Buffalo Sabres and NHL 2023-2024

[Gregg]

The Sabres will open their 2024-25 season in Prague. Two games vs the Devils. 

 

 

David Pagnotta on X: "Breaking News: #LetsGoBuffalo will visit Munich for exhibition play then take on #NJDevils in Prague for 2 games to kick off the 2024-25 season. Then in Nov, #TexasHockey play #TimeToHunt in Tampere, Finland for 2 games. Also, there WILL be an All-Star Game in 2026 & 2027. ⤵️ https://t.co/FSKyUc3Bak" / X (twitter.com)

[Jauronimo]

16 hours ago, ComradeKayAdams said:

 

They are 4-16-4 following a win (1-9-1 at home, 3-7-3 away) and 20-10 following a loss (11-6 at home, 9-4 away).

 

This consistent inconsistency, to me, is further evidence of a coaching staff and a veteran leadership core (namely: Okposo and Girgensons) that need to be replaced this offseason.

 

However…I’m not nearly as depressed as most Sabres fans are regarding the future. Levi, UPL, Dahlin, Power, Thompson, Cozens, Mitts, Quinn, Peterka, Tuch, and Benson are still a promising young core. Samuelsson, Jokiharju, Ryan Johnson, Krebs, and Greenway are still intriguing complementary pieces. Savoie, Kulich, Ostlund, Rosen, Wahlberg, Poltapov, Strbak, and Novikov are still quality prospects. I just named…24 people!

 

So yeah…I refuse to wallow in misery. 13 straight seasons without playoffs is horrible, but it can end at 13 with the right head coach and a few gritty vets who know how much hard work it takes to succeed in the NHL.

In all the Benson excitement, Ryan Johnson's play has not gotten a lot of talk.  Hes been great since game 1.  I am very impressed with his game.

[Fleezoid]

16 minutes ago, muppy said:

But what will you do with your sabres fan time though.  It's a legitimate question.  I am not trying to shade you finding better ways to spend your time. I'm just curious as to your thoughts on what that might be? Im nosey 🙂   

 

lol you don't have to answer that question.  

 

I am going to watch and if nothing else learn what we don't want moving forward if they do end up folding like cheap suits even further

 

Hope  springs eternal! 

 

I don't know what I'll do. That's the tough part. I just can't stomach watching right now. I was so hopeful at the start of the season after the way they finished last year. Now they're looking a little like the Krueger team. It's like a bunch of hockey players put on the ice for the first time together and saying 'go play hockey'. They can play the positions, just no identity. Frustrating. Watching the offense turn stale when the goaltending improved and the D playing better at times. 

[Beast]

I still watch every game. I love hockey and the Sabres are my team. They just suck so bad it’s not even funny.

[BillsFan4]

43 minutes ago, muppy said:

But what will you do with your sabres fan time though.  It's a legitimate question.  I am not trying to shade you finding better ways to spend your time. I'm just curious as to your thoughts on what that might be? Im nosey 🙂   

 

lol you don't have to answer that question.  

 

I am going to watch and if nothing else learn what we don't want moving forward if they do end up folding like cheap suits even further

 

Hope  springs eternal! 

not OP, but I’ve been watching the Sabres since the 1980’s and followed them very closely for many years, including during the tank/rebuild years in the 2010’s. I was very invested in the rebuild. I bought it hook, line and sinker that you needed a couple top 2-3 draft picks to win a Stanley Cup. I watched every game thru the tank years. Every player and coach interview.

 

now I’m just burned out by the losing and the same failures over and over. I can’t do it anymore for my own sanity.

They’ve had the #1 prospect pool numerous times over the last 10 years. Collecting young talent hasn’t been the issue. The issue has been surrounding that talent with the proper veterans and taking the next step.

 

if you just recently started watching more frequently, I can see how you wouldn’t be burnt out by the losing yet. Talk to me after 10 more years… lol

 

17 hours ago, ComradeKayAdams said:

 

They are 4-16-4 following a win (1-9-1 at home, 3-7-3 away) and 20-10 following a loss (11-6 at home, 9-4 away).

 

This consistent inconsistency, to me, is further evidence of a coaching staff and a veteran leadership core (namely: Okposo and Girgensons) that need to be replaced this offseason.

