Let's explore a simple issue with two simple questions:

1. Does ANYONE on this page genuinely believe that the team ISN'T striving to be better?

2. Do people on this page prefer to recognize the steps that have been taken to get better, or do we prefer to fret over the work that remains to be done.
- SomeoneGerman

1. God I hope not, 2 years of tanking was enough.

2. I dont disregard the steps/efforts that have been taken to get better, I question whether they will actually result in us being better or being good enough to make the playoffs.

The timeframe is pretty important to me. I know most seem to be okay with a step forward yet missing the playoffs but for me its all about 17-18. Eichel and Reinhart going into year 3 still making next to nothing. Can't let that chance slip. Thats why I want them to get into the playoffs now so that they're set up well for next year.

3. Just to clarify, I was referring to myself as the idiot incase anyone thought otherwise.

I would say you guys are screwed in either scenario, as Lehner is a bad goalie.
- rangerdanger94


Our season is doomed i guess because even healthy Lehner is bad.
- CoHo_to_B-Lo

Goaltending is never the problem here. The only time it was a problem was when we were trying to lose games and no matter how bad of a goalie we got he was standing on his head.

If I wanted to reward trying, I'd hire Ted Nolan
- sbroads24

OK.

So don't measure the effort. Measure the accomplishments.

13/14: 52 points
14/15: 54 points
15/16: 81 points

We're better this year than last. Where's the problem, Mister?

EDIT:

This has already happened, and I was in the barn to watch my 15 year old kid react to it.



Did you see the look in the eyes of this crusty old guy, who has been around this franchise as long as anyone? Did you see the look in the eyes of the jarheaded galoot who made his living getting mashed in the face for the love of the game? Can you imagine the look in the eyes of my 15 year old kid when it happened?

Measure the accomplishments. Root now. We're going to be good NOW.

SECOND EDIT:

Everybody do yourself a favor watching this clip. Start at 0:02 to 0:05 and watch the security guy step forward to pay attention. He believes something is going to happen he doesn't want to miss.

Now, freeze it at 0:06. Notice (i) the focus on RJ's face as he watches and calls the action and (ii) anxiety on Razor's face as his glance leaves the action and checks the clock to see if there is enough time.

Then freeze it again at 0:15. Notice how both of them are grinning ear to ear??

That lift in emotion, that roller coaster from stress and anxiety to wondrous happiness, is what we get from being a fan. It should be why we watch sports. Try to spend more time at 0:15, and less at 0:06. And don't throw away the moments the security guy is having from 0:02 to 0:05. It's worth believing something good is going to happen.

1. God I hope not, 2 years of tanking was enough.

2. I dont disregard the steps/efforts that have been taken to get better, I question whether they will actually result in us being better or being good enough to make the playoffs.

The timeframe is pretty important to me. I know most seem to be okay with a step forward yet missing the playoffs but for me its all about 17-18. Eichel and Reinhart going into year 3 still making next to nothing. Can't let that chance slip. Thats why I want them to get into the playoffs now so that they're set up well for next year.

3. Just to clarify, I was referring to myself as the idiot incase anyone thought otherwise.
- Sabresfan-365

Jack and Sam need to take off this season and show that it's not just a contract year if they wait till 17-18 to blossom.

oh... and thanks for being honest . We saw it but wanted to be polite.

Hi All,

PM me if you need tickets to the Blue Jays Wild Card game tomorrow.

Cheers.

Hi All,

PM me if you need tickets to the Blue Jays Wild Card game tomorrow.

Cheers.
- As_I_See_It

Dammit I picked a terrible time to move back

Goaltending is never the problem here. The only time it was a problem was when we were trying to lose games and no matter how bad of a goalie we got he was standing on his head.
- Sabresfan-365

lalime, tblow and back up bob essensa just added you to their christmas card list

OK.

So don't measure the effort. Measure the accomplishments.

13/14: 52 points
14/15: 54 points
15/16: 81 points

We're better this year than last. Where's the problem, Mister?
- SomeoneGerman

The misconception is that there is a "problem". There's not. There are questions.

Just keep in mind, we purposely lost a ton of games, and had unwatchable hockey for about 3 years, to put ourselves in a position to win a cup pretty soon.

Being "good" again, wont satisfy this fan base. Just like the Bills being 8-8 won't satisfy the fan base.

IMO, and the opinion of some others, Murray is building an 8-8, 9-7 hockey team right now.

I'll be be THRILLED if we make the playoffs, and won't sit in my chair the entire series. I just know that eventually it has to be more.

