Lindy is happy

[Sabre Dance]

I actually agree with Ruff here. When this team played to it's full potential last year, they were pretty good. They had a couple of runs last year that showed what this team is capable of doing.

 

The problem is getting these guys to actually WANT to play to their full potential night in and night out. That's where I feel the problem lies. I just see some guys on this roster who choose not to bring it on a nightly basis, and Lindy can't seem to get through to those guys. Not sure what the answer is, but adding another vet wouldn't hurt. These guys need a "T.O." in the locker room. Someone to stand up and call people out, get in faces, shake things up. We don't have a guy like that in our room. Maybe Rivet, but I doubt it's gonna happen. Guess we'll see...

 

Well, you see....there is the problem right there. ANY team that plays up to its potential will do well. If they aren't, isn't the coach supposed to be able to get them going somehow? AND, if he can't, please dear God let them bring in someone who can. Several teams dumped their coaches part-way through last season and in just about every case, the teams turned around and did fairly well in the playoffs. The players got the message: you work or you walk. Lindy Ruff may be the best hockey coach on the face of the earth, but his overall record with the team is right around the .500 mark. Results count.

[billsrcursed]

Well, you see....there is the problem right there. ANY team that plays up to its potential will do well. If they aren't, isn't the coach supposed to be able to get them going somehow? AND, if he can't, please dear God let them bring in someone who can. Several teams dumped their coaches part-way through last season and in just about every case, the teams turned around and did fairly well in the playoffs. The players got the message: you work or you walk. Lindy Ruff may be the best hockey coach on the face of the earth, but his overall record with the team is right around the .500 mark. Results count.

 

Wish I could argue, because I really like Ruff. But that was kind of my point in my post, we are most likely looking at a situation where motivational tactics are lacking.

 

Each person reacts differently to motivation. I fear Ruff is taking a "you respond to me" approach as opposed to him changing his approach based on the player. Seems to me some guys need different methods of motivation. The "dog house" for example; it doesn't work for everyone. Try something different, learn who your players are, their personalities, what it will take to get the most out of that person. I fear that isn't happening.

 

But what do I know, I just watch them on TV.... :blush:

[...]

Results count.

 

Yup. The bottom line for the Sabres organization is that their season ticket renewal rate is sky-high. So, as far as the organization is concerned, if the results on the ice are bringing in the results at the ticket counter, the rest of us are in the minority.

 

The organization thinks it's okay, and they interpret box office receipts as their customer base accepting the product as it is. To them, everyone else is talking out of their . Maybe Lindy IS a company man (which says nothing about his coaching ability) and the reason they are shooting for the playoffs is primarily for extra revenue. So, when he says, in a very business-like manner, that the playoffs are "the goal" perhaps that's ALL he means: the organization's goal is to bring in more revenue via playoff dollars.

 

I think the onus of undue expectations is on US; DR, LQ, and LR aren't baiting us by saying they want to build a cup-winning team. More often than not the organization's line is "the goal is the playoffs" which in business speak strictly means "the goal is more revenue generated from one or more playoff series." Otherwise, they ARE meeting organizational goals. Maybe this is what Mike Grier meant - all business, no heart.

[Sabre Dance]

Wish I could argue, because I really like Ruff. But that was kind of my point in my post, we are most likely looking at a situation where motivational tactics are lacking.

 

Each person reacts differently to motivation. I fear Ruff is taking a "you respond to me" approach as opposed to him changing his approach based on the player. Seems to me some guys need different methods of motivation. The "dog house" for example; it doesn't work for everyone. Try something different, learn who your players are, their personalities, what it will take to get the most out of that person. I fear that isn't happening.

 

But what do I know, I just watch them on TV.... :blush:

 

Exactly.....by the way, they don't look any better when you see them in person. ;)

[stenbaro]

excerpts from the Buff News, Lindy interviewed after camp:

 

Lindy Ruff, however, isn?t worried.

 

"I like what we have here as a team, and these guys can continue to grow," the coach said today.

