Buffalo Sabres and NHL: 2019/20: Sabres season officially over. Draft lottery June 26th

[Beast]

I have been a fan of this team since 1973. I don’t remember being as down on this team as I am now. 

[BillsFan4]

4 hours ago, JohnC said:

I wasn't able to bring up the BN article. From what I heard about him he is constantly looking at different training methods. Just watching him play it is apparent that he is a relentless effort player you don't have worry about. Even when he is subjected to periods of scoring lulls the effort is still there. You can't play at his pace without being in superb condition. 

Give it s read when you can (if you’re out of free articles). 

 

It’s kind of long but a very good read. It goes into detail on all the different trainers he works with in the offseason. It’s a “who’s who” list of trainers. All of them are considered to be near the top of their field. 

 

It also details Skinner’s relentless work ethic and desire to continue improving. 

I guess he’s a freak about nutrition too.

 

It actually msde made me feel better about committing 8 years to him. He takes great care of himself. Plus, my hope is that some of his teammates want to follow his example.

[BillsFan4]

https://amp.freep.com/amp/1878370001?__twitter_impression=true

 

Joe Murphy, Red Wings' No. 1 pick, is homeless again — and refusing help

 

Tough read. 

[BillsFan4]

https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/rasmus-ristolainen-tyytymaton-tilanteeseen-buffalo-sabresissa-haluaa-siirtya-muualle-viime-kaudet-ovat-olleet-raskaita/7508734?mtv_ref=twb_urheilu_jaakiekko#gs.vjgkhi

 

it’s an interview with Ristolainen.

 

From google translate -

 

Rasmus Ristolane dissatisfied with the Buffalo Sabers - wants to move on: "Recent seasons have been tough"

 

Rasmus Ristolainen is not happy with his position in the Buffalo Sabers and wants to look into playing in another NHL club. Ristolainen comments on his future for MTV Sports.

Rasmus Ristolainen still has three more years remaining with his contract with the Buffalo Sabers. The keys are with the club, but Ristolainen has discussed options with the club leadership.

 

 

MTV Sports previously reported that Ristolainen will change clubs for next season.

- The situation is open. I can not say anything other than the fact that I am on the 12th of September, one of the NHL team's training camp, Ristolainen commented.

- However, we wanted to keep the discussions between me and the club.

Ristolo has had a lot of responsibility from year to year on the back lines of the Sabers, but the team hasn't been in the playoffs for six years. Ristolainen is not at all happy with the situation.

- I haven't been able to help the team win. Recent seasons have been tough and I haven't been able to enjoy hockey.

Although the future is uncertain, Ristolainen has enjoyed the summer in Finland.

- I like to do a lot of different exercises in the summer, but the main focus has been on improving speed.

 

So it sounds like he has in fact requested a trade (as suspected) and is unhappy in buffalo. 

 

I still hope hope botterill doesn’t cave in and trade him for less than he’s worth. It’s Botts job to put the team above 1 player. 

Edited August 11, 2019 by BillsFan4

[njbuff]

If Gusev is half of what they say he is, the Devils could have the best offense they have had in team history, assuming Hall is healthy.

 

Hopefully it's fun and successful this season.

Edited August 11, 2019 by njbuff

[JohnC]

13 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

https://amp.freep.com/amp/1878370001?__twitter_impression=true

 

Joe Murphy, Red Wings' No. 1 pick, is homeless again — and refusing help

 

Tough read. 

As you said this is a tough and gruesome read. The intersecting of mental illness and drug addiction makes the ending very predictable. If the individual resists the potential support system there isn't much you can do to save the individual other than help when you can and have compassion. Sometimes we forget that the grungy guy living on the street is someone's son, brother, father, relative and friend. It's a sad story.   

[JohnC]

10 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/rasmus-ristolainen-tyytymaton-tilanteeseen-buffalo-sabresissa-haluaa-siirtya-muualle-viime-kaudet-ovat-olleet-raskaita/7508734?mtv_ref=twb_urheilu_jaakiekko#gs.vjgkhi

 

it’s an interview with Ristolainen.

