Pimlach

Yes. Lindy looks at the little things that add up. Win face-offs and you have the puck more. Have a true shut down line to protect leads. Have an enforcer to prevent your stars from doing that role. I commented last year on Lindy's Devils. They played us fast and open to start and their skill overwhelmed our at the time bad team defense. They took a 3 goal lead in the first. Then a 4 goal lead in the second. Halfway through the second he had them shut everything down and bottled up the neutral zone. They scored twice more by capitalizing on our inability to pierce their defensive shell. He basically had them play two styles and they won easily. Meanwhile Granato was teaching offense and saving defense for the next season. Ruff, and most coaches, start with defensive responsibility as the core of the system. But he knows he has a few guns and some wheels to work with. The players will have a lot to learn before the season opener. I hope he brings in all new assistants.

No doubt players like Thompson and Cozens had bad years. I don't think it will happen again to this same extent, I expect them both to be back. The bottom six does not contribute enough. They don't bring any of the intangibles you want from lines that score less. As you said 5 or 6 forwards need to be replaced.

I question the money they will tie up for Dahlin, Power, and maybe Byram. Plus Muel is getting paid. I don't see anyone moving people out, not enough physical presence with the mix we have.

You said it all in the first sentence - smart and doesn't quit. No, he doesn't have HoF hands and feet, certainly not impressive size - it is all heart and hockey sense. He reminds me of Marchand and that type of player. Players that that find a way to win and make their team better. He can top out at 5'11 and 185'ish by 25, which is decent size for a wing. By then he will be a 7 year vet and just reaching his prime. This guy was a steal at 13. What really impressed me is he fought through the rookie wall. He played a lot of games at the highest level in the world and he got better by the last 2 months.

Marchand did everything right on that last shift. And he scored.

Obvious penalty on a Tavares. Get in the box.

I will be in Buffalo most of the summer and will pick up some. Thanks for the tip.

Adams better listen to Lindy. Adam’s has a chance to learn a lot in his two years with Ruff. He better listen and get him what he needs. Lindy knows NHL pro personnel MUCH BETTER than anyone in the organization. He probably has a better chance of bringing in NHL players too. They better utilize that.

Love it. Marchand effects the game once again.

Yup, I thought about that too. Gallant may end up in Ottawa, which will give them a big boost.

None of the Buffalo media asked about roster improvements and what Lindy thinks they need. I would have ask him that. Ruff knows what they need. But will he say it on Day 1?

Southern Tier Smoked Bourbon.

I watch the game with the volume muted and I either stream music or spin vinyl. I have a nice Bourbon for tonight.

I will be watching the Broons and Leaves tonight. Go Broons (cant believe I said that)!

Did any coach ever do that?

Byram Dahlin Power Joker Muel Clifton Johnson Bryson Still developing: Novikov Lines are through the most movable players. I would keep Power over Byram. Byram will fetch much less in a trade but after listening to Lindy talk about how todays game is played you have to stick with Power. They at least have to see what Lindy can do for him as a player. They will probably keep both Power and Byram and let Lindy evaluate things. The Byram contract will be interesting. Joker is a decent 3rd pair guy that plays 2nd pair on our team, this is a problem. He can be moved. It is a matter of time before Bryson fades away but he can be 7/8 until then. I want a bigger and more physical, defense first guy in the top 4 to pair with Power. Not gonna wait for Novikov, go get a guy now and give Novikov time to mature. Adams will need a complete mindset shift away from "no blockers" and "players that want to be here". We can be a real team now. Win a lot of games and fill the house and players will want to be here again.

The players today make so much more money than on the past, they can live were they play and anywhere else that they like. Once they get married and have kids in school it changes and they tend to have their family in one place. Buffalo is a good place for that. Always was an still is. Just get a winning tradition back and they will love it.

What toll has time taken? He is smarter and more patient as a coach.. He recently led a very young NJ team way past Buffalo and to their best point season ever. I am still far more worried about the roster than the HC. Watch the playoffs and you see we need at least 6 players. Ruff has 2 years. Adam’s better get him a few more players.

Ruff’s input on the roster is going to be important if Kevyn is going to bring in some help. Two way hockey and fast and hopefully with a physical presence. We are going to join the NHL soon

They need a center to replace Mitts. After that, the the middle and bottom 6 must be improved. Lindy wants a face-off guy. He wants someone to put out for key draws, especially in the defensive zone. We also need one tough SOB that can also play hockey and will pound people if need be. We have a middle weight in Clifton that handles some things. Now gimme a heavy weight too. It's not Greenway, Tuch, or anyone else. Then there is backup goalie. Bring one in and let Levi start in the AHL? If you can swing that insurance then why not.

Don’t hate the game, hate the league

Hmmmmmm. Ruff is not going win that much more than Granato did if they roll back the same roster. Maybe enough to make a wild card, sure. Ruff talked about the little things, winning key face offs, protecting leads, winning puck battles, having leaders call out players, goaltending, building from the defense and out. All great stuff. They still need more players that have done that and will show the way.

Sure. But that is not what Adams says. He said it again today - He was on it immediately after the Press Conference, he made it seem like he was just getting on it. Maybe that was to protect Granato a bit. What I really think is that Adams was on the Lindy track for months, and maybe not so much for the other vet coaches. I am fine with Lindy, he is certainly qualified, he is a life long learner, he is accomplished, and he deserves respect.

The article is wrong then. Bowman never left, GM to coach to GM to Coach was not the criteria. Back in the 6 team era lots of Coaches were GMs too.