How do you honestly feel about this team

[HOUSE]

Soggy miniature chicken wings with ranch dressing

 

[Palm Trees And Taxes]

Been a die hard fan since 1982 and this is by far the lowest point. Completely unorganized, very uninspiring roster. Some players I do like but this is the worst organization in the sport and its not close sadly. Adams is unqualified to be a GM. Sabres need a voice, a voice that shows the passion and care that these fans want and deserve. I feel we get little or none of that. We need a heartbeat. And fast.

[Wyldnwoody44]

@ the whole team... 

[ExWNYer]

On 2/17/2025 at 8:01 PM, HOUSE said:

Soggy miniature boneless chicken wings with ranch dressing

 

[Pimlach]

On 2/17/2025 at 7:01 PM, HOUSE said:

Soggy miniature chicken wings with ranch dressing

 

Freezer burned and shriveled flats with grizzled and knuckly drummies.  

[CallawaySabres]

On 2/19/2025 at 3:16 PM, Palm Trees And Taxes said:

Been a die hard fan since 1982 and this is by far the lowest point. Completely unorganized, very uninspiring roster. Some players I do like but this is the worst organization in the sport and its not close sadly. Adams is unqualified to be a GM. Sabres need a voice, a voice that shows the passion and care that these fans want and deserve. I feel we get little or none of that. We need a heartbeat. And fast.

Yup, this is it. They went from a club that just keeps making the wrong decisions to a club that doesn't care anymore. I really believe that Buffalo will not see the playoffs for another 10 years, and that will only happen due to some streak they hit as a one year wonder. The Sabres are the new Coyotes and I think as fans, we have to understand that.

They are part of the NHL, but in reality, that is not how other organizations view them. I think they are stuck here for good and without an owner that hires experienced, knowledgeable minds, it is here where they will stay. Dahlin will be the next to leave, and so on and so on. 

[Drag0nDan]

I think they need to really evaluate why a player would want to play here.  We are and have been bad for so long that the reputation around the league is incredibly poor, and hard to improve.  So many players have clauses in their contract to protect them from essentially being traded... here.  NYS income tax definitely doesn't help, even if the cost of living in buffalo essentially counters the tax savings in Florida or Nevada.  The stadium's a heartless empty feeling dump.  Training facilities are not impressive.  

Obviously Josh Allen's a big part of the bills success, i don't think that can be questioned.  But pre-Allen, the team spent a lot of money on new training facilities, new recovery tools, and just generally on "the team".  It became a destination specifically for "football players".  Talking up the nightlife of a city, or weather, or whatever - you're always going to lose that battle in buffalo.  But if you say to the players - you're coming here to work, and be a better hockey player - that message can resonate to the right players.  

[JP51]

In watching the 4 Nations play... it occurred to me this is what hockey is supposed to be... mind you there is no way you can play an 82 game schedule and playoffs that intense... and there is no way you can approximate that talent on every team... but by and large... the physicality, intensity, sheer will to battle and sell out for every loose puck and face off...  was just amazing... and really illustrates just how weak and soft the Sabres are...  I just cannot imagine them in their current form actually playing in the playoffs when the level of intensity is similar...  I think they would end up with shell shock and never recover...  I would put in an LOL... but I think I am kinda serious here... 

[Crusader1969]

I feel they are closer than they've ever been to be a playoff contender - though  missing one HUGE piece - a legit top 4 defender

sure a top line center would be nice and better depth of the D but they could survive without that    And a better PP , especially in the first couple of months 

team is 23-21-3 with Dahlin   A .521 winning %  

they are among the top 5v5 scoring teams in the league 

the goaltending has been inconsistent BUT you add a vet top 4 defender who is known for his D, that would help out UPL undoubtedly 

the biggest issue I have , knowing they are damn close, is the GM  (5 years and for Power not to have a partner yet is a fireable offence in itself)  I have little confidence that Adams can get the acquisition completed 

 

 

[JP51]

On 2/23/2025 at 6:57 PM, Crusader1969 said:

I feel they are closer than they've ever been to be a playoff contender - though  missing one HUGE piece - a legit top 4 defender

sure a top line center would be nice and better depth of the D but they could survive without that    And a better PP , especially in the first couple of months 

team is 23-21-3 with Dahlin   A .521 winning %  

they are among the top 5v5 scoring teams in the league 

the goaltending has been inconsistent BUT you add a vet top 4 defender who is known for his D, that would help out UPL undoubtedly 

the biggest issue I have , knowing they are damn close, is the GM  (5 years and for Power not to have a partner yet is a fireable offence in itself)  I have little confidence that Adams can get the acquisition completed 

 

 

Not sure I am with you here... they are in last place in the conference... look like they have regressed from last year and the dredges of the Conference... Ottawa, Montreal, Detroit are all improving...  I am not sure we are that close... and then the big thing is... lets say you get in at some point... this team will suffer PTSD if they have to go thru 4 games of playoff hockey .... they are not built for it...  I think the other piece is, it that what our hearts desire is... a playoff appearance and a 4-1 1st round ouster... that doesnt sound like success to me... but... I get it, its a start...  I just have no faith that they even understand how to build a team prepared to compete every year for a cup... 

