GARTH'S CORNER: Do Players Try To Screw Up The Tank?

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Hello Edmonton Fans...Players....Management...Ownership....Anyone????

Bogosian? Also, 29th isn't guaranteed to get either. Just saying the lottery is still ever present. Gives you better odds though.

Yesterday you said players and coaches are in on it. Today they are against it. Make up your mind.

This whole tank thing is a disgrace. As a buffalonian who spent 33 years of my life there. It is plain sad that the majority of the "community" which they constantly harp on there is rooting for a draft pick which has an 80 % chance of not happening.
I mean those are the odds folks if you finish last : 20 % of winning the lottery.

Whoever wins the lottery gets Mcdavid . But nobody really is tanking for Eichel are they?

Never mind back to me beloved Blackhawks, we've got problems at #6 defenseman.

This whole tank thing is a disgrace. As a buffalonian who spent 33 years of my life there. It is plain sad that the majority of the "community" which they constantly harp on there is rooting for a draft pick which has an 80 % chance of not happening.
I mean those are the odds folks if you finish last : 20 % of winning the lottery.

Whoever wins the lottery gets Mcdavid . But nobody really is tanking for Eichel are they?

Never mind back to me beloved Blackhawks, we've got problems at #6 defenseman.
- Omahawk

Say hi to Mr. Toews and that Patrick Kane guy for us. Welcome to the party. Thanks for showing up late

Say hi to Mr. Toews and that Patrick Kane guy for us. Welcome to the party. Thanks for showing up late
- SayBeers

Actually I believe it was Buffalo that showed up late to the party. The rest of the league got the idea quite a while ago. Odd how they're looking down their noses at Buffalo for doing it better.

Whether those picks help win a SC is the question. So merely acquiring the talent is not enough, you have to deliver for these painful years to fade from memory.

Actually I believe it was Buffalo that showed up late to the party. The rest of the league got the idea quite a while ago. Odd how they're looking down their noses at Buffalo for doing it better.

Whether those picks help win a SC is the question. So merely acquiring the talent is not enough, you have to deliver for these painful years to fade from memory.
- gcomella34

Wow...."Buffalo is the better tankers"....there is an accomplishment to hang your hat on.

I hope Buffalo ends up out of the top 2 picks, I really do.....it's a joke the league doesn't step in and stop teams from obviously tanking. It's one thing to unload UFA's and RFA's who you think may not want to re-sign to get some value for them but to unload players in such an obvious attempt to tank is an embarrassment to the league and the game really. Pittsburgh did it back in the day, Buffalo does it now (I mean trading both your starters in the same year?) and nobody stops it. So in order to remain competitive everyone will start doing it....that's how life works, nobody wants to be the only guys playing by the rules or with integrity if it just means losing (games and money).

It disgusts me really.

What I'd actually like to see (it'll never happen but I can dream) is not only the playoffs but a loser side of the playoffs for the "draft cup". Teams who don't make the post season have to play off against one another and whomever wins that tournament gets the #1 pick and where you finish in the tournament is your draft pick spot for the next year.

That way teams who want to 'tank' will suffer for it and it (should in theory) keep teams icing a competitive NHL quality product all season long.

It'll never happen but imagine it did? This year would be the McDavid Cup!

Wow...."Buffalo is the better tankers"....there is an accomplishment to hang your hat on.

I hope Buffalo ends up out of the top 2 picks, I really do.....it's a joke the league doesn't step in and stop teams from obviously tanking. It's one thing to unload UFA's and RFA's who you think may not want to re-sign to get some value for them but to unload players in such an obvious attempt to tank is an embarrassment to the league and the game really. Pittsburgh did it back in the day, Buffalo does it now (I mean trading both your starters in the same year?) and nobody stops it. So in order to remain competitive everyone will start doing it....that's how life works, nobody wants to be the only guys playing by the rules or with integrity if it just means losing (games and money).

It disgusts me really.

What I'd actually like to see (it'll never happen but I can dream) is not only the playoffs but a loser side of the playoffs for the "draft cup". Teams who don't make the post season have to play off against one another and whomever wins that tournament gets the #1 pick and where you finish in the tournament is your draft pick spot for the next year.

That way teams who want to 'tank' will suffer for it and it (should in theory) keep teams icing a competitive NHL quality product all season long.

It'll never happen but imagine it did? This year would be the McDavid Cup!



- Cush29

Okay, I actually do like that cup idea, haha

But as for the tanking, I would say it is fairly clear that management wants them last. I'm from Ireland, so I don't see all the media stuff that is surrounding the cities, but I've been following buffalo for 7/8 years now. And from what I've seen on the ice, the players aren't tanking. And we're on schedule to have the same points as last year?

