darksabre Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 I think we took a wrong turn on the way to Hockey Heaven and ended up in Hockey Limbo. :(
bunomatic Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 Just some more thoughts in my head right now, but if this were a team with a real GM then the Chicago game would be Lindy's last chance to prove himself. On a real team his job is on the line. If he doesn't go absolutely ape sh*t and bench anyone not moving their feet, then he gets the cane. Simple as that. But it wont happen here. We know it, the players know it, and the media knows it. This is the bottom, it does not get lower. There should not be a player on that team that has any ability to feel worse than right now. Chicago should be the tipping point. I wish I was confident enough in our management to believe it actually could be. I'm with you on this 100%. Listening to hockey media types especially from other cities is telling. This franchise has become somewhat of a joke to people on the outside and many can't believe Lindy and Darcy aren't on the hotseat. The Detroit announcers touched on it tonight when they started talking about all the coaching changes that have happened during Darcy and Lindys run. I still see Terry Pegula as someone that eventually will get it right but unfortunately it looks like it may take awhile to rub the stardust out of his eyes. This team despite the fancy new change room and expensive additions, in my mind is far worse that they were last year. They are absolutely terrible defensively and have zero offence outside of Vanek and Pomminstein. The chemistry is all wrong and the coach doesn't coach as much as he observes. And Darcy refuses to do anything or simply lacks the ability. I know how Brian Burke would handle this situation. He'd make moves to try and improve his team. Darcy and Ruff gotta go and if that means hitting rock bottom then so be it. This shite breaks my heart. GO SABRES !
... Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 I liked his comments. The imagination can certainly run wild with them. Absolutely. I think Miller let loose the key to "change" for the Sabres: destroy the team. It's clear he doesn't think swapping a player or two will change the culture of that locker room. That means it's a top-to-bottom problem. The "problem" is so apparent and in front of their noses they can't see it, or won't admit to it, yet they say it all of the time. IT'S EVERYONE. Everyone is apathetic. Everyone is uptight. Everyone is frustrated. That includes Lindy, Darcy, Ted, and Terry. That includes the assistant coaches, the locker room personnel...anyone who generates and feeds off of the Sabres culture. Either all of these guys are afraid to bitch at one-another, or they're so wishy-washy that they don't see the point in doing so. Because it sounds to me like there isn't a one of them willing to lead the entire group. What the hell is a "leadership meeting"? These guys are the nerds of hockey - they think and ponder before acting, instead of just DOING. No thinking, you're not supposed to think, you DO, and if you can't do that, get out of the way. And I bet, again, this is a culture that comes from the top-down, because that's where any group culture gets its base characteristics from. I've worked for organizations that just plain sucked - it's funny how an entire organization can thrive in a culture of failure. In one in particular a new CEO comes in, who everyone dislikes right away because he's new, and starts making changes to the culture. Cubicles rearranged, invoicing system changed, reporting changed, dress code changed and enforced - on top of new business strategies and policies. This guy knew exactly what needed to be done. Certain people were let go. In only a few years, this organization, which was headed for a colossal failure, starts to succeed. In a decade, it's among the best at what it does and is a model for other businesses of its type. I won't reveal which organization this is, btw. It can be done. No one in the organization will like it at first - well, the people who prefer the status-quo or who lack vision won't. But the change I think Sabres fans are after can be made, but it's going to have to be (or seem) big, and sweeping, and start from the top down. I think Miller is saying that Darcy needs to go. He's saying the team is built the way it is and nothing other than destroying it will change it. Who built this team? Darcy. And Lindy. Lindy will need to go, too, for it to be complete. All of the players who are up at the end of the season should be allowed to walk. And get rid of a few more no matter how. Sorry, got caught up in my thoughts.
