Thank you for asking,

I think we need as many good hockey minds on this staff as possible, I believe we still aren't clear of the trouble we've had with hiring good staff. - I want people with the most experienced track record of success we can find.

A lot of the improvements we've seen since Krueger was poop-canned could be attested two things: the weight be lifted off the players, things are fun again. But fun only lasts so long. As well as Granato specifically just letting the players play how they want - but this isn't an effective long term coaching strategy. If we hire Granato (who's done a great job this season) I think next season we'll be right back in the basement and calling for his head by the halfway point. Call it a gut feeling
- chilliard77

Just curious why Granato can't continue to have success, letting the players play to their strengths. Every good coach you just mentioned had to start somewhere (and usually it is with a poor team. How often are new coaches handed perennial cup challengers). Just a flip side to the coin.

I still hold the same views although meatballs is growing on me, so i can chime in too

Granato is the juxtaposition of the black hole hellscape that was krueger. He's just playing the skilled players and its obviously better. It is definitely being overhyped because krueger was just that awful.

This is *almost* about what the team was under housley's 10 game winning streak era. Wow! look at them! learning how to win! When they're on somewhat of a shooting percentage/save percentage heater

teams naturally gravitate towards the opposite of what they just had that didn't work. doesn't have to mean its the best option though.
- robz228

I won't stand here and definitively tell you that Donnie is the best option. No one could honestly know that. And whoever the next coach is, needs to be the right one.

The point I don't agree with is that Donnie is being overhyped. Krueger truly was awful. But it's how this team and the individuals are rapidly rebounding from being thrown in the tar pits. The attitude of the team, the aggressive nature of the play style, the development of the kids, the overall increase of almost every individual analytic.. what's happening is that a coach is implementing a style that fits his bench, enabling his players to succeed, and a modern system that actually works and wins in the NHL. The talent here is lacking and/or young and haven't reached their primes.

Phil Housley won because of goaltending quality that was bound to heavily regress, lacked the talent to consistently win (rolled one line), and had poor defensive systems. He was trying to play like Toronto, without the star power and depth. Botterill failed Housley, and Housley failed Housley.

Question: While I know the names above and they are all successful in the regular season and Torts is the only one with success in the post-season, why would any or all of them be successful in Buffalo? What makes the group believe that this Sabres talent is a good fit for those coaches? Or, vice-versa.

I do not want another square peg for a round hole.
- TC4145



There has to be an assessment done prior and that is what I am asking - what makes any of them a good fit?
- TC4145

Of course there would have to be, but even after that the only way to now is if they were to coach them.

Question: While I know the names above and they are all successful in the regular season and Torts is the only one with success in the post-season, why would any or all of them be successful in Buffalo? What makes the group believe that this Sabres talent is a good fit for those coaches? Or, vice-versa.

I do want another square peg for a round hole.
- TC4145

I mention those three options specifically because all 3 have a track record of taking so-so teams on paper to greater than expected success. That's exactly what I believe the Sabres need right now and going forward

Thank you for asking,

I think we need as many good hockey minds on this staff as possible, I believe we still aren't clear of the trouble we've had with hiring good staff. - I want people with the most experienced track record of success we can find.

A lot of the improvements we've seen since Krueger was poop-canned could be attested two things: the weight be lifted off the players, things are fun again. But fun only lasts so long. As well as Granato specifically just letting the players play how they want - but this isn't an effective long term coaching strategy. If we hire Granato (who's done a great job this season) I think next season we'll be right back in the basement and calling for his head by the halfway point. Call it a gut feeling
- chilliard77

I'd say Granato is just playing to the strengths of the team. You can have torts come in and play defense, but that's just not how the team is built. We saw that

- TheSabresTaco

😀🌮

Sam @ center? Who would have thought?

He plays a mature two-way game, is extremely competitive, and possesses subtly high-end hockey sense that allows him to impact the game, EPrinkside.com 2019
His skating is his best weapon. He can dart up and down the ice at lightning speed, and plays with that pace with the puck on his stick, EPrinkside.com 2019
Away from the play, he’s a competitive kid who is willing to finish his checks and use his frame effectively, Hockeyprospect.com 2019
His has a deadly shot with a quick release and can be a dual threat, Future Considerations 2019
He is a gifted playmaker with great vision, able to make simple plays and complex ones with the same degree of success, McKeen's Hockey 2019


Scout’s Honor:
“An extraordinary competitor with excellent hockey sense. Highly talented and powerful – intimidates with skill and strength. Strong skater with a smooth and long stride. Possesses great footwork and agility. Can escape pressure and tear his way thru traffic with his tight stop-and-starts and seamless ability to change directions while still in flight. Protects the puck very well with his body and reach.

Tough physical presence in that he cannot be removed from the puck and has the tenacity, desire and grit to come get when he wants it. Attacks the net often and owns a soft touch which allows him to work magic with the puck. Can absolutely rifle a booming shot to the net. Has an outstanding work ethic, both on and off the ice.” – Reel Hockey Scouting

“There was a lot of pressure on Girgesons to have a good showing in the World Juniors on a Latvia squad that lacked talent from top to bottom. While some where indifferent about his play, Girgensons did show some positive signs that he could play a solid two-way game despite having minimal support in his lineup. Girgensons plays a reliable two-way style of play and is a strong center in all 3 zones. He uses his size to his advantage and as his skating continues to improve, his offense should benefit as well. Girgensons will be taking the college route at Vermont, but as a projected high-end 1st round pick, it will be interesting to see what route he takes in his development path.” – The Scouting Report
- Boss34

I'm just giving you grief, I know the love affair. And the heart and defensive game, I sure do hope Cozens is 2.0 or 3.0. But their offense couldn't be on two different planets. If Cozens offense tops out at Girgs level, we're going to be in trouble. Fair enough?