 

However…I’m not nearly as depressed as most Sabres fans are regarding the future. Levi, UPL, Dahlin, Power, Thompson, Cozens, Mitts, Quinn, Peterka, Tuch, and Benson are still a promising young core. Samuelsson, Jokiharju, Ryan Johnson, Krebs, and Greenway are still intriguing complementary pieces. Savoie, Kulich, Ostlund, Rosen, Wahlberg, Poltapov, Strbak, and Novikov are still quality prospects. I just named…24 people!

 

So yeah…I refuse to wallow in misery. 13 straight seasons without playoffs is horrible, but it can end at 13 with the right head coach and a few gritty vets who know how much hard work it takes to succeed in the NHL.

 

I'm not depressed about the prospect pool or the young talent already on the team. They have probably the best prospect pool in the NHL. They’re overflowing with young talent.

 

what I’m depressed about are the people who own and/or run the Sabres.

 

I have little faith that the people in charge can make the necessary changes to get this team over the hump. It’s hard to have faith in people with no experience, and people who have so far shown no ability or willingness to correct any of the issues facing this team/roster.

 

and even if Adams and/or Granato were fired, I have little faith they would be replaced with people who have actual experience.

 

I would love nothing more than to be wrong though. I just want a good team again.

Edited February 21 by BillsFan4

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

Gawd I miss playoff hockey.  Got a bit of an unexpected run with the Amerks last year, so that was nice.

Edited February 21 by JÂy RÛßeÒ

[BillsPride12]

18 minutes ago, JÂy RÛßeÒ said:

Gawd I miss playoff hockey.  Got a bit of an unexpected run with the Amerks last year, so that was nice.

Buffalo is STARVING for some playoff hockey at this point...it's mindblowing the Sabres are suddenly approaching Bills playoff drought territory 

[The Jokeman]

9 minutes ago, BillsPride12 said:

Buffalo is STARVING for some playoff hockey at this point...it's mindblowing the Sabres are suddenly approaching Bills playoff drought territory 

An above average starting goalie is as important if not more than a QB. 

[coloradobillsfan]

That whole "sole reason for existence" garbage is just so infuriating now.  It made me cry at the time - I go back to the 70s and transistor radios with this team.   Now it makes me feel like that "sucker" image from the old Bugs Bunny cartoons. 

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

7 minutes ago, coloradobillsfan said:

That whole "sole reason for existence" garbage is just so infuriating now.  It made me cry at the time - I go back to the 70s and transistor radios with this team.   Now it makes me feel like that "sucker" image from the old Bugs Bunny cartoons. 

 

[muppy]

8 minutes to go Sabres lead 3-2 and they are giving Montreal too many offensive chances to score.  It's a nail biter

 

LETS GO SABRES

a few chances I was Sure they had scored. Holy Cow

OMG we almost scored right there DANGIT

 

Go Clock GO

[muppy]

Winner in Montreal Im happy 🙂 Lets stack more a few and see where they can go

 

Hope springs eternal 🙂

[davefan66]

6 hours ago, muppy said:

Winner in Montreal Im happy 🙂 Lets stack more a few and see where they can go

 

Hope springs eternal 🙂

 

“Hope springs eternal”.  
 

It’s a Buffalo thing!  😂

[billsfanmiamioh]

I’ll be at the game here in Cbus on Friday. Hope I’m not leaving for the bar mid second period 🤦🏻‍♂️. Man this team is a tough follow. 

[BillsFan4]

22 hours ago, The Jokeman said:

An above average starting goalie is as important if not more than a QB. 

That’s the crazy thing though…

 

UPL is top 10 in saves above expected. He’s having the best season a Sabres goalie has had since Ullmark left.

 

The Sabres also have a better 5v5 scoring rate than last year.

 

If you told me Buffalo would improve goaltending and 5v5 scoring (over last season), I would have said they are a playoff team. Yet here they sit near the bottom of the standings 🤷‍♂️

[Beast]

4 hours ago, billsfanmiamioh said:

I’ll be at the game here in Cbus on Friday. Hope I’m not leaving for the bar mid second period 🤦🏻‍♂️. Man this team is a tough follow. 

They play better on the road so you might be good.

Edited February 22 by Beast

[The Jokeman]

31 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

That’s the crazy thing though…

 

UPL is top 10 in saves above expected. He’s having the best season a Sabres goalie has had since Ullmark left.

