Thorner

1) tanking “for McDavid” (20%) was always dumb and was folly from the beginning if that was the plan, based purely on odds. That’s why we always said it was about “McEichel.” The only way the strategy ever theoretically made sense (I think it was the wrong decision) if he you thought you could competently build a team around either, because finishing last guaranteed one. 2) As bad as failing to build around a guy demonstrably capable of leading a cup championship team (and league) in scoring was, the result was nonetheless salvageable until the cardinal sin I mentioned. Our reputation is soured because of Pegula’s handling of the situation. What is the perception around the league? That’s what matters.

Guess you weren’t ready for the cold ring of truth Teams change GMs all the time. It doesn’t lead to 14 year playoff droughts We replaced Murray 7 and a half years ago the “carnage” began when we tanked. All of the failings systematic of the ineptitude of the owner. The ineptitude that lead to the fatal flaw I mentioned “no one wants to come to Buffalo”. You know, maybe that’s because no one cares about eloquent Sabrespace breakdowns of why we “actually” needed to wage a public war against the player we already prioritized above the rest of the roster several times over. it didn’t work, Pegula being absolutely butthurt screwed us over, and one day everyone will admit it. When you are ready. It was never about right and wrong. Perception is reality. If this, above all else, hasn’t been driven home to you in 2024…with the way the world is today..im not sure what to say

Not sure if people are finally ready for this. Terry Pegula and the Sabres’ fatal error was placing so much emphasis on the “return” for Jack Eichel. It doesn’t really matter if the Sabres were “in the right” or in the wrong, that was the part everyone missed, not if the perception around the league was going to be that they did poorly by their franchise player Inexcusable Terry missed this b/c *that was our burden to bear* because we TANKED for Eichel. Placing 1 player above all else was *what they signed up for*. They made their bed in 2015 and thought they could avoid paying the piper. Are Tuch and Krebs worth the reputation hit? You let him get the surgery because you have to. The fallout of denying that to the player you sold the very soul of your franchise to get, is well beyond any trade return that was ever possible

It’s tough. I just try to give every season a chance. I’ve spoken before my rope with this regime ends here, so I’m certainly not bailing before game 82

Really? I feel like Byram has been good A legitimate bright spot Not saying anything to roster construction but he’s been good so far this season

Quinn has been quiet

Dahlin is fine. He needs to be better though for sure. But I highly doubt any lacking performance is the result of wearing the C. If he’s wearing the weight of it, mentally, that’ll have been a prerequisite to him getting that crown in the first place: it’s in his nature and that he feels responsible for the results is going to be present regardless hard truth of today’s NHL: it‘s exceptionally tough for a D-man to be your best player. this is now a league of goals Of offence

Remember when we used to always beat SJ in SJ? I miss Matt D’agostini

Come on, this isn’t a serious question. A sports-historic run of ineptitude aligns precisely with his tenure. Yes, a million times over yes. It would save the franchise He’s the biggest issue, by far Would defy logic to suggest we could pull a worse rabbit out of the hat. You don’t fear stuff like that when your current hand is the worst possible.

Alex Tuch is sorta an Event guy. He’s always up for the Moments but he’s not a guy who’s seemingly giving his best day in and day out. He’s always struck me as the guy who “always finds the camera”

I chose to say 51% in spite of better judgment before the year started, 2 games isn’t enough to jump off what was already a hopium filled projection. I’ll still say yes. It’s probably just cope but I ALWAYS think about that Marcus Johansson 2C, Botterill team that was FLYING out the gate at 2-0. Look what happened. Why not the inverse?

On a positive note: even nfl teams sometimes make the playoffs after 0-2 starts. It’s optics, and a belief that past precedent is a solid indicator that the 0-2 is reflective of the roster, that represent the concerning factors more than anything, more than we are actually behind any actual 24-25 8-ball

I’m honestly very tired of hearing about the “fourth line” lol. is that really where we are 5 years into this regime? the fourth line.