GDT - Penguins @ Sabres - March 23, 2022 - 7:30 PM (EDT) - TNT and WGR

[Sabres Fan in NS]

Great team effort and it was rewarded ... again!!

 

[SDS]

36 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

A wise and just sds would have posted the presser. #sadface

I had watched a live stream on Twitter. 🤷🏻

[LGR4GM]

12 minutes ago, SDS said:

I had watched a live stream on Twitter. 🤷🏻

lol fair enough. 

BTW the Granato presser is fantastic. My god listening to him just makes sense, everything he says is like "oh yea, that does make sense". He also doesn't use bs coach speak to the media. In his presser last night he said something to the effect of "our players need to know what went wrong so they can analyze it and move on quick because there's another shift coming". Granato gets it. 

He also talked a bunch about clarity of purpose and playing without fear. He mentioned the team needs both and they are really developing it as this season goes on. 

"We've moved passed any hesitation and we're playing aggressive and we're doing it tactically... we've learned tactically how to execute together." Donny Granato

Edited March 24, 2022 by LGR4GM

[Doohickie]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

I would leave Muel with Bryson. 

If you do that, then Fitzgerald is the 7D?  I would hope he gets more playing time.

[Doohickie]

9 hours ago, Marvin, Sabres Fan said:

I am so sick of having had Crosby foisted on me since 2005-6.  I love beating Pittsburgh.

To me the moment was the 2008 Winter Classic.  That's when I had to admit that the Sabres were slipping and the Pens were better.

 

 

Not going forward.  Not anymore.

[Doohickie]

9 hours ago, woods-racer said:

10 hours ago, sweetlou said:

Mitts with best % on face-offs for the night  at 62%

Why the heck wasn't he out there the last 3 minutes of the third in the o-zone when they could win one for the life of them?

We actually out-drew them 52%-48% as a team.  He didn't use Mitts late probably because they weren't tracking it that closely in-game but, and here's where I'm a little excited:  Donny Meatballs put out the person he thought was best, rather than giving a younger player the experience of a late game faceoff.  It might be too early to do that, but I think it signals a shift in the team that Donny's focus is shifting from development to winning.

And by the way, Eaks, Okposo, Mitts and Cozens were all 50% or better.  Only Tage was below 50% (he was 38%).  I think Tage knows what he needs to work on going forward.

Edited March 24, 2022 by The Ghost of Yuri

[That Aud Smell]

1 hour ago, North Buffalo said:

 

Man ... if he's not the guy going forward ... he sure sounds like that guy. And the team's playing like he could be. 😏

[JohnC]

9 hours ago, The Ghost of Yuri said:

This is a notion that needs to be stomped going forward. 

The Sabres' talent might not be proven yet, but it's there and it's bubbling up to the surface.  I wouldn't call Tage a superstar yet, but he's a star.  Dahlin is rapidly approaching superstar.  Skinner is a star.  The team in general doesn't have too many more "stars" but the overall talent level isn't lacking compared to other teams.  It's spread around a bit more perhaps, but overall the team that played tonight is more than talented enough to be competitive with the best teams.  After years of trying to win with all our eggs in one Eichel, I'll take lower talent on our top players, but a better spread of talent across all players.

And if you're going to bring up the Edmonton game, I will counter by pointing you to the 1997 Western Conference Finals:  Back-to-back 6-0 games, one won by the Red Wings, the other by the Avalanche.  It happens, even to good teams.

I think you are missing the point about the highlighted comment. There are teams that clearly are at a higher tier than Buffalo is. That's a fact! Teams such as Calgary, Carolina, Tampa, Florida, Colorado etc. The reality is that we are at a lower tier. Again, that's a fact! I don't see how anyone can deny that categorization. However, that doesn't mean that we can't be competitive with those teams when this team plays to its max and with good goaltending.  

This organization is rebuilding. Those running the organization publicly admit that. We have brought in more talent with the trades of our previous core that spreads the talent around more than before the trades (as you point out). But where we are now is not where we need to be to be in the higher tier of teams that were mentioned in order to become a serious cup contending team. 

Anyone who has been following this team recognizes that it is on the right track. And anyone who has a scintilla of objectivity recognizes that this team still has a way to go (less distance than before)  to get to the level that would make this team a SC contender. 

I hope this elaboration clarifies the issue for you. 

[Doohickie]

11 minutes ago, That Aud Smell said:

Man ... if he's not the guy going forward ... he sure sounds like that guy. And the team's playing like he could be. 😏

Compare and contrast

 

Caution:  Listening to Ralph too long will make your ears bleed.

