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

[bbb]

 

  

[K-9]

1 hour ago, JohnC said:

If Winnipeg called and offered a trade of Ehlers for Risto would you take it? 

In a heartbeat. Doubt they’d do that though as they are every bit as scoring challenged as we are. 

[BillsFan4]

3 hours ago, shrader said:

 

I'd be somewhat reluctant about your second deal because of the net loss of 2 bodies on the blue line.  I'm not sure they're ready to absorb that kind of loss this year.  That type of move signifies a move for the future, but I'd much rather have any Risto trade being for today.  Sure, you get Ehlers today, but I don't think this season can absorb that subtraction on the blue line.

I get what you’re saying. I just figured that Pilut could step into scandella’s spot. I don’t at all care whether a trade included Perreault though. I’d be perfectly happy with Ehlers for Ristolainen. I’m not crazy about Perreault’s contract anyway. 

 

The Sabres will have to move, or waive, someone when Scandella comes back. If they can’t get a Risto trade worked out, I’m wondering if Scandella could be the player moved being he’s a UFA at years end and I read that there was some supposed interest in him.  

 

And I’m not sure what they plan to do when (or if?) Bogosian comes back.

 

As far as Risto, I really only want to move him if a player like Ehlers is coming the other way. No picks and prospects unless the prospect is a top tier, can’t miss type (like when Montreal traded Sergachev, their recent top 10 pick. But those trades are rare). 

 

 

[JohnC]

5 hours ago, shrader said:

 

I'd be somewhat reluctant about your second deal because of the net loss of 2 bodies on the blue line.  I'm not sure they're ready to absorb that kind of loss this year.  That type of move signifies a move for the future, but I'd much rather have any Risto trade being for today.  Sure, you get Ehlers today, but I don't think this season can absorb that subtraction on the blue line.

If Scandella and Risto were traded for Ehlers the Sabres still have some depth to fill the void. Borgen, Gilmore and Pilot could be considered as options, and it is expected that Bogo will be back some time this season. Will the proposed Winnipeg trade translate into a deficit deal for the blue line? Probably so. But the trade-off would be acquiring an accomplished goal scorer for an impotent offensive team.  Adding a reliable scorer at the expense of the defense when everything is calculated will result in a more balanced roster for a currently unbalanced roster. 

Edited November 13, 2019 by JohnC

[4merper4mer]

6 hours ago, JohnC said:

I'm not surprised with anything you said about him from an insider view. The problem is that the some of the views that were outlandish a generation or so ago are doubly so outlandish in a world that is constantly changing. The world evolves and some people are so stuck in the past that they can't adjust to the new realities of life. I'm not suggesting that he is a bad guy or has bad intentions but I am saying that these types of troglodytes are a bore and are tiresome. 

Are you honestly saying that showing respect for fallen soldiers is an outlandish viewpoint?  

 

He was inarticulate and brash as always but he didn't say anything direct other than people should wear poppies.  Do I think people should be forced or coerced into that? No.  But it is hardly an outlandish viewpoint for an individual to to think people should wear one or that it is the right thing to do.

[4merper4mer]

6 hours ago, bbb said:

 

  

That other guy nodded his head.  We must get outraged and have him fired as well.  Then Canada can have Trudeau hand pick the successors since he has never done anything racist.

[snafu]

2 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

I get what you’re saying. I just figured that Pilut could step into scandella’s spot. I don’t at all care whether a trade included Perreault though. I’d be perfectly happy with Ehlers for Ristolainen. I’m not crazy about Perreault’s contract anyway. 

 

The Sabres will have to move, or waive, someone when Scandella comes back. If they can’t get a Risto trade worked out, I’m wondering if Scandella could be the player moved being he’s a UFA at years end and I read that there was some supposed interest in him.  

 

And I’m not sure what they plan to do when (or if?) Bogosian comes back.

 

As far as Risto, I really only want to move him if a player like Ehlers is coming the other way. No picks and prospects unless the prospect is a top tier, can’t miss type (like when Montreal traded Sergachev, their recent top 10 pick. But those trades are rare). 

 

 

 

Well I’d consider trading Montour if he’s got any value. I hate his game. If anything (and I’m mostly serious) maybe they can send him to Rochester for half a season to convert him into a RW. 

[bbb]

3 minutes ago, 4merper4mer said:

That other guy nodded his head.  We must get outraged and have him fired as well.  Then Canada can have Trudeau hand pick the successors since he has never done anything racist.

