Doohicksie Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 1 minute ago, PerreaultForever said: Zucker started really slow, like he didn't really want to be here. A disinterested mercenary. But then he started to come along and now he's one of those veteran leaders we've been missing all these years. I don't know what changed, but I don't think they'd be winning without him. Possibly frustration with Lindy's system until he figured it out? Or maybe frustration with the rest of the team for not grasping what seemed obvious to him? 2
Big Guava Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 8 minutes ago, Doohicksie said: Possibly frustration with Lindy's system until he figured it out? Or maybe frustration with the rest of the team for not grasping what seemed obvious to him? Probably wondering what the hell these players are doing since he has been on good teams for a long time and that type of stuff is second nature to him. 1
North Buffalo Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 Im in the show me category... neither no or yes... hopeful but show me.
Pimlach Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 48 minutes ago, Doohicksie said: Possibly frustration with Lindy's system until he figured it out? Or maybe frustration with the rest of the team for not grasping what seemed obvious to him? I’ll bet it’s the later. 39 minutes ago, Big Guava said: Probably wondering what the hell these players are doing since he has been on good teams for a long time and that type of stuff is second nature to him. Funny you mention this. I know a former Sabres employee/coach. He once said he feels sorry for the coach that replaces Granato. Based on the context I interpret what he meant was the young team was not getting the proper coaching. Consider this. Most of the players that are most consistent, and some even look elevated, have played for other teams - Zucker, McLeod, Tuch, Greenway, Clifton, the fourth liners, etc. Yes, they also have experience. Peterka, Power, Benson, and Krebs are doing fine in their roles. Dahlin started slow (could have been be injuries). Quinn is struggling. Cozens is inconsistent and carrying a big load as 2C with an “A”. Muel was lost and also with an “A”. Joker was benched. But it only makes sense that a few of the home grown “Sabres only” players could take awhile given the past circumstances coupled with the new found high demands and urgency. 2 2
Doohicksie Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 6 minutes ago, Pimlach said: I’ll bet it’s the later. Funny you mention this. I know a former Sabres employee/coach. He once said he feels sorry for the coach that replaces Granato. Based on the context I interpret what he meant was the young team was not getting the proper coaching. Consider this. Most of the players that are most consistent, and some even look elevated, have played for other teams - Zucker, McLeod, Tuch, Greenway, Clifton, the fourth liners, etc. Yes, they also have experience. Peterka, Power, Benson, and Krebs are doing fine in their roles. Dahlin started slow (could have been be injuries). Quinn is struggling. Cozens is inconsistent and carrying a big load as 2C with an “A”. Muel was lost and also with an “A”. Joker was benched. But it only makes sense that a few of the home grown “Sabres only” players could take awhile given the past circumstances coupled with the new found high demands and urgency. FYI, Joki came from the Blackhawks org.
Pimlach Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 (edited) 19 minutes ago, Doohicksie said: FYI, Joki came from the Blackhawks org. Joker had 38 games in Chi town Tage had 41 in St Lou. They are primarily Sabre grown. Edited November 25 by Pimlach 2
SABRES 0311 Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 I think an end of season summary of these polls would be cool to see. Match each poll to certain positive and negative points of the season .
