Sabres Seeking Playoffs After 13 Straight Seasons on the Outside Looking In
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- čas přidán 3. 05. 2024
- Buffalo has been frustrating to watch in recent seasons. The talent is there. It's a matter of making it all work at the same time, offensively and defensively.
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As someone that watched every game I think the Sabres took a step back in the standings but went through a year of growing pains and still made progress. They improved massively defensively and UPL was phenomenal. I think as a result they had to adjust on offense and struggled as a result. They weren’t willing to attack the slot or get dirty goals, and the power play was a disaster. If they would have made these adjustments they would have made the playoffs. I think the Sabres will finally explode soon. Lindy Ruff has evolved as a coach and has wanted to come back for awhile. I don’t even care about the playoff drought. I see this young team growing into men and going deep within a few years. Let’s talk about the real goal, which is ending the Stanley Cup drought. This path is the way to do it.
My opinion is the fans that are apathetic don’t see the seeds that have been planted for what is coming.
@bjarczyk honestly I think there's a continent of sabres fans that just suck. All they do is complain about everything. No matter what.
@@Ween1776any franchise that’s missed the playoffs for 13 fukn years will have fans complaining. You mad at the wrong ppl
@Howey you are mad at the wrong people. We have to see the bigger picture. When these young kids grow into men and start dominating the league the wait will have been worth it. We have to look beyond the playoff drought. Kevyn Adams had the vision for this and the courage to stick to it.
@bjarczyk exactly. This is the way it should have been done 10-11 years ago. Started fresh, get prospects, and build a team around that talent. Once you're competing for a playoff spot consistently, then start fitting in pieces that will take you to a cup. That's how they did it in the 2000s, if only Tim Connoly could've been fully healthy for all those years....
Levi stopped 60 of 62 shots in a 2OT game the other night.. hoping Rochester gets a deep run to just keep feeding the beast
The Sabres content providers went overboard on the expectations for Rochester. Having talented prospects almost always gets trumped by long-time AHL vets in the hard-to-predict Calder Cup playoffs.
The thing that plagued Buffalo the most this season was sheer inconsistency. They never won more than 3 games in a row, but they also only lost more than 3 in a row once, and that was just a 4-game losing streak. I fault the coach for this, by not having the team prepared or held accountable, and I for sure believe this was the main reason why Granato was fired.
They never announce these things bc they dont want teams targeting guys but word around is thomlson fractured his wrist blocking a shot early in the year
That is true, and he had an injured back which is why it looked like he couldn’t skate at times.
He's an incredible talent - there was certainly an injury issue - those that downplayed it were really kind of despicable. A shooter with a wrist injury is like a pitcher with a blister problem. It takes a long time to get back to normal. He'll be a force in 2024/25. And so will World Championship beast Dylan Cozens!
Hey Hockey guy, As a dedicated Saber fan, I really enjoyed your video! Thanks so much for your lucid and rational analysis of my favorite team! I could not agree more with your thought that we need a solid veteran voice or 2 in the locker room !
It's Sabre btw
Man, I remember back in the 05-06 season, the season after the lockout, we made the playoffs for the first time since 2001 and I thought that that was a long wait, sheesh was I wrong. I still remember we had a chance to advance vs Philly in the first round in 2011. Leading 3-2 in the series and up 2-0 in game 6 we lost in overtime. Then we got blown out the water in game 7.
I was there too! Game #6. Hoping for Round #2 tickets... lol
This team needs a structured system. I like ruff as coach. As a devils fan, I feel it wasn't his fault what happened.
It wasn't Ruff's fault. The GM lost a bunch of guys and assumed his rookie goalie would play the whole season like he did in the playoffs against the Rangers.
Now I see stupid content creators telling me how the Sabres should spend $50 or $60 million on Elias Lindholm because they need a second line center! Completing ignoring the growth/potential of Dylan Cozens, the opportunity to move up for a skilled, hard-working Krebs manning the third line with a prospect or two getting a chance at the fourth line minutes.
I'm rooting for Buffalo
y'all luck should change soon
see u at the Anchor
As Jim Mora famously said, "...... Playoffs!?!? ..... Playoffs!?!?.....
I hope we can win a game
We couldn't do DIDDLY-Poo offensively!
@@yoholmes273 They weren't that bad. Everyone is so dramatic on the CZcams.
Growth is not always linear. The Devils and Sabres both proved that this year. Next year the Sabres and Devils will pass those old, boring teams like Washington.
yeah I dont see Washington and other old ass teams staying ahead. Byram also brings expectations from Colorado
@@Nathanielhiggerson66 Not sure why Byram was moved off of Dahlin's pair? They were great together.
Dahlin/Power was not as good.
