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


BillsFan4

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17 minutes ago, K-9 said:

So, who does ERod replace in the lineup on Wednesday? I think it comes down to Sobotka or Vesey. 

In the lines this morning it was Sheary I think. 


Methinks the OT should start with Jack and Olofsson. Then you can go with Reinhart centering Skinner. And then Mojo with Vesey or Sheary. 

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5 hours ago, JohnC said:

In the first three games the one player who has surprised me and caught my attention is Jokiharju. I didn't realize how good he is. He's 20 yrs old yet plays with a veteran's poise. He is a good skater but what sets him apart is his passing and composure. He never seems rushed yet he is quick to move the puck up the ice. The GM did well trading Nylander for him. I hope Nylander does well in Chicago but in the exchange the Sabres come out on the plus side.

 

The addition of Colin Miller also was a good pickup by the GM. When Montour returns this very solid unit will even get better. Will Miller continue to be paired with Dahlin or will Montour be part of the top pairing? I don't know but there is good depth and plenty of options in putting together the pairings.  

 

Yeah, so far I was dead wrong about Joker not looking ready.

 

I really didn’t think he looked ready in the preseason, though. He looked overmatched in his own zone and you weren’t seeing this smooth transition ability he’s known for that we are seeing now.

 

But it just goes to show that we fans only see a small portion of what goes into these roster decisions. He must have been playing pretty well in practices and he’s sure looked pretty good so far in the games. 

 

 

As far as Nylander, I wish him well too. I fully expect that he could put up 20+ goals this season playing along side Patrick Kane. But even if he does, I expect that he will always be one of those maddening, inconsistent players that you KNOW damn well can give more on the ice. A player that disappears for (sometimes long) stretches and doesn’t contribute much else if he’s not adding offense. Who knows, he’s young. His work ethic and willingness to win puck battles could improve. But I wouldn’t bet on it. 

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27 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

Yeah, so far I was dead wrong about Joker not looking ready.

 

I really didn’t think he looked ready in the preseason, though. He looked overmatched in his own zone and you weren’t seeing this smooth transition ability he’s known for that we are seeing now.

 

But it just goes to show that we fans only see a small portion of what goes into these roster decisions. He must have been playing pretty well in practices and he’s sure looked pretty good so far in the games. 

 

 

I thought Jokiharju looked awful in preaseason, too. Very surprised and happy with his heady, steady play. He can really skate and pass.

 

Didn't at all like him on the first OT threesome though, even though they eventually controlled the puck most of the time.

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45 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

Yeah, so far I was dead wrong about Joker not looking ready.

 

I really didn’t think he looked ready in the preseason, though. He looked overmatched in his own zone and you weren’t seeing this smooth transition ability he’s known for that we are seeing now.

 

But it just goes to show that we fans only see a small portion of what goes into these roster decisions. He must have been playing pretty well in practices and he’s sure looked pretty good so far in the games. 

 

 

As far as Nylander, I wish him well too. I fully expect that he could put up 20+ goals this season playing along side Patrick Kane. But even if he does, I expect that he will always be one of those maddening, inconsistent players that you KNOW damn well can give more on the ice. A player that disappears for (sometimes long) stretches and doesn’t contribute much else if he’s not adding offense. Who knows, he’s young. His work ethic and willingness to win puck battles could improve. But I wouldn’t bet on it. 

I think the issue with Nylander is that he simply doesn't have the competitive personality/makeup where he will consistently play with intensity. He can episodically tantalize you with the impressive skilled play that will make you give him more time to come around. But something intrinsically is lacking. When you watch a player such as Skinner there is an intensity to his game that isn't induced by the coaches or his peers. It is an internal drive that can't be manufactured by outside influences. There comes a point where you have to trust your eyes. In the AHL Nylander had his lull spells that had to be addressed by his coaches. At the NHL level that type of languid play will be exposed and make you a liability as a player. I'm sure Nylander is trying hard. But in the end you are who you are. I'm glad that the GM made the trade to get Joki. 

 

Over the past year the GM has made deals to bring in Montour, Joki and Miller to rebuild the defensive unit. What he gave up to acquire these players was miniscule. The GM should be saluted for what he has accomplished in addressing that unit. 