Ghost of Dwight Drane Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 Peace guys......thanks Wonderbread...hell, even Hostess is bankrupt...you'll need a new name soon. The Pegula kids getting flack is what I was afraid of. People would get upset at me trying to show the truth...but it was always to get to a good place and avoid times like this. When you live in denial....eventually there is no choice. Miller is a good kid. I'm glad he got his payday before the league figured it out. I wish Godd was here to analyze this most recent abortion. Let's be honest here. There is just no room to get good in a hurry. If you want to believe this team is a contender with their current makeup, fine, God bless you. But years and years of poor decision making and building a team for regular season play while being penny-wise and pound foolish has us trapped. The only real chance to have made inroads was to dump anything and everything at the trade deadline. Now you have a subpar free agent summer and another year of contract albatross. The idea of sending guys to the minors is cute and all, but other than Morrisson....it won't happen. Hecht is Lindy's captain for Hockey Heaven's sake. There looks to be a good amount of possible young prospects, but they aren't going to fetch you a difference maker on their own. The only players on this team who have a positive net value for another team looking at trading with the Sabres in conjunction with salary are Myers, Ennis, Gerbe, Weber. I think in the real NHL world Sekera is overrated, and Butler was pretty much given up on at midseason. Roy has value, but after that injury and the fact they rushed him back only to look like Shaq getting back on defense....you will not get full value for him at this point. The way I see it, it will take a full 3 years, just to get to the point where you can then start to make this team good. With all the feel good rah-rah stuff out the window, if this team starts slow again...there is no white knight. Just a history of falling short and self-doubt. The front office is assuming the team is on the upswing....which in reality, they may have just peaked in the short term. If that is the case, it will be interesting to see if they go into panic mode or figure out that maybe their initial plan of status quo was folly. These next 2 years could have made for a quick turnaround if they made the prudent decision to sell at the deadline. Now there is no room, nobody wants your junk, and it will take mortgaging most of your prospects to get someone in here that can really help.....and that is if Darcy can identify what real help is....which I am not confident in. In addition, when the bevy of overpriced players start to have their contracts expire, relief comes just at the same time as the "new core" of young guys who have outplayed their current deals start to venture into UFA territory. The boogey man is constantly breathing down your throat. I know many think I am negative just to be negative, but I really feel this team is set up to be stagnant again for the next few years. Not horrible, just not really good. I am interested to see the reactions of everybody as this occurs, because I am not sure what they will be. Sadly, I can see the Bills winning more playoff games than the Sabres do playoff series over the next 3-4 years. They at least admitted they had screwed the pooch and cleaned house, loading up on younger hungry guys. Modrak being neutered and leaving was the key signal to me they are on the right track. Sorry to ramble, but as much as I can be cutesy here, I really do not see this team getting anywhere near the top level soon. Right now is the 3rd most "termoil and discombobulation" I have felt around the organization in 5 years. I thought for sure someone was going to get fired on that Western road swing a few years ago. July 1st was a clusterbomb for some, but given the recent success, fans weren't marching in the street. If....and that is a big if....the Sabres fail to gain traction at home the next few weeks...WATCH OUT. Some things just become too big. For all the reasons I mentioned, this is a tinderbox. If say even the team goes 4-4 the next 8 games, that puts them at 35 points after 40% of the season, and probably out of a playoff spot. If they go say 2-6....the vocal majority will probably be out for blood. Something like 6-2 will probably buy them until the end of the year. If Team Stormcloud is the Soviet Union.....I can tell you that there are Missiles in Cuba right now and they CAN be operational in 7-14 days. I suggest Team Kitten Pegula USA use this intel accordingly and prepare to negotiate through the removal Staff Sgt. Regier and or General Coachforlife. Over the Cap and $7 million sent away $25 million in cash over the cap spent Boston game Laughingstock Miller playing poorly/whining/hurt/rumors Loss to worst team in each conference within a week Horrible all year at home in front of soldout crowds Long-time Ruff supporters heading to higher ground Taro coming out of the woodwork for detailed posts We are on war footing. Let's see if they can play their way out of this and relieve tensions. Do you have faith??? The problem is, if he makes a change so soon after glowing about these guys....it will be a blow to his pride. His fandom may not allow it. The only thing that may have gotten to him is that Boston game. Guys who have had success and can do whatever they want in life hate one thing.....and that is being made a fool of. Make no mistake, the Sabres were a laughingstock after that game and it will not be easily forgotten by the hockey world. We can only hope Pegula was embarassed by it and starting asking himself more questions about what is really going on here. If they don't right the ship over the next few weeks, it will get ugly in town. There are plenty of people that have been Coach-for-lifers who have jumped ship recently. Tom Bauerlie went on a 15 minute rant the other day of how this is a franchise in crisis and he wants the old culture burned down. The tenor on this board is different......when I get responses of "Hear-Hear!", instead of "FU!"......I know where the momentum is amongst the fans. People start to open their eyes and minds. I am not sure how this will go if a tailspin ensues. Is Pegula so entrenched that he will take fan backlash as personal? His children are very active on the web and big hockey fans. Will they start to get harassed and Pegula actually start to resent the fans? These are real possibilities. Short of a 7-3 run to calm things down....questions will linger. If the Sabres drop another 5 of 7 at home around Holiday time where ticket prices are up, fans are stressed, and conversation is aflame at the dinner table over vacations.....this could go nuclear. How will our Commander in Chief respond? I am very interested to see how this all plays out this month. Good luck guys. You have been nice to put up with some of my antics over time, but I seriously used to love the Buffalo Sabres. The people of the city are still great, and I wish everyone here the best. There are tons of good people on this board. It's over. I don't mind going against a politico who is trying to line his pockets, but I can't wait out a $3 billion manchild who has nice intentions. He seems like a good guy and all, but if I want a tearjerker, I'll watch Dinner for Schmucks again. For the sake of the city, I hope these a-holes go on a 40 game win streak and shove a hot poker up me.......but I have wasted so much time over the years just looking for an honest effort. That's all I asked. I'm going to read the board, but there is nothing left to be said. I'm sorry for you guys who still live and die by them. I never meant to ruin your fun. Seriously.....if I knew it would end like this, I would have never said a blessed word. I am sorry. I am truly...truly sorry.