@@jeffreym.8957I questioned that decision to move them apart the second Donny did it. Very confusing especially when it was obvious him and power or him and joki didn’t work as well
Sabres end the drought in 2024/2025. Similarly to what your Canucks clearly needed was the right coach/GM tandem to lead the same/similar roster to new heights. Emotions aside, I think Adam’s/Ruff will deliver this. Ironically, Tocchet & Ruff are gritty guys. Something their predecessors came short with. Also agree with your thoughts about bringing in a vet like Kane or others to (further) solidify us as a playoff team. Just don’t jynx us like you did last year! 🤭 😆 😉
Small side-note - been meaning to share this with you. I would DM you somehow but wanted to leave it here! My brother surprised me with a cameo from you prior to the birth of my daughter (now 6mo). It was super thoughtful by the way, thanks! So - She loves those baby sensory videos here on CZcams when it’s time for it. One of your videos came on after & she was absolutely mesmerised! Usually when it plays anything else she gets fussy 100% of the time. Liv might be your youngest fan! 😇 👶
Go VAN.
Cheers from Munich (buffalo native 🍗) , Ryan
Not quite convinced on Kane but your comment seems to be spot on to me
I haven’t watched a playoff game since I was 18, I’m 31 now
Going to be crazy when The Sabres work their way into the playoffs next season, then bump Toronto in the first round.
As a flames fan even I feel bad for sabres fans having your team in the playoffs is a special thing
Imagine being a fan of a team so bad for so long that other fans don’t even hate you. No one hates you because they have no reason to. They just feel bad for you. That’s a shitty feeling lol.
At least you didn't lose your team @jf13579
Great video. Can’t wait for the Flyers season review!
UPL is the guy.
Lindy plz save us
Great Video, as usual, Shannon - I think that GM Kevyn Adams dropped the ball (or, is it The Puck? LOL) on not making a few moves, other than some, to improve the team, which was evident from the injury to Tage Thompson (over-depend on him). He likely should have done what he did when he got all of those players (Staal, Hall & others - his problem, back then, was he left Ralph Krueger in as Coach). Let me know if you agree or not & what you think (PS. I think the reunion with Lindy Ruff, as Coach, is A Step In The Right Direction - especially since he played for them & coached them to The Infamous No Goal Stanley Cup against Dallas).
I'm an Islanders fan living in Buffalo for going on 12 years. I've never been here for a Sabres playoff series, but I've been noticing that even my friends who are most dedicated to the team and the sport are just about completely apathetic to the Sabres at this point. It used to be easy to get my friends to go to see games, now it's like pulling teeth. Some of my buddies were full season ticket holders at one point and are now quarter-season holders at best this upcoming season. Sad state of affairs.
I used to be extremely passionate about the Sabres, but they've broken me of that.
The absolute listless pathetic display most games is beyond frustrating. The way I see it is if they don't show up on the ice then I won't show up in the stands. The team has become way too comfortable being losers, and I just won't support that. It got to the point this year where I removed MSG (the channel that plays the games) from my cable package because I refused to give them money through TV license deals. They aren't getting a single cent from me until they prove significant changes have happened.
Terry Pegula is one of the worst owners in sports so that doesn’t help.
People in Buffalo know hockey, we know what working hard looks like. The past 13 years, there hasn’t been many teams who put in a lot of effort. That’s what the fans care about the most. And it’s what we don’t get the most. So the fans stopped putting effort in. I still watch every game I still love hockey, but I totally understand peoples bitterness towards to sport right now
A team cannot be so fragile that when they lose 1 player (Quinn), they fall apart! They have very little grit. Watching playoff hockey, I can not see this team playing that type of hockey at all. There needs to be some major changes imho. Hell, their smallest player (Benson) was one of the only players that continually goes to the net and battles!
The last two games the Toronto Maple Leafs have been playing playoff hockey. It's just a matter of seeing what is necessary and then doing it. I see guys like Cozens, Peterka, Benson and Greenway absolutely being that type of player.
@@jeffreym.8957 Dahlin, Krebs, Tuch, Tage, and even Peterka all can have some nasty in them. I think youre right, its a matter of seeing it and matching. Some physical maturity for this very young group will also go a long way omnce they add some strength.
Wasn’t just Quinn though. By December there were 6 players who weren’t injured.
Thompson was also fighting a nasty injury that put Auston Matthews in a similar spot.
You’re still right btw, but just kind of adding it wasn’t just a single injury that ended the season.
It wasn't just losing Quinn though. Thompson got his wrist fucked, Tuch lost a step to a hamstring injury and Cozens lost his grit after the concussion. The leaders of the forward group basically played the year injured because all 3 happened in early to mid November
Yes they need more grit, but Greenway and Clifton elevated other aspects of their game to just stop getting dumb penalties and found their balance at the end of the year.