 

From google translate -

 

Rasmus Ristolane dissatisfied with the Buffalo Sabers - wants to move on: "Recent seasons have been tough"

 

Rasmus Ristolainen is not happy with his position in the Buffalo Sabers and wants to look into playing in another NHL club. Ristolainen comments on his future for MTV Sports.

Rasmus Ristolainen still has three more years remaining with his contract with the Buffalo Sabers. The keys are with the club, but Ristolainen has discussed options with the club leadership.

 

 

MTV Sports previously reported that Ristolainen will change clubs for next season.

- The situation is open. I can not say anything other than the fact that I am on the 12th of September, one of the NHL team's training camp, Ristolainen commented.

- However, we wanted to keep the discussions between me and the club.

Ristolo has had a lot of responsibility from year to year on the back lines of the Sabers, but the team hasn't been in the playoffs for six years. Ristolainen is not at all happy with the situation.

- I haven't been able to help the team win. Recent seasons have been tough and I haven't been able to enjoy hockey.

Although the future is uncertain, Ristolainen has enjoyed the summer in Finland.

- I like to do a lot of different exercises in the summer, but the main focus has been on improving speed.

 

So it sounds like he has in fact requested a trade (as suspected) and is unhappy in buffalo. 

 

I still hope hope botterill doesn’t cave in and trade him for less than he’s worth. It’s Botts job to put the team above 1 player. 

I don't know for sure if Risto has asked for a trade or simply candidly expressed his frustration playing on a team that has not been in the playoffs for years. He should be frustrated, as other players on the team should be. Eichel and Reinhart certainly are frustrated as the seasons pass by with them from their couches watching some of their contemporaries play in the playoffs. 

 

It has been noted more than a few times that all the coaching candidates were asked what would they do if hired to make Risto a more effective player? So there is evidently a serious consideration to keep him. A factor that might keep him on the roster when the season begins is that Pilut and Bogo will probably be on the injured list. If Risto isn't dealt before the season that doesn't mean that he can't be dealt during the season or after the season. The Sabres have some good defensemen prospects in the pipeline who need a little more seasoning.  

 

As others have stated there is no compelling reason to trade him unless the return is generous. Risto paired with McCabe on the second pairing with Dahlin and Montour as a first pairing makes for a very good unit. There is nothing wrong with that!

[JohnC]

On 8/8/2019 at 8:14 PM, BillsFan4 said:

Give it s read when you can (if you’re out of free articles). 

 

It’s kind of long but a very good read. It goes into detail on all the different trainers he works with in the offseason. It’s a “who’s who” list of trainers. All of them are considered to be near the top of their field. 

 

It also details Skinner’s relentless work ethic and desire to continue improving. 

I guess he’s a freak about nutrition too.

 

It actually msde made me feel better about committing 8 years to him. He takes great care of himself. Plus, my hope is that some of his teammates want to follow his example.

I finally was able to retrieve the article about his training. After reading the article it was evident to me that if you are going to give a player such a rich and lengthy contract he is the type of driven player you would want to give it to. (As you also noted.) What was intriguing about Skinner's training regimen is that he is constantly changing it by seeking different approaches to maximize his talents. He's the type of player that doesn't lead by talking but does by example. Needless to say he is a committed player! 

[BillsFan4]

This is from a Finnish poster on another site. He translated the part of the video interview with Risto in that MTV link. Gives a bit clearer picture. 

 

 

Quote

E: Edited direct quotes from him here.

''You have 3 years left on the contract with BUF, how do you see the situation from your POV?'' 

RR: Well, the situation is very open, even I don't currently know and can't really say one way or the other, but when it's 12th of September, I'm on some teams camp, I can't say for sure which one.

''How do you see your own position in BUF at the moment, what kind of a feel do you get from it?'' 