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2 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

What makes Krueger intriguing and special is not his elite intelligence. There are plenty of smart people in the world. What separates him from that elite intellectual segment is his ability to interact act with different people and come up with an approach to make that individual the best that he can be. That human and psychological talent is an inherent quality that not many people.

 

Another impressive attribute that RK has is his natural commanding presence. It certainly isn't based on bluster and bravado like a Tortorella. (Not criticizing Torts, just contrasting style with RK.) In his own inimitable way Krueger is a very demanding coach but will exhibit it in a less excitable way.   

 

This guy is captivating to listen to. 

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17 minutes ago, JohnC said:

What makes Krueger intriguing and special is not his elite intelligence. There are plenty of smart people in the world. What separates him from that elite intellectual segment is his ability to interact act with different people and come up with an approach to make that individual the best that he can be. That human and psychological talent is an inherent quality that not many people.

 

Another impressive attribute that RK has is his natural commanding presence. It certainly isn't based on bluster and bravado like a Tortorella. (Not criticizing Torts, just contrasting style with RK.) In his own inimitable way Krueger is a very demanding coach but will exhibit it in a less excitable way.   

 

This guy is captivating to listen to.

 

That really was a great interview. I find so many of his interviews fascinating to listen to. 

 

Agree with everything, especially the bolded text. That’s another reason I thought/think he might be a good fit. He’s an extremely knowledgeable hockey mind first and foremost. But he’s also somewhat of a sports psychologist and motivational speaker, and he knows how to reach people. Those traits aren’t something every coach has and Buffalo almost had a bit of a unique need for someone like that. Someone that could help repair the damage from tanking+years of losing. You can see it’s taken a toll on the players. I truly believe they are dying to win and just looking for someone to lay out a path they can really believe in and I’m very hopeful Krueger is doing that. 

 

I have a tendency to get a bit too excited about the Bills/Sabres at times (like Housley during the winter streak last year...) so I’m trying to take a more patient, wait and see approach to this season. But this is the most hopeful I’ve been about the Sabres in quite some time. 

 

 

 

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8 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

That really was a great interview. I find so many of his interviews fascinating to listen to. 

 

Agree with everything, especially the bolded text. That’s another reason I thought/think he might be a good fit. He’s an extremely knowledgeable hockey mind first and foremost. But he’s also somewhat of a sports psychologist and motivational speaker, and he knows how to reach people. Those traits aren’t something every coach has and Buffalo almost had a bit of a unique need for someone like that. Someone that could help repair the damage from tanking+years of losing. You can see it’s taken a toll on the players. I truly believe they are dying to win and just looking for someone to lay out a path they can really believe in and I’m very hopeful Krueger is doing that. 

 

I have a tendency to get a bit too excited about the Bills/Sabres at times (like Housley during the winter streak last year...) so I’m trying to take a more patient, wait and see approach to this season. But this is the most hopeful I’ve been about the Sabres in quite some time. 

 

Ea

 

A well thought out and stated post.

 

We both agree that Krueger is a quantum leap up from the previous staffs. But I still contend that what distinguishes this year from last year beyond the coaching change is the addition of talent. Compared to last year this roster is upgraded. The additions of Johansson, Vesey, Miller, Joki, Olofsson (consider him an addition) added to the more experienced Mitts and Dahlin have elevated this team. 

 

This isn't a mutually exclusive argument between the effect of the new coach vs the added talent. Each side of this equation reinforces the other side of the equation. The organization has more talent and depth in the system than it did a few years ago. In the end talent prevails when properly led. I still believe that we are a year or two away from being a serious team. Some people snicker when I say it but the trajectory is up. What is even more enjoyable is not only is the team better but it is also more entertaining. 

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I think RK gets more out of last season's roster than Housely.  Phil just didn't know how to be a head coach, which isn't much of a surprise because he's never been one.  I don't know how many head coaches with zero head coaching experience have been successful at the professional level.  The only one I can think of is Aaron Boone but I haven't done any research on the subject.


And I just wanna add that our power play is currently ridiculous.