My issue is almost 5 mill is going to a defenseman Joker and Bryson basically made expendable and his injury history is basically making him untradeable except to teams like Vegas to abuse LTIR on
@@kevinkeith7110 A sniper hurting his wrist - it has to be like a pitcher with blisters - not an easy recovery.
These guys were never prepared under Donny…how many times were they flat in the first. Lindy should make these guys work or they don’t play, we have enough young guys in the system that should make the vets sweat a bit
Great video report! Thanks. Power needs to get nasty. Samuelsson too. Exit interviews were telling, I hope Shannon, that you watched them. Lindy stated they need more nasty!
The attendance is definitely reflected though by the play and effort in the players and coaching staff day in and out.. People here want to see a team fight for it on home ice and not back down when their backs against the wall. The power play struggled cause there was no change in the mindset of "feed take the puck" the one trick pony came to a halt and teams recognized our flaws. I don't LOVE the Lindy signing, but my hope is to be able to go out and sign Peca as an assistant coach. Dude would bring a good mindset back to the franchise and maybe would be the heir to after Lindy.
Last year should’ve happened this year. Nuff said. Moves need to be made to improve (1) faceoffs (2) toughness (3) the erratic special teams and certain players need Ruff & His Crew to unlock their potentials (again and for the first time)
Two first overall picks in the last 6 years (2018 & 2021). Solid drafting year after year keeping the core young and full of talent. Received great pieces from trading with other teams. The issue is definitely a lack of good veteran presence, I have to agree with Shannon there.
I don't really agree. I mean they had Okposo and Girgensons and Skinner. Tuch has been around for many, many years. They just didn't outscore their opponents enough. Team defense still needs to improve and we need some of the prospects to take another step - offensively and defensively.
We need Power and Byram to be a good #2 and #3 and not have a good number #1 and five number #6's.
@@jeffreym.8957 They have veterans sure, but how much playoffs experience do they have between them? What Buffalo needs to do is make a splash in the UFA signing this off-season. Their young players and upcoming prospects are good, solid, but I would say they are unrefined. It might be a developmental issue too. So they ought to make adjustments to the staff as needed too.
They have too much talent to not be better next season. I feel you’ll see a much better record with all the young guys having more NHL experience
Don't know what to expect from Ruff part 2, he wasn't my first choice for the job but I really don't think Adams had anyone else in mind. UPL & Peterka were bright spots need Quinn to stay healthy. Thompson ,Cozens & Tuch neeed to rebound from subpar seasons. Power needs to take a step forward and toughen up. i actually think Ruff can help with that.
Excellent post. #23 & #25 better get nasty.
If you look at the roster, there are a number of really good pieces, but like the Canucks of previous seasons, they haven't been able to put it together. Maybe what they need is a coach like Rick Tocchet who can implement some structure and a management group that can identify their needs. The rebuild has gone on for long enough. I'd argue with the right system and a couple of added pieces, they could be a playoff team. You would think Lindy Ruff would be that guy, but it just hasn't happened for them. But then again, New Jersey didn't even make the playoffs either, so anything can happen in the NHL these days.
The Devils lost two experienced defensemen in the off-season, lost their best defenseman for most of the season and lost Jack Hughes, their superstar for big stretches - but apparently it was all Lindy's fault.
Tage will be a beast again. It's not easy playing with a wrist injury. They'll be fine. And these upcomers like Ostlund and Savoie to pair with Quinn, Cozens and Benson and Peterka and Tuch - it's going to be great. They just have to learn to play a bit better team defense. The offense will fix itself.
Love that jersey
Blue and Gold forever! (The Goat can make the occasional appearance.)
What the Sabres lacked was discipline, leadership and accountability. Now, Ruff might be the right guy for two of those (discipline and accountability) but one of the players for the Sabres needs to step up as a leader. The good news is that UPL looked pretty good for much of the season.
I think Tuch and Dahlin will step up.
@@borisvandruff7532 I hope they do, but there is something that does worry me about the Sabres: the players that were interviewed after Granato got fired stated that the team lacked accountability and discipline. Okay, I'm glad they figured that out, but if they knew that, why is it that none of them stepped in and held others accountable? True leadership doesn't wait for the C to be put on their chest; it's stepping in and taking over.
@@jacobrklein7175 Eh. Could be Granato was softballing them and preventing that from happening.
@@borisvandruff7532 that is most likely the case, although I don't think that was Granato's intention, because he is good in terms of developing talent. But I think the problem with Granato is a matter of knowing when to shift gears from developing talent to getting them to win. Sometimes that happens.
@@jacobrklein7175 I think everyone is overreacting to those interviews. The players have to come up with some nonsense for the reporters. Overreactions lead to stupid moves like trading Ryan O'Reilly - who should have been the Sabres captain - not Jack.
