SABRES 0311

There’s plenty of blame to go around but I put little on Dahlin or any captain. Not his fault some guys over pass, play soft, lose defensive coverage, miss the net, and get stuck puck chasing out of position. Removing the “C” might only send a message if the captain was screwing up. There are a couple “A”s that should be ripped off, burned, never to be seen again though.

More guys like Zucker, Greenway, and dare I say Tuch. More proven talent and experience and less projected (theoretical) talent. Some of which is not and likely will not be what their contracts, GM, and fanboys want them to be.

Fell asleep at the end of the second. Woke up an hour later. Actually impressive at this point how they fail to secure games.

UPL is 21st in SV% and 9th in games played.

I think that’s a fair assessment. They’ve played ok since the losing streak but no moves as a result seemed weird. Then again maybe he tried. I dunno. Would like to see Malenstyn with Kozak when he returns. Maybe even Kozak, Krebs, and Malenstyn. Thst would be fun to watch.

I don’t have the strength anymore.

Kozak is a decent player. Can’t complain about his game.

Very nice.

Agreed. Individual raw talent but focus seems to drift. Rivet did a good breakdown of the Washington tying goal. Cozens, Power, and TT.

He was playing like the wrong player. Difference is he showed that he possessed the skill set and mindset that we need prior to his slump. Power has not. In fact, Power has consistently showed he is a poor defensemen.

I’m tired of them getting the wrong players.

Yeah 22 years old. Grown man. 6’6” and 213 lbs but plays soft as hell. You can’t teach aggression. This is who he is and not what this team needs to get back on track. You don’t develop players into pros in the NHL. Thats what the AHL is for. As a Dman his top priority is defending which he does not do. When people have to point to a defenseman’s offensive upside as a way to justify his roster spot there is a problem. Improving the roster includes removing him as a liability and his unearned salary. It’s supposed to be win now not wait five more years to see if players pan out.

Power makes over 8mil as a useless defensemen. Get his contract off our books no matter what it takes. Use that freed up cap to give Byram and Peterka a sensible raise. At least Byram plays with purpose. Power is just lost.

I wonder if they stayed out last night exploring the Vegas strip.

Touche

Oh, well then, of course they suck again.

Is it “again” when it’s a continuation?

Power could score a hat trick and still suck. Thats how bad this guy is. There is nothing he does well enough to make up for such bad defensive IQ, slow skating, and zero physicality. Anybody who thinks he’s worth a 💩 can’t actually be watching him play.

Well, I would like to keep Zucker for two more years so he’s not on my trade block. Forwards to build with (not necessarily around): Thompson, Tuch, Peterka Benson, Zucker, Greenway, Malenstyn, Kulich, Quinn. Defense to keep: Dahlin, Byram, Johnson, Clifton, Muel (maybe). Trade: Power, Cozens, Krebs, Bryson, Joker, Lafferty, NAK, Levi (maybe). Bring in: Top six wing, 1C, second pair stay at home DMan. The rest filled out with pick up signings/in house. As you can tell we do not have the currency to get everything we need. Plus, a number of big contracts reduce the trade return. How comfortable are we with giving up top draft picks?

Yep. 100%. A partial tear down is needed. This means some of the fans’ golden boys like Cozens and Power need to go. Not just because they were overhyped and overpaid. Not just because they don’t actually have the skill some fans say they do. But also because you have to crack a few eggs to make an omelette. New, quality players requires this organization to give what other teams may see as quality players in return.

It’s an opportunity for him to succeed in tougher matchups or at least learn from them.

Quinn Kulich Tuch will be interesting. Gives Quinn some veteran leadership and is a promotion for Kulich who IMO has earned it.