C'mon.

I mean, I know we're (frank)ing atrocious, but he'll be unsalvageable after two years?

He's much too smart of a player. He's succeeding in his rookie season DESPITE his coach's shortcomings.
- Powerslave

This is Buffalo. I don't trust this organization to do anything right. I think they have already compromised Mittlestadt's development by thrusting him into a role prematurely.

Can't help but wonder if Dahlin is going to be shattered by his experience here.

Dude was a can't miss prospect, perhaps generational for his position, and he has gotten progressively worse in this toxic environment.

Another year playing for this coaching staff and he might not be salvageable.
- Losman

he just burned out.... The most games he has ever played... he's still damn good.

wing up 5-3 now...

he just burned out.... The most games he has ever played... he's still damn good.
- gordong

What he’s done at the age of 18 has been done once in the history of the NHL (by his coach no less). Swedish Jesus will be just fine.

wing up 5-3 now...
- gordong

It’s a good night.

What he’s done at the age of 18 has been done once in the history of the NHL (by his coach no less). Swedish Jesus will be just fine.
- Pegullaville

But maybe if he didn't play so well, the Sabres would be in 31st place instead of where we're at now. Aquiring Skinner probably prevented us from finishing 31st too.

Yes, the Sabres are now in 4th place for the draft! Thank you Detroit and thank you Housley for your leadership ability of getting the worst out of your players!

But maybe if he didn't play so well, the Sabres would be in 31st place instead of where we're at now. Aquiring Skinner probably prevented us from finishing 31st too.
- PrinceChill

It’s up to the lotto gods now. 4th best odds. Maybe New Jersey even catches us but that would be something.

It’s up to the lotto gods now. 4th best odds. Maybe New Jersey even catches us but that would be something.
- Pegullaville

Let's just hope that someone below us doesn't win and drop us 4 spots like it did, what, 3 years ago?

buffalo now in 4th...

buffalo now in 4th...
- gordong

Buf and Detroit have identical records, why is Detroit ahead of them? What tiebreaker?

Let's just hope that someone below us doesn't win and drop us 4 spots like it did, what, 3 years ago?
- Powerslave

Unless we are picking 1 or 2 I think the players in the 3-7 tier could be interchangeable depending on team preference and need. Bowen Bryam could very well go 3, would we take another d-man at 3 ? I would think Turcotte is a better team fit for us as he’s the best 200 ft Centre in the draft but another team might value Zegras more becuase he may have a higher ceiling and he could be a Barzal for a franchise. Maybe Botts does value Zegras over Turcotte. Maybe Botts wants Podkolzin. Maybe Botts sees Krebs and thinks he can be the next Toews and was stuck on a poopty Kootenany team.

Obviously it’s better to at least pick higher so we get our choice of who we would want out of that tier of talent.

Buf and Detroit have identical records, why is Detroit ahead of them? What tiebreaker?
- turbo044

More Regulation/Overtime victories then us.

Buf and Detroit have identical records, why is Detroit ahead of them? What tiebreaker?
- turbo044

2 more ROW's then we have

We probably end up at 2 I don’t see us winning another game

Unless we are picking 1 or 2 I think the players in the 3-7 tier could be interchangeable depending on team preference and need. Bowen Bryam could very well go 3, would we take another d-man at 3 ? I would think Turcotte is a better team fit for us as he’s the best 200 ft Centre in the draft but another team might value Zegras more becuase he may have a higher ceiling and he could be a Barzal for a franchise. Maybe Botts does value Zegras over Turcotte. Maybe Botts wants Podkolzin. Maybe Botts sees Krebs and thinks he can be the next Toews and was stuck on a poopty Kootenany team.

Obviously it’s better to at least pick higher so we get our choice of who we would want out of that tier of talent.
- Pegullaville

Draft certainly gets interesting at 3. Maybe Botts would like the Dman, but I'm hoping for a forward of some sort. You guys here have me really sold on Turcotte and I like Zergas quite a bit too.

Draft certainly gets interesting at 3. Maybe Botts would like the Dman, but I'm hoping for a forward of some sort. You guys here have me really sold on Turcotte and I like Zergas quite a bit too.
- PrinceChill

Cozens could very well be our guy as well. We should get a really good player here moving forward. With a core of Eichel, Dahlin, Sam, Mitts, Top 5 pick and UPL we will be a solid team at some point. If not then Buffalo really is where dreams go to die.

Cozens could very well be our guy as well. We should get a really good player here moving forward. With a core of Eichel, Dahlin, Sam, Mitts, Top 5 pick and UPL we will be a solid team at some point. If not then Buffalo really is where dreams go to die.
- Pegullaville

I mentioned Cozens’ name a few days ago. Seems like the definition of a character guy. I could picture the Pegulas going for a guy like that.

Cozens could very well be our guy as well. We should get a really good player here moving forward. With a core of Eichel, Dahlin, Sam, Mitts, Top 5 pick and UPL we will be a solid team at some point. If not then Buffalo really is where dreams go to die.
- Pegullaville

I think you need to add Montour to that core.

I might stand alone here in this emotion but, I actually feel bad for Phil 'the person'.

This group is talented but, not very talented.

It's young and mistake-laden.

Is/was coach Phil over his head?
It's possible.

My opinion?
This is not all on coach Phil's coaching abilities.