I hate to say it but I think the Sabres have one more year on the outside before they make it.
You don't win anything with kids, even kids as talented as Buffalo's kids. (Zac Benson, wow!). And the Atlantic is just so tough you have to pass one of Boston, Florida, Tampa & Toronto. Good luck.
I think Boston and Tampa are going to drop out in the near future tbh. If I was Buffalo I'd be more concerned about Detroit and Montreal on the rise.
I bet they get moved before they make the playoffs again
@@greenpandas3446Buffalo isn't moving. That option has never been on the table.
@@chrismdb5686 well when they miss for the 26th season, GB might disagree
@@greenpandas3446 Despite the drought Buffalo is routinely one of the best TV markets in the league and attendence has only been an issue because of financial hardship. The team isn't moving, the league would lose money moving them.
I wish Byram all the best with Buffalo. I would love to see the Sabres be relevant again.
I don’t know why they would bring in a veteran goalie. A good goalie coach is all I would think they need.
It would be a waste of resources unless they were at the top of the division and one of the goalies was faltering.
Levi cost the Sabres games. He was not good. Do you want to potentially miss playoffs due to goaltending?
Buffalo 100% needs a vet backup
@@Tickleyourpickle420 He cost them games? I guess, maybe?? He had a winning record and a .550 pts% in his decisions with 10W & 2 OTL in 20 decisions, which was actually better than UPL's .547 pts% (27W 4OTL in 53 decisions). Could he have been better? Sure. He's absolutely dominating the AHL right now, including the playoffs. If anything, Comrie cost them games and quite possibly the playoffs, going 2 - 7 with a 3.68 GAA and a .874 sv%. So, not really sure your argument that a vet backup would be a better choice just because its a vet, really holds any water.
Upl was one of the best goalies in 2024 and they still couldn't win. Their "star" players just weren't good enough and depth isn't playoff caliber.
@@Tickleyourpickle420 that was early in the season he came back from the minors very strong. And long term the sabres need him to be great. He won’t get there from the bench
I hate the idea of Patrick Kane
Hey Shannon, as you know everything about jerseys, do you know what the thin patch is on the back right shoulder of a jersey? My guess is it’s for hockey cards that has part of a game worn jersey. But I’m curious if you knew. Or even know what I’m talking about.
With Ruff coming into the fold and UPL/Levi splitting games, and if they stay relatively healthy and the youngsters grow- I think they take that next step. Disclaimer: I’ve been saying this for the past 13 years.
13 years ago it was fandom. But now it seems logical. The data supports it!
@@jeffreym.8957 The data supported it at this time a year ago. More players regressed than improved. Hard to know what’s going to happen.
I really think the Sabres can compete for a spot next year. I feel bad for Sabres fans though. This has to be painful
It is.
It's gonna be UPL and Levi next year, I imagine. Levi had a strong second half of the season, after a really shaky first half. UPL kind of did the same thing.
I don't want Patrick Kane, despite him being from here. He's just too old. He had a better year than I expected, but that's still a major injury he had that normally ends players careers. I hope Detroit resigns him.
Get me a veteran forward who is under 30. I'm not winning anything significant next year. I need a guy who has 4-5 years of tread on his tires. A good defensive defenseman might be needed too. Samuelsson is pretty good but he keeps getting hurt. Sadly, part of being a good professional player is durability. Some guys get unlucky with injuries, others just don't have the genetics to handle the brutality of pro contact sports. I'd want an insurance policy for him. I'm willing to roll the dice on these two kid goalies over the next two seasons. Let's see if either can prove they're the real deal.
I was wrong that they wouldn't fire Granato, but I think it was the right move. Overall, the staff just did not seem competent when it came to at least special teams coaching. The powerplay just got worse and worse as the season went on. I hope Lindy isn't saddled with the couple of guys they retained if he doesn't like them. Byrum seemed to indicate in one interview that he was surprised by the system in use for the PP, which to me sounded like he thought it was flawed in design.
Should be a fascinating off season. I'm sure Adams is under pressure to make some big moves. I gotta believe he's gonna pull off at least one big trade. He has so many bullets in the chamber. It's time to pull the trigger. The farm is loaded with talent.
Excellent post
Me as a Sabres fan they have to step it up a notch on the hockey plays I personally think they will do alot better with there new coach Lindy Ruff who has had plenty of experience with Sabres so i believe there could be a definitely up rise with the Sabres next season heck they better especially with the Arizona Coyotes gone and now Utah is in the picture of NHL hockey the Sabres better be physically and mentally prepared for this next season of NHL Hockey
I feel that with the right moves, we can get back in. I trust Lindy to do a better job than Granato. Accountability was lacking.