RR: Personally, I don't know my position in Buffalo, or if I will be on BUF when the season starts, and of course, the team has to make changes when it hasn't gone their way, accomplished their goal of being in the playoffs and Buffalo has made good acquisitions, if I am there when the season starts, it's just a good thing that I've gotten more help, creating competition, which will create improvement in everyone when you have to fight for your minutes and role.

''What kind of ambition 'zone' are you in for continuing in Buffalo, because as you said, there hasn't been success?''

RR: Well, well we've had conversations with management after the last season and the summer and we've agreed to keep the situation between us, the gm recently said in an interview that the talks that we have stay between me and the management, so we'll keep that matter as is. As I said, I'm not sure where I'm playing next season.

''Let it be that you play where you play, what kind of future goals, big goals do you have in store for your NHL career?''

RR: Well, I want to win. Maybe the main one is that after many seasons that have been rough we would have, eh, that it would be fun, you could enjoy and you wouldn't have to go through rough times as we've had in Buffalo and, of course getting to the playoffs, success, winning, I don't have personal goals but I wan't to be- I want to be the best player I can be and I trust in my abilities and potential to be one of the teams top defenders and the leagues top defenders, that's the goal.
Mostly my goal is to win and win a Stanley Cup and be a winner.

''How satisfied are you to the fact that you've been able to be a leading player?'' 

RR: I'm not satisfied, like I said our teams goals, we haven't accomplished them, we haven't made the playoffs when I've been a big role player and played a lot of minutes, so I've not succeeded, I've not played well enough to make the team succeed, so of course I have a lot of hunger and that kind of hate that you want to improve and get to the playoffs.

 

Edited August 11, 2019 by BillsFan4

[stony]

2 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

This is from a Finnish poster on another site. He translated the video interview with Risto in that MTV link. Gives a bit clearer picture. 

 

 

 

Per usual, a lot lost in translation. 

[JohnC]

1 hour ago, BillsFan4 said:

This is from a Finnish poster on another site. He translated the part of the video interview with Risto in that MTV link. Gives a bit clearer picture. 

 

 

 

From what was translated I have no problem with what Risto said and his attitude. First and foremost he wants to win. And from what I have heard about him he is one of the most fit players on the team. So that tells you that he is committed to his profession. What I would like more from him is a more disciplined and intelligent game. If he remains on the team I hope that Krueger will help him refine his game. Risto can be a physical player. That is not the problem. The big question is whether he can be a better thinker on the ice. With less ice time as a second-pairing defenseman hopefully his game will flourish. 

[4merper4mer]

4 hours ago, JohnC said:

From what was translated I have no problem with what Risto said and his attitude. First and foremost he wants to win. And from what I have heard about him he is one of the most fit players on the team. So that tells you that he is committed to his profession. What I would like more from him is a more disciplined and intelligent game. If he remains on the team I hope that Krueger will help him refine his game. Risto can be a physical player. That is not the problem. The big question is whether he can be a better thinker on the ice. With less ice time as a second-pairing defenseman hopefully his game will flourish. 

Why do players like Risto and ROR think they need to leave to win?  There is some systemic behind the scenes issue for sure.

[Alaska Darin]

6 hours ago, 4merper4mer said:

Why do players like Risto and ROR think they need to leave to win?  There is some systemic behind the scenes issue for sure.

Winning and losing are both contagious diseases.  Look at this year's Yankees.  They've been just smashed by injuries.  At times, they've had only 2 Opening Day starters playing but they continue to win, regardless.  Role players have been brought in and a few (Gio Urshala and DJ Lemahieu especially) are having career years.  They just keep playing hard and finding ways to win.

 

The Sabres are exactly the opposite.  Even during the winning streak last year there were signs that it was a mirage (possession stats, SOG being skewed, etc.).  The Sabres seem to lack the experienced leaders (like Brett Gardner & CC) who've had success and know how to keep guys focused when times are tough.

 

Don't even get me started on the difference between Aaron Boone and Phil Housely.