 

Ruff closed the Sabres? development camp at Niagara University with a steadfast endorsement of his players and the organization. The Sabres, as of now, are sticking with the core of players who failed to make the postseason the past two years, and Ruff has no problem with that.

 

"I?m OK going in," said Ruff, whose team finished two points out of a playoff spot. "We were pretty close to being where we wanted to be, and a couple disappointing things happened, and we ended up not getting there. The fact that we were able to put on a strong finish [7-2-1 in the final 10 games] was something that I really felt was important for our team."

 

Unlike a vocal portion of the fan base, Ruff doesn?t see the need for a roster shake-up. He feels the Sabres will return to the postseason if his players merely fulfill their potential and stay healthy.

 

"I expect more to come from within," he said. "I think that we have more there. We?ve got a [Jason] Pominville that can have a better year. We?ve got a [Drew] Stafford that can continue to grow, and I think with Timmy [Connolly] healthy he can make some players around him better. I think we?ve got some young guys that can step in and make a difference."

 

So, we should assume Stafford is gonna be signed? Lindy does make a point that if the guys play to potential they can win it. I think we still need a vet center.

LMFAO

[SabreFan78]

AWESOME!!! LOOKS LIKE NO PLAYOFFS AGAIN!!!! I, FOR ONE, WON'T WASTE AS MUCH $ GOING TO SEE THESE FOOLS PLAY THIS YEAR AS I DID LAST.

WHAT A JOKE

 

 

Sabres coach likes players on roster

 

?I like what we have here as a team, and these guys can continue to grow,? the coach said Friday.

 

Ruff closed the Sabres? development camp at Niagara University with a steadfast endorsement of his players and the organization. The Sabres, as of now, are sticking with the core of players who failed to make the postseason the past two years. Ruff has no problem with that.

 

?I?m OK going in,? said Ruff, whose team finished two points out of a playoff spot. ?We were pretty close to being where we wanted to be, and a couple disappointing things happened, and we ended up not getting there. The fact that we were able to put on a strong finish [7-2-1 in the final 10 games] was something that I really felt was important for our team.?

[deluca67]

Nonsense. They were talking about him as potential GM of the Leafs not too long ago. And it's utterly ridiculous to say he doesn't care.

Actions speak louder than words. He either doesn't care or is completely incompetent. Who are "they?"

[North Buffalo]

Wish I could argue, because I really like Ruff. But that was kind of my point in my post, we are most likely looking at a situation where motivational tactics are lacking.

 

Each person reacts differently to motivation. I fear Ruff is taking a "you respond to me" approach as opposed to him changing his approach based on the player. Seems to me some guys need different methods of motivation. The "dog house" for example; it doesn't work for everyone. Try something different, learn who your players are, their personalities, what it will take to get the most out of that person. I fear that isn't happening.

 

But what do I know, I just watch them on TV.... :blush:

That is the problem, any motivational speech is likely to include a blister on the Owner and GM and given that Ruff's have been snipped, it ain't likely to happen unless he really loses it and then he'll know he is gone. Ruff used to be that way, to bad he got snipped. I miss Schoenfeld's antics.

[LabattBlue]

What else is he supposed to do, crap all over his players? This stuff is directly out of the NHL coaching handbook.

Which is why I said in my post that Lindy must be brushing up on "coach speak"

[red]

Yup. The bottom line for the Sabres organization is that their season ticket renewal rate is sky-high. So, as far as the organization is concerned, if the results on the ice are bringing in the results at the ticket counter, the rest of us are in the minority.

 

The organization thinks it's okay, and they interpret box office receipts as their customer base accepting the product as it is. To them, everyone else is talking out of their . Maybe Lindy IS a company man (which says nothing about his coaching ability) and the reason they are shooting for the playoffs is primarily for extra revenue. So, when he says, in a very business-like manner, that the playoffs are "the goal" perhaps that's ALL he means: the organization's goal is to bring in more revenue via playoff dollars.

 

I think the onus of undue expectations is on US; DR, LQ, and LR aren't baiting us by saying they want to build a cup-winning team. More often than not the organization's line is "the goal is the playoffs" which in business speak strictly means "the goal is more revenue generated from one or more playoff series." Otherwise, they ARE meeting organizational goals. Maybe this is what Mike Grier meant - all business, no heart.

