Pimlach

Wilson dictating to Canes. Interesting how much different the playoffs are.

I believe Adams brought him in himself. That helped to get Ventura as well. As AGM Karmanos serves as the GM for Rochester. If he brought in Leone that is a good sign. No one really knows what the true dynamics are of the Sabres leadership collaboration that Adams says is part of their process.

Nope. Put the Dudley headband back on the hockey bag.

This is a lucid, intelligent, and well thought out commentary. Loved the "time and pressure in Shawshankian tradition" part. Terry has to get the point of realizing that you have to compete for the cup to win the cup. Perennially watching the playoffs must end. Adams talks about a plan for sustained excellence when he can't deliver occasional periodic excellence. Maybe is time for an adjustment to the plan, or an adjustment to the people responsible (and accountable) for the plan? Instead we keep moving players out and watch them have great success in other places.

You are an opposing GM, would you want #9 or Rosen?

Why settle for Leino when we can get Kozlov?

You are spot on. They surprised everybody that 3rd year, including themselves, and they almost made the playoffs in the 91 point season. Imagine of they just went out and acquired a true #1 NHL goalie prior to the start of that season? Most teams that rebuild start in the goal he relied on Comrie, and 40 year old goalie. Sadly the vets were: Comrie (9-9-1, 3.67, .886) and Anderson (11-11-2, 3.06, .908). They also played two rookies: UPL (17-11-4, 3.58, .892), and Levi (5-2-0, 2.94). Predictably, Adams went with Levi in his "all in" season the following year and it was a major fail. "No Blockers". He also made cosmetic changes like swapping Lyubushkin for Clifton, and he replaced an injured Quinn who was slated for 2nd line with 18 year old Zach Benson, but no top 6 vet forward was added. Unbelievable. Then he blames the coach for easy practices and the need for more accountability. He is still there too.

One big lesson in the Sabres failed rebuilds is the loss of the players (leaders) that had success wearing the Sabres sweater. Watch Boston rebuild with Pastrnak and McAvoy. They will build around them, they won't tear it down to studs.

Blake gives you example of accountability. He will get another job, his team produced points. Looking at the two rosters is hard to reconcile the different roads each team took. Kings average 102 points per season and replace the GM because of first round playoff losses and the GM supports the move. The Sabres gut a roster full of potential All Stars, fail another rebuild, and the GM spends several days "presenting" why he should stay. Expectations? Culture? Leadership? Roster management? Coaching? Back to expectations? All of the above.

We are starting the "all in" season with a 20 year old goalie with no NHL experience When does Barrasso get here?

And it’s great he got a Cup last season with Florida.

Behind the Florida bench.

Dudley is steady. He has worked for 8 teams either coaching, front office, executive, and advisory. He could help the Sabres.

I still have the headband.

Not giving up. But not going to games for a while. I stopped going this past season, only went to 3, they went 0-3, and the big losing streak ended my financial commitment. If they bring in a few players and improve I’ll go back, of course. Meanwhile, I’m thinking of acquiring throwback Buffalo Hockey Bisons AHL gear. Good memories and no pain.