I don’t think it even makes sense for ARZ to want to trade up though

If they just keep OEL, they’re set in defense
Then just draft whichever Winger they like best to help up front
- jdfitz77

All depends on what OEL wants to do. He is entering his last year under contract and he could walk.

I doubt they would get anywhere near a type of player like Dahlin at the deadline for him

I never liked the rehire of Nolan, but I also hate acting like he was the biggest moron on the planet.

He did get the most out of certain players, and ALWAYS got the most out of his goaltenders.

Great blog Michael.

Any thoughts on the sabres ownership trying to build a Pittsburgh type organization?

Basically trying draft high for 5 years in a row?
Risto
Sam
Eichel
Nylander
Mitts
2018 high pick

1 or 2 of those picks were misses , so maybe year 6 was necessary?

Why have a coach motivate this team out of 30th and into 22nd?

Ted or lindy would have done that in my opinion.

Sabres hire nice, soft spoken coaches to get that high pick. The pegulas have a plan. Hopefully we didn't miss on 2 of the last 6 picks, where we need to tank again next year.

I think we come out firing next season.

88-95 points

I don’t think it even makes sense for ARZ to want to trade up though

If they just keep OEL, they’re set in defense
Then just draft whichever Winger they like best to help up front
- jdfitz77

What happens when arizona wins the lottery. Biff willing to trade say 2nd oa middlesadt and guhle for 1st oa?

@Wetbandit1 thank you for the response.

Yes he's staying in Burj Al Arab.

Not sure if I quite get this article but you make it sound like it's Housley's fault for not being able to motivate players.

I totally disagree. The days of Scotty Bowman and Punch Imlach using scare tactics and playing mind games with players are long gone.

Today's NHL players are from a different generation. They are smarter and faster and are motivated through different means than being afraid of the coach.

Housley will do just fine once Botterill gets certain bums like Girgensons, Larsson and Pouliet off the team and replaced with younger self-motivated players.

BTW - I recall teams like Pittsburg, Detroit and Chicago being called "weak sister" teams back in the 70's and 80's when it was Buffalo who beat up on them.

I have seen this take repeatedly now, Let's start naming names. Pull the players into the light.

I think Housley deserves more than just a year.
The defense is atrocious and a goalie that guarantees a shootout loss among other things.

The best step forward was axing GMTM. You can’t overpay just Bc you can... trade wise and especially for FA non superstars

What happens when arizona wins the lottery. Biff willing to trade say 2nd oa middlesadt and guhle for 1st oa?
- devias69

Maybe if u swap Nylander in for Mittelstadt?
We really do need a #1defenseman

It's going to suck when Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton or hell Chicago wins the lottery
- Stripes77

If Edmonton and Chicago win the lottery, I think I'll probably be done with hockey. Life is too damn short for this poop. Maybe take up gardening, fly-fishing, join a bocce ball club.

If it is, in fact, as Vogl puts it, that Housley is always dead on with his scouting reports and the opposition game plan, then it's on the players to follow what the Sabres' coaches game plan is.

If it is, in fact, as Vogl puts it, that Housley is always dead on with his scouting reports and the opposition game plan, then it's on the players to follow what the Sabres' coaches game plan is.
- Powerslave

I think it's also lack of talent. Some of these guys can't do what the coach is asking. Not even because they aren't listening, but that they just aren't smart enough, ect.

Murray fired Nolan because he wanted Nolan to know he was in charge and also Nolan didn't sit in the corner quietly, Murray wanted everyone to know he was in charge except, Murray was the one that was lost. Housley isn't the coach for this team, he's not what they need. Murray was just to reckless.

ROR has nothing to do with the lottery silly. Although without him we might have laine or mathews...oops did it anyways
- Sabresfan-365

I get this point of view, but they also might have had Pierre-Luc Dubois or Olli Juolevi.

No, all he did was finesse his way past four guys. Bust, should trade the pick for a d-man that hits hard and scores exclusively on the power play.
- Sabresfan-365

You misunderstand me. I think talk of trading the pick is asinine.

However, you pull that in the NHL and DON'T score, you've just put yourself horribly out of position, and chances are good that the puck is ending up in your own net.

So, what are his finishing skills like? Snarky McSnarkerson

I get this point of view, but they also might have had Pierre-Luc Dubois or Olli Juolevi.
- kingcong39

Dubois has been excellent the last 40 games. He’s already scoring st the NHL level

Don't do meth

Murray fired Nolan because he wanted Nolan to know he was in charge and also Nolan didn't sit in the corner quietly, Murray wanted everyone to know he was in charge except, Murray was the one that was lost. Housley isn't the coach for this team, he's not what they need. Murray was just to reckless.
- SABRES 89

I said Tortorella and got laughed at

What happens when arizona wins the lottery. Biff willing to trade say 2nd oa middlesadt and guhle for 1st oa?
- devias69

Mittelstadt and Guhle to move up 1 spot? Dahlin might be a true #1 Dman, but there's no way in hell the Sabres pay that price. I don't see this move happening, but if it did, I think Reinhart might be the price.

I said Tortorella and got laughed at


- 22sabresQ

There's a reason my quote is from Torts. Dude is a hell of a coach.

Bustlander has a point again today, that’s like 5 games in a row.... FINALLY some life

What happens when arizona wins the lottery. Biff willing to trade say 2nd oa middlesadt and guhle for 1st oa?
- devias69

No freaking way... and it’s mittlestadt.

Bustlander has a point again today, that’s like 5 games in a row.... FINALLY some life
- gordong

Secondary PP Apple but hey we’ll take anything at this point.

Secondary PP Apple but hey we’ll take anything at this point.
- Pegullaville

Yes we will

Yes we will
- gordong

He has picked it up as of late. His assist the other night on Malone’s goal was a thing of beauty. He just needs to be consistent the rest of the way through and I’ll start believing again.