[4merper4mer]

1 minute ago, Alaska Darin said:

Winning and losing are both contagious diseases.  Look at this year's Yankees.  They've been just smashed by injuries.  At times, they've had only 2 Opening Day starters playing but they continue to win, regardless.  Role players have been brought in and a few (Gio Urshala and DJ Lemahieu especially) are having career years.  They just keep playing hard and finding ways to win.

 

The Sabres are exactly the opposite.  Even during the winning streak last year there were signs that it was a mirage (possession stats, SOG being skewed, etc.).  The Sabres seem to lack the experienced leaders (like Brett Gardner & CC) who've had success and know how to keep guys focused when times are tough.

I agree with all of that but the question is why.  An argument can be made that ROR became exactly that leader this year.  When he was in Buffalo he could barely muster up the will to play at all.  I don't see Risto as a natural leader anywhere but he is a nice piece for a good team.

 

Why is it that guys are lost here?  I hope it is just a culture cleansing that Bott/Krueger can fix but who knows?  There is clearly something amiss.  I don't think it can be ownership because the Bills demonstrate they are capable of finding guys to build a culture.  You can see it building with the Bills.  Any flicker shown by the Sabres is quickly extinguished.  

 

To me it has to be coaching, GM or the captain.  We already have a new coach albeit one hired by the GM.  Outside impressions can easily be wrong.  Not everyone makes it easy to see their stupidity and incompetence a la Tim Murray.

 

 Eichel strikes me as everything you want in a player that is growing.  He definitely has low points but most things are positive.  He is probably too young to be the captain but the surroundings built by Murray may have forced that hand.  I doubt he is the issue but if so, the new coach has to deal with it.

 

Botts strikes me as a doofus who lacks a sense of urgency.  A major step up from the destructive Murray but far from ideal.  He needs to put a personality onto this team, which he hasn't done.  A lot rides on Skinner in 19/20 and that is pretty unfair but Botts made that bed.

[JohnC]

2 hours ago, Alaska Darin said:

Winning and losing are both contagious diseases.  Look at this year's Yankees.  They've been just smashed by injuries.  At times, they've had only 2 Opening Day starters playing but they continue to win, regardless.  Role players have been brought in and a few (Gio Urshala and DJ Lemahieu especially) are having career years.  They just keep playing hard and finding ways to win.

 

The Sabres are exactly the opposite.  Even during the winning streak last year there were signs that it was a mirage (possession stats, SOG being skewed, etc.).  The Sabres seem to lack the experienced leaders (like Brett Gardner & CC) who've had success and know how to keep guys focused when times are tough.

 

Don't even get me started on the difference between Aaron Boone and Phil Housely.

I'm not disagreeing with you that the Sabres lacked experienced leaders like the player you mentioned. But that wasn't at the heart of their systemic losing. They simply lacked enough talent to reach a critical mass to be a competitive team. Would a hard-driving coach such as Torts do a better job than the more placid Housley? Probably so in the short term. But in my opinion a coaching burst would not overcome a lack of talent in a long and grinding season. 

 

I'm hoping that Krueger will maximize the talents of his roster and have them play better and smarter in a more disciplined system. Risto is an example where by playing a more simplified game and playing less he will be a better player (assuming he won't be traded). This offseason the GM didn't make any big moves but he made a number of solid moves that should upgrade the roster and spread more talent around to the lower lines. 

 

Are the Sabres a playoff team this year? I can't say for sure. Are they a better team? Definitely, yes. On the other hand other teams also got better this offseason. I believe with the addition of Krueger and the player acquisitions this offseason this team got better. It wasn't a dramatic upgrade but it was a solid upgrade. For a lot of people that is not good enough. I'll take moving forward as a good step. 

 

 

[Lurker]

16 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

This is from a Finnish poster on another site. He translated the part of the video interview with Risto in that MTV link. Gives a bit clearer picture. 