 

The Sabres also have a better 5v5 scoring rate than last year.

 

If you told me Buffalo would improve goaltending and 5v5 scoring (over last season), I would have said they are a playoff team. Yet here they sit near the bottom of the standings 🤷‍♂️

UPL took some time to settle in and toss in he was splitting time with Levi who isn't ready (and I didn't want playing in Buffalo to begin with). Not only that but Granato's system isn't the best when comes to defense. I don't know what the answer is but the more and more I watch Granato the less and less impressed I am by him. 

[BillsFan4]

 

[BillsPride12]

43 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

That's the Sabres hockey I miss watching 😢

[4merper4mer]

 

[muppy]

greetings hockey fans. So a game tonight in Columbus. I will be watching and hopefully bumping the thread with a Victory dance. Stay Tuned 🙂

 

Feb232024

🏒 Buffalo Sabres @ Columbus Blue Jackets4:00 PM - 7:00 PM PSTNationwide Arena

 

it is impossible to be an NHL fan without full NHL access. Before ESPN plus I saw the Sabres almost Never. A very few games live in the duck pond.

 

My first exposure was as a young adult 1977ish. The French Connection Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, Rene Robert. Once I left WNY as mentioned my access went dry. Until recently.

 

Go Sabres 🙂

Edited February 23 by muppy

[Gregg]

Not much of a fight. Just a couple of idiots embarrassing themselves at the Rangers-Devils game last night.

 

 

Eric Morey on X: "Devils VS Rangers game is getting CHIPPY @CoachChippy Fight in stands turns into melee @NYRangers @NJDevils @OhRyanMead https://t.co/7OvQvdVPbf" / X (twitter.com)

[BillsFan4]

16 hours ago, BillsPride12 said:

That's the Sabres hockey I miss watching 😢

Same here! And it has nothing to do with the fighting (for me). It’s about how that team was built, and how they always stuck up for each other.

 

That post-lockout team was soooo fun to watch! It was like they were tailor-made for the new rules after the lockout. That team should have won a Stanley cup. I still think about what could have been if things worked out differently with Drury and Briere…

 

had we signed both of them, chances are we would have taken the oilers FOUR 1st round picks from their offer sheet on Vanek. Those first round picks ended up being #12 overall, #10 overall, #1 overall, #1 overall.

 

Now, maybe with Vanek that is slightly different but Edmonton did offer sheet Dustin Penner after the Vanek offer sheet failed. Penner was a good player too.

And Edmonton finished last by a wide enough margin in 2010 and 2011 that I don’t see Vanek changing that (especially since Penner put up better stats in 2010 than Vanek).

 

Imagine that 2007 team getting to add 4 extra mid/high 1st round picks to the roster! Especially back then when ownership wasn’t willing to spend big to bring in free agents.

[BillsPride12]

42 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

Same here! And it has nothing to do with the fighting (for me). It’s about how that team was built, and how they always stuck up for each other.

 

That post-lockout team was soooo fun to watch! It was like they were tailor-made for the new rules after the lockout. That team should have won a Stanley cup. I still think about what could have been if things worked out differently with Drury and Briere…

 

had we signed both of them, chances are we would have taken the oilers FOUR 1st round picks from their offer sheet on Vanek. Those first round picks ended up being #12 overall, #10 overall, #1 overall, #1 overall.

 

Now, maybe with Vanek that is slightly different but Edmonton did offer sheet Dustin Penner after the Vanek offer sheet failed. Penner was a good player too.

And Edmonton finished last by a wide enough margin in 2010 and 2011 that I don’t see Vanek changing that (especially since Penner put up better stats in 2010 than Vanek).

 

Imagine that 2007 team getting to add 4 extra mid/high 1st round picks to the roster! Especially back then when ownership wasn’t willing to spend big to bring in free agents.

