grinreaper

There's pills for that.

Thanks for your thoughtful response. From my view we have more prospects that have a chance to be good to really good players than we can absorb without making some trades. Whether it's trades of a prospect or more or trades of current Sabres players who knows? I'm thinking Adams has put us on a course to having many options and a plethora of skilled players. With some tweaks we have the possibility to have a defense corps along the lines of the recent Nashville Predators. Our forwards that we have in the NHL and prospects gaining experience most likely will push out some of our older players and make us a contender. That's my optimistic view.

In most people's minds Tage was pretty much JAG until last season. He may very well be a little bit of a late bloomer but a bloomer he definitely is. I always thought that prime hockey age was usually about 27-to early 30's. Some players still excel into their late 30's. Regardless, with his size and reach along with what looks like a damn good hockey sense he very well might be one of those players who can adapt and change his game to suit his talents as he ages.

I remember when Ryan Miller first came up to the Sabres and didn't perform very well. Seems like he was in tears after a game. Anyway, goalies are often something unlike humans and a special breed. They often need extra time to show their true worth while some are ready to perform at a young age. Show me a GM who knows the answer as far as goalies go and I'll show you a GM that has made a deal with the devil.

He was a well known hockey star---XCIX.

I'm sorry that Doc Adams took away your license but other than Miss Kitty he was always the wisest person on that show. I'm sure he knew what he was doing and realized that even old goats put themselves in danger when traversing the treacherous ledges on the mountainside. "Why are the Sabres in a development phase that's slower than molasses?" You state that the Sabres are in a development phase but then go on and state that there were 3 different stages. If nothing else, Terry Pegula has been open to changing the Sabres approach based on the evidence. You know, he's learning from experience as he ages. Of the three approaches which one do you prefer? Since you haven't espoused any different approach than one of those three I must assume that you either have a preference or just are happy to bitch and complain. Your response above basically claimed ownership of the Gran Torino. 2nd gear is to the right and up top.

AN OBSERVATION: Usually meddling owners like Dan Snyder and GM Jerry Jones keep themselves in the public spotlight and revel in media attention. Terry Pegula does not seek out that attention. While that doesn't preclude Terry Pegula from meddling behind the scenes I see no recent evidence that he does more than look out for the overall health of his businesses. With that said, he did get involved in the hockey department when he first purchased the Sabres and made what appeared to have been an emotional decision in the Rex Ryan hiring. It's been quite awhile since those occurrences and anyone harping about his interferences or meddling should show some recent proof or hop in their Gran Torino to take them to the local Senior Citizen Center for lunch.

Sabres are the quicker team. Bruins are older and seem to anticipate a little better.

Boosh seemed like a very good add at the beginning of the season but then he got injured and it appears that he is playing while still being affected by that injury. The jury is still out but he did appear to be what the Sabres needed before he got injured. In general there is nothing more counterproductive than switching management and coaching staffs often and the systems that change with those regimes. I remember when Greg Whatshisname became the Bill's coach and decided to change their defense all around when the Bills had the 2nd ranked defense in the NFL. His reasoning was that the Titans (where he came from) had the #1 ranked defense in the previous year. Different systems often take different types of players and the constant changing of systems create the need to get different players and get rid of players that might not fit the new system. In addition it can wreak havoc with the salary cap. Because the NFL draft allows teams to pick players that are ready or close to ready to play in the NFL it's a little easier to see what you are getting and the systems changes are a little more palatable than the way it works in the NHL. The NHL draft is more of a crap shoot. With few exceptions drafted players in the NHL need years of development before being ready to play in the NHL. If systems have changed since they were drafted then they may not fit the new system. Anyway, the successful franchises in whatever sport normally have stability and changing direction every couple of years is a recipe for disaster.

Yes. billionaires are terrible at running businesses. They just don't know how to make money. They're like those restaurant owners that don't realize that long waiting lines and full parking lots keep customers away. The Pegulas have set the tone for the Bills to be a Super Bowl contender by being patient and hiring people who know how to build a franchise that should have long-term success. They think they have the people and pathway for the Sabres to do the same. Buffalo is not the biggest market and to have the owners of two major sports franchises with their kind of commitment to the community is certainly a blessing. Let me ask you a question: Would you have made the above post if the Sabres had not had this 4 game skid? Is that 4 game skid a reason to change the direction of the franchise?

Sarcasm in response to a ridiculous post blaming the Sabres struggles today on the loss of co-captains 15 years ago.

Even though it is somewhat fantastical to go back 15 years to find fault I'm thinking that we fell on our (crossed) swords when Punch Imlach wasted a draft pick on Taro Tsujimoto. The Hockey Gods have never forgiven him and get a good chuckle over pucks going through/under the back of the net and such cries of protest as "No Goal".

There's been a lot of talk here saying that the Sabres have been giving up on games. That's rather ironic seeing the amount of posters here giving up on the Sabres.

Relax. The Bills went a very long time without making the playoffs because IMO they didn't have stability in their management, coaching and systems. They finally bit the bullet and committed to the stability needed to have a long term contending franchise. I believe the Sabres have recently made that same commitment. It takes longer for an NHL team than an NFL team to stockpile the players to fit their system. Yes, the Sabres are on a losing streak but quick fixes might win a game or two but unless the moves fit their overall plan then they are counterproductive.

I just found out a little while ago that it was an ESPN+ game. Any help out there to find a stream?

Sorta like us here, eh?

Yes, winning can be an important part of development. Numerous factors enter the decisions on how to develop a team and there are no absolute right ways. If winning was the end all then the Sabres would be using all of the cap to bring in players that would help them win. That might make them more competitive for a couple of years and maybe even get them to the playoffs and win a round. It also might stunt their long-term player development and head them in the direction of years of mediocrity. Management has obviously chosen the route that they think will bring them long term success. They need to stick to their own process and not chicken out for instant gratification. I've been a fan of the Sabres since about two years after their inception and found this place in the Sabres great resurgence in 2005. I used to post a fair amount then but my posts got wiped out. I have mostly been lurking since but my low post count doesn't reflect a lack of interest in the Sabres or my knowledge of their history. I am not an X's and O's guy but am more of a big picture person who believes that the head coach should first and foremost lead and set the tone. I know you've been around here for quite some time and are sick of the past losing and lack of cohesiveness. Me too, but that comes in 2nd place to building this organization. Anyway, I've read your comments for years and think you are a great poster.

Think of things this way: The Sabres are certainly interested in winning but at this point in time don't place winning over development. They want to do both.

About 5 minutes before the end of the 2nd period they had Arizona hemmed in. Dan mentioned that one of their defensemen was trapped on the ice for over 2 1/2 minutes. In the 3rd period the Sabres basically did the same thing.

Ha! This team didn't get you psyched, you psyched your self.

Before this season most posters here thought this would be a development season and predicted 75-80 points. It looked to me like the Sabres generally carried the play. They had a couple of goals against that were just plain lucky. Look at the long picture and enjoy the progress that this team will make. Trust me, that perspective will make these kinds of games easier to take. Also, drink a lot during their games.

Have you not been watching them this year? Two bad bounces this game. Enjoy this team that is clearly developing.

A lot to like.

Play it safe---Shim.