[That Aud Smell]

^ Did I just unwittingly tune in to see Mike Harrington on a Zoom close-up? #NeverAgain

[Doohickie]

1 minute ago, That Aud Smell said:

^ Did I just unwittingly tune in to see Mike Harrington on a Zoom close-up? #NeverAgain

It starts with a frame or two of Adam Benigni.  Mike Harrington does come in later.

[Marvin]

51 minutes ago, The Ghost of Yuri said:

To me the moment was the 2008 Winter Classic.  That's when I had to admit that the Sabres were slipping and the Pens were better.

 

 

Not going forward.  Not anymore.

Sure they were.  But the hype around Crosby even annoyed my wife.  I remember her saying during the pregame, "why do I need Sydney Crosby rammed down my throat?"

That Sabres team needed a 3rd top-9 centre -- which they never got.  I always thought the failures of that team were above the players.

[dudacek]

31 minutes ago, That Aud Smell said:

Man ... if he's not the guy going forward ... he sure sounds like that guy. And the team's playing like he could be. 😏

Donnie’s pressers have been must-watch all year.

[LGR4GM]

Oh God Kruger sucks

[jsb]

My opinion is the defense looks much better because the forwards are forechecking and back checking  much better than earlier in the season. If they're going to make strides next year for a playoff spot they are going to need to make 1 major upgrade to our RHD group or 2 medium upgrades. One of them needs to be a PK specialist. The team is also healthier than at any other time of this season. Hinostroza isn't necessarily good but he adds a speed element to the team that is noticeable. 

Eakin is never going to be confused as a good center but playing with Girgs and Okposo he doesn't stick out as a sore thumb like he did. Girgs is the most underrated player on the team, he's gritty, hustles, probably the best defensive forward we have and is very good on the boards. He makes a difference every game even if it hardly shows up on the scorecard. 

From what I've read on the analytics part of the game, the Cozens line was by far the worst line in the game for us. I don't understand the hate some people give Mitts, he's coming along fine and there was a big difference on PP1 with him in the game. He also is playing a more physical game than he has in the past, I think both he and Dahlin have improved a bunch in that area. Dahlin is just special, I don't think we have to worry about him regressing any longer, he also looks faster to me, I'm not sure if his anticipation creates that but he gets to pucks much better than before and he may be the most skilled player on the team. The way he maneuvers thru the opponents zone at times is just jaw dropping. The national guys are starting to take notice. 

[Doohickie]

28 minutes ago, JohnC said:

I think you are missing the point about the highlighted comment. There are teams that clearly are at a higher tier than Buffalo is. That's a fact! Teams such as Calgary, Carolina, Tampa, Florida, Colorado etc. The reality is that we are at a lower tier. Again, that's a fact! I don't see how anyone can deny that categorization. However, that doesn't mean that we can't be competitive with those teams when this team plays to its max and with good goaltending.  

This organization is rebuilding. Those running the organization publicly admit that. We have brought in more talent with the trades of our previous core that spreads the talent around more than before the trades (as you point out). But where we are now is not where we need to be to be in the higher tier of teams that were mentioned in order to become a serious cup contending team. 

Anyone who has been following this team recognizes that it is on the right track. And anyone who has a scintilla of objectivity recognizes that this team still has a way to go (less distance than before)  to get to the level that would make this team a SC contender. 

I hope this elaboration clarifies the issue for you. 

Nope.  I disagree with your "facts."

[Broken Ankles]

2 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

He was out muscled multiple times. Was slow to react. He failed at multiple zone entry breakups. I was constantly terrified he wouldn't read the breakout fast enough and he had multiple turnovers in that regard. Idk what you watched but he's was not good last night. 

If Pittsburgh got extended zone time,  it was often Joker out without Dahlin. His ot performance was woof. 

To the bold - his shot share/Cosi was abysmal without Dahlin.  Also out chanced with High danger without Rasmus.  And Dahlin without Joki was off the charts good in 5 minutes.   I have always been in the camp that Joki will be fine when paired with Muel on the third line.  We just need Power and two other Veteran RD to join the ranks. 

Edited March 24, 2022 by Broken Ankles

[Flashsabre]

Yeah the thing that slapped me in the face right a way when Ralph was fired and Granato took over was what an absolute breath of fresh air Don is when speaking. No ego, nothing about patting himself on the back. Everything is directed towards the team and everything he says is smart but simple.

I still have nightmares of listening to Ralph tie himself up in knots trying to explain why none of it was his fault ever.

Edited March 24, 2022 by Flashsabre

[That Aud Smell]

30 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Oh God Kruger sucks

It is so obvious in retrospect.

[Sabres Fan in NS]

40 minutes ago, That Aud Smell said:

^ Did I just unwittingly tune in to see Mike Harrington on a Zoom close-up? #NeverAgain

That warning by my Ghost friend was not anywhere near strong enough.

