GARTH'S CORNER: Sabres Are Two teams In One

Actually a pretty good blog.....First but hey who really cares!!!!

Nice article Garth. I agree 100%, get picks, prospect, for the crap we have. There is no reason grigo shouldnt be in the top 6, hes a playmaker, he needs players that can score. Hes not gunna produce with john scott and brian flynn.

Darcy has painted his masterpiece. There have been some bad teams under his watch, but never before has there been one like this.

Free Rolston...Poor guy..





Oh and Fire Darcy

A rich owner would solve all your guys problems.

GARTH'S CORNER: Sabres Are Two teams In One
- garth

No sure what to say - you get what you pay for and what you hire. The Vets on this team are a joke (outside Miller). Vanek is going through the motions. You have teenagers up and down the line up. The other collection of fill-in players couldn't make most team's AHL squads.

This team is obviously not responding to the coach. Over a 10 game swing - the laws of probability would produce one game where things come together.

If this team is going to move forward - it need to do so with a clean slate. If we are going to consistantly not play even competitive hockey - changes need to be made now.

Why should Darcy even have a chance with this team? Enough damage has been done. How could players be motived to play or want to be in Buffalo if things don't change at the top. Let's put this in real life - we have all had managers or bosses that shouldn't be in the position they are in. Their actions are unmotivating and promote just going through the motions. As hard as you try, doesn't mean anything because at the top - it has been established that below average is acceptable. You can destroy a franchise and be rewarded for doing so. There is no accountablity and that trickles down.

A rich owner would solve all your guys problems.
- systemtool

The rebuild is just now under way in it's first full season. Give it time, because in that time Toronto will have to face the likes of Ristolainen, Zadorov, McNabb, Pysyk, McCabe on the blue line, not to mention the next 2 drafts where Buffalo will add it's center pieces to an already young supporting class in the likes of Girgenson's, Grigeranko, Larsson, Foligno (who you Toronto fans will come to hate with a passion) and Ennis.

All in all, the rebuild is going as projected, suffering. But in the end, as stated, your team will eventually have to face a revamped Sabres blue line that will be built to crush opponents. Have your fun now, because something tells me in 3 or 4 years, you won't be posting that comment above, you'll be whining

The rebuild is just now under way in it's first full season. Give it time, because in that time Toronto will have to face the likes of Ristolainen, Zadorov, McNabb, Pysyk, McCabe on the blue line, not to mention the next 2 drafts where Buffalo will add it's center pieces to an already young supporting class in the likes of Girgenson's, Grigeranko, Larsson, Foligno (who you Toronto fans will come to hate with a passion) and Ennis.

All in all, the rebuild is going as projected, suffering. But in the end, as stated, your team will eventually have to face a revamped Sabres blue line that will be built to crush opponents. Have your fun now, because something tells me in 3 or 4 years, you won't be posting that comment above, you'll be whining
- TWGsabres

The rebuild is just now under way in it's first full season. Give it time, because in that time Toronto will have to face the likes of Ristolainen, Zadorov, McNabb, Pysyk, McCabe on the blue line, not to mention the next 2 drafts where Buffalo will add it's center pieces to an already young supporting class in the likes of Girgenson's, Grigeranko, Larsson, Foligno (who you Toronto fans will come to hate with a passion) and Ennis.

All in all, the rebuild is going as projected, suffering. But in the end, as stated, your team will eventually have to face a revamped Sabres blue line that will be built to crush opponents. Have your fun now, because something tells me in 3 or 4 years, you won't be posting that comment above, you'll be whining
- TWGsabres

Sounds like they will break the Habs record of 5 straight Cups..

Sounds like they will break the Habs record of 5 straight Cups..
- BingoLady

I believe they will eventually, with this new crop of players, contend for a Cup.
Toronto's been through this, and Toronto fans are familiar with the suffering. They deserve to give us poop, we did while they retooled/rebuilt. Fair is fair. But like them, we Buffalo fans are passionate, I may not like to swallow the pill I'm being fed now as a fan, but I ultimately realize it had to happen in some form or way to break this funk of 6 years now. May as well get it out of the way now.