darksabre Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 Absolutely. I think Miller let loose the key to "change" for the Sabres: destroy the team. It's clear he doesn't think swapping a player or two will change the culture of that locker room. That means it's a top-to-bottom problem. The "problem" is so apparent and in front of their noses they can't see it, or won't admit to it, yet they say it all of the time. IT'S EVERYONE. Everyone is apathetic. Everyone is uptight. Everyone is frustrated. That includes Lindy, Darcy, Ted, and Terry. That includes the assistant coaches, the locker room personnel...anyone who generates and feeds off of the Sabres culture. Either all of these guys are afraid to bitch at one-another, or they're so wishy-washy that they don't see the point in doing so. Because it sounds to me like there isn't a one of them willing to lead the entire group. What the hell is a "leadership meeting"? These guys are the nerds of hockey - they think and ponder before acting, instead of just DOING. No thinking, you're not supposed to think, you DO, and if you can't do that, get out of the way. And I bet, again, this is a culture that comes from the top-down, because that's where any group culture gets its base characteristics from. I've worked for organizations that just plain sucked - it's funny how an entire organization can thrive in a culture of failure. In one in particular a new CEO comes in, who everyone dislikes right away because he's new, and starts making changes to the culture. Cubicles rearranged, invoicing system changed, reporting changed, dress code changed and enforced - on top of new business strategies and policies. This guy knew exactly what needed to be done. Certain people were let go. In only a few years, this organization, which was headed for a colossal failure, starts to succeed. In a decade, it's among the best at what it does and is a model for other businesses of its type. I won't reveal which organization this is, btw. It can be done. No one in the organization will like it at first - well, the people who prefer the status-quo or who lack vision won't. But the change I think Sabres fans are after can be made, but it's going to have to be (or seem) big, and sweeping, and start from the top down. I think Miller is saying that Darcy needs to go. He's saying the team is built the way it is and nothing other than destroying it will change it. Who built this team? Darcy. And Lindy. Lindy will need to go, too, for it to be complete. All of the players who are up at the end of the season should be allowed to walk. And get rid of a few more no matter how. Sorry, got caught up in my thoughts. I agree 100%. This team loses because it is allowed to.
neverenough Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 9th straight road loss. Terry can you please tell us whats wrong here? Ok Ok ill wait for the next one...
TheChimp Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 I get to the point of almost feeling sorry for them, then I realize that most of them just made more money to play that game tionight than I'll make in the next six months. In some cases the whole year. In some cases....oh forget it. Blow it up, Terry!!!! They're practically begging you to do it, you dumb ape.
deluca67 Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 Do the Sabres ever put anyone in front of the net ? Miller. Look how that worked for them. You have to shake your head and laugh, what else can a fan do? The Red Wings are a contender and the Sabres have measured themselves against one of the best teams and found out exactly where they stand. If Terry Pegula truly cares about his team he will be honest about them and start the transition process sooner rather than latter. Start the roster purge with Darcy Regier and have Ted Black start looking for his replacement. Once a new GM is in place, have him remove the coach and bring in someone else.