 

 

you know, this is probably more of the reality of the current Sabres front office than ever before. IMO, this IS the aura that LQ emits whenever he speaks about the team. His arrogance and nonchalance attitude really infuriates me.

 

this ownership group only cares about the benjamins. Not about winning a Cup, or building a legacy or a contender...but on making money. Pure and simple.

 

Which blows me away why everyone keeps flocking to buy season tickets and commit to a vampiric ownership group whose only goal is to drain the hard-working (but gullible) people of WNY hard-earned (but limited) spending cash.

 

If everyone is so unhappy with the product, then stop paying for it.

 

Why does everyone keep buying tickets for a product that expired 2 years ago?

[Stoner]

Yup. The bottom line for the Sabres organization is that their season ticket renewal rate is sky-high. So, as far as the organization is concerned, if the results on the ice are bringing in the results at the ticket counter, the rest of us are in the minority.

 

The organization thinks it's okay, and they interpret box office receipts as their customer base accepting the product as it is. To them, everyone else is talking out of their . Maybe Lindy IS a company man (which says nothing about his coaching ability) and the reason they are shooting for the playoffs is primarily for extra revenue. So, when he says, in a very business-like manner, that the playoffs are "the goal" perhaps that's ALL he means: the organization's goal is to bring in more revenue via playoff dollars.

 

I think the onus of undue expectations is on US; DR, LQ, and LR aren't baiting us by saying they want to build a cup-winning team. More often than not the organization's line is "the goal is the playoffs" which in business speak strictly means "the goal is more revenue generated from one or more playoff series." Otherwise, they ARE meeting organizational goals. Maybe this is what Mike Grier meant - all business, no heart.

 

Good post. But LQ has stated several times the goal of the organization is to win a Stanley Cup. He recently said, "We have to find a way to give these fans a championship." (Paraphrase.) Coming out of the lockout, with a well-heeled owner, and with the success the team had, I don't think there's much doubt the fans were given the impression this team was going to be taking runs at Cups. Of course they also gave us the impression at the end of OSP's first season that they would be going back to the old unies. (RJ's script when the Sabres skated out in blue and gold on the last day of the regular season in 02-03: "A touch of back to the future?")

[CallawaySabres]

you know, this is probably more of the reality of the current Sabres front office than ever before. IMO, this IS the aura that LQ emits whenever he speaks about the team. His arrogance and nonchalance attitude really infuriates me.

 

this ownership group only cares about the benjamins. Not about winning a Cup, or building a legacy or a contender...but on making money. Pure and simple.

 

Which blows me away why everyone keeps flocking to buy season tickets and commit to a vampiric ownership group whose only goal is to drain the hard-working (but gullible) people of WNY hard-earned (but limited) spending cash.

 

If everyone is so unhappy with the product, then stop paying for it.

 

Why does everyone keep buying tickets for a product that expired 2 years ago?

 

Because the bottom line for me is that as long as they are within close range of any playoff spot, I'll be attending about 5 games ayear. I love this team no matter what so call me a fool. I enjoy the whole ride (up or down). I'll be 40 next year and my passion is only getting stronger. I thought that the opposite was supposed to happen. Oh well, looks like my kids are going to be doomed as well.

[nfreeman]

Actions speak louder than words. He either doesn't care or is completely incompetent. Who are "they?"

Was he apathetic and/or incompetent when he built the post-lockout teams?

 

As for who "they" are: check out mirtle and this one as well.

 

Again: it's July 11. Failure to sign UFAs doesn't mean he's not trying to improve the team. Given the team's budget, he has no choice but to unload some salaries if he wants to bring in new players. He's said repeatedly that he's going to pursue trades. Let's see what the next 3-4 weeks brings before we decide he doesn't care or is incompetent.

[ROC Sabres]

Because the bottom line for me is that as long as they are within close range of any playoff spot, I'll be attending about 5 games ayear. I love this team no matter what so call me a fool. I enjoy the whole ride (up or down). I'll be 40 next year and my passion is only getting stronger. I thought that the opposite was supposed to happen. Oh well, looks like my kids are going to be doomed as well.