 

I'm amazed the Buffalo News could get a story saying he asked to be traded out of that interview. 

 

SMH...

[JohnC]

I got this link from the hockey side of TBD. It is a column by Travis Yost from a NHL site. It deals with Risto and his value as a player and a trade asset. The writer points out because of the team circumstances he was overused and played at a higher pairing than he should have been in. The conclusion that the writer makes is that there is a danger in overvaluing and keeping him for too long. My position is unless you get a big enough return (second line player) it is better to keep him and hope that the new coach will be wiser in putting him in a position to succeed. 

 

https://www.tsn.ca/ristolainen-has-been-miscast-on-sabres-blueline-1.1350067?view=getnewpost

 

[BillsFan4]

 

 

Hell yeah! Royal blue is back next year. Finally!! 

 

 

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

3 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Hell yeah! Royal blue is back next year. Finally!! 

 

 

[May Day 10]

no celebration of the Sabres killing it with their 50th anny 3rds?

[Johnny Hammersticks]

12 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

no celebration of the Sabres killing it with their 50th anny 3rds?

 

Those are slick as hell!

[BillsFan4]

40 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

no celebration of the Sabres killing it with their 50th anny 3rds?

I was just coming to post this. 

 

I am pleasantly surprised by these jerseys. 

[shrader]

15 hours ago, \GoBillsInDallas/ said:

 

 

 

All that's missing is a maple leaf.

 

2 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

no celebration of the Sabres killing it with their 50th anny 3rds?

 

I think this is the rare case where the navy blue has worked out well for us.  I don't think the gold would look right with the royal blue.

[May Day 10]

I dont know what to do....  so used to complaining.  They do something right, I feel like there has been a rip in the fabric of time or something.

 

 

they also livened it up with theme nights and such.  Something I have been railing on for years.  Almost like they finally got rid of unimaginative, tenured 'marketing geniuses' and are joining this century

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, Oct. 5 vs. New Jersey - Home Opener (Captains Night)

Team captains from throughout franchise history will be welcomed back for a special pregame ceremony as the Sabres take the ice for their first home game of The Golden Season.



Saturday, Nov. 2 vs New York Islanders - 70s Night

The inaugural team, The French Connection, The Fog Game - we're turning back the clock to celebrate the first decade in Sabres history. 



Saturday, Nov. 16 vs Ottawa - Hockey Fights Cancer Night in partnership with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Sabres continue an annual tradition as part of the NHL initiative that unites the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families. Join us and let us know who you fight for. 



Monday, Dec. 2 vs. New Jersey - Founders' Night

We're commemorating the 50th anniversary of the date that Buffalo was officially awarded an NHL Franchise - Dec. 2, 1969. 



Thursday, Dec. 12 vs. Nashville - 80s Night (Aud Night)

Dust off your neon shirts and high-waisted jeans as we remember the franchise's second decade, with a special focus on the building that started it all. 



Saturday, Jan. 4 vs. Florida - 90s Night

Break out your black and red to celebrate the decade that brought us the likes of Pat LaFontaine, Dominik Hasek and Michael Peca.



Thursday, Feb. 13 vs. Columbus - 2000s Night

iPods. "American Idol." Chris Drury and Daniel Briere. This night will be good - scary good. 



Friday, March 13 vs. Boston - 2010s Night

We look back at the most recent decade of Sabres history, from Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek to Jack Eichel and Rasmus Dahlin. 



Saturday, March 21 vs. Chicago - "Best Of" Night

We're taking a night to remember the greatest moments, players and personalities in Sabres history. 



Sunday, March 22 vs. New York Rangers - Military Appreciation Night

Join us as we continue the league-wide tradition of honoring our nation's active and veteran military personnel. 



Saturday, April 4 vs. Philadelphia - Fan Appreciation Night

We conclude The Golden Season with a focus on the fans who made 50 years of Sabres hockey possible while also looking ahead toward the future




and they also got creative with ticket packages
Mini-Packs give fans the opportunity to create their own bundle of six or more games. Mini-Packs offer savings off box office prices, no fees on purchases, and the opportunity to buy playoff tickets before the general public. 