TheChimp Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 Miller. Look how that worked for them. You have to shake your head and laugh, what else can a fan do? The Red Wings are a contender and the Sabres have measured themselves against one of the best teams and found out exactly where they stand. If Terry Pegula truly cares about his team he will be honest about them and start the transition process sooner rather than latter. Start the roster purge with Darcy Regier and have Ted Black start looking for his replacement. Once a new GM is in place, have him remove the coach and bring in someone else. Haven't you heard? Terry's looking for all the king's horses and all the king's men right now.
deluca67 Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 Haven't you heard? Terry's looking for all the king's horses and all the king's men right now. As angry and frustrated as Pegula's word have made me. I have to hang on to the belief he was just defecting blame off of the team.
TheChimp Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 As angry and frustrated as Pegula's word have made me. I have to hang on to the belief he was just defecting blame off of the team. But onto whom?
RazielSabre Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 I get to the point of almost feeling sorry for them, then I realize that most of them just made more money to play that game tionight than I'll make in the next six months. In some cases the whole year. In some cases....oh forget it. Blow it up, Terry!!!! They're practically begging you to do it, you dumb ape. Ehrhoff, Regehr and Leino were all brought in on the promise of making us a contender in the next few years. There is no way he can go back to a rebuild now, not without making this place the least attractive place for free agents since the Drury/Briere massacre. Plus IMHO with a front office change this team can be fixed... for next season. But onto whom? Himself, but I'm not sure thats what he intended lol.
ThePebble19 Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 When Detroit started coasting? I know it's hard to recognize since they still were putting in more effort, but that was them coasting. Of course you looked better against that. So well, in fact, that you tied them 0-0 during that period. If he's frustrated by that, he can look no further than Derek Roy's 'we play better when the expectations are lower' comment. Granted, it was about 95% due to Detroit coasting, but I think there is some correlation between the two.
SabresMojo Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 When Detroit started coasting? I know it's hard to recognize since they still were putting in more effort, but that was them coasting. Of course you looked better against that. So well, in fact, that you tied them 0-0 during that period. Sadly, that's true. My roommate, who is a DRW fan said it too. His exact words "Detroit is falling asleep now and we're still getting chances" as he is just chuckling away. We're a laughing stock. I really hope by the end of the month, something has changed with this team. Where, idk and idc, just something positive.
Sabres Fan in NS Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 I did not see the game or highlights, but from what I have read in this thread ... The Sabres have reached a new high in low.
Claude_Verret Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 I was planning to watch last night, but then my son asked if we could watch a movie in the man cave theater since he is off from school today. Not a tough choice there. I didn't even go to my phone for updates until my neighbor the Red Wings fan texted me "What is wrong with the Sabres?" That's all I needed to know. It's gone beyond disappointing and depressing straight to comical.
carpandean Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 I think we took a wrong turn on the way to Hockey Heaven and ended up in Hockey Limbo. Look kids ... Big Ben, Parliament.
LabattBlue Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 Look kids ... Big Ben, Parliament. :lol: Round and round we go!
Who Else? Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 That game was disgusting. After Miller was pulled. Detroit looked like they were just practicing, not shooting too hard, not battling in the corners, and not going full speed. And somehow they were still moving the puck around at will.
darksabre Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 Look kids ... Big Ben, Parliament. :lol:
Bmwolf21 Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 I think we took a wrong turn on the way to Hockey Heaven and ended up in Hockey Limbo. :lol: Look kids ... Big Ben, Parliament. "I just can't seem to get left!"
apuszczalowski Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 9th straight road loss. Terry can you please tell us whats wrong here? Ok Ok ill wait for the next one... He already told everyone, injuries, once everyones back from them it will all be sunshine and unicorns and cotton candy in Hockey Heaven!
Wyldnwoody44 Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 Any open slots left in the team stormcloud clubhouse??? I've just canceled my subscription to the cautiously optimistic club
RazielSabre Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 Look kids ... Big Ben, Parliament. :(. Funny though.
apuszczalowski Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 That game was disgusting. After Miller was pulled. Detroit looked like they were just practicing, not shooting too hard, not battling in the corners, and not going full speed. And somehow they were still moving the puck around at will. Thats the power of Enroth. When he went in, the Red Wings were so afraid and knew they had no chance against him that they gave up and coasted the remainder of the game........ Or they just felt so embarrassed for the Sabres that they held back so not to embarass them further. I expected to see someone like Lydstrom lightly pass the puck to a Sabres player in the Detroit zone and then move out of the way to let them come in on Howard alone, where Howard would make an exagerated move looking like he tried to make the save but instead letting it go in and then the Detroit team applaud them like they did it all on their own. Like what they do for 4 year olds or sick kids. Either that or see him stop, skate over to the Buffalo player with the puck and start showing them what they are doing wrong during the game
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