PerreaultForever Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 3 hours ago, Doohicksie said: Possibly frustration with Lindy's system until he figured it out? Or maybe frustration with the rest of the team for not grasping what seemed obvious to him? Could be. Could be a little "what the heck did I sign up for". That's possible. So maybe he took on the task and led. In any event he has been a difference. 1
R_Dudley Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 I'm sorry for the 13-years of not making it when they have had some good in season spurts of hockey has me waiting to the last day of this poll before I will vote. I need to see them continue to play solid hockey back home against the Wild and Canuck's. 1
Thorner Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 (edited) 4 minutes ago, R_Dudley said: I'm sorry for the 13-years of not making it when they have had some good in season spurts of hockey has me waiting to the last day of this poll before I will vote. I need to see them continue to play solid hockey back home against the Wild and Canuck's. I mean, we are pacing for a total currently that usually falls well short of the playoffs..and the perception is it’s the highest point of Adams’ tenure, no less - and I’m not saying it’s not. I’d agree being cautious right now makes a world of sense. It’s pretty wide open: I could see us pulling away a bit, falling back a bit, or battling out in this range for a full 82. The metrics/data right now doesn’t lend itself to easy projective conclusions re: this season, imo Edited November 25 by Thorner 1
LTS Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 57 minutes ago, Thorner said: I mean, we are pacing for a total currently that usually falls well short of the playoffs..and the perception is it’s the highest point of Adams’ tenure, no less - and I’m not saying it’s not. I’d agree being cautious right now makes a world of sense. It’s pretty wide open: I could see us pulling away a bit, falling back a bit, or battling out in this range for a full 82. The metrics/data right now doesn’t lend itself to easy projective conclusions re: this season, imo Yeah, it's a strange season so far I think. No one pulling away and no one falling too far behind. The Sabres sit in the middle, 7 points to the top and 7 points from the bottom. 2
Taro T Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 53 minutes ago, Thorner said: I mean, we are pacing for a total currently that usually falls well short of the playoffs..and the perception is it’s the highest point of Adams’ tenure, no less - and I’m not saying it’s not. I’d agree being cautious right now makes a world of sense. It’s pretty wide open: I could see us pulling away a bit, falling back a bit, or battling out in this range for a full 82. The metrics/data right now doesn’t lend itself to easy projective conclusions re: this season, imo Would have to go back and see how the divisions were shaping up at this point in time in some previous years, but it SEEMS that the pace to make the playoffs increases as the season goes along as teams like the BJ's this year start dropping back down to their actual level and the better teams start rounding into form. So, being barely over 0.500 today when they'll need to be 0.600 or barely below it in all likelihood come April very possibly could be good enough. Presumes that UPL will keep on keepin' on and that the team will get into a groove of simply being able to play the way Ruff wants them to do rather than having to think about how to do so in addition to doing so. Getting to their 1st 4 game win streak in more than a season would be a great indicator that they are getting it. Especially with the way how the 1st game back from a road trip has been a letdown way more often than not during the drought. 1 1
R_Dudley Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 37 minutes ago, Taro T said: Getting to their 1st 4 game win streak in more than a season would be a great indicator that they are getting it. Especially with the way how the 1st game back from a road trip has been a letdown way more often than not during the drought. This above, and the Deluca .500 holds me back from voting yes. After being fooled in at least 8-9 of those 13 lost years says don't get fooled again. Maybe even eggsbenedict will come back if they make it. 1
Stoner Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 3 hours ago, R_Dudley said: This above, and the Deluca .500 holds me back from voting yes. After being fooled in at least 8-9 of those 13 lost years says don't get fooled again. Maybe even eggsbenedict will come back if they make it. He's on an island with GODD, Eleven, JFK and Chuck Woolery. 1
Pimlach Posted November 30 Report Posted November 30 (edited) Ok here we are, the day after Thanksgiving and the Sabres are 5th in the division and 10th in the conference. If you even up the games played we could pass Boston and jump to 3rd in the division. Any way you slice it they are knocking at the door but not there, but close enough to warrant consideration. The good - They seem to be responding to Ruff and playing a more disciplined game and with better structure. They are getting good goaltending from UPL. They are more physical than past years - but still not physical enough. The bad - The power play really stinks. The top 6 is missing scorers and is too young with Quinn and Cozens in there. So far they still struggle against heavy teams and play down to their competition, especially at home. Quality depth at forward. Needs - 2C and 4D veteran help. Start beating the teams in your conference, especially the lower tier ones. Thompson and Dahlin have to get back to being with the league leaders. What will it take? A trade or trades that add the right help. Without it we don't have enough. Leadership. Will we make the playoffs? I am going to vote "Yes", only because none of the teams they are competing with are not doing any better. This looks like a year with a lot of parity. I will reevaluate at New Years. Edit: Poll closed. So this opinion is not reflected in the votes. Edited November 30 by Pimlach
PerreaultForever Posted November 30 Report Posted November 30 All they have to do is beat the Islanders next game to be back in a playoff spot. Boston is sucking and neither Detroit or Ottawa is seizing the opportunity so it's there for the taking. 1 1
Pimlach Posted November 30 Report Posted November 30 11 hours ago, PerreaultForever said: All they have to do is beat the Islanders next game to be back in a playoff spot. Boston is sucking and neither Detroit or Ottawa is seizing the opportunity so it's there for the taking. Which is why I voted yes, they are in it and its there for the taking. The Isles game will tell us a lot. They have to pull together, 1. heavy game opponent on the road 2. 2nd night of B2B 3. Reimer in goal. A strong team would get carried by its best players. Calling on Thompson and Dahlin to lead them to a W.
