Cereal Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Just saw highlights... Looked like the Sabres were consistently getting overworked in their own zone, around the net. The posters who were describing the Isles entering the zone quickly, and with ease, were right. Oy. At least in the few highlights. Not even the paddle of Ethron could steal the game what with all the opportunities the Isles had. The one angle they showed of the McNabb hit in question looked ok to me. Seeing it from different angles might help. Did Harry or Rick say anything about it? Whoever was yelling at Staff for passing over to Ellis to shoot was right! Made me laugh seeing the highlight, recalling the posters agonizing over it without seeing it at the time. What happened to Leopold?
Eleven Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 The Sabres offense is simply not aggressive enough in the zone. It's like they make a play and expect it to be the only chance they get and are ready to backcheck. There were few good hits by the top 6. A lot of them gave up on the play too early. On the missed Leino opportunity - that happened right in front of me. If Leino wasn't expecting that feed, he shouldn't be in the NHL. He had a clear look at MAGs, and the net was wide open. You know what happened? He dug the tip of his short-ass stick's blade into the ice and tripped over it. He also chirps a lot at the refs. A LOT. Something else I thought was interesting - at the start of the 5-on-3, they were trying a set play. It worked, twice, but the tip into the net just wasn't there. Then the crowd got really loud, yelling, screaming "shoot! shoot!" and that's what they did - panicked. Instead of trying to make the play work, they abandoned any disciplined play and just shot willy-nilly. I think, perhaps, for PPs, they need to ask the crowd to be silent, so they can concentrate on the play. What do you want?
darksabre Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Just saw highlights... Looked like the Sabres were consistently getting overworked in their own zone, around the net. The posters who were describing the Isles entering the zone quickly, and with ease, were right. Oy. At least in the few highlights. Not even the paddle of Ethron could steal the game what with all the opportunities the Isles had. The one angle they showed of the McNabb hit in question looked ok to me. Seeing it from different angles might help. Did Harry or Rick say anything about it? Whoever was yelling at Staff for passing over to Ellis to shoot was right! Made me laugh seeing the highlight, recalling the posters agonizing over it without seeing it at the time. What happened to Leopold? Seriously, who passes to Ellis?! Upper body to Leopold. I didn't catch a specific play so I have no idea what happened. Lindy didn't seem to know if he'd be out long term or not.
Cereal Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Upper body to Leopold. Sigh...... UPPER BODY AGAIN?! What's with all these upper bodies getting injured? I'd assume Brennan again for Friday.
... Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 What do you want? I want them to be over .500 at home. Ideally well over. And I'd like them to school the bottom-feeders, not play a "good game" but still lose.
qwksndmonster Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 I just found something sort of weird. I'll stick it here because it's sort of relevant right now. “We can talk as much as we want – new leadership, new guys, but I think the guys that have been here, myself included, for a long time need to step up and do more. I’ve said it before. If we don’t make it far, it’s on myself, it’s on us. You can’t just bring in new guys and think they’re going to fix things.” -Vanek Oct 6, 2010
... Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 I just found something sort of weird. I'll stick it here because it's sort of relevant right now. “We can talk as much as we want – new leadership, new guys, but I think the guys that have been here, myself included, for a long time need to step up and do more. I’ve said it before. If we don’t make it far, it’s on myself, it’s on us. You can’t just bring in new guys and think they’re going to fix things.” -Vanek Oct 6, 2010 You're going to get yelled at for bringing this up. Clearly it's not fair, and Vanek was maybe talking about his LAN-party group, certainly not the Sabres.
Eleven Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 I just found something sort of weird. I'll stick it here because it's sort of relevant right now. “We can talk as much as we want – new leadership, new guys, but I think the guys that have been here, myself included, for a long time need to step up and do more. I’ve said it before. If we don’t make it far, it’s on myself, it’s on us. You can’t just bring in new guys and think they’re going to fix things.” -Vanek Oct 6, 2010 It's a great quote. I think Vanek meant what he said, and if your date is correct, it was during his "holding on too tight" period. But I think he would mean it even now, and I think he's got that extra year behind him to deal with the pressure--anyone notice that he's not so hard on himself this year? But still, it doesn't mean 82-0.
