Pimlach

Ok. Let just continue to get knocked around, lose more games, eventually lose our current core group, and continue on road to oblivion until the NHL decides to shut it down. Brady or Pettersson. Who is going to fill the building and improve the team? The “idea” of Brady is better than the reality of Pettersson.

I tried to watch him closely in the 4 Nations tournament. He was a floater most if the time. Way overpaid. Not what we need. I would not pursue him. He has skill, he uses it at times, but he will not help fix this team. The Sabres should pursue Brady Tkachuk if they want to change the culture and build a better team.

I do not see a big increase in garbage goals allowed. He has played slightly worse than last season for a few stretches, but overall he has been good. The poor team play in front of him, and the 3rd period Alamo Ruff hockey, is a bigger factor towards his lower sv% and GAA. I am not saying UPL gets none of the blame for any loss, I’m saying he is not the problem. He is not the reason they are out of the playoffs again.

This is not a UPL problem. It’s just not. He is usually under a complete barrage in the 3rd period. The team gives up on offensive zone possession time and the team turtles into a timid defensive shell. If UPL gives up an “unexpected goal” every now and then it’s because he is completely overworked and overwhelmed in the 3rd period. I give UPL the benefit of a doubt on most of the 3rd period collapsing Ruff and his coaches own this. They cut off of the offense and they turtle. The team does not have enough players to keep the slot clear, they don’t win key faceoffs, they lose puck battles and fail to execute simple breakouts , they ice the puck way too much, they panic at every turn. Ruff does not have enough of the right players to execute what he is are trying to do. Better coaches adapt to the roster they have. Granato did much better and he had UPL. This issue is on Lindy and his staff.

I like Greenway and want to keep him, but they played one game and the Rangers goalie sucked.

The data from the past few years agrees. Lindy says he is teaching them how to “close a game”, but they sacrifice O-Zone possession time, they back away too soon and too much. They play 3rd period Alamo when it should be 3rd period “pour it on”, especially against back up goalies. Another wasted season.

The only sense I make out of it is the blown leads. Looking at the team scoring by period, they lose a lot of close games by falling into a defensive shell and getting dominated in the 3rd.

Leone

UPL had some tough stops to make. Tage and Dahlin were very good. Getting Greenway back helps. Losing Tuch is just bad luck, I hope he is ok.

Would love to see him as a Sabre. I would give up a lot to get him.

Rangers playing Rempe, we will score another one.

Rempe runs Benson. Benson ducks.

It’s disrespectful to give that only to Benson but the refs consistently get him, and him alone. There he goes, off for tripping. Benson that was careless.

Benson is a character. Just when we get Greenway back we lose a Tuch. I like having the adults in the lineup.

McLoed

I could hear Tuch wailing. I hope he is OK

Tage that was big. A leaker.

Anyone know what’s going on with Clifton not playing?

Yes this is a big story for the season. They lay back too soon, and too much. O-zone time goes away. Would love to see them win the 3rd when starting with a 3 goal lead. Impose their will. Instead they retreat and just hold on.

Zucker screen. Dahlin goal. the dreaded goalie change. Rayzor shakes off another puck to the head.

Tage nice work. Buffalo looks more interested in hockey than the Rags.

Nice traffic. Sabres looking good so far. Greenway contributing.

As mentioned, if you can see it, and I can see it, and we have data that explains it, then why, oh why, oh why, is Lindy playing him so may minutes in the top 6 and on PP2? They are not helping him. A veteran NHL coach that came in to teach accountability and an NHL system and this is what he get? I predict Cozens gets traded, we get minimal back for him, and that in time he gets becomes a good player.

Sure, fire away if it helps you. Bingo. I have given up on Adams and I think he is pushing Cozens as a favorite. Still don't get how the kid got an "A" other than salary and expectations. At some point you would think Lindy would know how to use him better.