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15 minutes ago, Alaska Darin said:

I think RK gets more out of last season's roster than Housely.  Phil just didn't know how to be a head coach, which isn't much of a surprise because he's never been one.  I don't know how many head coaches with zero head coaching experience have been successful at the professional level.  The only one I can think of is Aaron Boone but I haven't done any research on the subject.


And I just wanna add that our power play is currently ridiculous.

 

I think it's a bit harsh when it comes to Housley.  He was a good coach at the high school level and developmental levels.  Some guys are made for that level.  I hope that's what he is and he finds his way back there.  He still has a contribution to be made as a head coach.

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1 hour ago, Alaska Darin said:

I think RK gets more out of last season's roster than Housely.  Phil just didn't know how to be a head coach, which isn't much of a surprise because he's never been one.  I don't know how many head coaches with zero head coaching experience have been successful at the professional level.  The only one I can think of is Aaron Boone but I haven't done any research on the subject.


And I just wanna add that our power play is currently ridiculous.

It's obvious that Krueger is a better coach than Housley and would have gotten more out of that lacking roster. But if Krueger was working with the same roster this year and with the same younger players that played last year there is a ceiling that he could have gotten out of that unit. I don't care how much of a wizard coach RK is he would not have gotten that lackluster team to the playoffs. 

 

As I have repeatedly said in prior posts the talent vs coaching argument is not a mutually exclusive argument. Each side of the equation reinforces the other side. Will RK lead this roster to the playoffs? Maybe? But for this team to be a seriously contending team it needs additional talent added to the roster. Although Ralph is good coach he isn't a magician. 

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3 hours ago, JohnC said:

It's obvious that Krueger is a better coach than Housley and would have gotten more out of that lacking roster. But if Krueger was working with the same roster this year and with the same younger players that played last year there is a ceiling that he could have gotten out of that unit. I don't care how much of a wizard coach RK is he would not have gotten that lackluster team to the playoffs. 

 

As I have repeatedly said in prior posts the talent vs coaching argument is not a mutually exclusive argument. Each side of the equation reinforces the other side. Will RK lead this roster to the playoffs? Maybe? But for this team to be a seriously contending team it needs additional talent added to the roster. Although Ralph is good coach he isn't a magician. 

I didn't say anything about playoffs...

 

That being said,  every year with bad coaching is a year where players pick up bad habits that have to be undone.   This is especially true with young players.   Coaching matters.   

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1 minute ago, Alaska Darin said:

I didn't say anything about playoffs...

 

That begging said,  every year with bad coaching is a year where players pick up bad habits that have to be undone.   This is especially true with young players.   Coaching matters.   

Who said that coaching didn't matter? What I have repeatedly said is that last year's roster was very deficient. At least to me it was blatantly obvious. 

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1 hour ago, JohnC said:

Who said that coaching didn't matter? What I have repeatedly said is that last year's roster was very deficient. At least to me it was blatantly obvious. 

 Easy dude.   I knows a bunch of people have engaged you unfairly.   No reason to be defensive. 

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Perhaps Dahlin’s worst game as a pro and yet he still found a way to help us offensively. 
 

Jack atoned in a big way after the gaffe in Columbus. 
 

This team has only been together for a month and the coaches are still trying to figure out what they have. Nice to be banking points in the meantime. 
 

Friday will be a test as the Panthers match up well against us and always give us fits. Onward and upward.

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3 hours ago, Alaska Darin said:

 Easy dude.   I knows a bunch of people have engaged you unfairly.   No reason to be defensive. 

I don't consider anyone engaging me unfairly. They have their views and I have mine. What I have consistently said to some of my critics on this issue is that the primary remedy for this lagging franchise was to improve the roster, and that it was going to take time.  I believe that the GM has a good roadmap to address the roster, and that he was steadily implementing his plan. In my view he has especially done a stellar job this offseason to not only upgrade the roster but also maintain a good fiscal balance sheet to address future contracts. 

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1 hour ago, Doc Brown said:

Almost gave the game away as we let our foot off the gas.  Offense looks impressive.  Definitely need better goaltending.

