I have standards, but my standards are for the long term. I also have realistic expectations for the short term. If this team is playing meaningful games at the end of the season, that's a win in my book. We always talk about "next year is our year". I want it to be this year too, but we can't just keep cycling GMs and coaches and expect different results. I haven't seen anything super bad from Botts. He seems very methodical in his approach. I don't think that there was ever going to be a fast turn around from the Murray years. I feel like he put them in a place where they can improve this year, and then next year contend. - ajb2493
I think keeping Housley and expecting a different result would have been the wrong move.
Location: We are in 30th place. It's 2017 , NY Joined: 02.12.2012
Jul 22 @ 4:10 PM ET
Why would I want that?
I want the team to make the playoffs in his 3rd year. I'm surprised that so many fans have started selecting their JB excuses already. In his 3rd year, playoffs should be expected. That's it - jcragcrumple
There’s a difference between excuses and just plain being realistic
It’s not realistic to expect this team to jump TB Bos or TOR.
It’s going to be a fight for the WC.
This GM doesn’t have the luxury of John Tavares wanting to play for us for no assets
Or Steven Stamkos/Kucherov taking modest deals to stay.
He has to live on his drafting. Which we haven’t see come to fruition yet.
Again, if the supporting cast he’s built falls apart or Krueger is a disaster then it’s tome to have that discussion
Who is talking about tanking?
You’re going way overboard here... again - jdfitz77
Pick whatever place keeper word suits your taste, but the gist of it is that we're talking about waiting another year to be good. And most are cool with it. It's just super surprising to me
Location: I said that months ago, keep up!, FL Joined: 03.10.2013
Jul 22 @ 4:17 PM ET
Why would I want that?
I want the team to make the playoffs in his 3rd year. I'm surprised that so many fans have started selecting their JB excuses already. In his 3rd year, playoffs should be expected. That's it - jcragcrumple
Everyone wants the team to compete for a playoff spot.
The reality is this upcoming season is going to be difficult for that to be realized when 1/3 of the roster still sucks even after a busy offseason of some pretty decent moves. That 1/3 has 1 year left on pretty costly contracts, and therefore are difficult to move, hence we are very likely stuck with them.
Again, your self-imposed 3 year to compete rule is premature by 1 year is this case.
Set you sights to realize the reality, and look for the pieces they intend to retain to play like they should be retained ... if that happens, it is a win.
Pick whatever place keeper word suits your taste, but the gist of it is that we're talking about waiting another year to be good. And most are cool with it. It's just super surprising to me - jcragcrumple
That’s not what ppl “want”
That’s what they’re willing to accept based on realistic expectations
We don’t “want” to wait
But we also don’t think there’s moves to be made that will have us 2nd in the division either
What moves do u think can be made so that we’d be a “lock” for the playoffs???
The discussion started with the Sabres are currently projected at 83.5 points for odds.
That is the 5th worst point total projection.
That is another tank year of those projections hold true. - ImThatGuy
If they hit that projection, they won't be 5th worse. They won't even be bottom 10. Calling it a tank year because of this is a giant leap and disingenuous.
Location: I AM MY OWN DAMN SOURCE!, NY Joined: 11.04.2010
Jul 22 @ 4:27 PM ET
If they hit that projection, they won't be 5th worse. They won't even be bottom 10. Calling it a tank year because of this is a giant leap and disingenuous. - Lunaion
Again, based on point projections they are 5th worst.
That’s what they’re willing to accept based on realistic expectations
We don’t “want” to wait
But we also don’t think there’s moves to be made that will have us 2nd in the division either
What moves do u think can be made so that we’d be a “lock” for the playoffs??? - jdfitz77
I think one of those moves is still coming this summer, and that move, whatever it is, will give us a better chance to compete. My point is that if it doesn't happen, and we aren't good, Botterill should pay the PRICE. 3 years is more than enough time.
