#freejame

I’m really trying not to get my hopes up for a goatheqd, but I get more excited every time I hear someone mention it.

I’m a fan. As long as they aren’t horrible (slug, turds) I’m usually happy. I would have liked the blue to be a little brighter, it’s so dark.

At game four, 300s right at center ice. Hoping for a B’s win to see the ceremonies. Hoping even more for a regulation result before a 3.5 hour drive back. Also, the hallways in PNC are too wide, it causes people to walk like idiots.

Sucks that they’re probably right.

By “guys like Thomas Vanek” I certainly hope you don’t mean pure goal scores that’ll score more than 250 goals at a .42g/g rate. I do agree that Thomas Vanek doesn’t need a roster though.

Charlotte has had a really great team for the past few years. I don’t know much about their coach, but I think it would be a promising hire.

In a positive or negative manner?

I’m a big fan of economics and of hockey. I like the hire, at least until he comes out as a salt-water economists and the Sabres go on their first losing streak.

I’m not usually this kind of guy but as a veteran it means a lot to me seeing the best of the nation wanting to support their country. We all play our part in creating the best country possible, even if it is just a hockey tournament

I’ve found some helpful “birds of NC” websites in the past. I’ll see if I can find them for you later

I’ve been watching so I can discuss it at work, but I’ve never really been a fan of the showing (though I’ve seen the first five seasons or so). With that said, I fully support the bold.

My thinking is Botts is looking to get ahead of the curve in terms of player tracking data and its capabilities. Krueger’s wiki I think mentions his experience in player tracking and likely has ideas to implement it in hockey and the athletic has written several good articles on some of its capabilities. Maybe Jason has watched Money ball a whole bunch of times and is going to try to exploit new technology and metrics before others. If that’s the case, sure I’m sold. He seems like a super interesting guy and like he has some flavor to him. Smart as hell from the sounds of it too. Let’s be the new trend setters riding a new wave of hockey systems and schemes.

Deleted my post because I second-guessed myself and went to his wiki. Pretty impressive guy.

I hear a lot about Cal O’Reilly and Nylander but I’ve seemed to have missed what happened. Can you fill me in?

Are you an ice cream or fudge person?

Com’mon! A teenage hockey player got manipulated by an overzealous adult and you don’t think he’s obviously a bad decision because of it? Glad you’re not the one making decisions!

It’s interesting that he believes his best opportunity to get a chance is to continue to coach in Europe rather than take an assistant job in the States. Maybe he believes those feelings will shift down the road or that his success will quell any doubts.

If Buffalo isn’t in on at least five and able to land at least three (counting Skinner and including Ferland) I’ll believe either people don’t want to sign here or the front office is completely inept. We’ve got the space and the needs, lets make it happen.

Bishop as in Ben type? He’s such a stud against Buffalo that I just assume he’s always on.

Thank you for these, they’re certainly helpful particularly the first video. I agree that he could improve his posture while skating, and I would like to see him use his frame more, but he isn’t an overly large 6’2” and his awareness seems to be at s pretty high level. I would like to see a bit more physicality with his size and needs for the team, but I wouldnt complain if he was the pick.

While the calling out the goalies caused some drama, I don’t think it’s a bad thing either. I think Reino felt comfortable voicing his opinion in the room and once it took off past where he intended he took a step back. I’m definitely excited to see him next season and am expecting him to fill either a first line role of 70-75 points or a second line role somewhere in the 60 range. It’s pretty clear he makes everyone around him better, an extended role with Mitts might not be the worst idea, especially when paired with a Sheary type. With any luck we’ll have pages of positive vibes for him to catch up on.

I can’t thank you enough for this. I don’t always see eye-to-eye when it comes to the Sabres, but you certainly know prospects and the draft. The more I hear about Boldy, the more I want him. Something I used to hear a lot in the army and have since used in my coaching repertoire is that you can either be smart or strong. It almost sounds like he’s said ***** it and does both, which is obviously best case scenario.

Thanks for this! We don’t have our second this year, right? Would he be a reach with our second first?

@LGR4GM I’m sure if I went through the thread again I would find what I’m looking for, but who should we be looking at in terms of “undersized but young for his class.” I’m pretty sure Olofsson has grew four inches post-draft. I’m not sure how you would surmise someone is due for growth, but if anyone knows it’s you. Also, I’m not looking for a Caufield answer or anyone really top 62. Knowing you, I’m just gonna go ahead and say thanks for the info and that it’s greatly appreciated. Lastly, I’m pretty bored during a layover so if you felt inclined to do a Bodie write up id love you for it.

It’s pretty clear that the forum is currently undergoing a period of extreme pessimism, and some posters are even reaching the point of complete indifference towards the team. Well, I for one am full of blind optimism and am tired of all the negativity. With that said, this thread is for sheer homerism, a never say die attitude, and an unrelenting belief that the Buffalo Sabres are the future of the NHL. To say that’s always me is a lie, but it’s me some of the time and I’d like to discuss the Sabres through the lens of undeserved optimism with anyone who wishes to join. To start what will be a never-stopping waterwheel of goodness, lets all consider how this years playoffs have transpired, particularly the Avalanche and the Canes. In Colorado, the Avs has made the playoffs in two consecutive years after little success the decade prior. In the 2013 draft, they drafted all-world center Nathan MacKinnon who anchors their first line. Colorado is a top heavy team, with much of their production coming from their first line, similarly to Buffalo. The difference is that while neither Colorado and Buffalo had scoring depth, Colorado’s depth was able to contribute more defensively and not burden the top line. Two years ago they were eliminated round one, this year round two. With no roster additions and an effective coaching staff, there is no reason Buffalo is not the Avalanche from two years ago, meaning a playoff berth for the 2019-2020 Sabres. On the other hand, Carolina has had effective depth, particularly on their blue line and goal-line. If we are able to find an Irbe-Enroth connection with our goalies and coach, and our goalies return to October/November form, our goalie depth is comparable to Carolina. While I don’t believe our blue line depth can reach theirs over one offseason, our forwards can potentially get much deeper this FA period with many middle six/bottom nine available, as well as some complementary top line players. I will always have more confidence in a defensively sound team with goaltending than an offensively sound team with good goaltending, but the Sabres are in a position this offseason to bring the fans a very exciting brand of hockey if they focus up front. All playoffs we’ve seen surprises and shockers, this thread is for all the believers of the Sabres fulfilling those roles next season. Edit: since this is the blind optimist thread, it’s also a good place to talk about how stupid high I am on Olofsson. It’s been building since he was drafted and I read a few articles about him being the Swedish Stamkos, but it’s reached it’s high this season. I fully expect Olofsson to revert to his offensive style game moreso at the NHL level than AHL. I feel like his development was focused on rounding out his game, and now that he can be trusted to be defensively responsible and pass the puck for solid opportunities, I feel like he’s going to move up and focus on potting pucks. I’ve got him sharpied in for 25g,15a, 40 points. He’s been my favorite prospect for years and it’s time for him to be unleashed with Jack.