But wait, there's more! Packages of eight games of more come with a commemorative 50th Season gift.

Having trouble choosing? Here are the themed Mini-Packs available for 2019-20:

• Original Six Pack - See the Sabres host some of the NHL's most storied franchises, including Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Montreal, the New York Rangers, and Toronto. 

• 50th Season Pack - Step into our time machine as we take you through 50 years of Sabres hockey, including themed nights for each decade, Captains Night, Founders' Night, and Fan Appreciation Night, among others. Fans who choose this package receive a $50 Sabrebuck card.

• Kids Pack - This six-game set includes each of the season's "Kids Day" games, all of which take place on weekend or holiday afternoons.

• Weekend Pack - Enjoy eight Friday or Saturday games, featuring matchups with New Jersey, the New York Islanders, Boston (twice), Florida, Columbus, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

• Sunday Fun Day Pack - Once the Bills season wraps up, spend your Sundays with us at KeyBank Center. This pack includes five Sunday games in February and March featuring matchups with Anaheim, Toronto, Winnipeg, Carolina, and the New York Rangers.

• The Aud Pack - These five opponents wear colors resembling the seats in Memorial Auditorium - New Jersey (red), Columbus (blue), Nashville (gold), Vegas (gold), and Philadelphia (orange). This pack includes tickets to "Aud Night," which will be held Dec. 12 vs. the Predators. 

• Cats and Dogs Pack - Here's one for the animal lovers. Come see the Sabres face eight teams with cats or dogs as their mascots (Florida, Arizona, Ottawa, Calgary, Nashville, Los Angeles, Edmonton, and Colorado). A portion of proceeds will benefit Ullmark's Barks.

 

[The Real Buffalo Joe]

16 hours ago, \GoBillsInDallas/ said:

 

 

***** you

[4merper4mer]

16 hours ago, \GoBillsInDallas/ said:

 

 

If this were a video daily double clue on Jeopardy the question would be:

 

What is a dude who can do more pull-ups than Mittlestadt?

Edited August 16, 2019 by 4merper4mer

[Greybeard]

On 8/11/2019 at 4:48 PM, BillsFan4 said:

This is from a Finnish poster on another site. He translated the part of the video interview with Risto in that MTV link. Gives a bit clearer picture. 

 

 

 

            Changes the entire conversation.   Keep this in mind when you hear governments are in negotiation about just about anything.

[Formerly Allan in MD]

On 8/8/2019 at 5:53 PM, Binghamton Beast said:

I have been a fan of this team since 1973. I don’t remember being as down on this team as I am now. 

New coach (anything's better than Housley), new talent all around, better defense (especially if/when they trade Risto.  Can't be any worse than it's been.

 

Note: Did you by chance go to BU?

[Nextmanup]

Those 50th anniversary sweaters are terrible!  And who thought they should be worn with those white gloves!?  

 

It seems like these things have been very well received by Sabres fans, for the most part.

 

 

[BillsFan4]

Interview with Ralph Krueger -

 

https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/krueger-still-listening-fans

 

and Jason botterill -

 

https://wgr550.radio.com/media/audio-channel/08-17-jason-botterill

Edited August 20, 2019 by BillsFan4

[JohnC]

3 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Interview with Ralph Krueger -

 

https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/krueger-still-listening-fans

 

and Jason botterill -

 

https://wgr550.radio.com/media/audio-channel/08-17-jason-botterill

With respect to Risto I don't see a deal being executed, if at all, until many of the free agents on the market are signed. Once those players are signed then the teams can make decisions on whether they need to move players to accommodate those large salaries within the cap.

[BillsFan4]

3 hours ago, JohnC said:

With respect to Risto I don't see a deal being executed, if at all, until many of the free agents on the market are signed. Once those players are signed then the teams can make decisions on whether they need to move players to accommodate those large salaries within the cap.

