No team has been more disappointing this season than the Buffalo Sabres and it stems entirely from the team changing its entire identity. In an effort to be a stronger defensive team, the Sabres have completely neutered their offense and the results have been dire.
That’s clear to see when watching them — they’re a shade of the chaotic rush team from last season. And it shows in data tracked by Corey Sznajder.
Last year, the Sabres had 12.5 entries that led to chances per 60, the third-highest mark in the league. Sure, they gave up a lot (12.1, fifth most in the league), but they came out ahead. This year they’ve cleaned up the chances against dramatically (8.4 per 60!) but at an incredible cost to their offense. This year they’ve only generated 8.9 entries leading to chances per 60, a bottom-five mark.
A whole lot of work for the exact same difference means even less when the team just doesn’t have the right personnel for the change.
16. That shows in how little the team’s top stars are contributing to scoring chances this year at five-on-five (scoring chances plus scoring chance assists). Alex Tuch (12.2 scoring chance contributions per 60), Tage Thompson (11.1), Jeff Skinner (10.8) and Dylan Cozens (9.5) all earned over nine last season. This year only Tuch is above that mark.
Location: I said that months ago, keep up!, FL Joined: 03.10.2013
Jan 18 @ 10:26 AM ET
I think this is very thoughtful post. To quote good ole Abe - A house divided cannot stand.
We are divided over many different issue today than yesteryear, but the quote still resonates. We have a country that is being torn apart by extremes that believe that it is their way or the highway. (It sort of translates to this board with all the in fighting we see going back and forth)
I believe that the majority (80%?) of our population is Purple - we do not live the Red and Blue extremes but we live with compromise in the middle.
No team has been more disappointing this season than the Buffalo Sabres and it stems entirely from the team changing its entire identity. In an effort to be a stronger defensive team, the Sabres have completely neutered their offense and the results have been dire.
That’s clear to see when watching them — they’re a shade of the chaotic rush team from last season. And it shows in data tracked by Corey Sznajder.
Last year, the Sabres had 12.5 entries that led to chances per 60, the third-highest mark in the league. Sure, they gave up a lot (12.1, fifth most in the league), but they came out ahead. This year they’ve cleaned up the chances against dramatically (8.4 per 60!) but at an incredible cost to their offense. This year they’ve only generated 8.9 entries leading to chances per 60, a bottom-five mark.
A whole lot of work for the exact same difference means even less when the team just doesn’t have the right personnel for the change.
16. That shows in how little the team’s top stars are contributing to scoring chances this year at five-on-five (scoring chances plus scoring chance assists). Alex Tuch (12.2 scoring chance contributions per 60), Tage Thompson (11.1), Jeff Skinner (10.8) and Dylan Cozens (9.5) all earned over nine last season. This year only Tuch is above that mark. - lulags
Dahlin commenting about how he's more worried about defense this year is something else
Meatstick kreugering the team when Krueger is the reason he has a job here is something else
Location: I said that months ago, keep up!, FL Joined: 03.10.2013
Jan 18 @ 10:34 AM ET
No team has been more disappointing this season than the Buffalo Sabres and it stems entirely from the team changing its entire identity. In an effort to be a stronger defensive team, the Sabres have completely neutered their offense and the results have been dire.
That’s clear to see when watching them — they’re a shade of the chaotic rush team from last season. And it shows in data tracked by Corey Sznajder.
Last year, the Sabres had 12.5 entries that led to chances per 60, the third-highest mark in the league. Sure, they gave up a lot (12.1, fifth most in the league), but they came out ahead. This year they’ve cleaned up the chances against dramatically (8.4 per 60!) but at an incredible cost to their offense. This year they’ve only generated 8.9 entries leading to chances per 60, a bottom-five mark.
A whole lot of work for the exact same difference means even less when the team just doesn’t have the right personnel for the change.
16. That shows in how little the team’s top stars are contributing to scoring chances this year at five-on-five (scoring chances plus scoring chance assists). Alex Tuch (12.2 scoring chance contributions per 60), Tage Thompson (11.1), Jeff Skinner (10.8) and Dylan Cozens (9.5) all earned over nine last season. This year only Tuch is above that mark. - lulags
They need to learn to play as a team of 200 foot players, not abandon the D and go back to what they were last season...IMO it doesn't work in the PO's.
Florida had the same issues last season after setting the world on fire in the regular season the season before...only to get bounced in round 1. Then last year they hired a coach who installed a 200foot game approach that took them to the last game of the year to qualify...then lookout.
The Boys need to learn to grab the puck and transition quickly up ice. Once they understand it and do it, they'll be just fine.
