https://theathletic.com/5...ource=user-shared-article

The coaching part.

Ok, I get the part about communication and pregame whatever. Fantastic.

But can we just try and be a little honest about how the coaching didn't get the players playing a winnable style of game?

So for the Will He Get Fired crowd... Prepare for disappointment.

Some other tells in this article as well as to their aims and ambitions over the next couple months. Which is an orgasmic level of conversations.
- TheSabresTaco

I'm not sure they'll even change an assistant, if they finish well.

“ FLA thrives on crap play when refs aren't looking and taking opposing key players out.”

The first part is debatable, they play aggressively and in your face, and the opposition often takes the first shot to really set off a scrum. The second part is really just a load of crap, they play hard, but they’re not out there trying to take any players out.
- Ratsreign

I don't think Bennett or Tkachuk have any issues with trying to take players out, as they have both exhibited in the past.

I don't think Bennett or Tkachuk have any issues with trying to take players out, as they have both exhibited in the past.
- kingcong39

They’re not out there looking to cheap shot and intentionally injure people.

They’re not out there looking to cheap shot and intentionally injure people.
- Ratsreign

In Buffalo, players are measured by their enjoyment level using the bubble machine…everything else is unnecessary violence.

In Buffalo, players are measured by their enjoyment level using the bubble machine…everything else is unnecessary violence.
- washedup20

Stop! It's the Sauna
Edit: And Kyle Okposo's Aura

Both are true. You’d be an idiot to say ST hasn’t had an effect. But I think the larger effect was the team shifting from their identity
- sbroads24

They had to make strides to become a better defensive team.

I don’t mind the shift of mindset, I think the biggest issue was the botching of the personnel on the roster.

Had Dahlin played with Joker from the start, where is he in the Norris rankings today ? Because the guy has been excellent for two months now and that pairing has been lights out

It appears as if Erik Johnson has played his last game, 3:31 against the Hurricanes. He's now benched because of "the time of year". Guess that's a new way to say pending trade.

It appears as if Erik Johnson has played his last game, 3:31 against the Hurricanes. He's now benched because of "the time of year". Guess that's a new way to say pending trade.
- TheSabresTaco

That's fitting of a Lockport Parade

With how good they ya e been the last month.

Still
Only 4% chance of playoffs.

It’s over folks.

With how good they ya e been the last month.

Still
Only 4% chance of playoffs.

It’s over folks.
- ImThatGuy

They haven't gained any ground.

They had to make strides to become a better defensive team.

I don’t mind the shift of mindset, I think the biggest issue was the botching of the personnel on the roster.

Had Dahlin played with Joker from the start, where is he in the Norris rankings today ? Because the guy has been excellent for two months now and that pairing has been lights out
- Swedish_Jesus

Based on his interview yesterday, he still doesn't see it.

They had to make strides to become a better defensive team.

I don’t mind the shift of mindset, I think the biggest issue was the botching of the personnel on the roster.

Had Dahlin played with Joker from the start, where is he in the Norris rankings today ? Because the guy has been excellent for two months now and that pairing has been lights out
- Swedish_Jesus

Theu absolutely did. But I’ve always been a “lean into your identity” guy when it comes to sports.

It’s why I don’t want the Bills pivoting to a “balanced offense” team with Allen.

The way you win is with your strengths

With how good they ya e been the last month.

Still
Only 4% chance of playoffs.

It’s over folks.
- ImThatGuy

I almost wish they’d collapse down the stretch as opposed to vice versa

I don’t want them thinking they’re all good this offseason

That's the frustrating part. This is a team who should have made the playoffs...and been swept in the 1st round by the 1/2 seed.

They had the cap + assets to do much better than EJ, Clifton, Jost, Girgs, Okposo, Robinson, Comrie. Absurd to bring VO back.
- Lunaion

Wasting this year was a HUGE blunder. We had some cap room without that trash and could have made a hockey move trading some prospects.

Cap room gets tight if you resign Mitts. Like really tight in next few years where if you make a hockey trade it will need to involve Mitts, Thompson, Cozen or Power. We will lose some guys like paterka, and quinn when their rook deals end. We are going to feel the pain of that skinner contract now.

That's fitting of a Lockport Parade
- Buff36

Pft that's a cheektowaga dyngus day festival

With how good they ya e been the last month.

Still
Only 4% chance of playoffs.

It’s over folks.
- ImThatGuy

I want them to do well. I think most if not all. This is the third year in a row the sabres decided to play well after New Year's.

I want to say, ya know, great play well carry that energy into next year, but they never (frank)ing do.

I almost wish they’d collapse down the stretch as opposed to vice versa

I don’t want them thinking they’re all good this offseason
- sbroads24

I would actually like the better pick this year myself! Can't believe I am saying this, but I like some of those D that will be there from 5 to 10, couple of the Power Forwards to. I hate saying that, because they are playing well right now, but don't want to fight just to get the 13th pick. Really anything out of the Top 8-10, that pick should be traded for immediate help.

I almost wish they’d collapse down the stretch as opposed to vice versa

I don’t want them thinking they’re all good this offseason
- sbroads24

Grain of salt alert. But I think they see their short comings and publicly identified some of them. Even the getting to the net thing. They know what they want to add and it's what we've been railing on since last off season.

I would actually like the better pick this year myself! Can't believe I am saying this, but I like some of those D that will be there from 5 to 10, couple of the Power Forwards to. I hate saying that, because they are playing well right now, but don't want to fight just to get the 13th pick. Really anything out of the Top 8-10, that pick should be traded for immediate help.
- Buff36

I don't have the emotional energy to root for picks anymore.

I don't have the emotional energy to root for picks anymore.
- TheSabresTaco

Definitely understand, but unless something changes its what we got.

I would actually like the better pick this year myself! Can't believe I am saying this, but I like some of those D that will be there from 5 to 10, couple of the Power Forwards to. I hate saying that, because they are playing well right now, but don't want to fight just to get the 13th pick. Really anything out of the Top 8-10, that pick should be traded for immediate help.
- Buff36

Can never have too many undersized wingers.

Grain of salt alert. But I think they see their short comings and publicly identified some of them. Even the getting to the net thing. They know what they want to add and it's what we've been railing on since last off season.
- TheSabresTaco

Funny thing about the NHL is that needs change so rapidly.

Everyone was all about goalie RHD last year

I’m all about another impact forward right now.

Jokiharju amazingly can ride with 26. Ryan Johnson is a 4/5 guy. Power is Power.

I think they need a T6 guy

Funny thing about the NHL is that needs change so rapidly.

Everyone was all about goalie RHD last year

I’m all about another impact forward right now.

Jokiharju amazingly can ride with 26. Ryan Johnson is a 4/5 guy. Power is Power.

I think they need a T6 guy
- sbroads24

Interesting. 2nd line has been the best part of the team this year. 1st line is the concern, imo.

@rachelhopmayer
·
1h
Granato says #Sabres defense will not change tonight, so Erik Johnson will not return to the blue line — but instead of illness, cites the “unique time of year it is.”

Funny thing about the NHL is that needs change so rapidly.

Everyone was all about goalie RHD last year

I’m all about another impact forward right now.

Jokiharju amazingly can ride with 26. Ryan Johnson is a 4/5 guy. Power is Power.

I think they need a T6 guy
- sbroads24

Cuck talked a lot about another defender to pair with power, besides joker.