[That Aud Smell]

14 minutes ago, Broken Ankles said:

To the bold - his shot share/Cosi was abysmal without Dahlin.  Also out chanced with High danger without Rasmus.  And Dahlin without Joki was off the charts good in 5 minutes.   I have always been in the camp that Joki will be fine when paired with Muel on the third line.  We just need Power and two other Veteran RD to join the ranks. 

Man, THIS is the content I come here for. Cheers!

[jsb]

22 minutes ago, Broken Ankles said:

To the bold - his shot share/Cosi was abysmal without Dahlin.  Also out chanced with High danger without Rasmus.  And Dahlin without Joki was off the charts good in 5 minutes.   I have always been in the camp that Joki will be fine when paired with Muel on the third line.  We just need Power and two other Veteran RD to join the ranks. 

I seen something similar to this last night but I couldn't find it today. Thanks, there also was something similar in evaluating the forwards and again thanks for posting this. Good stuff.

[dudacek]

30 minutes ago, jsb said:

. Dahlin is just special, I don't think we have to worry about him regressing any longer, he also looks faster to me, I'm not sure if his anticipation creates that but he gets to pucks much better than before and he may be the most skilled player on the team. The way he maneuvers thru the opponents zone at times is just jaw dropping. The national guys are starting to take notice. 

We’ve seen plenty of instances where Dahlin magically appears in the offensive zone to nab a puck and slide into open space and we’re left all “where did he come from?”

There was a play last night where that happened on defence. A Penguin was cruising toward (Joki?) down the right wing boards on a rush and suddenly Dahlin had come from the left side slipped between them and forced a turnover. He saw a play and executed before anyone on the ice even knew it was there.

That’s the aggression and the fearlessness Donnie preaches manifesting itself in new ways, thanks to Dahlin’s rare skill and the confidence the coach has installed.

[Randall Flagg]

4 hours ago, That Aud Smell said:

Do tell.

He is beginning to regularly resemble the player we saw in those pre-draft clips — so many plays where it looks like his “controller” is set to a higher level than anyone else’s.

Mannerisms was the wrong word. I just think that with the puck on his stick, he plays like he has more skill than he does. So there are times when he has Tage, Skinner, or a point man wide open for a dangerous shot while he's at a goofy/awkward angle to the net with a guy right on him, and he'll try to take a shot or make a move almost every time instead, and will lose possession harmlessly. He does the same thing in transition, choosing to keep the puck when he should pass it far more often than most players, and doesn't have the skill to make anything happen the way an Eichel does (not making the comparison because of the trade, just because eichel is a prototypical transition player who does the same things more effectively)

And then there was a dreadful offside in overtime, where it was so obvious that he was going to be offside the whole entire play, with a team that had possession of the puck and now had to take a face off again to get it back (which they lost, and I'm pretty sure didnt see the puck again for another 2 mins). That's the play that made me actually type that out.

Most of the time i wouldn't say anything about this stuff because loads of players are as flawed or more flawed and still very good, I still like him and think he's a good player (a good middle six winger), but tuch has captured the imaginations of sabres fans with his excellent attitude and character, so I've seen a lot of "this guy is the next captain" talk and Drury comparisons, so my natural contrarian instincts kick in and I felt like saying something. 

I hope Tuch becomes our 3rd line driving force because that will mean our team is very strong 

[LGR4GM]

1 minute ago, Randall Flagg said:

Mannerisms was the wrong word. I just think that with the puck on his stick, he plays like he has more skill than he does. So there are times when he has Tage, Skinner, or a point man wide open for a dangerous shot while he's at a goofy/awkward angle to the net with a guy right on him, and he'll try to take a shot or make a move almost every time instead, and will lose possession harmlessly. He does the same thing in transition, choosing to keep the puck when he should pass it far more often than most players, and doesn't have the skill to make anything happen the way an Eichel does (not making the comparison because of the trade, just because eichel is a prototypical transition player who does the same things more effectively)

And then there was a dreadful offside in overtime, where it was so obvious that he was going to be offside the whole entire play, with a team that had possession of the puck and now had to take a face off again to get it back (which they lost, and I'm pretty sure didnt see the puck again for another 2 mins). That's the play that made me actually type that out.

Most of the time i wouldn't say anything about this stuff because loads of players are as flawed or more flawed and still very good, I still like him and think he's a good player (a good middle six winger), but tuch has captured the imaginations of sabres fans with his excellent attitude and character, so I've seen a lot of "this guy is the next captain" talk and Drury comparisons, so my natural contrarian instincts kick in and I felt like saying something. 

I hope Tuch becomes our 3rd line driving force because that will mean our team is very strong 

This is a great example of why just saying hi/ him is terrible. You're replying to a post that is 4 hours old and it takes until the very last paragraph for anyone to know you're talking about tuch