I do like our future blue line however. There is some beef either just now entering the system at the NHL level or still in the pipeline, and beef with skill to boot. I like our chances down the road.

The rebuild is just now under way in it's first full season. Give it time, because in that time Toronto will have to face the likes of Ristolainen, Zadorov, McNabb, Pysyk, McCabe on the blue line, not to mention the next 2 drafts where Buffalo will add it's center pieces to an already young supporting class in the likes of Girgenson's, Grigeranko, Larsson, Foligno (who you Toronto fans will come to hate with a passion) and Ennis.

All in all, the rebuild is going as projected, suffering. But in the end, as stated, your team will eventually have to face a revamped Sabres blue line that will be built to crush opponents. Have your fun now, because something tells me in 3 or 4 years, you won't be posting that comment above, you'll be whining
- TWGsabres

I believe they will eventually, with this new crop of players, contend for a Cup.
Toronto's been through this, and Toronto fans are familiar with the suffering. They deserve to give us poop, we did while they retooled/rebuilt. Fair is fair. But like them, we Buffalo fans are passionate, I may not like to swallow the pill I'm being fed now as a fan, but I ultimately realize it had to happen in some form or way to break this funk of 6 years now. May as well get it out of the way now.

I do like our future blue line however. There is some beef either just now entering the system at the NHL level or still in the pipeline, and beef with skill to boot. I like our chances down the road.
- TWGsabres

I feel the same way . We were told there would be suffering . It just amazes me that this team takes the first period off every night . The last 30 minutes they looked fine. Leaf fans have really short memories . Most in these forums were not alive when they won the last cup - back when there were only 6 teams.

The rebuild is just now under way in it's first full season. Give it time, because in that time Toronto will have to face the likes of Ristolainen, Zadorov, McNabb, Pysyk, McCabe on the blue line, not to mention the next 2 drafts where Buffalo will add it's center pieces to an already young supporting class in the likes of Girgenson's, Grigeranko, Larsson, Foligno (who you Toronto fans will come to hate with a passion) and Ennis.

All in all, the rebuild is going as projected, suffering. But in the end, as stated, your team will eventually have to face a revamped Sabres blue line that will be built to crush opponents. Have your fun now, because something tells me in 3 or 4 years, you won't be posting that comment above, you'll be whining
- TWGsabres

Whatever, as long as Darcy is here the Leafs and the rest of the East have little reason to fear.

Grigorenko is already looking like a bust.
McNabb is a middling prospect at best.
Ennis is terrible.

The rest of those prospects are OK, but don't really project as elite. Just solid 2nd liners and 2nd pairing dmen who, as long as Darcy is running the show, will be put in top line roles and fail just like the "top" prospects who have been overpaid and overhyped by the Sabres regime.

Convenient that you neglected to mention that albatross of a contract that Tyler "pylon" Myers has. Yet another reason to doubt the future of this franchise.

Whatever, as long as Darcy is here the Leafs and the rest of the East have little reason to fear.

Grigorenko is already looking like a bust.
McNabb is a middling prospect at best.
Ennis is terrible.

The rest of those prospects are OK, but don't really project as elite. Just solid 2nd liners and 2nd pairing dmen who, as long as Darcy is running the show, will be put in top line roles and fail just like the "top" prospects who have been overpaid and overhyped by the Sabres regime.

Convenient that you neglected to mention that albatross of a contract that Tyler "pylon" Myers has. Yet another reason to doubt the future of this franchise.
- Losman

I understand your sentiments. But don't state how I "Conveniently neglected to mention a contract". That's more BS, the contract is what it is and won't handcuff the organization the way you make it sound.
You don't follow prospects the way I do, it's my job, so I'll forgo the comments on Ennis and McNabb, which, by the way, is your opinion, but not the opinion of many others that sit around me, in any event.

As for your comment on Darcy Regier, no comment, above my pay grade.
As for your comment on prospects that you consider 2nd tier, you contradict my statement by stating they are, in effect, supporting players, well, that is what I called them.