 

More defense than goalkeeping. I mean Risto centered a pass right to Joel Armia on goal #2. They still have trouble in their end.

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Some thoughts on this game. Jack was clearly the first star in this game.

Johansson is a tremendous addition. 

We may have the best PP in the league. 

I really liked the way the Okposo-Larsson-Gergs line played. 

The Millstadt line is currently a no impact line. 

Although Risto made one glaring mistake that cost us a goal he is a workhorse. 

Hutton played well enough for us to win. 

Montreal is a fast, gritty and swarming team. Too often this tenacious team kept us bottled up in our defensive zone. 

What a terrific start to the season!

 

 

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Dahlin drop pass to no one and Oloffson abandoned his man to take the puck carrier already checked by Eichel. Horrible sequence on the short handed goal. 

 

Dahlin looks much stronger and playing with a little nastiness in his game this year. I guess he wasn’t kidding about being like Risto on his off-season workout videos.

 

Speaking of Risto he has played very well. I don’t fault him for the PP goal. He hit a stick trying to clear it and floated to Armia. I hope he’s having fun again playing in Buffalo because it would be a shame not to get anything out of an undeniably talented young defenseman.

 

The Power play is lethal. I want to see more 5 on 5 production.

 

Vesey- Middlestadt - ERod are a liability at best.

 

Can we do better than Sobotka with Skinner? It’s offensive. Krueger mercifully got the band back together at the end of the 2nd and Skinner almost buried one.

 

Hutton looks very steady. I thought he looked generally panicky last season. When he gave up one another goal wasn’t far behind.

 

Eichel 1 on 3 and buries one, are you kidding me?!? Filthy. His shot was dialed in tonight.

 

Tough bounce on Montreal’s third goal but why is Miller chasing his guy behind the net?  The goal is scored from where he was standing. He doesn’t get the puck and he’s not in position. Miller and Dahlin were shaky.

 

I love Girgensons effort. I hope he scores a goal again, as unlikely as that may be. Okposo too. I wish he was a faster skater. I forget Larsson is still on the team. Way to survive Larry!!.

 

Oloffson didn’t see the ice much or at all in the 3rd until the PP. Wonder what’s up with that? Krueger doesn’t trust the rookie late in close games?

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By JOHN WAWROW

AP Hockey Writer
 

Rookie Victor Olofsson matched an NHL record in becoming the fourth NHL player to score his first six career goals on the power play. Jeff Skinner also scored and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin had two assists, while Carter Hutton stopped 23 shots and improved to 3-0.

Edited by OldTimeAFLGuy
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Casey Mittelstadt could use some time in the minors. Unfortunately, I wonder how serious the kid is about professional hockey. He is overmatched in the strength department and it appears he has done nothing to improve in that area since his zero pullups at the combine.

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The below attached link is an article by Alan Pergament of the BN. He points out that Paul Hamilton wasn't on the road trips because of cost cutting by the parent company. This is an example of local news continue to being gutted because of corporate decisions. The business decision to buy up large sectors of the media and consolidate the holdings has created financial stress and the need to lower costs. 

 

There is an interesting question regarding the traveling media concept. Is it necessary? Can there be good coverage without being so closely attached to the team? In my opinion maybe in the short run the answer is yes but in the long run I would say no. 

 

https://buffalonews.com/2019/10/09/wgrs-paul-hamilton-no-longer-travels-with-sabres-sabres-opener-gets-strong-rating/?view=getnewpost

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1 hour ago, JohnC said:

The below attached link is an article by Alan Pergament of the BN. He points out that Paul Hamilton wasn't on the road trips because of cost cutting by the parent company. This is an example of local news continue to being gutted because of corporate decisions. The business decision to buy up large sectors of the media and consolidate the holdings has created financial stress and the need to lower costs. 

 

There is an interesting question regarding the traveling media concept. Is it necessary? Can there be good coverage without being so closely attached to the team? In my opinion maybe in the short run the answer is yes but in the long run I would say no. 

 

https://buffalonews.com/2019/10/09/wgrs-paul-hamilton-no-longer-travels-with-sabres-sabres-opener-gets-strong-rating/?view=getnewpost

Financial stress is all a product of having their entire business model disrupted.  The internet and cable TV have changed how people consume news media.