Adams has yet to make moves to actually help win now. He's done bare minimum each summer and at the trade deadline. If they want to win, Admas is going to have to actually change and do his job.
@@chadcousins2563 Which future star do you want to give away? The Sabres traded a pick to Minny in the Greenway trade that became Riley Heidt who had 117 points for the Cougars last year and 18 playoff points in the WHL. The guy is going to be awesome for Minny. Be patient.
@@chadcousins2563 Rubbish. You just need internal growth. They have stars coming up in this prospect pool.
You can't turn 20 year old Brett Hull into 30 year old Brett Hull by yelling at him louder. Players need to learn through their own experience, from the vets and the entire coaching staff.
Power/Dahlin/Byram/Samuelsson don't need dramatic changes. They need to keep learning game-by-game. Patience is key. They're just around the corner to being a great team. Don't go wrecking things by making changes for changes sake.
@@jeffreym.8957 you honestly think Sabres fans have more patience to give? I see you mention Brett Hull so I can already imagine what your answer will be. Just save it. The patience bank has been robbed and is empty.
@jeffreym.8957 They had internal growth, then they all got lazy and didn't work. Even with 99% of the roster having career years they still missed the playoffs a year ago. It's hilarious y'all think this whole roster is elite...they aren't. All those prospects won't see Buffalo either. They need veteran bottom 6 guys who can play physical and unless Adams put on his big boy pants they aren't winning anything. His roster of little boys isn't winning anything. The Leafs are a perfect example of this. A roster of small skill players isn't winning period.
The future is very bright for the boys. Pipeline, draft capital and cap space. Along with a deep young talented core.
And Kevyn Adams in place to fuck it all up by not doing a single thing this summer
We will end the drought! LFG Sabs!!!!!
draft lottery would be kool but odds are low. plus id expect a larger market team to have that kind of good luck
Seriously? You've already forgotten Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin? They weren't 8th overall's.
Don Granato was a big move to get this team out of neutral. Now Adams needs to do his job this summer and assemble a roster that will actually become competitive. No more building the farm, but building a win now culture
Sure - just get rid of all the future stars and trade them for old guys - great strategy. Maybe look at OKC in the NBA world. They built the best prospect pool - and they still have multiple first round picks. After missing the playoffs last year they were first in the Western Conference. What did it take? Patience. Good drafting and patience.
If they stay somewhat healthy, the roster should be good enough if they add a top 6 forward and a couple gritty veterans to the bottom 6. Almost every player during locker clean-out said there was no accountability throughout the year. Lindy will fix that in training camp.
Jeffrey I love your comment. It’s good to see that there are fans who see the bigger picture.
Buffalo....another great fanbase for which the franchise does not deserve.
The franchise has done a proper rebuild. You need some patience.
@@jeffreym.8957You’re asking too much of fan base who has seen a playoff drought just hit puberty. Are you planning to ask them to wait until said playoff drought reaches adulthood?
@@jeffreym.8957as my Dad’s t-shirt said: patience, my ass. I’m going to kill something. Our patience has run out …. All that said, I DO believe that the team is going in the right direction - finally. Love the young guys! I can only hope that Lindy can work his magic one more time - for the franchise, the fans, and himself. Let’s Go Buffalo!
ps - THG, you RULE!
@@TheBenedictchan1 Keep firing everyone and trading everyone and the team will miss the playoffs for another decade. They are on the right track. Growth is not linear. Didn't your parents/teachers/friends teach you anything?
Do you think Pasta tried harder to score in OT because his coach was mean and yelled at him? They are all trying to win. So are 31 other franchises.
It's been my opinion for the most of this season that the coaching was the main issue with this team. Let's hope I'm right, and that Lindy Ruff is the right man for the job.
As far as drafting a player that makes a impact in the NHL mid first round, I remind you Benson was drafted 13th last year and played more games in the NHL than any other player selected in the first round (71). Big assumption.
He was awesome for an 18 year old.
GMKA has to make a decision on what is gonna happen with skinner regarding a buyout. Also, he has a lot of work to do regarding the bottom six, I think there could be as many as 5 new forwards. I believe Krebs could take that 3rd line center role with the right players around him but he’s still an unknown. Personally, none of the kids (Kulich, Rosén, Savoie, Ostlund) will make the team unless they absolutely light it up in training camp.
Best way for Buffalo to make the playoffs? Move them to the Mid-tropolitan division.
Doubt Toronto, Florida, Boston or Tampa miss the playoffs even if the latter two regress. Detroit will be extra hungry and one never knows with Ottawa.
@@lankancheetah Should be five teams from the Atlantic. That's fine. I'll take the crossover and play the Rangers/Canes/Devils.
Sabres had a lot of reasons to come up short. Injuries to Thompson, Cozens (broken nose), Quinn (twice), and Samuelsson (a huge loss) were killers. Tage secretly played with a hand brace when he shouldn't have after breaking it.
