Hockey Heaven!

[TRIP65]

9 hours ago, phil_soisson said:

Curious how Pegula seems to have gotten the Bills right (with essentially the same fanbase as the Sabres), while having owned the Sabres several years longer.

Rochester Amerks and Buffalo Bandits too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top 5 Woman Tennis Player as a Daughter yet Pegula knows nothing and is a Loser!

If anything he hangs on to bad choices too long. Easy to see 2 years ago when he resigned the same team and it Digressed. Adams should have been gone before Granto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TRIP65]

10 hours ago, Pimlach said:

It looks like we can’t win with Dahlin, Power, Thompson and Cozens as the Core. The other guys are just filler.  The core cannot get us there.  

You wanna fix it, change the core and that changes the culture.  

Too early on Power, too young to call that. Tage at $7 mil is a steal, have too, move him to 2nd Line Center

Problem is Cozens, Dahlin, Quinn, Samuelsson

 

Move them out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Or make Dahlin a Center in offseason. But if you can get something for him like Eichel and unload $11mil/yr. Do it. Should get a Top 6 winger or Center for Dahlin and a Prospect. Hell give them Dahlin and Cozens. Two problems gone!!!!!! Anyone would blame Buffalo over the Players.

Edited December 5 by TRIP65

[Weave]

5 minutes ago, TRIP65 said:

Easy to see 2 years ago when he resigned the same team and it Digressed.

[TRIP65]

8 hours ago, Crusader1969 said:

I've said it before but a sell and move might be the best solution 

with the promise by the league to give Buffalo an expansion franchise within the next decade 

think fresh start might be the only way to go for them 

How well that work for CLEVELAND

[TRIP65]

8 hours ago, mjd1001 said:

I don't think that would happen, that is the problem.

For better or worse, the league was falling over itself to keep a team in the phoenix market. They don't care at all about a passionate fanbase in a small city (if they did Quebec city, with a much nicer/newer Arena than Buffalo, would have a team "back there" already).

The league cares about market sizes like Houston (closing in on 8 millon), Atlanta or Phoenix (5+ million and growing),  Austin, Orlando, Charlotte, San Antonio, Austin San Diego and others (2.5-3+ million) more than they do about Buffalo (Metro size 1.1million)...and it looks at Money (most of those markets have an area "GDP" of 3-6 times what Buffalo has).

If Buffalo did lose the Sabres, in no way, in no world do I see them moving in front of Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix, or a 2nd GTA team. No way.

 

Buffalo has Canadian fans and Rochester fans that follow Amerks here. The Market for the Sabres is easy 3 Million People and only need 18K to fill Arena. 13 years is a issue. Also TV Coverage sucks and contained to Buffalo. The Online WR550 is cut out outside Buffalo. You have to pay for it. MSG has limited Coverage on Streaming.

Sabres there is where they operate small time!!!!

8 hours ago, Pimlach said:

Actually Club President Russ Brandon played a big part in hiring Rex.  He infamously advised the Pegula's "don't let him get out of the building".  

McDermott was the the NFL's list of top head coaching candidates at the time.  

The Pegula's don't know who to listen too.   Hiring McDermott was based on their interview with him, and then listening to his recommendation on Beane, was as much luck as anything else.  But at least they did it without listening to someone with limited or dubious qualifications. 

In the hockey world they have no clue were to turn - and they had guys like Dudley and Ruff in their backyard for entire time.   

OK, How about the Bandits and the Amerks??

How about a Daughter in Tennis ranked Top 5??????

[TRIP65]

7 hours ago, mjd1001 said:

Maybe.

The problem is you need an OWNER who also wants a team in Buffalo.

If the NHL approves someone new to be an owner, they are going to want someone pretty 'rich' that likes and wants to make money for themself and the other owners.

How does Buffalo get a team 'back' when that would likely be in a 30+ year old arena that needs a lot of work, in a city with so many less people and money....versus other massive cities with a ton more money, that probably would be willing to help build a brand new, state of the art arena that simply could not be done in Buffalo (especially with the region and state just giving money to a new stadium for the Bills).

Even IF the league wanted a team in Buffalo even more than those other cities (not sure I think that is the case but even if it was true), what multi-Billionaire is going to step forward and choose Buffalo (and the Arena here) as the place they will make even more money vs those other cities?

And Pegulas own Harbor Center. What other Owner would want that Situation????

[Stoner]

16 minutes ago, Weave said:

My opening! Churchill there is reacting to results of the Weave Pole Challenge.

[TRIP65]

6 hours ago, steveoat87 said:

If the team is sold say goodbye to a team in Buffalo.  There are too many big market teams who would love a franchise.  

The best solution is pressure on Pegula to improve the team management and structure.