Taro T Posted November 30 Report Posted November 30 24 minutes ago, Pimlach said: Which is why I voted yes, they are in it and its there for the taking. The Isles game will tell us a lot. They have to pull together, 1. heavy game opponent on the road 2. 2nd night of B2B 3. Reimer in goal. A strong team would get carried by its best players. Calling on Thompson and Dahlin to lead them to a W. Still expect when all is said and done the Sabres will finally find themselves in the dance. But this is one of those games they need to win to get more people onto the bandwagon.
French Collection Posted November 30 Report Posted November 30 36 minutes ago, Pimlach said: Which is why I voted yes, they are in it and its there for the taking. The Isles game will tell us a lot. They have to pull together, 1. heavy game opponent on the road 2. 2nd night of B2B 3. Reimer in goal. A strong team would get carried by its best players. Calling on Thompson and Dahlin to lead them to a W. Islanders played last night as well, so there is an level playing field in that regard. Sorokin should be in net for them so the Sabres don’t go vs a backup. This will be a good test. 1
Weave Posted November 30 Report Posted November 30 14 minutes ago, Taro T said: Still expect when all is said and done the Sabres will finally find themselves in the dance. But this is one of those games they need to win to get more people onto the bandwagon. IMO this isn’t about getting the band wagon going. We all know that Thanksgiving is a benchmark. They need to keep teams behind them. Until they are in and have a small cushion, these are now must win. 2 1
Believer Posted November 30 Report Posted November 30 Watching the losses to the Wild and Canucks at home after posting a 3 game win streak on the West Coast trip, think Adams needs to bring in a top Center and a forward, both under 30 with SC experience and term. Big ask, I understand, especially given likely NTC issues. Pegula would have to open his wallet. Ideally a couple hungry guys who were close to getting a Cup and who see the opportunity here for the next several seasons with the right pieces. He has several of his own pieces he can package to create interest. We simply don’t have the roster to compete with top teams should we get a playoff spot.
Mr Peabody Posted November 30 Report Posted November 30 Said during the off season they needed 2 centers. I now think they could have gotten by with 1 center and a top 6 power forward. Lindy is doing better than I expected but don’t still don’t think they’ll make the playoffs. 1
Pimlach Posted November 30 Report Posted November 30 44 minutes ago, Believer said: Watching the losses to the Wild and Canucks at home after posting a 3 game win streak on the West Coast trip, think Adams needs to bring in a top Center and a forward, both under 30 with SC experience and term. Big ask, I understand, especially given likely NTC issues. Pegula would have to open his wallet. Ideally a couple hungry guys who were close to getting a Cup and who see the opportunity here for the next several seasons with the right pieces. He has several of his own pieces he can package to create interest. We simply don’t have the roster to compete with top teams should we get a playoff spot. We have the roster to compete with the middle band of teams that fight for the last few playoff slots. Until we get there and see growth in the Core from it, I don't think we will see hungry guys that are hoping to get a Cup willing to come here if they have options. Agree we need help but not the GM will take any risky moves. McLeod for Savoie surprised me.
Believer Posted November 30 Report Posted November 30 4 hours ago, Pimlach said: We have the roster to compete with the middle band of teams that fight for the last few playoff slots. My point was we don’t have the roster to compete for a Cup even if we get a playoff spot. Not a chance in hell unless Adams brings in missing pieces. Otherwise, we will continue after 13 seasons to compete for a playoff slot instead of compete for a Cup.
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