Ruff calls team's 2nd period performance "embarrassing" after Kraken loss.

[Stoner]

4 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

I wonder if these losers got the day off so they could gather for a grand old time at the Bills game?  If I was Lindy, I would have announced a practice when the game ended, for 1PM today…3 hour practice and film/meeting session. 

At least they don't play tomorrow.

[bob_sauve28]

4 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

I wonder if these losers got the day off so they could gather for a grand old time at the Bills game?  If I was Lindy, I would have announced a practice when the game ended, for 1PM today…3 hour practice and film/meeting session. 

They need time to plan for where they will be going as soon as this stupid season is over. They probably have a laugh at all the players that still have to “work” during the lame playoffs, which our Sabres can watch, with palm trees waving in the nice breeze and they enjoy their nice long vacation away from annoying fans, nosy reporters and hockey 

[Gatorman0519]

[SwampD]

5 hours ago, Pimlach said:

The majority of this team has been together for several seasons now.  They play the Granato system, which isn’t a NHL system at all.  

Lindy has to coach the Granato system out of these players.  Some nights they get it, then they revert back. 
 

This game changed its complexion when Tanev went nuts over the Dahlin hit.  The Kracken took over at that point.  

This has nothing to do with Granato. It’s the players. 

[K-9]

6 hours ago, Pimlach said:

Kim also talked about the differences between Sabres fans and Bills fan.  You don’t know Buffalo if you think there is a big  difference.  

I think Kim was referring to the demographic differences more than anything and not the level of enthusiasm shown at the games. And those demographic differences are a reality. 

[bob_sauve28]

37 minutes ago, K-9 said:

I think Kim was referring to the demographic differences more than anything and not the level of enthusiasm shown at the games. And those demographic differences are a reality. 

Don’t leave us hanging! What are the demographic differences??

Sabres have a higher income fan level? Probably more white, suburban fans? 

[Pimlach]

40 minutes ago, K-9 said:

I think Kim was referring to the demographic differences more than anything and not the level of enthusiasm shown at the games. And those demographic differences are a reality. 

I sure did not "demographic differences" from her comments. 

Explain to me how the demographic differences in the fans impact the way you run the teams?   Fans want to win no matter their what demographic they fit in.   Did the fan demographics tell them the Sabres fans would tolerate a bad product better than Bills fans?  

But maybe that is part of the problem?   The team owners looking at things like fan demographics, for whatever their reason,  and not looking at hiring the best qualified people to run the hockey team?  

Please elaborate.  

 

Edited January 12 by Pimlach

[Pimlach]

1 hour ago, SwampD said:

This has nothing to do with Granato. It’s the players. 

Probably.  But the thought that the young players did not learn an NHL system under Granato is not at all far fetched.   Name another HC that teaches offense first and then adds defense the next season?  

[HILLsabre]

2 hours ago, Gatorman0519 said:

This needs to become much more prevalent at home games. Worked for the New Orleans Saints for quite awhile...melon heads for the LA Rams as well. I like it!!!

[Archie Lee]

6 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

Probably.  But the thought that the young players did not learn an NHL system under Granato is not at all far fetched.   Name another HC that teaches offense first and then adds defense the next season?  

I'm not sure. I just don't see anything in the last decade of Ruff's career that supports he is a good defensive coach.

As I said in a different thread, perhaps Granato just understood his roster and better knew the way they would need to play to be successful? Isn't that what a coach is supposed to do?

We are pacing for 5 points behind the 21-22 Sabres of Bjork, Hagg, Hayden, Hinostroza, Tokarski, and Dell.  Granato squeezed more wins out of that lemon than anyone could reasonably expect. Ruff, by all measures normally applicable, has done an objectively horrible job. 

[K-9]

24 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

I sure did not "demographic differences" from her comments. 

Explain to me how the demographic differences in the fans impact the way you run the teams?   Fans want to win no matter their what demographic they fit in.   Did the fan demographics tell them the Sabres fans would tolerate a bad product better than Bills fans?  

But maybe that is part of the problem?   The team owners looking at things like fan demographics, for whatever their reason,  and not looking at hiring the best qualified people to run the hockey team?  