 

I hadn't seen the actual clip until right before I posted it there (there is also recent footage of Cherry talking about poppies in Canadian war cemetery in Europe and I thought I heard him say he is involved in the whole poppy wearing thing) and didn't know how much MacLean was nodding - I saw his apology Sunday, though, which seems to contradict all the nodding (allowing it?) 

 

 

 

[4merper4mer]

12 minutes ago, bbb said:

 

I hadn't seen the actual clip until right before I posted it there (there is also recent footage of Cherry talking about poppies in Canadian war cemetery in Europe and I thought I heard him say he is involved in the whole poppy wearing thing) and didn't know how much MacLean was nodding - I saw his apology Sunday, though, which seems to contradict all the nodding (allowing it?) 

 

 

 

Well that guy is a 70 year old punk.

[shrader]

19 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Yes. He is a sure thing. He’s a top 6 forward right now, maybe even top line. He drives play. He’s young (a year younger than Risto iirc) and he’s under a nice contract ($6M cap hit) for 5 more seasons after this one. 

 

Ehlers is one of the players I’ve desired in return for Ristolainen for a while now (Mantha being another). 

 

Buffalo would have to send more cap back to make the trade work though (not much). 

I’d even consider expanding the trade to include Scandella for Perreault or something along those lines. Not crazy about there being 1 more year on Perreault’s contract, especially at a $4M cap hit but he would add a versatile mid line presence (he can play C and W) and depth scoring (usually good for 15-ish goals a year). And that would fill 2 huge holes on Winnipeg’s blue line. Could be a win-win. 

 

I just don't think that either Pilut or Borgen are ready yet.  And I don't want to count on Bogosian for anything and don't believe that we can.  Any move probably would be made with the future in mind, it pretty much has to be at this point, but I'm so sick of being stuck in that step.

 

12 hours ago, 4merper4mer said:

Well that guy is a 70 year old punk.

 

I know it's hard to believe after watching that video, but MacLean is only 59.  Working with Cherry for so long has apparently aged him quite a bit.

[shrader]

And on another note, I know why it was setup that way and that the change is coming very soon, but this recent stretch of the scheduling has absolutely sucked.  That paired with the crappy results is a great way to kill interest in a team.

[BillsFan4]

https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/krueger-were-happy-be-back-nhl-rhythm

 

interview with Ralph Krueger on Howard&Jeremy. 

 

Also, Lazar was recalled -

 

https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/sabres-call-lazar-amerks

 

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

1 hour ago, BillsFan4 said:

Also, Lazar was recalled

 

How Lazar, how lazar.

[JohnC]

On 11/12/2019 at 1:26 PM, shrader said:

 

I wonder if people are actually surprised by this.  The guy has been showing this breed of crazy on TV for close to 40 years.  He didn't just suddenly become that way one day.

He hasn't changed in 40 yrs.. On the other hand the audience has changed over that period. 

[JohnC]

3 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/krueger-were-happy-be-back-nhl-rhythm

 

interview with Ralph Krueger on Howard&Jeremy. 

 

Also, Lazar was recalled -

 

https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/sabres-call-lazar-amerks

 

My takeaway is that he is going to work with what he has. He has a belief in his system and his ability to get the players to buy in. For him it is a process. Will the GM get him help from the trade market? If he doesn't alter the bland mix of players I'm afraid that the stagnation will continue. This team needs a jolt!  

[Nextmanup]

Love Don Cherry!  I usually catch up with a bunch of Coach's Corners in a row as they are all posted on Youtube.

 

Don't particularly agree with some of his politics but I don't watch him for political opinions.  I watch him for what he says about hockey and agree with many of his hockey takes.  

 

 

[BillsFan4]

I’m not feeling too great about this Carolina game tonight. The Sabres usually seem to struggle against Carolina and the canes have looked pretty damn good so far this season. 

 

Buffalo should (hopefully) be pretty desperate to get a win. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we see them get back to playing the way they were to start the season.  

[plenzmd1]

38 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

I’m not feeling too great about this Carolina game tonight. The Sabres usually seem to struggle against Carolina and the canes have looked pretty damn good so far this season. 

 

Buffalo should (hopefully) be pretty desperate to get a win. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we see them get back to playing the way they were to start the season.  

so, 90 is out tonight, Erod playing center, Goal-less-on still with #9, Miller taking a seat while McCabe continues to play like doodoo.....oy vey.

