 2011 after pleading guilty in 2007. I am resigned to the fact that Rick Tocchet will be the next Head Coach for the Sabres. Besides the off ice character issues, his coaching record is not that stellar. 80 points in 2009-10 and that's with St Louis and Stamkos each getting over 90 points. He maybe the perfect coach for the Sabres, hell Crosby loves him, but on the surface it's very meh hire. Dipping into the Penguins Organization for your GM, reportedly your Asst GM in Sexton and possibly your Head Coach is a little much for my taste. Success comes easier with Crosby and Malkin, I would prefer some new outside voices in the Sabres Organization as well Edited June 9, 2017 by BRAWNDO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kas23 Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 Ok fine, but three month suspension is still a suspension for an illegal off ice activity. Plus the arrest and guilty plea in the Bahamas in 2011 after pleading guilty in 2007. I am resigned to the fact that Rick Tocchet will be the next Head Coach for the Sabres. Besides the off ice character issues, his coaching record is not that stellar. 80 points in 2009-10 and that's with St Louis and Stamkos each getting over 90 points. He maybe the perfect coach for the Sabres, hell Crosby loves him, but on the surface it's very meh hire. Dipping into the Penguins Organization for your GM, reportedly your Asst GM in Sexton and possibly your Head Coach is a little much for my taste. Success comes easier with Crosby and Malkin, I would prefer some new outside voices in the Sabres Organization as well I agree. I, too, want Housley. But the fact remains JBott has barely interviewed anyone for the HC position. I understand JBott could be completely locking down leaks from his side, but he can't stop leaks from the interviewee side. It's in a candidate's best interest to get his name out there as being interviewed. It's creates a market for him and gets his name on lists for future interviews, which is likely what the Boogie Man did. Other that him, we heard absolute silence. So, either JBott is going to start this process once the SC is over or he's already made his mind up. He's going to go with what's comfortable for him. I think there's a 95% chance Tocchet is hired and we all better get used to it. Who knows, he wasn't exactly thrown into a good situation in Tampa and only really got 1 solid year to prove himself. Most first time coaches don't do too well and perhaps he has learned some things over the years (it's been awhile). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dudacek Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 (edited) Boughner, Berube and Knoblauch have been reported from reputable sources, and Krueger was strongly hinted as well. Montgomery, Reirden and Donatelli are also rumoured, although not confirmed. David Quinn seemed more speculation than rumour. And also-rans have also heard they are also-rans. Botterill said he intended to cast a wide net. I would be surprised if he hasn't. IMO, he as a favourite or two and is waiting to see if Tocchet, Housley and possibly Martin also warrant a visit to meet the Pegulas. Edited June 10, 2017 by dudacek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dudacek Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 Apparently it won't be Boughner. But it will be whoever we want. http://buffalonews.com/2017/06/10/report-panthers-wont-wait-housley-moving-hire-boughner-new-coach/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brawndo Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 Did Housley tell them no, since it was widely reported he was their number one choice and does that mean he has the inside track for the Sabres Job? This from McKenzie as well BUF is waiting for Cup final to end to interview Housley, and possibly PIT assistant coaches Rick Tocchet and Jacques Martin. I'm fixated on the word possibly here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brawndo Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 Not shocking but the Sabres will not offer Berube the HC Job Sabres also reportedly spoke with Craig Berube but @tpanotchCSN said they moved on past him. Fuels Tocchet/Housley speculation. From Joe Yerdon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iron Crotch Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 The players down here love Phil Housley. He coaches the defensemen plus special teams. What I like most about the possibility of Housley is two things: (1) no matter whom the Preds plug in on the defensive end they seem to play well - journeymen, rookies, ... it doesn't matter; (2) the Preds play a unique 5-man system that I'd love to see in Buffalo if we can get the defensemen to play it. All defensemen have a green light at all times, with the forwards covering when they attack. To me, the system is what got the Preds to the Cup finals as much as anything. Speed and skill over "heavy" crasher and banger types. That's what I'd love to see in Buffalo. And, I think the fans would love that brand of hockey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 The players down here love Phil Housley. He coaches the defensemen plus special teams. What I like most about the possibility of Housley is two things: (1) no matter whom the Preds plug in on the defensive end they seem to play well - journeymen, rookies, ... it doesn't matter; (2) the Preds play a unique 5-man system that I'd love to see in Buffalo if we can get the defensemen to play it. All defensemen have a green light at all times, with the forwards covering when they attack. To me, the system is what got the Preds to the Cup finals as much as anything. Speed and skill over "heavy" crasher and banger types. That's what I'd love to see in Buffalo. And, I think the fans would love that brand of hockey. Preach brother!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom webster Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 Preach brother!! Looks like Bougner to Florida so maybe it's Housley to Buffalo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iron Crotch Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 Looks like Bougner to Florida so maybe it's Housley to Buffalo Seems like it'll be Phil Housley or Rick Tocchet. Personally, I'm tired of the constant stream of Pittsburgh guys. Tocchet was head coach in Tampa for a couple of years and those teams were pretty terrible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrueBlueGED Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 I'm totally on board with Housley, but I'm also a little disappointed Botterill won't have the chance to choose between him and Boughner. Yes, I'm conveniently ignoring the Tocchet possibility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGR4GM Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 I am a little concerned about group think if we keep bringing in Pittsburgh people. At some point we need differing views. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabre fan Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 Yep...we need Howie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGR4GM Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 Yep...we need Howie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kas23 Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 (edited) This is a very interesting development if Florida is hiring Boogie Man. I hope it works out so we get the pick of the litter. I wonder if the Housley camp slipped to Florida that we would never go there. It may also mean Florida never considered Tocchet a real candidate. I pray we don't either. Let's hope Pegs sticks to his "character" crusade. Edited June 10, 2017 by kas23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brawndo Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 From Friedman's 30 Thoughts There were reports out of China and the United Kingdom that the takeover of Southampton FC by Chinese investors Lander Sports Development is back on. In theory, that could free up chairman Ralph Krueger to re-insert himself into the Buffalo coaching picture, but, in practice, it appears extremely unlikely. It remains a drawn-out process, and the timeline doesn’t fit with what the Sabres need to do. That leaves Housley as a serious contender, with Tocchet lurking. Another Pittsburgh assistant, Jacques Martin, is potentially in the mix. Craig Berube interviewed, as did Washington assistant Todd Reirden. So there are options. 4. New York Rangers associate coach Scott Arniel also interviewed with both Buffalo and Florida. In another part of the article he mentioned that Housley is a candidate for BOTH Western New York Coaching Jobs. Could it be Housley in Rochester with Tocchet in Buffalo? So Phil gets promoted when Tocchet gets fired? I would much rather they reserve what positions they have Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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