It hurts to think about what could have been.  But yeah that 2006 team in particular was awesome.  I really thought they could go all the way that year(which is really the only time in my life I thought that about a Buffalo sports team besides going into the 2022 Bills season but by the time the season was winding down I knew it wasn't going to happen) and I still think they would've won the Cup that year if we didn't lose half of our Defensemen in the playoffs.  Losing McKee before game 7 against the Canes was the final nail in the Coffin.  I remember even after they lost that Game 7 how incredibly thankful the fans were for that season.  Nobody was complaining they lost, everybody understood the situation they were up against.  I watched Game 7 at Buffalo Wild Wings and after it was over I'll never forget everybody chanting "Thank You Sabres"  I miss the love affair Buffalo had for that team.  The passion, the energy, the excitement, RJ still in his prime.  Ryan Miller said it best when he came back for his jersey retirement "That was the right type of team for that type of town" 

[muppy]

another DUB 🙂 Nice way to spend a Friday night. 😎

[billsfanmiamioh]

3 hours ago, muppy said:

another DUB 🙂 Nice way to spend a Friday night. 😎

There were a lot of ⚔️ fans at the game (always are when they play here in CBus). Too bad this game didn’t mean anything for either team because it was a fun atmosphere. Went with a big group of mostly Buffalo people but also ran into others I knew and a bunch others I met for the first time! 
 

Us Buffalo spots fans are a special breed, that’s for sure. We’re all the same. There’s really no such thing as a “fair weather” Buffalo fan….We can ramble off fringe roster players from the Bills or Sabres from 20+ years ago . I can recite our record from any given year like math flash cards, yet I can’t remember what time my kids hockey game is…😂🤦🏻‍♂️ 

[muppy]

game day Sunday I  will again watch.  I want a DUB 🙂

 

 

Feb252024

🏒 Carolina Hurricanes @ Buffalo Sabres

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM PSTKeyBank Center

[Jauronimo]

Can the Sabres do the impossible tonight?

[WotAGuy]

2 minutes ago, Jauronimo said:

Can the Sabres do the impossible tonight?

You mean come through and actually help my parlay?   Doubt it.
Bastards. 

[Jauronimo]

1 minute ago, WotAGuy said:

You mean come through and actually help my parlay?   Doubt it.
Bastards. 

That and win 3 consecutive games.

[Turk71]

Cmon Sabres

That ***** penalty kill was so weak

Goallllll!!!

The equalizer with 4 min left after giving up a go ahead with 5 min left...need a win here Sabres

Get back to .500

 

[muppy]

The Sabres go to O V E R T I M E

 

2 GREAT chances to score but No Winning Cigar. dratz.

 

SHOOTOUT Coming

[Turk71]

On 2/23/2024 at 10:43 PM, billsfanmiamioh said:

There were a lot of ⚔️ fans at the game (always are when they play here in CBus). Too bad this game didn’t mean anything for either team because it was a fun atmosphere. 

The game didn't mean anything?

There are still 23 games left, a winning streak could get them back in the wild card race. I hope they don't share your pessimism.

 

 

Sabres win!!!

5 hours ago, Jauronimo said:

That and win 3 consecutive games.

Yes

First time this year.....keep it up boys

[muppy]

Fun game to watch. WINNER!~!~!!!

 

That's 3 in a row 🎉😎💃🏿

[BillsPride12]

UPL is a Beast!  

[QCity]

 

First official winning streak comes in February!

[Pete]

9 hours ago, muppy said:

Fun game to watch. WINNER!~!~!!!

 

That's 3 in a row 🎉😎💃🏿

Its a great time for Sabres to get hot!  Lets go Buffalo!

Sabres on the warpath!  Oooh!  Aaah!

[muppy]

1 hour ago, Pete said:

Its a great time for Sabres to get hot!  Lets go Buffalo!

Sabres on the warpath!  Oooh!  Aaah!

the fan interest was low for a while it seemed. Especially at the end of football season. Anyway I would love nothing more than the team go on a run and make game watches and  the fans even here online more active. 🍿

 

war path indeed. lol  

[Gregg]

Wouldn't it be better if the Sabres lost at this point. They are not making the playoffs so losing and getting a higher draft pick and maybe winning the draft lottery is the better option. The Sabres should follow what my Islanders are doing and lose games. Of course, the Isles aren't trying to lose they just flat-out suck.

[muppy]

Just now, Gregg said:

Wouldn't it be better if the Sabres lost at this point. They are not making the playoffs so losing and getting a higher draft pick and maybe winning the draft lottery is the better option. The Sabres should follow what my Islanders are doing and lose games. Of course, the Isles aren't trying to lose they just flat-out suck.

well that is the ultimate goal. So if those chances are all but gone you may be right. It's one way to think about it.  thanks