So from that I just can't see why buffalo is getting all this stick when they didn't have it for Sam Reinhart last year?

On the goalie thing though, if both goalies genuinely weren't going to re-sign then I agree in trading them, but if Neuvy does sign in the summer, then it is a pretty clear tanking move.

By the way first comment on this site and not meaning any offence, just my opinion, :D

OK, so explain to me. What would you do different?

This team with all their players, UFA's this year, and "core" players weren't getting it done. Heck they were at or close to 30th anyway.

So you're a GM, you're team is no where near your expectations, you have several key pieces other teams are willing to give you a MINT for but for some reason, those pieces can't win together. Individually they perform elsewhere, but not on your team. All of a sudden a whole bunch of teams are calling you up with GREAT offers for them with compensation in a draft class that boasts not one but two potential generational talents. And you're telling me because of your moral compass which is obviously higher than the rest of ours you're going to hang up the phone and give other teams a shot at that? Because it's disgusting?

Get off your high horse dude.

This year preseason people were complaining Murray did too much. His press conference he tempered expectations. This year he brought in Gionta, Gorges, Mezaros , Benoit , and Moulson.

How are those guys not better than:
Omark, Konopka, and Tallinder. For crying out loud those three sound like they should be a crappy law firm that isn't even allowed to advertise during Sabres games.

You're entitled to your opinion and I respect that, it just doesn't seem grounded in logic. Toss in a little self righteousness to boot and that's always fun.

Wow...."Buffalo is the better tankers"....there is an accomplishment to hang your hat on.

I hope Buffalo ends up out of the top 2 picks, I really do.....it's a joke the league doesn't step in and stop teams from obviously tanking. It's one thing to unload UFA's and RFA's who you think may not want to re-sign to get some value for them but to unload players in such an obvious attempt to tank is an embarrassment to the league and the game really. Pittsburgh did it back in the day, Buffalo does it now (I mean trading both your starters in the same year?) and nobody stops it. So in order to remain competitive everyone will start doing it....that's how life works, nobody wants to be the only guys playing by the rules or with integrity if it just means losing (games and money).

It disgusts me really.

What I'd actually like to see (it'll never happen but I can dream) is not only the playoffs but a loser side of the playoffs for the "draft cup". Teams who don't make the post season have to play off against one another and whomever wins that tournament gets the #1 pick and where you finish in the tournament is your draft pick spot for the next year.

That way teams who want to 'tank' will suffer for it and it (should in theory) keep teams icing a competitive NHL quality product all season long.

It'll never happen but imagine it did? This year would be the McDavid Cup!



- Cush29

we kept our salary above the floor. we have iced a team of professional hockey players- some of them nhl quality. we have the worst team that i can remember since the 92 senators. and it still might not be enough. our dead man walking head coach is not on board. half the team wont be here, so we have lots of people directly involved that either have no vested interest in our finishing 30th or outright want to jam us with 28th. edmonton appears to have everybody rowing in the same direction, and they were thoughtful enough to not move any of their numerous forward assets for any help on defense or in net. its gonna be a photo finish, our terrible but motivated players versus edmontons team built entirely on wingers. hopefully arizona wins a few more and keeps this a two horse race.

i have heard the non-playoff team tournament idea before, the problem is it continues to punish teams that are genuinely bad while rewarding the somewhat bad teams. i guess a lottery for each spot 1-14 with even odds makes the most sense. at least that way there is no incentive to finish last.

Okay, I actually do like that cup idea, haha

But as for the tanking, I would say it is fairly clear that management wants them last. I'm from Ireland, so I don't see all the media stuff that is surrounding the cities, but I've been following buffalo for 7/8 years now. And from what I've seen on the ice, the players aren't tanking. And we're on schedule to have the same points as last year?

So from that I just can't see why buffalo is getting all this stick when they didn't have it for Sam Reinhart last year?

On the goalie thing though, if both goalies genuinely weren't going to re-sign then I agree in trading them, but if Neuvy does sign in the summer, then it is a pretty clear tanking move.

By the way first comment on this site and not meaning any offence, just my opinion, :D
- squeakzor

they are tanking. the last several teams that have won the cup have had great centers, the sabres have not had a great center in 2 decades. the really good ones almost never hit the open market in free agency, and you almost never get a chance at picking one up in a trade. the difference between this year and last year is that mcdavid is considered on par with sidney crosby- like the best prospect in over a decade, and eichel is not far behind. last years draft class was not one where teams were clamoring to finish last. arizona has 6 more points than us right now, they are on pace to finish with 25 fewer points than last year. they are tanking too.

Whoever wins the lottery gets Mcdavid . But nobody really is tanking for Eichel are they?