DumbPuck Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 It's a great quote. I think Vanek meant what he said, and if your date is correct, it was during his "holding on too tight" period. But I think he would mean it even now, and I think he's got that extra year behind him to deal with the pressure--anyone notice that he's not so hard on himself this year? But still, it doesn't mean 82-0. Try to read this question with no condescension and/or sarcasm. I am asking it because I am truly curious and you are the closest "patient" fan on here right now: When is it no longer okay to say "Last I heard there were 82 games in the season not XX games in the season." [Where XX is any integer between 1 and 82] ?
... Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Try to read this question with no condescension and/or sarcasm. I am asking it because I am truly curious and you are the closest "patient" fan on here right now: When is it no longer okay to say "Last I heard there were 82 games in the season not XX games in the season." [Where XX is any integer between 1 and 82] ? When your girlfriends are no longer ugly?
LGR4GM Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 70 AHHH ok thanks Chz :thumbsup: I admittedly caught bits and peaces of the game and had to listen to the entire third on radio so I will just say it seemed the sabres were buzzing around in isles end a lot but couldn't finish. Leino baffles me, he gets more chances to score than a billionaire in a brothel but nope cant slam it in.... Ehrhoff is an animal at eating up minutes and being relatively solid on the back end but for the love of god shoot a 1 TIMER!!!!! Now for the Rookies: Kassian looked slow but had the heart to back up a team mate which you can't teach, speed you can. McNabb seemed solid and his hit was nice but he was somewhat quiet after that. After the Washington game I was going to leave MAG alone for a bit... then I saw what I did tonight. Weak play but good passing and no shot to speak of... meh. 1 of the core need to be traded, I now firmly believe that and outside of Vanek who I think is a hard worker and the backbone of this team right now, anyone of those "core" guys is fair game. Try to read this question with no condescension and/or sarcasm. I am asking it because I am truly curious and you are the closest "patient" fan on here right now: When is it no longer okay to say "Last I heard there were 82 games in the season not XX games in the season." [Where XX is any integer between 1 and 82] ? For me it is btw game 41 and 48... I expect by this time for the team to have found its sea legs so to speak and either be improving or continuing to suck every other game.
fiftyone Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 AHHH ok thanks Chz :thumbsup: I admittedly caught bits and peaces of the game and had to listen to the entire third on radio so I will just say it seemed the sabres were buzzing around in isles end a lot but couldn't finish. Leino baffles me, he gets more chances to score than a billionaire in a brothel but nope cant slam it in.... Ehrhoff is an animal at eating up minutes and being relatively solid on the back end but for the love of god shoot a 1 TIMER!!!!! Now for the Rookies: Kassian looked slow but had the heart to back up a team mate which you can't teach, speed you can. McNabb seemed solid and his hit was nice but he was somewhat quiet after that. After the Washington game I was going to leave MAG alone for a bit... then I saw what I did tonight. Weak play but good passing and no shot to speak of... meh. 1 of the core need to be traded, I now firmly believe that and outside of Vanek who I think is a hard worker and the backbone of this team right now, anyone of those "core" guys is fair game. For me it is btw game 41 and 48... I expect by this time for the team to have found its sea legs so to speak and either be improving or continuing to suck every other game. If this is true then you should be out there coaching.
Eleven Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Try to read this question with no condescension and/or sarcasm. I am asking it because I am truly curious and you are the closest "patient" fan on here right now: When is it no longer okay to say "Last I heard there were 82 games in the season not XX games in the season." [Where XX is any integer between 1 and 82] ? I will read it as you asked. Look, every team is going to lose some games, and some of them are going to be lost to teams that shouldn't win--not on paper, and not based upon what happened at the rink. I think that happened tonight. Obviously, some others disagree. But I saw a good effort tonight. Granted, I was somewhat distracted with some work (which still has me awake), but I watched a lot of it and liked what I saw (except for that final score). I don't know what XX is. I do know that a team that makes the playoffs on a rise, usually is a dangerous team. So I guess I'm not too worried about it right now. But I really don't know how to solve your equation for XX, and I'm not responding with sarcasm or condescension. It's one of those "I know it when I see it" things, I guess. I've been following this team for about 33 or 34 years now, and I know a crappy one from a good one from a great one. Right now, I'd say it's a good one. There's room for improvement, but I think it's a little nutty to be on the ledge.
