those teams had a core in place. We've got a guy who broke a faceoff record

There are too many missing pieces for botts to address in one off season
- Sabresfan-365

We have a decent core.

Ror had 61 points . That's pretty good.

We are way better set up then the last time we finished dead last.

Doubters gonna doubt

If were this bad next year, he'll be on the hot seat, but might not be canned. This season was a stroke of genius. He put together a last place team with some of the best centers in the NHL. Buy having wingers who can't finish and a defense consisting of rookies, Nelson, Guhle, Antipin, along with guy's who've lost the ability to play at an NHL level, Gorges, Bogo, Tenny, Falk, GMJB tanked without looking like a blatant tank job.

With a top 3 pick, Mitts, and Rochester turned around, I think Pegula is probably high on his GM.
- sskkoo1

Your first sentence is where I'm at as I think even if they finish last overall again next year, he'll get a 3rd season, but the pitchforks will be out in full force. Ditto for Housley.

I played with a defenseman from Japan that would smoke a joint right before warm-ups. He was the smoothest skater I’ve ever seen, the GM found out and made him quit. He sucked balls after that, 2 weeks later GM gave him the “green” light again, all was well.
- washedup20

I use to blaze some superman and play roller hockey.
20 years ago
My girl at the time would say , you could be a lot better if you didn't smoke before every game.
Seemed like I was a lot smoother and faster blazed.
I never actually had the (non-sample game) to compare.
I will never know

Completely no-snark question: can a 2nd line center be a core piece?

I would say yes. It's probably the 4th-most important position on the team (1c, 1D, goalie 2c)
- jcragcrumple

Yes, and should be in general.
I have my reservations with a ROR as a leader though, and I think the core has to be the leadership group, not just most talented.
They need to hold each other accountable as well as the rest of the roster.

I'm not sure why, but I'd rather see Bruins v Leafs in the first round, as opposed to the B's taking the top spot. So I guess, Go Panthers?
- PrinceChill

Because one of the 2 teams buffalo fans hate most is instantly eliminated.?

Maybe?

We have a decent core.

Ror had 61 points . That's pretty good.

We are way better set up then the last time we finished dead last.

Doubters gonna doubt
- Boss34

It’s certainly possible we jump up the standings
But calling us “contenders” is crazy

There’s 16 teams who made the playoffs,
and a handful who just missed
They’re way more established as a contender than we are

Guys like Vanek in their mid30s are chasing a Cup
Even if we take a leap up the standings,
we are no Cup contender

Vanek will have MUCH better options than signing with a team who HOPES to be better next year

Yes, and should be in general.
I have my reservations with a ROR as a leader though, and I think the core has to be the leadership group, not just most talented.
They need to hold each other accountable as well as the rest of the roster.
- IonSabres

Not that i disagree with any of that,
but isn’t it also the kind of stuff u hear from every losing team?

I’d guess there were similar things said about the Colorado locker room last year for example

“Leadership” is a pretty overused & overrated term imo

Because one of the 2 teams buffalo fans hate most is instantly eliminated.?

Maybe?
- Boss34

Well, they do have an interesting playoff history. I think either one could come out on top, but yes, you're right. Only one could advance.

It’s like acid rain in Florida (not really but it’s hot ) lol

Your first sentence is where I'm at as I think even if they finish last overall again next year, he'll get a 3rd season, but the pitchforks will be out in full force. Ditto for Housley.
- kingcong39

The logical side of me says, "There's no way they can be bottom 5 next season," but history has proved otherwise. I just don't know anymore.

https://deadspin.com/hoo-...way-imaginable-1825088854

I'm a Padres, Bills and Sabres fan. I must be the dumbest person on the planet

I played with a defenseman from Japan that would smoke a joint right before warm-ups.
- washedup20

Was his name Hiszutzi Scores?

I use to blaze some superman and play roller hockey.
20 years ago
My girl at the time would say , you could be a lot better if you didn't smoke before every game.
Seemed like I was a lot smoother and faster blazed.
I never actually had the (non-sample game) to compare.
I will never know
- Boss34

Way to go out on a high note...

Was his name Hiszutzi Scores?
- LandlordTom

B+

The logical side of me says, "There's no way they can be bottom 5 next season," but history has proved otherwise. I just don't know anymore.
- sskkoo1

I think we will have a season like Carolina did this year. Won't be a complete dumpster fire but will not make the playoffs. But really we would be better off finishing top 5 and getting a better player.

Grigorenko would’ve been a better investment than Girgensons...I said it

Grigorenko would’ve been a better investment than Girgensons...I said it
- washedup20

And with THAT ladies and gentlemen...

...the offseason begins.

Was his name Hiszutzi Scores?
- LandlordTom

Looking at the unrestricted free agents that are available next year, a few not-out-of-the-realm-of-possibility names jump out. I focused of players in their 20's without huge previous contracts:
Mark Stone
Calvin de Haan
Andreas Athanasiou

I use to blaze some superman and play roller hockey.
20 years ago
My girl at the time would say , you could be a lot better if you didn't smoke before every game.
Seemed like I was a lot smoother and faster blazed.
I never actually had the (non-sample game) to compare.
I will never know
- Boss34

Cheech- "Hey man, am I driving too fast?"
Chong- "Dude, we're parked!"

In high school I played baseball high once. I was very paranoid that the coach would know. I went to the plate in the top of first and the ball looked like a bb coming in. The coach never let on that he could tell and I relaxed after that. The next 2 times up the ball looked like a beach ball coming in and I hit two of the longest shots I'd ever hit.

Lol, uptight, judgmental people like that that are the ones who probably need to burn one.
- Ratsreign

yup

Way to go out on a high note...
- washedup20

🙂

Looking at the unrestricted free agents that are available next year, a few not-out-of-the-realm-of-possibility names jump out. I focused of players in their 20's without huge previous contracts:
Mark Stone
Calvin de Haan
Andreas Athanasiou
- PrinceChill

I think Stone and Athanasiou are RFA’s. They could use a 4th line Center from free agency. Bring Schaller back.

-john vogl, BN


No idea what they're gonna do, obviously, but with Reinhart, Okposo and Pominville ahead of him on the depth chart, he's not gonna be getting an good looks next year. Is it really worth playing him on the 4th line?

Maybe package him in some form to offload Bogo if possible
- jcragcrumple

I think either Baptiste or Bailey will get traded this summer. Given their waiver status, RW depth chart, performance this season, and their defensive deficiencies, I don't think they want them both in the opening night lineup. I know they have ardent defenders here, who think 3 seasons and 50'ish NHL games hasn't been an adequate opportunity. I think JB has formed his opinion on them, and they both hold some trade value. It's the right time to flip one to address LW or another need.

1) we hope we can be a playoff contender

2) there’s teams who are established playoff contenders

3) there’s teams who are Cup contenders

Vanek will have much better opportunities than to sign with us

It’s not even arguable
Saying we are contenders is ridiculous
- jdfitz77

We have a very good core of young players.
Colorado was worse last year then we are this year points wize. That's not arguable.

How's my Casey prediction so far. 5 points in 6 games.
Still think he's going to stay in school or play in Rochester?

Top 3 rookie next year, that's before he played these 6 games.