I don't normally have an opinion on fans, but you appear to be a bit of a drama queen.

Have fun with the season, regardless of how it turns out, because every year there can be only one Stanley Cup champion and in order to compete for the Cup, you have to gather the tools to do so. It's not all doom and gloom in Sabreland, contrary to what many feel.

I understand your sentiments. But don't state how I "Conveniently neglected to mention a contract". That's more BS, the contract is what it is and won't handcuff the organization the way you make it sound.
You don't follow prospects the way I do, it's my job, so I'll forgo the comments on Ennis and McNabb, which, by the way, is your opinion, but not the opinion of many others that sit around me, in any event.

As for your comment on Darcy Regier, no comment, above my pay grade.
As for your comment on prospects that you consider 2nd tier, you contradict my statement by stating they are, in effect, supporting players, well, that is what I called them.

I don't normally have an opinion on fans, but you appear to be a bit of a drama queen.

Have fun with the season, regardless of how it turns out, because every year there can be only one Stanley Cup champion and in order to compete for the Cup, you have to gather the tools to do so. It's not all doom and gloom in Sabreland, contrary to what many feel.
- TWGsabres

Pominville, Roy, Stafford, Max and Connolly are all examples of supporting players who were thrust into first line roles, and even worse paid accordingly, by Darcy Regier.

History is repeating, as secondary talents like Hodgson, Ennis, Myers are now being asked the same. It won't be long before similar scenarios develop for Risto, Zadorov etc.

Darcy doesn't have a clue. He spoke of suffering, but then held on to Vanek, Ott and Miller in contract years hoping they could keep the team within striking distance of 8th place. Reaquiring Tallinder is another example of a move trying to salvage another season.

Pegula's "were going to surprise some people" comments made during the preseason indicates that suffering of this magnitude was not expected.

This franchise has hit rock bottom and will stay there until Darcy is terminated.

I don't normally have an opinion on fans, but you appear to be a bit of a drama queen.


- TWGsabres

Maybe.

But you, my friend, are absolutely delusional if you really believe that Darcy has this franchise pointed in the right direction.

Why should anyone believe that the current group of prospects are going to be any different than the former group of prospects that couldn't deliver for this franchise?

The same man selected them. I expect we'll see the same results.

Darcy needs to go and a new GM can getting to work sorting through the debris left behind.

Garth:

First off I really enjoy your columns but there are glaring issues constantly that really hurt your credibility.

In this column for example, you keep saying O'Reilly is going to be a UFA. Not true. He's an RFA. He's under 25 still making him an automatic RFA. It's on capgeek.com as well. I see this stuff all the time, and it really hurts what you are trying to communicate to your readers.

They do need to start dumping players badly. The problem is that Miller is playing great, Vanek isn't. Not a lot of cap room around the league either, and those with cap room don't want the Sabres high priced players because they to are in rebuild mode.

Maybe.

But you, my friend, are absolutely delusional if you really believe that Darcy has this franchise pointed in the right direction.

Why should anyone believe that the current group of prospects are going to be any different than the former group of prospects that couldn't deliver for this franchise?

The same man selected them. I expect we'll see the same results.

Darcy needs to go and a new GM can getting to work sorting through the debris left behind.
- Losman

I do not think he is delusional at all . He stating some facts that are actually agreed to by the few professional scouts I know. I read most of your posts and I am convinced you and a lot of other Sabre fans are not happy unless you are miserable. Lighten up . Life is too short for the all the doom and Gloom . I think Darcy is just too long in the position as well just like Ruff was . But are still a lot of positives happening here . Only time will tell.

Garth:

First off I really enjoy your columns but there are glaring issues constantly that really hurt your credibility.

In this column for example, you keep saying O'Reilly is going to be a UFA. Not true. He's an RFA. He's under 25 still making him an automatic RFA. It's on capgeek.com as well. I see this stuff all the time, and it really hurts what you are trying to communicate to your readers.