LGR4GM Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 If this is true then you should be out there coaching. lol, speed to a point you can teach a player by working on footwork and leg strength ect... Heart you either have or you don't. Thats how I view both IMHO and nothing more
DumbPuck Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 I will read it as you asked. Look, every team is going to lose some games, and some of them are going to be lost to teams that shouldn't win--not on paper, and not based upon what happened at the rink. I think that happened tonight. Obviously, some others disagree. But I saw a good effort tonight. Granted, I was somewhat distracted with some work (which still has me awake), but I watched a lot of it and liked what I saw (except for that final score). I don't know what XX is. I do know that a team that makes the playoffs on a rise, usually is a dangerous team. So I guess I'm not too worried about it right now. But I really don't know how to solve your equation for XX, and I'm not responding with sarcasm or condescension. It's one of those "I know it when I see it" things, I guess. I've been following this team for about 33 or 34 years now, and I know a crappy one from a good one from a great one. Right now, I'd say it's a good one. There's room for improvement, but I think it's a little nutty to be on the ledge. Fair enough. I am a relatively new fan. Last year it was easy to fall in love with the team in their run up to the playoffs. This year I've had a hard time liking this team. I hope it just starts "clicking" soon so I can stop being so angry towards my family on game nights half the time :pirate: .
Eleven Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Fair enough. I am a relatively new fan. Last year it was easy to fall in love with the team in their run up to the playoffs. This year I've had a hard time liking this team. I hope it just starts "clicking" soon so I can stop being so angry towards my family on game nights half the time :pirate: . Hang in there. I think it's a playoff team, but not a Cup team, right at this minute. That might change as the team jells (and maybe a move or two is made). And if it doesn't happen this year, there will be MORE improvements. I haven't had faith in an owner like this ever. Ever, ever. I watched the French Connection as a kid; I watched Knox hire Bowman only to dismantle a great team; I watched Bowman/Meehan make crappy moves through the eighties, when the "heroes to be" were Paul Cyr and John Tucker; I watched Nolan take a bunch of nobodies to a series win; I watched Ruff take nearly the same bunch to the Finals two years later; I watched Regier make amazing moves under the crooks only to be stifled by Quinn later; and I've never been this optimistic. (Well, ok. After Game 1 in 1999, I was pretty freaking optimistic. Who wouldn't have been? Damn, that was an awesome feeling--my team, up a game in the Finals!)
bunomatic Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Hang in there. I think it's a playoff team, but not a Cup team, right at this minute. That might change as the team jells (and maybe a move or two is made). And if it doesn't happen this year, there will be MORE improvements. I haven't had faith in an owner like this ever. Ever, ever. I watched the French Connection as a kid; I watched Knox hire Bowman only to dismantle a great team; I watched Bowman/Meehan make crappy moves through the eighties, when the "heroes to be" were Paul Cyr and John Tucker; I watched Nolan take a bunch of nobodies to a series win; I watched Ruff take nearly the same bunch to the Finals two years later; I watched Regier make amazing moves under the crooks only to be stifled by Quinn later; and I've never been this optimistic. (Well, ok. After Game 1 in 1999, I was pretty freaking optimistic. Who wouldn't have been? Damn, that was an awesome feeling--my team, up a game in the Finals!) I have all the same memories Eleven. I admire your positive attitude. Things will get better. I have a feeling that Regier is working the phones as we speak to tweek this team in some way. After the moves that were made and the money that was spent you can bet that management isn't happy with the outcome. Its just frustrating,thats all. For all of us. The way I see it when Pegula took over the slate was wiped clean and we start at year1. Problem is we still have many of the pieces left over from the past and we've seen this story before. I think we're going through growing pains and we'll work our way through this funk. We might not win it all right away but I feel we're on the right track. With one wheel in the ditch mind you but we'll get there. Dammit! GO SABRES!
JJFIVEOH Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Let's not forget that before the season started the majority of people on here agreed that this wasn't an overnight project. I think most people agreed this team wouldn't be a serious Cup contender for a couple of years with the additions that were made combined with it's youth. Not to mention prospects who haven't gotten here yet, or just played the first games this week. I don't think it's fair to expect them to be a Cup contender this year. Should it be a goal? Sure. Is it realistic this year? Probably not. It's been very frustrating to watch them play this year for sure. But I just remember what happened the 2nd half last year and then realize the much improved roster they have now. Give it time. Let's not forget the Sabres lost ALL of their veteran players from last year. Before Hecht came back the oldest on the team was 31. They had Neidermayer, Grier and Patty last year. Granted they weren't impact players on the scoreboard, but I'm sure they were impact players as far as leadership. Gonna take time for the core players to step up and realize it's their team now. That doesn't happen overnight.