But the main reason was really thinking they would pick up where they left off last season. The didn't listen to Okposo who told them as much at the start of the year. Lesson learned. Oh BTW, Dahlin regressed defensively, Owen Power didn't get any better or stronger or become more aggressive. OP better come back a new man, or I'll wager he's good trade bait.
Let’s go Buffalo! 🎉
Lindy will make a huge difference in game as Donnie was a horrible bench coach
I think the key to rebuilds now is weaponizing Cap Space and scouting. Drafting well is one thing, but if you can steal a player here or there thats been burried or in a system that isnt a fit then I think you make more immediate gains.
I think you prioritize defense, two-way forwards, and piecemeal scoreing with depth. If you're a lucky rebuilding team you may draft a superstar, but I think in reality it's easier to trade for those pieces.
Thats just my armchair GM opinion tho.
Good post. They really need some tough mutha effers that destroy opponent's confidence.
There are great fans lurking in the wings in Buffalo. Ruff will make a positive impact.
They need to move Skinner out - they won't be a serious team with him on the roster. It's a decent FA pool... I doubt they land Guentzel but they need a solid top 6 vet who can help this team piece the offense together. Kane, Tarasenko, and Toffoli on a 1 year could benefit everyone in this situation.
Does Skinner smile too much or something? What's the deal? Tarasenko just likes cashing cheques. He wasn't even that good when the Blues won the Cup.
I am hoping we keep Girgensons. He is a good two way player that was even on the blue line when our D-men were injured.
We also need to keep Joki last season I thought he was in the bottom of the defense but this year he played really well and wasn’t making a lot of mistakes like previously.
Uppie deserves a big contract. I wanted him to be our number 1 last year. And Lindy said in the press conference that he was his number 1 goalie. UPL deserves it.
And I think they should keep Krebs too. He’s scrappy and I think will become more of a physical pest player. We need that type of player.
And all the guys need to get more physical and throw the body more.
Agree on Girgs. Tons of people seem to hate him in Buffalo for no other reason than how long he has been here (throughout the drought)...meanwhile he's a SOLID 4th line player and an extremely hard worker. Any team would love to have someone like him on their bottom line. Outside of Tuch he's the only person who forechecks too.
I think Krebs is pretty skilled, too. Needs to try to make more plays - gain some confidence.
Usually people twist themselves into pretzels. But technically you can take a circle and twist it into a pretzel. I love your show and watch it everyday.
It’s about to be a “ruff” time in buf
GM Adam's has to bring in another goalie. Levi is still another year away imo. But, not another Comrie. Someone with some miles on him.
The real bright spot for Buffalo has been UPL. Penciled in as #3 to start this past season. He now has the look of determination that's needed to take it up another level.
Exactly. Major question mark, why UPL was benched in the beginning. Weak answers from coach and GM have me concerned. I loved Lindy praising UPL
@@aegis7843 UPL was hardly a number one goalie to start the season. He was soooo inconsistent.
the issue with wingers is quinn was MIA and benson i really wanna see how he develops as he's sooooo young only issue is need elite center line 2 and a good one line 3 if wingers pushing quinn or benson down lineup
Quinn's numbers when healthy were amazing. There's nobody here that's pushing him down the lineup if he's healthy.
@@chadcousins2563 signings in free agency
Thompson and Cozens are a great 1-2 punch.
If they don't toughen up they'll go nowhere. Softest team in the NHL.
SO TRUE!
As a die hard Sabres fan, no mention of Juri Kulich in this video really really suprised me...
Kulich ran out of gas for Amerks at the end of the year in the last series. He might be a longer shot to make the big club next year than we expected. It depends upon openings available. I'll bet he doesn't come up until later in the season.
strong start to next season?
From buffalo ny LETS GO SABRES!!!
Watching Buffalo, you'd have to think moves for Better Defenseman (particularly younger Right handed D-men) would be on the cards this offseason to help push them over the playoff line given their abundance of young forwards they can use in trades. I think their goalie group you could maybe add a better Veteran goalie but honestly Defense is what the Sabres need to compliment Dalhin and Power.
Power is a WUSS. Gotta fix that. Never should have kept #78 on the team and playing minutes. That's pathetic.
@@aegis7843 Bryson was bad. Byram and Power have lots to learn. Not sure why they split Byram and Dahlin? Loved them together.
How about Matt Roy from kings to bolster that defense?
I'd be surprised if Detroit let Kane go to market. He was so good for them
He's not going to market they are already in deep conversations, the exit interviews provide a lot of information on whats going on, and the body language along with how he speaks you know they are about to resign the man to a 3 year deal
Maybe offer stamkos a contract
If want i guy with a couple finals runs. Could even be a third line centre
@@tripleh962 Stamkos is happy in Tampa. His family is happy in Tampa. If he wasn't he would most likely come to the Leafs. He's from Toronto.