FIRE ADAMS and get a GM that has done it before and WON in some Major Sport Market. The Scouts do most of the Evaluation anyway. Course better if they are from Hockey. Also get President to oversee all Hockey Operations NOT a Owner. KEEP RUFF!!! He sees the PROBLEM.

[Scottysabres]

6 hours ago, steveoat87 said:

If the team is sold say goodbye to a team in Buffalo.  There are too many big market teams who would love a franchise.  

The best solution is pressure on Pegula to improve the team management and structure.

I don't believe this anymore. I don't believe the Buffalo Sabres will move.

[GASabresIUFAN]

2 hours ago, GoPuckYourself said:

Why does Quinn get a pass? His achiles has nothing to do with him not being able to score goals, dude is lost in every sense of the word. Also wouldn't you try a bulk up a bit to be able to at least absorb hits? Not saying this so he can turn into a grinder/fighter just more so he can take those hits better. He goes down like a sack of potatoes way too often.

 A fair question.  The answer is simple.  We have seen enough the last few years to know there is real talent there.  He is also on a cheap rookie deal and should be relatively cheap to extend on a bridge deal.  He is having a terrible year and he is partially a victim of the lack of playmakers on this team.

Is he part of the long-term solution? I don’t know, but patience here is warranted.   

So why not the same patience with Power or Krebs?  Power is being paid like a top D but can’t play defense and there has been no progress in his in zone play.  If he was on a 4 mill bridge deal I’d probably counsel patience, but he’s not.  We can’t afford guys who don’t pull their contract weight.  As to Krebs. He has made strides this season on his effort, but there is still no offense to show for it.  

[JohnC]

1 hour ago, mjd1001 said:

There is another issue related to the above that I don't think is addressed enough.

Getting the games off of a cable-only TV package and/or making them easier and cheaper to watch.

I will speak of 5 people I know all between the age of 20-30.  2 nieces that I used to watch hockey games with when they were younger baby-sittting them, our daughter, her boyfriends, and a 2nd cousin. None of them are now Sabres fans, and all used to be at least to a small extent.  Why? They do not have cable. They only have streaming, and they are not going to get a cable package.

The problem is, when people can't SEE your product, they grow away from your product. They do not buy merchandise, They do not go to games...if they lose exposure to your product, they withdraw from it and stop caring.

Most of them are still Bills fans. Our daughter's boyfriend goes to his parents house to watch the Bills game every week (its only 15-20 times per year and usually on a weekend, much easier than the Sabres).  My 2nd cousin watches every Bills game via an antenna.  I think my two nieces do a combination of both.

I know this isn't the case with everyone. But for a lot of younger people who are new to being out on their own, an expensive cable package or a buggy, glitchy, expensive, streaming service that can't even keep the same name for a few years...that isn't a solution.

The media world has change. It's a different entertainment and business model. It's never going back to the free and available channels. Now, it's about a menu of packages when you are hooking up for TV services. That's the reality. The other reality that you alluded to is that because the local team has for nearly a generation (Pegula era) been unsuccessful on the ice and lacking entertainment value. The hockey market has for the past decade been steadily eroding due to its lackluster play and irrelevance in the hockey world. 

I'm a strong believer that if the product is worth watching, it will find an audience. That's not the case right now. Until there is a dramatic shakeup within the franchise, and the dynamics of this floundering and inconsequential dramatically changes, the fan erosion will continue to the point of no return. It's a sad state of affairs. 

I'm not without hope. It wasn't that long ago when the Ralph Wilson era was ending that the interest in the Bills dramatically faded. After Pegula purchased the team and belatedly installed the right people to oversee the operation, the fortunes of the franchise changed for the better. Not only are the local fans invested in the Bills, but also the Bills are now one of the most nationally recognized teams in the league. It is due to not only its success on the field but also the entertainment value it offers. 

[PromoTheRobot]

3 hours ago, LabattBlue said:

So you are in charge as of right now, what do you do?

I'd start benching players starting with Cozens. He deserves to be "loaned" to Rochester to send a message. I don't think they lack talent. They lack brains and heart. 

We aren't firing Lindy. If Adams goes, do you promote Ventura as interim and let him make deals? 

[JohnC]

8 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

I'd start benching players starting with Cozens. He deserves to be "loaned" to Rochester to send a message. I don't think they lack talent. They lack brains and heart. 

We aren't firing Lindy. If Adams goes, do you promote Ventura as interim and let him make deals? 

Lindy is not the problem.  Adams should be fired. Who should take over? Karmonos or Ventura with Lindy giving considerable input. 

[Weave]

59 minutes ago, Stoner said:

My opening! Churchill there is reacting to results of the Weave Pole Challenge.