calti Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 the team looks stodgy.slow.no huge weaknesses but no great skill and boring as well. so far a disappointing season--not because of the record but because they are getting outworked and at times outskilled. i know its early but show us something.this looks like a team that comfortably makes the playoffs but doesnt really contend
Marine0369 Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 This is what you get from a team with Jason Pominville as its captain. Thank You. I'm not alone in not wanting the gutless wonder as our Captain. Careful though, there are some that believe he should keep skating big wide circles and wiffing on a poke checks. I mean he has so many assists so its ok he rarely hits or does anything that inspires this team other than getting the assist on a Vanek goal after the goalie blocked his shot. Talk about a playmaker.
Bullwinkle Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Well, over a quarter into the season one thing is certain - this team is NOT a Cup contender. Right now we're a 50/50 club which may or may not make the playoffs. More things are certain as well... - The kids coming up aren't enough to put us into a Cup contending position in the next three years. - This means we must trade for the pieces we need (and I'm using the plural here). However since we're up against the cap it will be very hard to do so since the other team will have to take back at least the salary of the guy we get if not more. You could say that half of our team is of AHL quality and therefore doesn't deserve to be judged so harshly, but I disagree. Certainly the level of play will increase when the vets come back but even then it STILL isn't a Cup contending team. Bottom Line: Major changes need to be made in the next two years. I'm talking about trading our biggest guys. If we wait for the kids to mature, we're talking five years before we may be ready. Will we have the patience to wait that long since we've been so psyched with Pegula's money and ambition? I don't think so. P.S. I agree that Pominville is a sad representative of this team - but an apt one at this point.
kishoph Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Off topic and I'm sure it's been asked before, but why do you capitalize every name that you type in a post? To irritate people, no it's just something I've always done on message boards and it's become habit and it's really become accustomed for me, I do it with all names, no longer just on Sports boards. Don't let it upset you. j/k
Stormin Norman Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Hang in there. I think it's a playoff team, but not a Cup team, right at this minute. That might change as the team jells (and maybe a move or two is made). And if it doesn't happen this year, there will be MORE improvements. I haven't had faith in an owner like this ever. Ever, ever. I watched the French Connection as a kid; I watched Knox hire Bowman only to dismantle a great team; I watched Bowman/Meehan make crappy moves through the eighties, when the "heroes to be" were Paul Cyr and John Tucker; I watched Nolan take a bunch of nobodies to a series win; I watched Ruff take nearly the same bunch to the Finals two years later; I watched Regier make amazing moves under the crooks only to be stifled by Quinn later; and I've never been this optimistic. (Well, ok. After Game 1 in 1999, I was pretty freaking optimistic. Who wouldn't have been? Damn, that was an awesome feeling--my team, up a game in the Finals!) Thanks for the optimistic view supported by real historical perspective. You're obviously over 40 years old (same here). I agree on the ownership piece, certainly. And the transition to a team with a new make-up will take another year or two. I have no doubts that we will make more moves, better moves, going forward. The NHL regular season is meaningless. Just get into the playoffs. My only concern is the lack of grit we've grown accustomed to for forever. I'm not talking about fighting. It's winning battles and being more physical. Good post, Gilbert!
deluca67 Posted November 30, 2011 Report Posted November 30, 2011 Try to read this question with no condescension and/or sarcasm. I am asking it because I am truly curious and you are the closest "patient" fan on here right now: When is it no longer okay to say "Last I heard there were 82 games in the season not XX games in the season." [Where XX is any integer between 1 and 82] ? Eleven isn't a "patient fan", he wants to believe that every game is played in a vacuum and has no correlation to the game before and no effect on future games. He is our resident Hershel and the Sabres are his personal barn of walkers. He wants you to believe that losing 2-1 at home to a team dead last in the conference and third last in the league is acceptable. That there is no relation to getting blown out by Columbus who is dead last in the league. That being 4-6 at home despite a very favorable home schedule is OK. He is right about one thing, it is only game 24 of 82. It was also another game, which are too many to count, under Lindy Ruff that this team was not prepared for. All this team needed to do was step up it's physical game and the two points would have been theirs.
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