 

 

Don't feel too bad. I just became an uncle and have already bought a few sabres things for my niece. She WILL be a fan, for better or worse.

[shrader]

Which is why I said in my post that Lindy must be brushing up on "coach speak"

 

Yeah, I know. Your post went along with what I wanted to say, so I quoted it.

[bob_sauve28]

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Expecting younger players to grow and mature isn't insane

[apuszczalowski]

What more can he say, like almost everyone else, he knows Regier isn't going to make any big moves to improve this team, and he is going to have to be happy with what he has with maybe a couple of new "potential" stars that have been underachievers on other teams.

[red]

Because the bottom line for me is that as long as they are within close range of any playoff spot, I'll be attending about 5 games ayear. I love this team no matter what so call me a fool. I enjoy the whole ride (up or down). I'll be 40 next year and my passion is only getting stronger. I thought that the opposite was supposed to happen. Oh well, looks like my kids are going to be doomed as well.

 

hey, and that's great. I don't question your loyalty. I certainly would not follow the NHL at all if not for the Sabres (and I don't live in Buffalo anymore).

 

My question is, alot of people are not happy with this management group and their inactivity, among other things. If the people who are not happy still buy jerseys, hats, and tickets, then that kind of works against what they are trying to say.

 

I mean, if your are not happy with the status quo, then don't support it with your cash.

 

I remain loyal to the Sabres based on my loyalty to my hometown. My teams are still the Bills and the Sabres.

 

But for my money, I want a winner. Not a contender, but a winner. That does not mean that I am not a fan if they don't win, but I think it is only a fair reward to all of the fans from management to field a winner to the best of their ability.

 

I don't believe that this current management team and their decisions of the past 2 seasons reflect what is in the best interest of the team or the fans.

[red]

Expecting younger players to grow and mature isn't insane

 

Methinks you miss the point.

 

How long would you hang on to an Afinogenov, in the hopes that he blossoms (or did they hang on to him for so long solely because of his jersey sales- I wouldn't put it past LQ)?

 

How long do you hang on to a Kotalik, or a Kalinin?

 

Hindsight is 20/20, but those 3 IMO failed. I love the creativity of Connolly, but can he string together a productive AND healthy season?

 

Having a sound draft and building up your prospects is great. But is Buffalo a major league farm team for the rest of the league? When a player does develop and produces, is this management group going to reward that, or let the player walk for nothing?

 

JP Dumont, McKee, Drury, and Briere would have been better gambles than the 3 I mentioned earlier.

 

But, what can you do?

[bob_sauve28]

Methinks you miss the point.

 

How long would you hang on to an Afinogenov, in the hopes that he blossoms (or did they hang on to him for so long solely because of his jersey sales- I wouldn't put it past LQ)?

 

How long do you hang on to a Kotalik, or a Kalinin?

 

Hindsight is 20/20, but those 3 IMO failed. I love the creativity of Connolly, but can he string together a productive AND healthy season?

 

Having a sound draft and building up your prospects is great. But is Buffalo a major league farm team for the rest of the league? When a player does develop and produces, is this management group going to reward that, or let the player walk for nothing?

 

JP Dumont, McKee, Drury, and Briere would have been better gambles than the 3 I mentioned earlier.

 

But, what can you do?

No, I didn't miss the point at all. Paille, Stafford, Sekera, Gaustad and Butler probably will be better, as will Roy, Vanek and hopefully Connelly. They are all young and growing. If they improve the team will be better, period.

 

Pominville might fall into your category, but maybe he returns to his top form.

[red]

No, I didn't miss the point at all. Paille, Stafford, Sekera, Gaustad and Butler probably will be better, as will Roy, Vanek and hopefully Connelly. They are all young and growing. If they improve the team will be better, period.

 

Pominville might fall into your category, but maybe he returns to his top form.

 

ok suave, now you are starting to scare me...

 

...are you drinking from the same trough as Regier, LQ, and Ruff now?

