JohnC

You make an excellent presentation on the relativity of the cap now and in the near future as it relates to Tuch's contract. However, in my view, the bigger issue is the implications of not getting a deal done for this particular faltering franchise compared to other more normal franchises that are in a better position to absorb a loss of such a player. The Sabres are a franchise that has less credibility than most other franchises with the fans, its own players and around the league. Not getting a deal done, even when the player has a lot of leverage, would be devastating. The organization needs to get a deal done sooner rather than later because having this issue linger throughout the season will cause more distractions when it needs more focus on the season on hand.

We disagree on what was expected from Samuelsson associated with his style of play. On the other hand, I agree with you that even if he altered his game to being more physical, it certainly doesn't appear that he could handle the rigors of that style of play. I haven't given up on Samuelsson. But it does seem that he is in the category of a pro athlete whose career is always going to be plagued/marred with injuries. It's a shame.

We have a different perception on Samuelsson's style of play. I never considered his game predicated on a hard-nosed and rugged style of play. However, while acknowledging how I perceive how these two players play, that is not to say that they shouldn't put more effort on the physical side of the game.

If you are referring to Power and Samuelsson, neither one of them were claimed to be physical presences. Their games were never predicated on ruggedness and physicality. It's just the opposite. Their games were always described in terms associated with skating and puck movement. The type of players that many want these big fellows to be will never materialize because it's not who they are as players now and will ever be. In the spectrum scale with physicality on one end and finesse on the other end, the marker will lean more towards finesse.

I have no criticism for anyone to take the “show me” first approach before getting engaged again. Our inscrutable owner has damaged the product to the point of making it distasteful to many of the customers. It’s an odd way to conduct business.

Are you sure that the person who sent the contaminated link was aware of it?

The tax rate for the region and state have little to with the Sabre’s lowly status. An incompetent owner who has put together a third rate operation is a self-inflicted crippling handicap. No more excuses!

I don’t care if he leaves or not. My tolerance for a generation of mediocrity has been exhausted. My standards are not high . Being average should be attainable.

If the Sabres don’t play competitive hockey, my response will be simple. I will tune them out and direct my attention to other endeavors. The fanbase is severely eroded as evidenced by the bountiful empty seats in the arena . If the silent owner doesn’t show some urgency, I’ll also fall by the wayside like so many fans already have done so.

Thanks for the advice. Listening to game on WGR. I'll give the app a try.

It's freaking aggravating!

Excellent post. You presented a clear analysis of the contract issue from player and organization perspectives. I'm confident that a deal will be made but as you point out it is tricky balancing the needs of the player with the needs of the organization. And as what was brought up in another post (I believe from you or @dudacek??) that there is a difference between Byrum's and his situation. Byrum went for the shorter term recognizing that he is not in his prime just yet so a later deal would make sense for him. In contrast, Tuch is in his prime now and his future play most likely will level down some. It seems to me that it makes sense for Tuch to get a longer deal now so that when his game slides down he will already be locked in with his contract.

Don't fight mother nature. When you are combing over strands of hair then it is time to yield. 😄

If you lose your hair don't fret. There are options to add to your bald top. 😄 https://www.amazon.com/Star-Power-Awful-Toupee-Costume/dp/B0145QL53U?th=1

As you are indicating, other than the few top tier goalies, it is such a tough position to judge players. One year a goalie will seem to emerge only to plummet the next year. It’s a crazy psychological position to gage. A good way to work around that unpredictability is to have a good defense and two-way and responsible play from the rest of roster.

Thanks for the info. I don't have espn+. I just noticed that the game is on WGR radio. So I'll listen for a while.

Couldn't watch the game last night and can't do it this night. Irritation after irritation. Next option is to watch the WNBA playoffs. When option A is not available then go to option B.

He said the same thing about Benson and his fit with the line today.

You hit on what is so intolerable about this owner. When he was a new owner he deserved plenty of forbearance entering a new sports ownership endeavor. A generation is more than enough time to adjust to this new realm for him. He’s a stubborn fellow. However, I do see him backing off more. And that is a good thing.

The owner may not be aware of it that he is also out of his league in hockey. His record attests to that obvious fact. Hubris is not a positive attribute for a sports franchise owner.

I just saw some clips on the game. So I don't want to exaggerate the significance of what I saw. What was evident to me on the Byrum and I believe the Power?? goal is net presence that created congestion in front of the goalie. It seems that there is an emphasis on tougher play in front of both ends of the net. That adjustment in mentality will be a positive step.

I didn’t watch the game so I won’t comment on the game. With respect to Samuelson, I don’t consider him a lost cause. If he can stabilize his game, he hopefully will turn out to be a good third pairing player. In some respect, salvaging a player is like adding a player to the roster. What this team needs is more additions, not less.

Joker, Clifton and Docker were third pairing caliber of players. As I stated in a previous post, it seems that the projected three pairings i.e. 1.)Dahlin/Byrum, 2.)Power/Kesserling and 3.)Samulesson/Timmons will be slotted where they should be. That in itself is an indication of a better roster construction, at least for this unit.

Of course, Terry was responsible for hiring him. He was enamored with the erudite individual who was impressive in an interview setting. What was Krueger's philosophy? Taking a multi-talented player in Dahlin and then strait-jacking him so he wouldn't be able to exhibit his abundant talent? Krueger was talented in public speaking and less so coaching. This is another example where the inept owner was not self-aware enough to recognize his ineptitude. The right way to hire a HC and a GM is to seek out a lot of qualified voices and consider their viewpoints. That's not what this fool does. He believes that he is the best person to make the critical organizational hires. The owner's record speaks for itself. His stupendous arrogance has crushed this franchise and severely eroded a once vibrant fanbase. This self-made billionaire knows the energy business. When it comes to pro hockey he is a buffoon. I wish he would get on his big tax write-off boat and sail away.

Krueger's handling of the multi-talented Dahlin has to be the worst coaching stifling effect on a player that I have seen. Once Granato took over it was like an immediate liberation of an imprisoned player. The lesson to be learned is that when you hire a charlatan you get a charlatan.