- Omahawk

Actually, I think all those who are tanking are tanking for Eichel. Whoever finishes 30th has an 80% chance of getting Eichel. With a 20% chance of McDavid, no one is realistically thinking about him.

I for one will not question whether tanking is the right move or not, obviously it was time for a rebuild in Buffalo (which began last season) so IMO it is the right move. That being said, I will question why any Buffalo fan will question whether they are actually tanking or not. Are you guys trying to build a winner, absolutely. Did you sacrifice this year to help the process? Yes and to argue otherwise is foolish

Regarding the article, what Chris Stewart were you watching this year. His inconsistency is shining through in that he was invisible (for the most part for you guys) and now that he is in a playoff race has clearly turned up his level of play. My only guess is you were watching the Chris Stewart who was going to net you a 1st rounder + at the deadline

Wow...."Buffalo is the better tankers"....there is an accomplishment to hang your hat on.

I hope Buffalo ends up out of the top 2 picks, I really do.....it's a joke the league doesn't step in and stop teams from obviously tanking. It's one thing to unload UFA's and RFA's who you think may not want to re-sign to get some value for them but to unload players in such an obvious attempt to tank is an embarrassment to the league and the game really. Pittsburgh did it back in the day, Buffalo does it now (I mean trading both your starters in the same year?) and nobody stops it. So in order to remain competitive everyone will start doing it....that's how life works, nobody wants to be the only guys playing by the rules or with integrity if it just means losing (games and money).

It disgusts me really.


What I'd actually like to see (it'll never happen but I can dream) is not only the playoffs but a loser side of the playoffs for the "draft cup". Teams who don't make the post season have to play off against one another and whomever wins that tournament gets the #1 pick and where you finish in the tournament is your draft pick spot for the next year.

That way teams who want to 'tank' will suffer for it and it (should in theory) keep teams icing a competitive NHL quality product all season long.

It'll never happen but imagine it did? This year would be the McDavid Cup!



- Cush29

Wow! what a F'n hypocrite you are. A least Buffalo has plausible deniability in their tanking given the fact that they've been bad all season and were dead last last year. What's Toronto's excuse for what they're doing? Shouldn't your precious leafs be punished for their lame ass attempt at tanking? Who are they fooling? Toronto started off the season with every one of you leaf fans giving the hockey world your perennial B.S. about how the cup should just be handed over to Toronto, that the season itself is just some unfortunate formality that Toronto has to go through. Then half-way through the season you guys are forced to except the fact that your team sucks, a fact you guys are forced to except every year, and it becomes TANK ON! But, unfortunately for Toronto fans it's too late for you guys to make up ground on improving your odds for McEichel so out comes the tears on how the league has to punish any team that Toronto can't catch at the bottom of the standings. You may feel teams like Buffalo, Arizona, and Edmonton are cheaters, but they've broken NO rules. What you're really pissed at is the fact that Toronto can't even get tanking right and your team is most likely going to miss out on a chance to get one of two generational talents. Tanking is part of the game, always has been just ask Pitt, Chi, LA, NYI, Tampa, Flor, Mon. and every other team that has multiple top-five picks on their roster. Hell Quebec was the King of tanking 25 Years ago.

Well, I'll give you fans in Toronto this though, at least your management finally sound like they may be committed to a real rebuild (TANK) So maybe next year you're team will be in the running for Austin Matthews, everybody in Buffalo will be rooting for you guys at our draft, You'll recognize us, we'll be the ones wearing the McDavid jerseys.

Intersting attempt at making what is wrong as right. A nice public relations attempt. If you weren't down wth tanking before Christmas you fooled everyone.

I for one will not question whether tanking is the right move or not, obviously it was time for a rebuild in Buffalo (which began last season) so IMO it is the right move. That being said, I will question why any Buffalo fan will question whether they are actually tanking or not. Are you guys trying to build a winner, absolutely. Did you sacrifice this year to help the process? Yes and to argue otherwise is foolish

Regarding the article, what Chris Stewart were you watching this year. His inconsistency is shining through in that he was invisible (for the most part for you guys) and now that he is in a playoff race has clearly turned up his level of play. My only guess is you were watching the Chris Stewart who was going to net you a 1st rounder + at the deadline
- uf1910

Tanking is terrible period. You have to have a rebuild sometimes for sure but you should be actively manipulating the roster to lose games. That is nonsense.

The worst part of it all is the fans who subsidize a billionaire's attempt to rebuild, rebrand his franchise on their dime by appealing to their emptional connction to a team.

Proud to say the Blues never tanked. One of the greedy walmart kids figured they could no get an NBA team deicded to sell the team and traded away great players and let one walk for nothing in return. In fact the Pronger trade was absolutely terrible in the return.