 

.to soon to be questioning ole Freddy?

On 11/13/2019 at 10:41 AM, shrader said:

And on another note, I know why it was setup that way and that the change is coming very soon, but this recent stretch of the scheduling has absolutely sucked.  That paired with the crappy results is a great way to kill interest in a team.

sucks, really been almost three weeks since i have seen the Sabres play a game in North America..Feels like this season has already ended..and about a week a half earlier than  my normal "lets start focusing on prospects at Thanksgiving " mode

Edited November 14, 2019 by plenzmd1

[BillsFan4]

3 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said:

so, 90 is out tonight, Erod playing center, Goal-less-on still with #9, Miller taking a seat while McCabe continues to play like doodoo.....oy vey.

 

.to soon to be questioning ole Freddy?

sucks, really been almost three weeks since i have seen the Sabres play a game in North America..Feels like this season has already ended..and about a week a half earlier than  my normal "lets start focusing on prospects at Thanksgiving " mode

Yikes. Now I feel even worse about their chances tonight. 

 

Just goes to show how serious the lack of depth is on this team. 1 guys out in the top 6 and things suddenly feel dire...

 

Johansson isn’t exactly known for staying healthy either. Hopefully this is just a short term injury. 

 

There isn’t much down in rochester either, at least when looking for a potential top 6 forward to fill in for Johansson. There’s really nothing at center and pretty much only Tage Thompson at wing. Thankfully Cousins is looking great in juniors.

 

As far as Krueger, yes it’s too early for me to start questioning him.

 

I actually thought Miller has struggled recently, And Scandella/Joker was the team’s best defensive pairing before Scandella’s injury. Plus, McCabe brings a different element to the roster than Miller. We have more d men like Miller than the physical type like McCabe. So I can see the reasons behind the decision. 

 

But i was really excited when Krueger was hired and i’m never one who worries a ton over lineup decisions (for the most part) anyway, so I’m not the best to answer on stuff like this. I tend to find reasons to just go with the decision and support the coach. 

There’s so much that goes into these roster moves that we fans don’t get to see. Like the Joker decision for ex. From what we saw in preseason games he didn’t look all that good. I was questioning the decision to keep him and wondering if it had anything to do with Nylander making the Hawks our of camp. But obviously Jokiharju must have been doing much better in practices than in those preseason games because as soon as the regular season started we all saw exactly why he made the team over Casey Nelson (who has to pass through waivers).

 

At the very least I’d like to see what Krueger does next season when Botterill will hopefully be forced to make some real changes to this team. A good chunk of cap space opens up and so do quite a few roster spots. I kind of feel like Krueger (or any coach) was set up to fail this year. It’s the same failed team of last year minus Pominville (plus Johansson/Vesey/Joker). Though if by the end of the year they end up looking as inept as last season, it’ll be hard not to question Krueger at least a little. 

But I feel like we’ve already seen what Krueger wants the team to look/play like and it’s better than anything we ever saw from Housley. And I feel like at some point we need to stop cycling coaches and start getting rid of the players that have continued to struggle under every coach we hire. 

 

 

 

[JohnC]

2 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

I’m not feeling too great about this Carolina game tonight. The Sabres usually seem to struggle against Carolina and the canes have looked pretty damn good so far this season. 

 

Buffalo should (hopefully) be pretty desperate to get a win. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we see them get back to playing the way they were to start the season.  

Don't despair. I'm guaranteeing a victory tonight. Not because we have a better team but as you stated because we are a more desperate team. That will be a big factor in an effort sport. 

 

There's no hiding the obvious fact that there is not enough scoring talent spread around the lines. There is no quick fix because the solution is bringing in outside help. And not many teams are willing to give up top two line forwards who can score. Too many here (including me) believed that trading Risto would resolve our most critical issue of a lack of goal scorers. I'm not sure that what he will bring back in a deal will be sufficient to address the scoring issue. Just maybe his value on the market is not as great as many of us believe it to be? 

 

One of our biggest disappointments is the play of Mittelstadt. He, a first round pick, not being productive is a disappointment. I still believe that he will eventually be a good player. although not as good as Cozens will be. It's just going to take more time. 

 

This team is clearly a better coached team. But the primary negating issue is still the talent level. There is no quick fix, and there never was one. I believe that next year more so than this year will be our bump up year. So keep your chin up! ?