 I also get the impression that the holdup at this point is all the big name RFA’s that remain unsigned (like Connor and Laine in Winnipeg, a team that desperately needs RH defenseman). 

 

 

[JohnC]

26 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

 I also get the impression that the holdup at this point is all the big name RFA’s that remain unsigned (like Connor and Laine in Winnipeg, a team that desperately needs RH defenseman). 

 

 

Paul Hamilton has on a number of occasions brought up Winnipeg as a destination for Risto if he were to be dealt. He has insinuated that the contours of a deal have already been established but until the free agents are signed the details can't be worked out. Craig Rivet on the Instigators gushes over Connor. I would love to deal for him but it would take a Risto plus player/s to get that deal done. 

[shrader]

1 hour ago, JohnC said:

Paul Hamilton has on a number of occasions brought up Winnipeg as a destination for Risto if he were to be dealt. He has insinuated that the contours of a deal have already been established but until the free agents are signed the details can't be worked out. Craig Rivet on the Instigators gushes over Connor. I would love to deal for him but it would take a Risto plus player/s to get that deal done. 

 

They’d move Laine first. 

[JohnC]

1 hour ago, shrader said:

 

They’d move Laine first. 

You are probably right. Because Connor plays such a high end two way go I would prefer Connor.  From a cap perspective the Jets are going to be tightly squeezed after they sign their primary players. Attached is a link of their roster and stats. 

 

https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/teams/winnipeg-jets-players-2018-19-nhl-stats.html

 

 

[BillsFan4]

 

 

[JohnC]

1 hour ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

 

Jack is primed to continue on the path to stardom. The most intriguing issue for me is who is going to be on his line? Do you split his line of Skinner and Reinhart to upgrade the second line? Or do you keep his elite line together with him and Skinner and Reinhart. There is some of talk from the GM suggesting that Reinhart could be moved to the second line in order to balance out the top two lines. I understand the reasoning but prefer keeping the premier Jack line in tact. 

[BillsFan4]

??

 

https://sports.yahoo.com/sabres-dahlin-tells-ap-hes-better-prepared-2nd-220705978--nhl.html

 

Quote

Last season didn't sit well with Buffalo Sabresdefenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

Unaccustomed to losing and no longer a rookie, Dahlin told The Associated Press on Thursday he feels better prepared and is far more driven to help transform the Sabres into contenders.

 

''I'm putting more pressure on myself. We're going to be a winning team and be in the playoffs,'' Dahlin said. ''I think everyone is putting more pressure on ourselves now, and we're ready to go.''

 

The first player selected in the 2018 draft is so eager to put last year behind him, he was among the first Sabres players to hit the ice at the team's practice facility, some three weeks before teams open training camp. He arrived in Buffalo from his native Sweden on Tuesday, and would have been back in town a few days earlier if not for travel complications......

 

 

Good stuff @john wawrow

Edited August 23, 2019 by BillsFan4

[4merper4mer]

16 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

??

 

https://sports.yahoo.com/sabres-dahlin-tells-ap-hes-better-prepared-2nd-220705978--nhl.html

 

 

Good stuff @john wawrow

That kid is tremendous.  I doubt the laziness surrounding this team the last few years will suck the life out of his game like it has done to most of the roster.

[JohnC]

18 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

??

 

https://sports.yahoo.com/sabres-dahlin-tells-ap-hes-better-prepared-2nd-220705978--nhl.html

 

 

Good stuff @john wawrow

The GM in short order has substantially remade the defensive unit. He added Montour last year, and traded for Collin Miller and Henri Jokiharju this offseason. What was given up for the return was minimal. If Risto is retained, even for the short term, then our top two pairings will be good with plenty of depth. We also have a couple of credible prospects in the system that are ready to make the jump. 

 

The biggest challenge and issue is whether the GM bolstered the second and lower lines enough to give more balance to the offense? This is where the Risto asset/chip comes into play.