PerreaultForever

It's a funny thing but there are always lots of good stats on Sabres teams but there we are, last place with the lowest win percentage in the east.

Yes I would most definitely trade Byram. Didn't see anything from Kesselring that impressed me. Disappointed actually but the sample size is small. imo Timmons has dropped off substantially and currently is very very average at best.

Well I'm seeing them end up as goals for the opposition.

Now how are they on goals against from defensive giveaways?

I'm still going to swim against the tide and say the real problem isn't the goalies, it's the team D. Good D makes mediocre goalies into good goalies. We have mediocre goalies but bad D. When you have good D the goalies play braver, worry less about rebound control, have better sight lines, and less traffic in front. They suddenly look like better goalies in that sort of system/team. There are exceptions, but we aren't going to get an acrobat like Hasek again. We need better D.

It's absolutely impossible to evaluate this team with Norris as part of it since he hasn't played more than a few minutes. The biggest problem is still the D. They need another big guy who plays at least like Samuelsson is playing this year. If I'm the GM I'm trading whatever flashy forwards I need to to get that. Ideally, trading Norris, but I imagine that's impossible.

I'd want to see detailed stats on high danger chances, breakaways, actual saves above expected and all that other stuff. As @pastajoe said he passes the eye test and just looks more in control of the net with calm sound positioning. But if you want to make the argument they are all the same then you keep the two younger ones.

Well the hockey gods took pity on them and gave them the lucky bounce of the year so far. It's a pity they can't get to more shootouts cause they have the skill guys to win those. Now fix the goalie situation. Ellis is obviously a keeper.

Well I think Adams intelligence is "aritificial" so we've already been led by AI. This actually might matter. If Terry is maximizing savings on the team (and I think he is) it gives him the right moment to clean house with the least expense. I fully expect Jarmo to be GM next year. Whether others are fired or moved to other roles remains to be seen.

Win streaks end. Teams get cocky and complacent. I expect them to take the Sabres lightly with their win streak going and thus, if the Sabres play well they can win it. Will they play well? wtfk.

Getting to the point we are more shocked when they win.

Defensive giveaways. Byram tonight on 2 of them. Brutal. Other nights it's Power or even Dahlin or whoever but it happens every game. Why? Honestly I think it's a simple explanation. They are soft, they don't like to get hit, and so they panic and try to make a pass out when there isn't one. These are the type of plays that coaches like Tortorella bench players for. With the Sabres, it's a way of life.

I watched this on replay so late to the funeral but it was same same. In a way they played just as well as NJ for much of it but 2 brutal giveaways by Byram and weak D by everybody (just watching the puck instead of doing their job) on the other one and that's 3-0 game over. The rest of the goals I don't really count as much as they were pressing and playing up so inevitable if you lose possession. It's the same stuff all the time for years now. No real surprises. Mixed feelings on the Thompson fight but I do wish he'd be that guy more often. Anyone still think they will make the playoffs?

Ya, there was a moment way back when Dudley was available. Before Florida hired him as a senior advisor. It was a hope and a dream but Pegula doesn't want a strong personality in charge. Dudley was the perfect hockey player. Talented, but not super talented, maximum effort every game, personality, character, leadership, did whatever was necessary and brought that every night (and then there was that headband :)) His post playing career is really impressive and he really does seem to know what is what and who is who. Never gonna happen though. As I've said many times, we all should have realized what was going to happen when LaFontaine walked. LaFontaine wanted this job. You don't walk from a situation like that unless you realize your situation will be hopeless. Could be worse though. They could have hired Trotz. Great coach, but possibly a worse GM than Adams. Possibly.

True, but perhaps they have big egos and think more highly of their chances. It's all just speculative and maybe it's other things entirely. I mean I find myself thinking Power just isn't that interested in being a hockey player but maybe he wants to play himself off the team too. idk. The only thing I know for certain, because you see it in games, is too many of these guys take shifts or whole nights off and all too often they are too soft on plays. The inconsistencies result in losses. I mean we can even add Dahlin. Sure, great D man. Very talented. Build a franchise around him. BUT also recognize he's 4th in the league (recent stats I saw on twitter) in defensive zone giveaways. The team all too often is sloppy, undisciplined, inconsistent, and sometimes lacking in effort. Details matter, and details are killing them every year.