This was my first year of the Drought that I just got burned out by it all. I maybe finished watching a handful of games all season and only went to 1 game (free). My love for hockey has been dying and hopefully it can come back.
They need a veteran maybe trade power or something like that
It is time for the league to have the top 16 teams in the playoffs. Blues had more points than the Caps, but did not make it. The Wings had same points as Caps, they did not make it...
I 100% agree.
Only if it's a completely balanced schedule. I don't want some Western team getting in ahead of the Sabres because they play the Sharks every week.
I can’t wrap my mind around the fact that the Sabres had 91 points last season and didn’t get a playoff birth ! This is B S !!!
@@jrzoska Last year the Flames had more points than Florida, but did not get in. Maybe the Sabres should have hired Berube instead of Ruff...
Nope; each conference gets 8 teams into the playoffs. Within each conference's rankings, it should be BY POINTS.
Lots of seats were empty in the Key Bank Arena.
If the team continues to flounder, look for more of the same... or even look for *MORE VISITING TEAM FANS* in the seats, just like the Toronto games.
NHL tickets are expensive. Buffalo has passionate fans. But not rich ones. They filled the entire stadium in August one year to see Jack Eichel play a scrimmage. But it was $10 to get in.
Sabres have the potential to have the most foibles digit goal scorers in the eat. Potential.
Why wasn't skinners stats included?
26 years old, sabres fan for 26 years (help me) if Kulich doesn’t make the opening night roster i’m rioting
he's wildly inconsistent. dissapears for long stretches and offers very little defensively. Despite the goal numbers, he's got a ways to go. Sorry to burst your bubble, but ive watched every Rochester game over the last 2 years. Rosen, at this point, is a more complete player than Kulich. Theres a reason The two them have G/A numbers that are complete inverses of each other. Kulich really relies on Rosen to drive virtually all the offense on their line.
@@BillyBuffalo354 bring ‘em up together fuck it, have a quinn peterka 2.0
Does anyone else feel that Kevyn Adams is on the hot seat? Fan and media pressure won’t force them to do something stupid will it?
Good post. I want to know if Adams pushed UPL down to start the season. To give #27 the spotlight. That was awful. Adams did a lot for this team, but some decisions really concern me.
If Ruff fails to win the Stanley Cup, both he and Adams go out the door... and Pegula sells the team. Whether the team stays in Buffalo or not should be *OF NO CONCERN* at that point.
My hope is we can bring in patty Kane (hopefully he wants to come here) and tanev and we will be in playoffs …. If we can’t get those ufas hope we trade some prospects for good vets
I would rather give the prospects the spots.
Every year people expect the Sabres to make the playoffs and every year they don't seem to take that next step. Kevyn Adams is one of their biggest problems as GM. They're a lot like Ottawa: need good veterans to mentor young roster and need better goaltending. They can sign stop gap veterans to plug holes, but they need ones who are more about a winning culture and not just moving from one stop gap contract to the next.
Ruff should provide direction and leadership so now it’s up to Kevyn Adams. He needs to have a better offseason. Spending over 11M on Okposo, Girgensons, Jost, and E.Johnson was laughable. Find a productive center to replace Mitts and add grit to the back half of the roster. A few useful vets and some depth to go along with Lindy can hopefully end this drought.
Krebs can replace Mitts. You need to give your prospects an opportunity. You don't become a great NHL'er playing in some lesser league. Savoie, Ostlund and Kulich will be here in no time.
@@jeffreym.8957 Are you really comfortable with Krebs? What if Thompson’s back flares up or Cozens gets hurt? Who’s left to play center? And we really need someone who can win a face-off. We’ve finished last 3 years in a row. And as far as the rest of the roster, look at Lindy’s 05-06 Sabres. That was a young team but they had vets that played key roles like Grier, Numminen, and Hecht. Plus 2 great captains. IMO, the current team is starving for that kind of on ice leadership.
@@grumpyscott17 I'm not giving out a roster spot for a faceoff guy. Remember when Darcy got Nashville to give up a FRP for Gaustad? That was thievery! lol
As for center depth? Girgensons played for years as a center. But I think they'll bring in another fourth line center. Someone like Jost but maybe older. Henrique/Wennberg/Roslovic type.
It's nice to have leadership, but you need the horses. Messier didn't win a damn thing when he was on a crappy Vancouver team - even with Naslund/Bert/Mogilny.
I prefer the 1A 1B approach, kinda like Boston has Ullmark for the regular season and Swaymen seems to be a playoff performer. I see UPL being that regular season guy with Levi seems to be standing on his head in the AHL playoffs right now.