There are many over-rated players on this group of Sabres in my opinion.
Jack is one of them.

He is/was that nice shiny rock that seemingly appears to be dulling over time.
In my opinion, Jack is not elite.
Further, speaking from over 30 years of leadership experience, Jack in front of the camera at least seems to be lacking in that area as well.

This particular group lacks in many areas.

Listening to Jake McCabe's interview after last night's game?
I almost feel like this franchise is right back to square one again.

What are the answers moving forward into next year?
I have no idea.

But I do know this much.
This fanbase has been more than patient with this hockey team and deserves better!

I might stand alone here in this emotion but, I actually feel bad for Phil 'the person'.

This group is talented but, not very talented.

It's young and mistake-laden.

Is/was coach Phil over his head?
It's possible.

My opinion?
This is not all on coach Phil's coaching abilities.

There are many over-rated players on this group of Sabres in my opinion.
Jack is one of them.

He is/was that nice shiny rock that seemingly appears to be dulling over time.
In my opinion, Jack is not elite.
Further, speaking from over 30 years of leadership experience, Jack in front of the camera at least seems to be lacking in that area as well.

This particular group lacks in many areas.

Listening to Jake McCabe's interview after last night's game?
I almost feel like this franchise is right back to square one again.

What are the answers moving forward into next year?
I have no idea.

But I do know this much.
This fanbase has been more than patient with this hockey team and deserves better!
- Over50

So do I. Phil the player was amazing. Phil the person seems like a great guy. I would love to meet him. Phil the coach is underwhelming at best.

I might stand alone here in this emotion but, I actually feel bad for Phil 'the person'.

This group is talented but, not very talented.

It's young and mistake-laden.

Is/was coach Phil over his head?
It's possible.

My opinion?
This is not all on coach Phil's coaching abilities.

There are many over-rated players on this group of Sabres in my opinion.
Jack is one of them.

He is/was that nice shiny rock that seemingly appears to be dulling over time.
In my opinion, Jack is not elite.
Further, speaking from over 30 years of leadership experience, Jack in front of the camera at least seems to be lacking in that area as well.

This particular group lacks in many areas.

Listening to Jake McCabe's interview after last night's game?
I almost feel like this franchise is right back to square one again.

What are the answers moving forward into next year?
I have no idea.

But I do know this much.
This fanbase has been more than patient with this hockey team and deserves better!
- Over50

Jack Eichel plays with Bags of Poop. He is not the problem. Housley is in way over his head. Nice guy, poopity coach.

This team is literally the worst team I have seen in my life. I have been watching hockey since I was 6, I am now 46, so 40 years of watching, this team is the worst.

They play with no heart, No Passion, they can't pass, they cant score or many nights even hit the net. They run around like pee-wee hockey chasing the puck instead of playing sound positional sound hockey.

Some people play golf, some people bowl or do other activities to get a l little "me time" for me, I live and die for Buffalo Sports, especially Sabres Hockey. For those 2-3 hours, 2-3 times a week, I do nothing but sit in front of my TV and watch hockey. It is my time to forget about the world and watch the team I have followed my entire life. Watching this team, I like ROR have lost my passion for the Sabres. For the first time in my life I am in the position to purchase Season tickets, I gave them my $200.00 for the blue and gold club and I can honestly say, as it stands right now, I will just cut my losses and they can keep the $200.00. I have spent too much of my hard earned money on this team to watch this franking awful hockey.

it is just sad....

Jack Eichel plays with Bags of Poop. He is not the problem. Housley is in way over his head. Nice guy, poopity coach.

This team is literally the worst team I have seen in my life. I have been watching hockey since I was 6, I am now 46, so 40 years of watching this team is the worst.

They play with no heart, No Passion, they can't pass, they cant score or many nights even hit the net. They run around like pee-wee hockey chasing the puck instead of playing sound positional sound hockey. It is so frustrating....
- hehateme

You are not wrong.
I would submit to you that the problem is multi-headed
-Roster = GM
-On-ice Play = Players
-In-Game decisions =Coach

The easiest to change is the Coach. The last 3-1/2 months of decline is unacceptable. No answers were found. I'm good with making a change here.

The most difficult to change is the players due to contracts and sheer number of players. The most efficient way to change is to weed out those who don't fit the desired profile ... whatever that profile is. A surgical approach versus a shotgun approach.
IMO the issues are more mental than physical. The team plays soft, wilts under pressure and lacks conviction.

I'm not there so I can't say with certainty who the problems are...but the GM after two years had better know it by now. The honeymoon is over for Botts. Time to shine or get out.

Jack Eichel plays with Bags of Poop. ...
- hehateme

skinner
reinhart


up and comers olofsson
nylander



yeah Jack plays with scrubs


when was the last time jack played an entire game with sobotka, okposo, larsson, girgens, wilson

etc

The last 3-1/2 months of decline is unacceptable. No answers were found. I'm good with making a change here.


- IonSabres

that falls on EVERY sabre that played during this stretch and the higher ups


doesn't matter if it's girgens, larsson, sobotka, okposo, e-rod

or eichel, reinhart, skinner, sheary, casey, tage



doesn't matter if it's hunwick, nelson, pilut, scandella

or bogo, dahlin, risto or mccabe


hutton, ullmark

phil, botts

terry, black widow



everyone of them is responsible for this sh!t storm


every single one of them