Nice, but with my luck I would be like that kid in Nashville that missed the table and face planted himself.
- Buff36

That was me.

I'd say Granato is just playing to the strengths of the team. You can have torts come in and play defense, but that's just not how the team is built. We saw that
- jcragcrumple

But even so, Torts > Krueger. Would you disagree?

Dude is a great coach, I don't like his personality either but I won't deny that.
- chilliard77

He is the last of the dinosaurs. His kind is (thankfully) a dead bread. He will wear out his welcome here as he has elsewhere.

He is the last of the dinosaurs. His kind is (thankfully) a dead bread. He will wear out his welcome here as he has elsewhere.
- Slump Buster

Every coach has a shelf life

How many games played to be a vet. Serious question. Dahlin and Joki have a total of 350 NHL games between the two by years end. At what point is the "flip" Bryson, Borgen, and Samuellson yes, green behind the ears. Dahlin and Joki, imo are/ will soon be considered vets, despite their age.
- SDSabre

Off the top of my head :

The NHL has defined an NHL veteran as a player who has played 30 or more NHL games in his previous season. During each preseason game, each team has to compile a list of veterans and dress eight for every game. This new change must be instituted to draw larger crowds to preseason games.Sep 15, 2013

Thank you for asking,

I think we need as many good hockey minds on this staff as possible, I believe we still aren't clear of the trouble we've had with hiring good staff. - I want people with the most experienced track record of success we can find.

A lot of the improvements we've seen since Krueger was poop-canned could be attested two things: the weight be lifted off the players, things are fun again. But fun only lasts so long. As well as Granato specifically just letting the players play how they want - but this isn't an effective long term coaching strategy. If we hire Granato (who's done a great job this season) I think next season we'll be right back in the basement and calling for his head by the halfway point. Call it a gut feeling
- chilliard77

I'm of the opinion that you are underselling Granato's actual ability to coach, and that he's simply just throwing them all out there to just play. He has tough, effective practices. He's developing kids at a rapid rate. He has three scoring lines. He's beating good teams with an aggressive, hard to play against style. Granato's been around the game for a long, long time. He's coached at many levels. He sounds and shows that he knows what he's doing.

These are not signs that he's simply standing there and throwing them out onto the ice. He's actually coaching them.

But even so, Torts > Krueger. Would you disagree?
- chilliard77

Yeah, Torts is a good coach. With this group of puck moving defensemen and mobile forwards, it's just not built for Torts shutdown hockey. The personnel is wrong. Now BBQ Bruce? Sure

Yeah, Torts is a good coach. With this group of puck moving defensemen and mobile forwards, it's just not built for Torts shutdown hockey. The personnel is wrong. Now BBQ Bruce? Sure
- jcragcrumple

Pat Laine and PLD love him.

But even so, Torts > Krueger. Would you disagree?
- chilliard77

Id rather have neither.

Torts is a garbage coach.

He is Rivet, Veterans play regardless of how bad.

Eichel getting benched, COzens getting benched, etc but Be prepared for Eakin on Line one because hes payed his dues.

I'm of the opinion that you are underselling Granato's actual ability to coach, and that he's simply just throwing them all out there to just play. He has tough, effective practices. He's developing kids at a rapid rate. He has three scoring lines. He's beating good teams with an aggressive, hard to play against style. Granato's been around the game for a long, long time. He's coached at many levels. He sounds and shows that he knows what he's doing.

These are not signs that he's simply standing there and throwing them out onto the ice. He's actually coaching them.
- TheSabresTaco

I'd love to keep him on as an associate coach

Every coach has a shelf life
- chilliard77

Torts is about 1/2 season.

Yeah, Torts is a good coach. With this group of puck moving defensemen and mobile forwards, it's just not built for Torts shutdown hockey. The personnel is wrong. Now BBQ Bruce? Sure
- jcragcrumple

What do you think of Gallant and Bruce?

Id rather have neither.

Torts is a garbage coach.

He is Rivet, Veterans play regardless of how bad.

Eichel getting benched, COzens getting benched, etc but Be prepared for Eakin on Line one because hes payed his dues.
- ImThatGuy

Maybe that's what he needs

Torts is about 1/2 season.
- ImThatGuy

I lol'd

How many games played to be a vet. Serious question. Dahlin and Joki have a total of 350 NHL games between the two by years end. At what point is the "flip" Bryson, Borgen, and Samuellson yes, green behind the ears. Dahlin and Joki, imo are/ will soon be considered vets, despite their age.
- SDSabre

That's a subjective question. But I'll throw out a number, I think maybe 5 years in the league gives you a 'vet' status.

I'm just giving you grief, I know the love affair. And the heart and defensive game, I sure do hope Cozens is 2.0 or 3.0. But their offense couldn't be on two different planets. If Cozens offense tops out at Girgs level, we're going to be in trouble. Fair enough?
- SDSabre

This is an excellent post.

The similar scouting report , draft positions, size and unique birth locations are very similar.

Latvian locomotive
Workhorse from whitehorse

Hopefully cozens is much better, and I appreciate the banter 🙂

What do you think of Gallant and Bruce?
- chilliard77

If it's not Don, I'd want Bruce or Brind'Amour. The latter seems unrealistic. So Don or Bruce for me. I like Don

Gotta go hit legs and shoulders. Will be back to continue this discussion later.

Never skip leg day