[Pimlach]

3 hours ago, PerreaultForever said:

Well I do think the fans have crossed over the breaking point. They were booing with about 30 seconds to go and the team was only down a goal with the net empty. I have never seen that in my entire life. After it's over sure, but never when a team is down by 1 late. It's understandable, but I think it's a new low. 

I heard that too, especially the last 10 seconds when we had the puck and were setting up a shot and still booing. It was a new low.  

Unlike Granato, Lindy was ok with the booing, listen to his post game, he understood.  

[PromoTheRobot]

16 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Lindy is not the problem.  Adams should be fired. Who should take over? Karmonos or Ventura with Lindy giving considerable input. 

As long as we acknowledge doing this doesn't fix this year.

[Pimlach]

1 hour ago, TRIP65 said:

 

OK, How about the Bandits and the Amerks??

How about a Daughter in Tennis ranked Top 5??????

How about them?  What's your point?  

Bandits - He didn't screw up the Bandits, that is just great for him.  They were excellent when he bought them and he left them alone.  He should remember that lesson.  

Amerks - they have won nothing under Terry.  They are ok at developing the stockpiles of draft picks that he got for demanding his GM to trade star players away.  Yahoo for the Amerks!    As long as your asking, I think I would rather have Eichel, Reinhart, Montour and Ullmark back and return Tuch, Krebs, Östlund, Kulich, Levi and anyone else we got for these guys.     How about you?  

His daughter - excellent player.  She made the most of all the expensive tennis lessons he paid for.  

 

[Pimlach]

1 hour ago, TRIP65 said:

Too early on Power, too young to call that. Tage at $7 mil is a steal, have too, move him to 2nd Line Center

Problem is Cozens, Dahlin, Quinn, Samuelsson

 

Move them out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Or make Dahlin a Center in offseason. But if you can get something for him like Eichel and unload $11mil/yr. Do it. Should get a Top 6 winger or Center for Dahlin and a Prospect. Hell give them Dahlin and Cozens. Two problems gone!!!!!! Anyone would blame Buffalo over the Players.

Tage when healthy is a steal at $7M and yes, he is more of a 2C.     We need a playmaker center for the PP.  We are hurting up the middle, despite all the draft picks spent there.  

Dahlin is the best talent on the team. Better than Power Puff.  

[GASabresIUFAN]

Why is Adams still employed?

[inkman]

47 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

Why is Adams still employed?

Perhaps he’s meeting his bosses requirements 

[GASabresIUFAN]

1 hour ago, inkman said:

Perhaps he’s meeting his bosses requirements 

I doubt any boss wants his GM to destroy the value of his business.

[Kristian]

6 hours ago, inkman said:

Perhaps he’s meeting his bosses requirements 

TP : Say “yes”, Kevin.

KA : “Yes Kevin”.

TP : Close enough, you get an extension.

[inkman]

7 hours ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

I doubt any boss wants his GM to destroy the value of his business.

I’m not sure how much winning factors into a franchise’s value 

[JohnC]

11 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

As long as we acknowledge doing this doesn't fix this year.

The critical issue isn't fixing anything on any timeline. The critical issue is getting the right people in place. Then, the timeline matter will work itself out. The requirement is getting on the right pathway so that this franchise can become a meaningful NHL franchise. As it stands, we have a GM who doesn't understand how to build a roster. He has also demonstrated that he isn't too adept in smartly structuring contracts. That cripples your options when attempting to trade players.  

How much time has been wasted under this clueless owner with his churning of staff. The one constant in this embarrassing era of mediocrity is his ownership. The measure of success in sports is easy to gauge. It's the team's record. It's gotten so predictably bad that one of WGR's hosts commented that he hates to talk about the Sabres because it always the same old shiiiiit. (Paraphrasing of course.)

This season is not a lost cause, although it is slipping away, again. In my estimation this team has enough talent to compete for a fringe playoff spot. The sad reality is that when you are a Sabre fan your aspirations have to be limited. When you are rooting for a team that lacks resiliency you, end up expecting nothing but futility. The Colorado fiasco embodies that point. It is a sad state of affairs that has been going on for too long. 

[Mango]

12 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

I'd start benching players starting with Cozens. He deserves to be "loaned" to Rochester to send a message. I don't think they lack talent. They lack brains and heart. 

We aren't firing Lindy. If Adams goes, do you promote Ventura as interim and let him make deals? 

There is nonody to bench them for. Not just skill wise. But this is the youngest roster in the league, that means benching Cozens, etc puts a younger player in the ice.

Lindy has pulled the safety net. These kids will pass/fail quickly. 

In regards to Cozens, I think he either needs to be a legit 2C or 1W in a hurry or he has no place on this roster. If I could get even a middle 6 vet for him and a prospect or two I’d probably pull the trigger. Keep the current “kids” in Rochester and let them bake. Fill the big team with more Greenways until the Amerks are actually ready.