[shrader]

22 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Don't despair. I'm guaranteeing a victory tonight. Not because we have a better team but as you stated because we are a more desperate team. That will be a big factor in an effort sport.

 

I supposed it could be as simple as playing on home ice, but I'm not so sure I buy into that thought that we are more desperate.  Carolina's season may as well be a mirror image of ours up to this point.  They're trying to dig out of a very similar rut that we are.

[JohnC]

4 minutes ago, shrader said:

 

I supposed it could be as simple as playing on home ice, but I'm not so sure I buy into that thought that we are more desperate.  Carolina's season may as well be a mirror image of ours up to this point.  They're trying to dig out of a very similar rut that we are.

Because of the falling off the cliff after last year's win streak I think that this ugly history is hovering over this roster with a lot of the same players. If I were a betting man (I'm not) I would put my money on the Sabres. If you are taking a different view then your guess is as worthy as mine.

[PromoTheRobot]

UB football and Sabres are playing at the same time. Which do I watch live? Which is going to be less infuriating?

[shrader]

5 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Because of the falling off the cliff after last year's win streak I think that this ugly history is hovering over this roster with a lot of the same players. If I were a betting man (I'm not) I would put my money on the Sabres. If you are taking a different view then your guess is as worthy as mine.

 

I'm also not a betting man, but if I was, I would have only one rule: Never bet on Buffalo (either team).  Whether you're picking them to win or lose, they'll always disappoint.

[K-9]

When we decide to skate, we can contend most nights, regardless of opponent. We controlled play for long stretches vs. the 'Ning. 

 

MOVE YOUR FEET!!!

 

 

[JohnC]

1 hour ago, K-9 said:

When we decide to skate, we can contend most nights, regardless of opponent. We controlled play for long stretches vs. the 'Ning. 

 

MOVE YOUR FEET!!!

 

 

The game that was a measuring stick game for me that gave me some hope was the Islander game. In that game although we played them even or better we lost that game where they scored a fluke goal. That tight style of play with consistent effort showed me that they can compete with anyone even when outgunned by the elite teams. The much discussed primary deficiency of not having enough offensive potency is evident. Will that change this season? I don't think so. From the reports that are seeping out is that a trade of Scandella or a similar caliber player might bring in a third line caliber of Florida.

 

The coach is an upgrade. And the structure is more apparent and will get better. I'm not discouraged. I'm predicting a win tonight against a comparable talented team.  

[BillsFan4]

https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/botterill-are-there-forwards-can-produce-more-yeah

 

Jason Botterill on WGR today.

[PromoTheRobot]

6 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

UB football and Sabres are playing at the same time. Which do I watch live? Which is going to be less infuriating?

 

UB up 17-0, Sabres going to pieces again.

[BillsFan4]

 

Wow. Ladd on waivers. He was in the same UFA class as Okposo and both signed similar deals (Okposo left the NYI to sign here, and Ladd took his place there). 

 

Man that was an absolutely brutal free agent class...

 

Lucic $6M x 7yrs

Okposo $6M x 7

Ladd $5.5M x 7

Eriksson $6M x 6

Backes $6M x 5

Yandle $6.3 x 7

Boedker $4Mx4

Brouwer $4.5Mx4

Nielsen $5.1Mx6

Demers $4.5x5

 

 

Not a single player on the list I’d want with their current contracts+cap hits. 

[Boca BIlls]

Can we fire the GM yet?

[zevo]

3 minutes ago, Boca BIlls said:

Can we fire the GM yet?

Keep sitting on your hands botts

[JohnC]

3 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/botterill-are-there-forwards-can-produce-more-yeah

 

Jason Botterill on WGR today.

Based on his interview I don't see him making any major changes. He is riding the ponies he has in the corral. Based on his tone from that interview I just don't see him exhibiting much urgency because he is invested in what he has on the roster and in the system. 

 

We were fortunate to get a point out of the Carolina game. I really get frustrated with this team's over-passing instead of shooting. It drives me crazy. Carolina scored two goals from deflections with players crowding the net. We don't do that enough. When ERod passed the puck when he had a golden opportunity to shoot the puck near the net with two players driving toward the net I wanted to scream. 

 

If we don't beat Ottawa Saturday this team will be in trouble.  

 

[PromoTheRobot]

12 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

UB up 17-0, Sabres going to pieces again.

 

And they blew a 27-6 lead in the 4Q and lose by 3. What is it with Buffalo teams the last two weeks? Some gypsy curse kick in?