[dudacek]

They're family.

[Doohicksie]

I think they're a playoff capable team but they've dug themselves a giant pit that they may nor be able to climb out of this season.

[mjd1001]

25 minutes ago, Doohicksie said:

I think they're a playoff capable team but they've dug themselves a giant pit that they may nor be able to climb out of this season.

And the circular argument is....why did that dig that pit to begin with?  A playoff caliber team that makes the playoffs is good enough to not lose 13 straight.  A playoff caliber team has enough depth so they can make the playoffs even if their 2 top players miss time or have to play hurt.

So when fully healthy, they may be a playoff caliber team, but isn't part of being a team good enough to make the playoffs meaning you have enough depth? Other teams apparently do.

To me, to be a playoff team you need stars that can carry you. The Sabres have that in Dahlin and Thompson. You need some secondary players that are not stars but really good. Tuch fits that role for me, Peterka is on the edge of fitting that role, same with Byrum.  You would reall like very good goaltending. UPL CAN be that but he is a bit inconsistent.

The problem with this team to me, why they are not good enough, is they have too many players that play bad, or at least well below an average NHL player too often.  Its harder to say this after Cozens had a pretty good game last night, but you can't have a guy hurt you as much as Cozens and Quinn do on a nightly basis yet give them so much ice time in so many critical situations.

[Crusader1969]

So you agree 

30 minutes ago, mjd1001 said:

And the circular argument is....why did that dig that pit to begin with?  A playoff caliber team that makes the playoffs is good enough to not lose 13 straight.  A playoff caliber team has enough depth so they can make the playoffs even if their 2 top players miss time or have to play hurt.

So when fully healthy, they may be a playoff caliber team, but isn't part of being a team good enough to make the playoffs meaning you have enough depth? Other teams apparently do.

To me, to be a playoff team you need stars that can carry you. The Sabres have that in Dahlin and Thompson. You need some secondary players that are not stars but really good. Tuch fits that role for me, Peterka is on the edge of fitting that role, same with Byrum.  You would reall like very good goaltending. UPL CAN be that but he is a bit inconsistent.

The problem with this team to me, why they are not good enough, is they have too many players that play bad, or at least well below an average NHL player too often.  Its harder to say this after Cozens had a pretty good game last night, but you can't have a guy hurt you as much as Cozens and Quinn do on a nightly basis yet give them so much ice time in so many critical situations.

I don't think anyone thinks the team as is is good enough.   That's why I said , they are close but still need to add a significant piece in a RHD

[Crusader1969]

I read a post on another thread saying that this team is never going anywhere unless they get their superstar like Josh Allen

what if they already have that player? 
Is Rasmus Dahlin on the verge of being a superstar? he's definitely all-star level at this point  The way he has played, since coming back from injury, probably has him in the top 5 or 6 dmen in the league.  Case in point - since Dec 23rd he is tied for the most assists in the NHL with Kucherov. Dahlin has also played in 2 less games than Kucherov 

  The last few games he's played, including the game in Nashville, he's been as good as I can ever recall 

I think he hits superstar level next season  and there will be a debate between him and Makar as the best in the league 

 

 

[FrenchConnection44]

Now watch us continue on a big win streak and move out of a shot at one of the top 4.  But then we will lose several and probably draft 8-10. Get some guy who will sit in the minors for the next 3 years. We 

While the Penguins will get a top 4 guy who comes in and plays well and becomes a star.  Smh. 

This team can’t win and they can’t even lose when they need to! Lol. 

It’s the worst kind of failure 😂 

[mjd1001]

3 hours ago, FrenchConnection44 said:

Now watch us continue on a big win streak and move out of a shot at one of the top 4.  But then we will lose several and probably draft 8-10. Get some guy who will sit in the minors for the next 3 years. We 

While the Penguins will get a top 4 guy who comes in and plays well and becomes a star.  Smh. 

This team can’t win and they can’t even lose when they need to! Lol. 

It’s the worst kind of failure 😂 

Right now the Sabres are 6th worst in the league, with odds saying they would draft 6th overall.

They are a 3-4 game winning streak from moving to 10th overall.

If they play slightly above .500 hockey the rest of the year, they have a realistic shot of dropping all the way to 12th.

[JohnC]

17 minutes ago, mjd1001 said:

Right now the Sabres are 6th worst in the league, with odds saying they would draft 6th overall.

They are a 3-4 game winning streak from moving to 10th overall.

If they play slightly above .500 hockey the rest of the year, they have a realistic shot of dropping all the way to 12th.

The least important issue for this team to upgrade itself in the near future is its position on the draft board. There are moves to be had this offseason associated with trades and free agent pickups (medium type players) that this team can make to improve this roster. With KA as the GM making the decisions on this roster and league talent is that likely? I'm not ruling it out but to put it kindly, I'm not flushed with optimism. 

I strongly believe that as this roster is currently constituted this team will continue to lag. However, with a few smart moves this this roster can be better balanced and stronger. The GM placed a major bet on the youngsters hoping that they will continue to make strides. Some of them have while others have regressed. Hopefully, as a group there will be more development. The team play has gotten better, and the recent record has reflected it. We'll see---I'm just not sure.