What is happening in Buffalo is a disgrace. The NHL ought to decrease the lottery chnaces for losers more dramatically to keep such crap from occurring.

If you look at some of the trades invovling goaltenders and their retrn it is an absolute farce.

Tanking is terrible period. You have to have a rebuild sometimes for sure but you should be actively manipulating the roster to lose games. That is nonsense.

The worst part of it all is the fans who subsidize a billionaire's attempt to rebuild, rebrand his franchise on their dime by appealing to their emptional connction to a team.

Proud to say the Blues never tanked. One of the greedy walmart kids figured they could no get an NBA team deicded to sell the team and traded away great players and let one walk for nothing in return. In fact the Pronger trade was absolutely terrible in the return.

What is happening in Buffalo is a disgrace. The NHL ought to decrease the lottery chnaces for losers more dramatically to keep such crap from occurring.

If you look at some of the trades invovling goaltenders and their retrn it is an absolute farce.
- BluemanGuruu

I'll say it again. Hate the game, not the player. That's why next season they changed the rules for the 2016 draft...

Tanking is terrible period. You have to have a rebuild sometimes for sure but you should be actively manipulating the roster to lose games. That is nonsense.

The worst part of it all is the fans who subsidize a billionaire's attempt to rebuild, rebrand his franchise on their dime by appealing to their emptional connction to a team.


- BluemanGuruu[url]Proud to say the Blues never tanked. One of the greedy walmart kids figured they could no get an NBA team deicded to sell the team and traded away great players and let one walk for nothing in return. In fact the Pronger trade was absolutely terrible in the return.

[url]What is happening in Buffalo is a disgrace. The NHL ought to decrease the lottery chnaces for losers more dramatically to keep such crap from occurring.

If you look at some of the trades invovling goaltenders and their retrn it is an absolute farce.

Do you care to walk back your statement?

05-06 season, St. Louis Blues finish dead last in the league with 57 pts, win the lottery and pick Eric Johnson with the 1st overall pick.

07-08 finished fourth from the bottom in the league, pick 4th Alex Pietrangelo.

I'll say it again. Hate the game, not the player. That's why next season they changed the rules for the 2016 draft...
- mattsox

Woah Mister...don't you know Buffalo is the ONLY team to EVER tank...like...EVER!

The fact several Buffalo fans have jumped on here to call me a hypocrite (that's a joke in itself if you look where the Leafs have finished traditionally in their playoff drought and what they have done trade wise but I digress) is pretty funny.

The poster who said Buffalo has "plausible deniability" because they were last place last year and have been bad all year? Really? You need to watch less house of cards, and take a look at the trades and returns your GM has made and ask yourself if these were trades they can actually justify as good hockey trades and not tank hockey trades. The answer is pretty clear.

I didn't spout off that the Leafs would win anything....you want to paint all Leaf fans with the brush that's closest to you and the most stereotypical then hey fill your boots...you sound angry about alot but your comment that Toronto can't even get tanking right says it all.

Congrats Buffalo for being the best at tanking.....I repeat myself.

I think Tanking is a joke, and a disgrace period.

Oh and your McDavid jersey sure will look funny when he's playing in the Arizona wont' iT?

IF we are going to just paint fans in stereotypical broad strokes & you want me to engage then........OK Buffalo "we aren't cheaters, we aren't tankers, we will get McDavid, everyone else does it (even if they don't) so don't hate us because we got it right" fans I hope your 4th overall pick is a dud.

I hope you enjoy the trip down the QEW to the Hockey Universe of the world where every kid dreams of playing and every UFA wants to play to come to the ACC and join us in Leafs Nation amongst the Sea of Blue to watch McDavid wearing his Leafs Jersey (the one he grew up dreaming of wearing) get a hatty to beat your Sabres with your 4th string AHL goalie in net while you "tank the best" again for the next few years and Toronto plans the parade.

If you wanna hate me I might was well give you everything you need to do so and then some.

Enjoy!

Woah Mister...don't you know Buffalo is the ONLY team to EVER tank...like...EVER!
- stashu

Hey Ref - I don't recall reading that anyone said that....in fact I read alot of people on here saying lots of teams have done it. I think every time it is or was done is wrong equally.

Do you care to walk back your statement?

05-06 season, St. Louis Blues finish dead last in the league with 57 pts, win the lottery and pick Eric Johnson with the 1st overall pick.

07-08 finished fourth from the bottom in the league, pick 4th Alex Pietrangelo.



- sskkoo1

Oh did they trade both their starters in those 2 years for absolute garbage returns? I forget?

Oh did they trade both their starters in those 2 years for absolute garbage returns? I forget?
- Cush29

Or were they UFAs to be and they let them walk for nothing? GMs can't win no matter what the circumstances are.