[JohnC]

The below link is Krueger on WGR with his post game comments.

Observations: This team needs to shoot more and get in front of the net. Scandella and Joki make a good pairing. The Joki deal looks better and better. I thought Lazar added some speed and grit to the lineup. Carolina consistently is able to get players to the net while we don't. 

https://wgr550.radio.com/media/audio-channel/11-14-ralph-krueger-post-game

 

 

[plenzmd1]

9 hours ago, JohnC said:

Based on his interview I don't see him making any major changes. He is riding the ponies he has in the corral. Based on his tone from that interview I just don't see him exhibiting much urgency because he is invested in what he has on the roster and in the system. 

 

We were fortunate to get a point out of the Carolina game. I really get frustrated with this team's over-passing instead of shooting. It drives me crazy. Carolina scored two goals from deflections with players crowding the net. We don't do that enough. When ERod passed the puck when he had a golden opportunity to shoot the puck near the net with two players driving toward the net I wanted to scream. 

 

If we don't beat Ottawa Saturday this team will be in trouble.  

 

Based on his interview, all i can think of is that "all is fine" gif....https://gph.is/2h8wI3B

 

And no matter what happens Saturday, this team is in monster trouble seems to me...i am this close to saying blow the whole thing up and tank again...1-6-1 ....sure looks like a last place team to me--for basically  the 6th time in the last 8 seasond

 

BTW, john, maybe you wee right, just maybe this team is so god awful even Gof himself couldn't coach them to the playoffs. And if thats the case, its gots to fall on the GM

Edited November 15, 2019 by plenzmd1

[JohnC]

4 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said:

Based on his interview, all i can think of is that "all is fine" gif....https://gph.is/2h8wI3B

 

And no matter what happens Saturday, this team is in monster trouble seems to me...i am this close to saying blow the whole thing up and tank again...1-6-1 ....sure looks like a last place team to me--for basically  the 6th time in the last 8 seasond

 

BTW, john, maybe you wee right, just maybe this team is so god awful even Gof himself couldn't coach them to the playoffs. And if thats the case, its gots to fall on the GM

You are too caught up with embracing your depression that you don't see the progress being made. I have for some time told you that the primary issue for this team is its lack of talent. And I have repeatedly stated to you that it was going to take time to address that issue. It fell on deaf ears because you were too consumed for pursuing the bogeyman (Housely). While you are approaching a state of despair---I am not. You may not notice it but this team, even with its struggles, is moving up the ranks as a middle of the pack team. I suspect that a deal or two will be made during the season to better round out our roster.

 

The worst thing this organization to do is to follow your zany advice of blowing up the roster. Do you take a lunatic pill every morning? Because when talking about the Sabres you say some Crazy Shiit. My advice to you is to be less impulsive and more patient. You mock me when I say but I will continue to say it :Trust the Process.  It's actually working. The worst thing that this organization to do is to keep churning staff and players. Constantly starting over when faced with adversity is self-defeating and makes the climb even harder and longer.  

[plenzmd1]

@JohnC, what more do you need than 1-6-1...that's a last place team..an improving team does not go on streaks like that. If they don't go at least 2-0-1 next three, last place here we come!

I guess Jbotts is so enamored with surplus of D, he is talking about dressing 7 on a team that cant score! Yay!!!!

Edited November 15, 2019 by plenzmd1

[K-9]

10 minutes ago, JohnC said:

You are too caught up with embracing your depression that you don't see the progress being made. I have for some time told you that the primary issue for this team is its lack of talent. And I have repeatedly stated to you that it was going to take time to address that issue. It fell on deaf ears because you were too consumed for pursuing the bogeyman (Housely). While you are approaching a state of despair---I am not. You may not notice it but this team, even with its struggles, is moving up the ranks as a middle of the pack team. I suspect that a deal or two will be made during the season to better round out our roster.

 

The worst thing this organization to do is to follow your zany advice of blowing up the roster. Do you take a lunatic pill every morning? Because when talking about the Sabres you say some Crazy Shiit. My advice to you is to be less impulsive and more patient. You mock me when I say but I will continue to say it :Trust the Process.  It's actually working. The worst thing that this organization to do is to keep churning staff and players. Constantly starting over when faced with adversity is self-defeating and makes the climb even harder and longer.  

If we don’t churn players, how else do we improve the roster? 

[plenzmd1]

Asplund coming up...what follows?

Edited November 15, 2019 by plenzmd1

[BillsFan4]