Getting there has proven to be excessively tough for them though.
Location: Mo can stay awhile, FL Joined: 10.27.2017
Jan 18 @ 10:37 AM ET
Rhino- He gonna get paid! - Buff36
Reinhart said discussions are “ongoing” with the Panthers on an extension and things are “definitely positive.”
Reinhart said he wants to remain in Florida.
“That’s the goal. I love it in Florida and I know they’re happy to have me,” Reinhart said. “I’m just happy with where we’re at as a team right now.”
Reinhart said discussions are “ongoing” with the Panthers on an extension and things are “definitely positive.”
Reinhart said he wants to remain in Florida.
“That’s the goal. I love it in Florida and I know they’re happy to have me,” Reinhart said. “I’m just happy with where we’re at as a team right now.”
Location: Why aren't more people interrigent? Rike Me? , ON Joined: 02.03.2021
Jan 18 @ 10:50 AM ET
Detroit passed Toronto last night and are 3rd in the Atlantic.
The Sabres are going to pass them though because what they have isn’t sustainable and the Sabres have potential out the wazoo….and we all know that translates to wins 😂.
I’m concerned with how many brains the bugs have sucked out of some posters on here. - washedup20
They need to learn to play as a team of 200 foot players, not abandon the D and go back to what they were last season...IMO it doesn't work in the PO's.
Florida had the same issues last season after setting the world on fire in the regular season the season before...only to get bounced in round 1. Then last year they hired a coach who installed a 200foot game approach that took them to the last game of the year to qualify...then lookout.
The Boys need to learn to grab the puck and transition quickly up ice. Once they understand it and do it, they'll be just fine.
Getting there has proven to be excessively tough for them though. - IonSabres
The writer made an excellent point when he said we don’t have the correct roster to execute this. I agree with your take as well. You can teach a 200ft game without abandoning offense, but this roster is struggling mightily with it. I blame coaching for this
They need to learn to play as a team of 200 foot players, not abandon the D and go back to what they were last season...IMO it doesn't work in the PO's.
Florida had the same issues last season after setting the world on fire in the regular season the season before...only to get bounced in round 1. Then last year they hired a coach who installed a 200foot game approach that took them to the last game of the year to qualify...then lookout.
The Boys need to learn to grab the puck and transition quickly up ice. Once they understand it and do it, they'll be just fine.
Getting there has proven to be excessively tough for them though. - IonSabres
We also lack some serious speed to help with a quick transition game.
More speed throughout the middle and bottom of the lineup is needed.
Our talent pool does not have speed.
JJ is probably our best at this. Cozens and Tuck very capable. A fast Dman would be helpful as well. We seriously lack speed there as well
Location: I said that months ago, keep up!, FL Joined: 03.10.2013
Jan 18 @ 11:11 AM ET
Meaning that maybe we can get a choice of Leadership other that two old wrinkly white men beholden to the National Committees and the SWAMP?
Someone who can work with a Government of non-extremes. - TC4145
Well, I will say Trump is beholden to something, but it isn't to the swamp, quite the opposite.
Still, I agree that now more than ever we need to find a centrist 3rd Party where 75% of the company.
Location: Mo can stay awhile, FL Joined: 10.27.2017
Jan 18 @ 11:19 AM ET
Meaning that maybe we can get a choice of Leadership other that two old wrinkly white men beholden to the National Committees and the SWAMP?
Someone who can work with a Government of non-extremes. - TC4145
The Swamp doesn’t like Trump, the establishment Republicans hate him almost as much as the Democrats. That is Trump’s allure to many (most) that support him.
Agreed that most Americans are “purple”, as someone said before.
Location: I said that months ago, keep up!, FL Joined: 03.10.2013
Jan 18 @ 11:20 AM ET
The writer made an excellent point when he said we don’t have the correct roster to execute this. I agree with your take as well. You can teach a 200ft game without abandoning offense, but this roster is struggling mightily with it. I blame coachiong for t1his - lulags
Spot on.
I should say that a mix of players is needed, not a roster of all playing the same...they need their offensively minded players too. They have guys like Benson, Quinn, Peturka, Savoie even Mitts now who play a two way game. They need to find some bigger bodies who are tough to play against upfront, as well as help Cozens become more effective that way.
The Swamp doesn’t like Trump, the establishment Republicans hate him almost as much as the Democrats. That is Trump’s allure to many (most) that support him.
Agreed that most Americans are “purple”, as someone said before. - Ratsreign
as long as the left calls trump supporters crazy and refuse to show his victory speeches on tv while showing 3rd place Nikki's speech, the country will stay divided