 

So where was all of this "analyzation" that Quinn promised at the end of the season to get to the bottom of why they failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season?

 

Miller was hurt, Vanek was hurt, and guys need to play harder?

 

Really?!? That was the in-depth review of the season and those are the answers?

 

oh, and I forgot to mention the proverbial "some of the younger guys need to step up". That was used last offseason, if you recall. Stafford was supposed to fill in for Drury.

 

I think the tell-all was Regier after the post-Drury and Briere debacle, clearly stating when questioned, that they simply will not be as good anymore as they had been with those 2.

 

How long do we hold onto Stafford? Paille?

[tom webster]

No, I didn't miss the point at all. Paille, Stafford, Sekera, Gaustad and Butler probably will be better, as will Roy, Vanek and hopefully Connelly. They are all young and growing. If they improve the team will be better, period.

 

Pominville might fall into your category, but maybe he returns to his top form.

 

And what about the 9 teams ahead of Buffalo? Don't there players mature and get better? Look at the core of Philly, Pitt and Washington. Those players are younger then Buffalo's and obviously already more talented. Do you for some reason believe that other team's players have hit their plateau while Buffalo's improve enough to beat them?

[sabresnutinphoenix]

Okay Lindy...if you start the 1st 10 games with less than a .500 record, I'd dump ya....This team that I follow everyday is clearly a joke organizationally speaking....No playoffs in '08-'09, no firings, no signings of note, coach is happy with same roster...NOT ACCEPTABLE....

[North Buffalo]

And what about the 9 teams ahead of Buffalo? Don't there players mature and get better? Look at the core of Philly, Pitt and Washington. Those players are younger then Buffalo's and obviously already more talented. Do you for some reason believe that other team's players have hit their plateau while Buffalo's improve enough to beat them?

I agree on Stafford and Paille. Their talent is limited, Stafford appears to be an effort issue while Paille is a talent one and it appears that Pommer is a good shooter but not a great puck carrier. And there in lies the problem, minus the oft injured Connolly and the undersized workaholic in Roy where is there a great puck handlers. Maybe Butler, but he is a D. MacArthur appears to have some talent, but still is undersized and has a ways to go.

 

Regier may have analyzed, but has yet to do anything about it. Is mighty might Kennedy the answer. He could be helpful, but they need a big or at least solid guy that can move the puck. Granted Datsyuk's and Ovi's don't grow on trees but there are others out there and yet Regier doesn't seem to make much of an effort to after any of them. This is why Sabres fans are frustrated with current management.

 

I will still be a fan, but either Regier, ownership or both need a change because the current deal doesn't seem to be working. Bottom line the Sabres need a physical and yet talented center. I am still waiting.

[bob_sauve28]

ok suave, now you are starting to scare me...

 

...are you drinking from the same trough as Regier, LQ, and Ruff now?

 

So where was all of this "analyzation" that Quinn promised at the end of the season to get to the bottom of why they failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season?

 

Miller was hurt, Vanek was hurt, and guys need to play harder?

 

Really?!? That was the in-depth review of the season and those are the answers?

 

oh, and I forgot to mention the proverbial "some of the younger guys need to step up". That was used last offseason, if you recall. Stafford was supposed to fill in for Drury.

 

I think the tell-all was Regier after the post-Drury and Briere debacle, clearly stating when questioned, that they simply will not be as good anymore as they had been with those 2.

 

How long do we hold onto Stafford? Paille?

 

Wo! Settle down there for a second. Because I think the younger players can and probably will play better I have agree with everything the management has said? :blink: Get a grip dude.

 

I would have replaced the entire management a long time ago, but they are here and I can't do anything about it. I still think they have a point that the young guys will improve. That's how you do it. Draft, hope the players develop and then win. It might work and it might not. Whatever.

 

Stafford seems immature to me. Maybe he will realize that the NHL is a full time job and there isn't a lot of room for other things--his band, etc and will blossom. I hope so.

 

Paille can either be a really good player, I think.

 

Are you not happy we let Briere go? That's looking like a good move. Drury, well, perhaps the same. McKee diffently. Campbell, I don't know.