 

The decline of print media and local news has nothing to do with industry consolidation.   Local news is being gutted because the advertising dollars have gone elsewhere and general fragmentation of news into specialized publications.  If you want the best Sabres and Bills news you are NOT reading the local newspaper anymore.  

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Jack had a really really good game last night.

 

But he needs to stop getting mugged/giving the puck away. He got beat up at the blue line in our offensive side again last night and they skated right down and scored on us....its happened in almost every game.  Love the offense, but take care of the puck Cap. 

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32 minutes ago, PaattMaann said:

Jack had a really really good game last night.

 

But he needs to stop getting mugged/giving the puck away. He got beat up at the blue line in our offensive side again last night and they skated right down and scored on us....its happened in almost every game.  Love the offense, but take care of the puck Cap. 

I love and hate that about his game.  He has the talent to come into the zone 1 on 3 make a few slick moves and score so you do not want to completely discourage him from being aggressive but the giveaways from holding the puck or trying to do too much are maddening.  I haven't noticed it as much this year.  I do recall him attempting identical ill fated horizontal passes two steps over the blue line in the offensive zone which were picked off and turned the other way.  

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1 hour ago, \GoBillsInDallas/ said:

 

 

 

Nice play by Eichel and that was some pretty bad goaltending.

I mean, it wasn't even like there was a wing coming in to receive a pass.  It was going to be a shot or nothing.

 

 

 

 

 

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3 hours ago, Jauronimo said:

Financial stress is all a product of having their entire business model disrupted.  The internet and cable TV have changed how people consume news media.

 

The decline of print media and local news has nothing to do with industry consolidation.   Local news is being gutted because the advertising dollars have gone elsewhere and general fragmentation of news into specialized publications.  If you want the best Sabres and Bills news you are NOT reading the local newspaper anymore.  

The local media from the Buffalo News, WGR radio, MSG and the local TV coverage more than adequately covers the hockey team. at least for me. Of course I can get additional coverage from other outlets such as NHL.com and network. However,  the local coverage focuses more on the home team than do those other outlets. 

 

As you noted the business model has changed in that particular business, and in all businesses for that matter. But not having Paul Hamiltion, the primary hockey guy for WGR, the station that covers the games, is disappointing. At least for me it is. 

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1 hour ago, snafu said:

 

 

Nice play by Eichel and that was some pretty bad goaltending.

I mean, it wasn't even like there was a wing coming in to receive a pass.  It was going to be a shot or nothing.

 

 

 

 

 

He had Goaloffson on his right wing ready to take an easy drop pass, so he had options. I also think the goalie was screened. But any time the puck goes through the five hole wickets, it doesn’t look good for the goalie.

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41 minutes ago, K-9 said:

He had Goaloffson on his right wing ready to take an easy drop pass, so he had options. I also think the goalie was screened. But any time the puck goes through the five hole wickets, it doesn’t look good for the goalie.

 

I'd also add that he probably wasn't expecting the shot.  Three defenders surrounding Eichel and he gets a shot off completely untouched.  I'm not going to give the goalie a free pass, but there's plenty of blame to go around on that one.

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The below link is an article by Paul Hamilton for WGR. He points out how Colin Miller has been a mentor to Dahlin. He also makes reference to Krueger's comments about the quality of play of the Okposo-Larsson-Gergs line. 

 

An interesting issue the coach will soon face is whom to pair Montour with when he comes back? As of now I don't think that he is going to mess with the Miller/Dahlin pairing because of their early chemistry. I still believe that although Risto is playing well he will be dealt for a second-line forward to better balance out the roster. 

 

https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/sabres-miller-has-become-mentor-rasmus-dahlin

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I am anxious to see how Buffalo stacks up against Florida tonight. If they want any shot at the playoffs, these are the teams (Montreal, Florida) that they’re likely to be competing with. 

 

Personally, I think the playoffs are probably a long shot this year (though I have some hope). I think the season will be more about fixing what’s broken. But it’s still a good measuring stick. 

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