Ullmark can be a good playoff goalie. He was injured against the Panthers in 2022/23 and they kept putting him in.
Having no connection with Buffalo, I love to see them get better and be in the playoffs. I feel the same about Columbus (I was born there - OK!?)
Lindy will lead this team into the playoffs
I'm sure coaches have preached to them but they mostly lack the desire to play ugly and go to dirty areas. Going to the net when you are all alone is 1 thing. Rarely do they grt their nose dirty. They play too much like a roller hockey team. I think they have the record of getting outworked in their zone for EXTENSIVE amounts of time. Also they don't protect goalie like other teams do. Gave up season Tix after missing playoffs 6 years. Now it's @ 13. So if you see a game and wonder why it's empty in the stands, let that sink in. How long you have to wait. It's frustrating.
wher is skinner
Nope, not yet...
Definitely need a couple good veterans in the line up , and Lindy will make these guys more accountable. They need more physical play as well.
nothing to do with the sabres but questions for yall habs fans if the price to the rights of drafting I. Damidov is L. Hudson + MTL's Winnipeg 1st round pick (24th+)
do you pull the trigger?
( honestly I D K but I'll think about it ))
I was 8 the last time the Sabres made the playoffs and have no memory of it…I’m going into my senior year of college now. At least this time jf they miss it I’ll be old enough to grab a beer for my misery loo
Kane has to go to a contender, right? Either that or its Detroit or Chicago.
Buffalo needs some beef up front. And then need a hockey president
Well Shanahan will be available within a year... lol
Where does having a hockey president rank as important to have? Is there any evidence they matter at all?
Much focus was on the coaching, more needs to be on Adams. He absolutely could have helped by bringing in solid vets. And his explanation as to why he didn't was VERY weak. They relied on Jost, Olofson, Bryson, and other sub par guys.
Ryan Johnson played very well. How in hell Granato kept Bryson on the team reeks of incompetence. I wanted Stillman up instead. Robinson should have played more too.
Then add the timid & stupid play of the top guys. = Major frustration.
Adams and Lindy had better kick some ass, starting last week.
I feel like if the Devils go for Markstrom I’d Allen doesn’t go the other way then I think the Sabers should look at him to help shepherd in both of the young guys, or maybe look if Utah is will to move one of their goalies. As for forwards I think they could benefit from another vet especially if he can play wing and center you then you can put Thompson on the wing if he’s struggling at center.
TT is great at center.
Outsiders view: too young, too injured, too predictable and too unwilling to adapt (Granato).
They have (drafted) a surplus of young, smaller, offense-minded forwards. Surely Kevyn Adams can part with at least one of them (keep Peterka and Benson) for a couple of veterans
You need to see what a player is first. I wouldn't want to be the guy who gave up on Brett Hull or Jarome Iginla.
The Sabres have some of the best futures of any team in the league, perhaps any team all time, as they have Dahlin, Byram, Power, Cozens, Quinn, Krebs, Peterka, Benson, Savoie, Ostlund, Levi, Rosen, Kulich, and more. However the problem for them is that they have to bring the future to the present. While most of these players will likely be elite in the future, it is pretty mid as of now.
I’m glad someone else sees this! That’s why I’m not overreacting. It’s only a matter of time.
@@bjarczyk I think the future is great but their present not so much. The sabres have to bring the future to the present or else having great future is meaningless. I think its good I just don't think they should wait so long for it to come.
@@dvotzmusiccompilationsandc5647 Expect a prospect or 2 possibly 3 or all being traded for the present. But imo I agree 100% with you. The seeds that have been planted are finally bearing some fruit
My niece and nephew were born in July 2012 and October 2012 LetsGoBuffalo blow Leaf blow and also can we see a Patrick Kane come over from Detroit
The most cursed franchise in the league
Arizona would like a word
Toronto would like a word
Columbus?
Vancouver says "hold my beer"
They will be fine. They have some amazing talent coming up.
What's the obsession with low 3rd draft position odds?
People like taking players that will never make the roster 🤣🤣🤣
1st round pick to Toronto for Nylander
That would be dumb
Nylander would bring back the FRP, Owen Power and two prospects like Savoie & Rosen.
13 seasons out of playoffs, seems like they lost Sa res identity. Torn between offensive and defensive style
In all honesty, the question is who goes out to get the Sabres in? 7 of the 8 teams that made it last year were in it again this year, and I honestly think that the Devils having this bad of a season was more of an anomaly. The Islanders and Washington probably don't make it next year, but the Devils will probably be right back in while Detroit gets a wild card and Tampa, Toronto, Florida, and Boston continue to make the top 4 in their division.
Tampa and Boston are on the way out.
I also put Buffalo ahead of Detroit.