Please elaborate.  

 

I think you’re making more of my comment than what’s there. Apologies for perhaps not being more clear. Fan demographics really have little to do with the actual running of the team on a day to day basis. The only aspect of team related operations impacted by demographics is how they market their products. It’s one of the reasons they abandoned the “One Buffalo” campaign, for instance and then went on to split the two entities entirely.

Their failure as owners of a hockey team are self-evident, regardless. 

[Believer]

3 hours ago, bob_sauve28 said:

They need time to plan for where they will be going as soon as this stupid season is over. They probably have a laugh at all the players that still have to “work” during the lame playoffs, which our Sabres can watch, with palm trees waving in the nice breeze and they enjoy their nice long vacation away from annoying fans, nosy reporters and hockey 

While mighty sad and likely true for a few Sabres, have to believe most of our core players are embarrassed about this season’s failure.

It has to be humiliating in the off season to run into other NHL players and know you represent a hapless hockey club. 

[steveoat87]

1 hour ago, Pimlach said:

Probably.  But the thought that the young players did not learn an NHL system under Granato is not at all far fetched.   Name another HC that teaches offense first and then adds defense the next season?  

Nobody, maybe Seth Appert if he becomes head coach.

Unlike baseball, there is no designated hitter in hockey.  You have to play both offense and defense.  I always thought Granato's comment was insane and spoken more like a development coach than a head coach.

[K-9]

1 hour ago, bob_sauve28 said:

Don’t leave us hanging! What are the demographic differences??

Sabres have a higher income fan level? Probably more white, suburban fans? 

It runs the entire spectrum of the demographics companies use in target marketing. You hit on a few key ones with race, income levels, areas of residence. Age and education are often key along with family composition, etc. 

[SwampD]

1 hour ago, Pimlach said:

Probably.  But the thought that the young players did not learn an NHL system under Granato is not at all far fetched.   Name another HC that teaches offense first and then adds defense the next season?  

Dan Bylsma, only in reverse. Again, with a bunch of kids on the Sabres. It didn't work with him either, but his tenure was also cut short.

Edited January 13 by SwampD

[ExWNYer]

On 1/11/2025 at 7:38 PM, OverPowerYou said:

Where is the lindy ruff that used to scream at the players in practice ?

Probably drowning his sorrows with a prune juice on the rocks...

[Andrew Amerk]

23 hours ago, K-9 said:

Are you suggesting it’s the fans who got worse over the last 14 years? If so, that is completely bass ackwards. 

 

16 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

Lol yes after the fans stood up and cheered wildly at the end of the 1st, the Sabres sucked the rest of the way because the fans. Lol what a crock of *****. 

 

16 hours ago, Cascade Youth said:

If this is serious, it may be the worst take in the history of recorded language.  Or a product of Stockholm Syndrome.  Or both.

 

16 hours ago, Night Train said:

Losing 14 years in a row isn't an issue with fans. They show up when teams show hope.

See the Bandits and their sold out games in the same building. A great sports town. 

 

15 hours ago, bob_sauve28 said:

Don't know about you, but I would of been kind of angry if I went out on a cold night to watch last nights game. Those last two periods were the worst hockey I think I've ever seen them play.

 

11 hours ago, Flashsabre said:

Yes the answer is it’s the fans fault. We should all be ashamed of ourselves.

I insist everyone in this board log off and go pop in your “Best of the Sabres  Playoff Highlights over the past 14 Years” video and take some time to reflect.😝

Are we all talking about the same fanbase that was cheering every time the Yotes scored against the Sabres about 10 seasons ago?

If you rooted for them to lose, you can’t sit here and cry now that the team sucks. It’s what you cheered for. 

[sabremike]

4 minutes ago, Andrew Amerk said:

 

 

 

 

 

Are we all talking about the same fanbase that was cheering every time the Yotes scored against the Sabres about 10 seasons ago?

If you rooted for them to lose, you can’t sit here and cry now that the team sucks. It’s what you cheered for. 

You would almost think the organization itself had literally built the team with the defacto goal of losing as many games as possible or something...