I have been looking towards 17-18 for 2 years now. That's our year. Murray has a lot of work to do

I guess I don't need to pony up the money for Center Ice or GameCenter since we will be dead last this year (in the Atlantic).

I guess I don't need to pony up the money for Center Ice or GameCenter since we will be dead last this year (in the Atlantic).
- jochfr

Vegas will have a better record than us this year

Vegas will have a better record than us this year
- sbroads24

Cancel the season now!

Last in the atlantic

Last in the atlantic
- feetontheair22

And last in everyones heart...

Goaltending is never the problem here. The only time it was a problem was when we were trying to lose games and no matter how bad of a goalie we got he was standing on his head.
- Sabresfan-365

Very true. I'd like to see Lehners GAA come down a bit from last year, and I get that 21 games is kind of a small sample size, but a .924 sv% is something that we can build around, IMO.

And last in everyones heart...
- jochfr

Matthews prevails....leafs for the cup

The misconception is that there is a "problem". There's not. There are questions.

Just keep in mind, we purposely lost a ton of games, and had unwatchable hockey for about 3 years, to put ourselves in a position to win a cup pretty soon.

Being "good" again, wont satisfy this fan base. Just like the Bills being 8-8 won't satisfy the fan base.

IMO, and the opinion of some others, Murray is building an 8-8, 9-7 hockey team right now.

I'll be be THRILLED if we make the playoffs, and won't sit in my chair the entire series. I just know that eventually it has to be more.

I have been looking towards 17-18 for 2 years now. That's our year. Murray has a lot of work to do
- sbroads24

I am a glass half-full optimist when it comes to the Sabres. I initially thought they were bound for 90 - 95 points and in the 8 - 10 range in the Eastern conference, meaning they should be playing meaningful games in March. However, our lack of depth is alarming. If the Sabres get any significant injuries we could be sliding down to a 78 - 84 point season.

For instance, many on this thread aren't Bogo or Kuli supporters. Can you imagine where we will be without the two of them (groin/tailbone respectively) being 100% healthy? We all have our concerns about Lehner's health; without him play at a high level, we will be "playoff challenged" to say the least. As Pach pointed out earlier, we need Molson, Girgs and Ennis to really step up this year. And let's not even start with "where's Risto".

I have been an advocate of Murray and the trades/drafting he has done. However, at this time, there are too many "ifs" with the current roster. Who knows, maybe Derek Grant turns in a Warren Young type year and pops 30!

I am a glass half-full optimist when it comes to the Sabres. I initially thought they were bound for 90 - 95 points and in the 8 - 10 range in the Eastern conference, meaning they should be playing meaningful games in March. However, our lack of depth is alarming. If the Sabres get any significant injuries we could be sliding down to a 78 - 84 point season.

For instance, many on this thread aren't Bogo or Kuli supporters. Can you imagine where we will be without the two of them (groin/tailbone respectively) being 100% healthy? We all have our concerns about Lehner's health; without him play at a high level, we will be "playoff challenged" to say the least. As Pach pointed out earlier, we need Molson, Girgs and Ennis to really step up this year. And let's not even start with "where's Risto".

I have been an advocate of Murray and the trades/drafting he has done. However, at this time, there are too many "ifs" with the current roster. Who knows, maybe Derek Grant turns in a Warren Young type year and pops 30!
- SabreWest

I actually think that the 2nd pair of McCabe-Bogo might be the best pair in terms of there role

Matthews prevails....leafs for the cup
- feetontheair22

Think he is in Cuba right now .. heading too Florida.

Cancel the season now!
- jochfr

Another gift to Uncle Bryan

Matthews prevails....leafs for the cup
- feetontheair22

Another gift to Uncle Bryan
- sbroads24

Moulson:

“We talked about exactly what he needed to do, and he’s done it,” coach Dan Bylsma said. “His game, how he’s played, how he’s skated, how he’s played with the puck, it’s been a significant difference right from the start of training camp.”

Nothing wrong with a little optimism in the afternoon.

Moulson:

“We talked about exactly what he needed to do, and he’s done it,” coach Dan Bylsma said. “His game, how he’s played, how he’s skated, how he’s played with the puck, it’s been a significant difference right from the start of training camp.”

Nothing wrong with a little optimism in the afternoon.
- TheSabresTaco

Don't you know? The sky is falling!!!

Did they make the playoffs yet or are they trying to break the Bills record?

Did they make the playoffs yet or are they trying to break the Bills record?
- rapperray

We have to wait till after tomorrows game Ray .