Pimlach

I don’t know about any of this. We could start four more threads about poor passing, no net front presence, not checking enough, and poor defensive structure. All of it could be supported as much as puck handling. I think they play with the puck way too much and then skate themselves and the puck out of the high danger areas. They pass the puck out to the perimeter which helps the opposition to set up. They fail to take the shots that are there, when they are there. They fail to set screens and get rebounds, and pick up lose pucks. They lose puck battles, they fall down. Puck handling is not the root cause. Why and how did they win three in a row to reach a playoff spot only to fall apart on a home stand? Just a snap of the fingers and they fell apart. 13 in a row, and most of the worst losses were home games. answer: It’s not puck handling. The roster has big holes, the team’s Core is immature, most of them are fragile and mentally weak right now, and they lack leaders and role players. Look at who has the A’s and C’s. Roster construction is the problem. There are too many young players that are expected to carry the load. Take Jason Zucker as an example. He is one of the hardest workers on the team, constantly getting under the opponents skin, goes to dirty areas, has skill, understands the game. He is a one year rental and he will be asking to leave this team by the trade deadline. Does anyone think he is inspired by Dahlin, Cozens and Muel as his captains? If he plays hard it’s because of his own internal pride. We really did need 3 Zucker-level contributing veteran forwards, with term and committed to stay (i.e. blockers), to make a playoff run and we got none. Sobering thought is Greenway will leave too. Byram leaving is very possible. McLeod is a RFA, maybe him too. The team is built the wrong way. There is no veteran presence and no cultural pride to bring the young players into. The GM has a bunch more kids to look at in Rochester, and he will be under pressure to ship out some of his current young players that are now regressing and breaking down. Cozens and Quinn, for example, are breaking down under the load and the expectations. They were not ready for this. Maybe they will be next year? Or maybe they will be gone and replaced by Helenius and Rosen? We have seen this movie before. The problem has a root cause and it’s way up top.

The Canucks are clinging to the 8th WC spot, I’d say they are desperate in a different way.

Some of it is the constant over passing. Some of it is no one in the slot, or in front of the net, which would bring in their defenseman. The gotta go to the dirty areas.

Another hockey season over before Christmas. Unbelievable.

Yes indeed. They hung in there but had very few opportunities in the 3rd. They are on a back to back so the third period is rough. Taking a very late penalty hurt. I thought the ref could have let that go, it was incidental tic tak. Of course we fail to clear and give up a goal with one second left in their PP.

Trading a player to send a message? They will be lining up for that.

How much bad luck can they have. My god, Tage breaks his stick winning a faceoff and they score.

One second in PK

Nice to get a call. Next kets get the next three

Reimer come on. Maybe screened ?

Interesting. I would try to give them less than Byram if we give up Cozens. Byram might be the best of tne three. Not sure Petterson is worth both players. I don’t like the trade.

Congratulations!

I have to call out Lindy’s choice of players to close the period.

I’m more excited to see a goal than Dan. no call …. JJP on the Power play, and we are tied at 1.

Don’t you think that is too much?

Minny weenie

You mean I’m the reason this team stinks?

Family is baking, I’m cooking a pizza and watching hockey.

every close play seems to be decided against the Sabres. There is always a reason we have to accept it. This team is jinxed.

Lindy indicated that UPL would play yesterday. I agree with a night off. Go Reimer !

Zadorov is still only 29, and has 11 years in the league. Makes you think about drafting defensive defenseman and giving them time. McCabe looked good last night too.

Ok boys, let’s work our way out of the basement. MUSCLE WEIGHT

Why did he think LaFontaine could be a POHO ?? Great player, excellent guy, a true humanitarian as well. But no Front Office experience in the NHL other than 6 weeks as a senior advisor to the Islanders Owner. There were red flags there. He lasted 3 months in Buffalo. Was it a star struck hire? What else could it have been? Terry is spooked by this bad hire, who also brought in a terrible GM on top of it. The POHO should have GM and coaching experience. A person who has worked his way through, and up the ranks, and is respected.

Yes, Lorentz was willing to take a beating to get his goals. Another great pickup back in the day when our GM made move to improve the team. Lorentz cost us a 2nd rounder (to Rangers) and that player saw the NHL. Why our GM can’t find a few better players with all the capital stockpiled is crazy. A good GM could fix this. We need about 4 players to be competitive.