Also worth mentioning that the biggest loser in the NHL changing the lottery rules to do everything short of rigging it so the Sabres wouldn't get McDavid was in fact Arizona (who would've got Eichel and instead ended up with an all time bust in Strome). HECKUVA JOB GARY!!!!!

[PerreaultForever]

7 hours ago, SwampD said:

Dan Bylsma, only in reverse. Again, with a bunch of kids on the Sabres. It didn't work with him either, but his tenure was also cut short.

and I imagine it felt pretty good for him when he beat us. Disco Dan isn't doing great in Seattle, but they play better than the Sabres. 

[Archie Lee]

5 hours ago, sabremike said:

You would almost think the organization itself had literally built the team with the defacto goal of losing as many games as possible or something...

Also worth mentioning that the biggest loser in the NHL changing the lottery rules to do everything short of rigging it so the Sabres wouldn't get McDavid was in fact Arizona (who would've got Eichel and instead ended up with an all time bust in Strome). HECKUVA JOB GARY!!!!!

That was a very deep draft.  Arizona made a mistake probably, but I’m not sure I would call D. Strome a bust, let alone an “all-time bust”. He took a long time to develop, but has put together a few good years in a row and in on an 80 pt pace. He’s the leading scorer on a team tied for 1st overall in the standings. If anything, he’s a further example of how patience with young players is important.*
 

*For clarity, patience doesn’t mean hoarding picks and prospects and then rushing some to the NHL to play on an under-supported losing team. It is ok to judiciously move-on from some prospects, particularly when your pool is deep, in order to improve your NHL team. 

[WhenWillItEnd66]

Ok, he is embarrassed. We have been that way for 13 years!!!!

[Cascade Youth]

6 hours ago, Andrew Amerk said:

 

 

 

 

 

Are we all talking about the same fanbase that was cheering every time the Yotes scored against the Sabres about 10 seasons ago?

If you rooted for them to lose, you can’t sit here and cry now that the team sucks. It’s what you cheered for. 

You’re right, this is all our fault.  Thank you.

[LTS]

6 hours ago, sabremike said:

You would almost think the organization itself had literally built the team with the defacto goal of losing as many games as possible or something...

Also worth mentioning that the biggest loser in the NHL changing the lottery rules to do everything short of rigging it so the Sabres wouldn't get McDavid was in fact Arizona (who would've got Eichel and instead ended up with an all time bust in Strome). HECKUVA JOB GARY!!!!!

This Dylan Strome? 

I mean, perhaps he's not the best player in the world, but using the phrase "all time bust" seems more apropos for players like:

Alexander Svitov - 3rd overall, 2001 - 37 points in 179 career games.

Nail Yakupov - 1st overall, 2012 - 136 points in 350 career games.

Dylan Strome has 348 points in 479 games.  Hardly a bust, let alone an "all time bust"

6 hours ago, Andrew Amerk said:

Are we all talking about the same fanbase that was cheering every time the Yotes scored against the Sabres about 10 seasons ago?

If you rooted for them to lose, you can’t sit here and cry now that the team sucks. It’s what you cheered for. 

We are and that's not the full fan base either but your broad sweeping generalization is the stuff great Internet arguments are made of. As is not identifying the difference between what people want in slice of time versus a longer period of time.

:eyeroll:

[Pimlach]

14 hours ago, SwampD said:

Dan Bylsma, only in reverse. Again, with a bunch of kids on the Sabres. It didn't work with him either, but his tenure was also cut short.

If true, it’s the wrong way.  

[Dreams Burn Down]

8 hours ago, Andrew Amerk said:

Are we all talking about the same fanbase that was cheering every time the Yotes scored against the Sabres about 10 seasons ago?

If you rooted for them to lose, you can’t sit here and cry now that the team sucks. It’s what you cheered for. 

You're certainly entitled to your opinions, as we all are.  However, I'm still amazed at how many fans show up to see this team play, visiting team fans notwithstanding.

I don't think that many fan bases around the league would still care as much as ours after 14 years of unbridled ineptitude.  People on this board are pissed and who can blame them?  To me that shows passion, not apathy.

This fan base is not only not at fault, but, for the most part, it somehow continues to care about this team in spite of itself.