They do need to start dumping players badly. The problem is that Miller is playing great, Vanek isn't. Not a lot of cap room around the league either, and those with cap room don't want the Sabres high priced players because they to are in rebuild mode.
- hockeyfan611

Such as the fact that even my dog could accidentally paw the "spell check" button on occasion???

I believe they will eventually, with this new crop of players, contend for a Cup.
Toronto's been through this, and Toronto fans are familiar with the suffering. They deserve to give us poop, we did while they retooled/rebuilt. Fair is fair. But like them, we Buffalo fans are passionate, I may not like to swallow the pill I'm being fed now as a fan, but I ultimately realize it had to happen in some form or way to break this funk of 6 years now. May as well get it out of the way now.

I do like our future blue line however. There is some beef either just now entering the system at the NHL level or still in the pipeline, and beef with skill to boot. I like our chances down the road.
- TWGsabres

That blue line is going to be scary as hell. Zadarov looked really good last night. Just being at that game you really realize just how big he is. He's gonna be a stud along with that whole d corp

Not convinced about our "rebuild"?
Read Adam French's blog on the main page
It talks about this past draft for each team
He mentions 1-3 players for each team,
Except Buffalo...
He mentions SIX!
And that didn't include one of our 2nd round picks (Bailey)
We easily had the best draft this past year
And Darcy has done quite well in the past couple as well


Excluding any current vets, two years from now our "rebuilt" Sabres could look like this...

Foligno-Hodgson-Armia
Girgensons-Grigorenko-Ennis
Catenacci-Larsson-Flynn
Nelson-Kea-Tropp
Zadorov-Ristolainen
McNabb-Myers
McCabe-Pysyk
Ruhwedel
Enroth-Hackett
-Makarov -Lieuwen

Add to that a couple top picks in the next two drafts...
Right now looks like Reinhart (c/rw), and a good shot at McKinnon...
Even if we miss out on McKinnon,
We'll still get a very good player

And don't forget,
We have guys like Bailey, Hurley, Baptiste & Compher all coming as well

No, not ALL these prospects will work out
But Darcy is doing a great job acquiring talent
And he's also been drafting LEADERS
these kids are almost all letter wearers for their teams,
And many are captains or assistants for their Nat'l teams... Which really speaks volumes IMO

I know it's tough to see right now,
But we are headed in a very good direction
And Darcy is a big part of that

Didn't realize French put up a new blog...
Here's a link to the one I was talking about

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...t_id=54903&blogger_id=155

It's a good read
ESP for Sabres fans!

Not convinced about our "rebuild"?
Read Adam French's blog on the main page
It talks about this past draft for each team
He mentions 1-3 players for each team,
Except Buffalo...
He mentions SIX!
And that didn't include one of our 2nd round picks (Bailey)
We easily had the best draft this past year
And Darcy has done quite well in the past couple as well


Excluding any current vets, two years from now our "rebuilt" Sabres could look like this...

Foligno-Hodgson-Armia
Girgensons-Grigorenko-Ennis
Catenacci-Larsson-Flynn
Nelson-Kea-Tropp
Zadorov-Ristolainen
McNabb-Myers
McCabe-Pysyk
Ruhwedel
Enroth-Hackett
-Makarov -Lieuwen

Add to that a couple top picks in the next two drafts...
Right now looks like Reinhart (c/rw), and a good shot at McKinnon...
Even if we miss out on McKinnon,
We'll still get a very good player

And don't forget,
We have guys like Bailey, Hurley, Baptiste & Compher all coming as well

No, not ALL these prospects will work out
But Darcy is doing a great job acquiring talent
And he's also been drafting LEADERS
these kids are almost all letter wearers for their teams,
And many are captains or assistants for their Nat'l teams... Which really speaks volumes IMO

I know it's tough to see right now,
But we are headed in a very good direction
And Darcy is a big part of that
- jdfitz77

Don't put all your hope in youth. They're essential, but you still need to have some top vets coming in and steadying the ship.

Don't put all your hope in youth. They're essential, but you still need to have some top vets coming in and steadying the ship.
- lumlums

True
And I think we will keep some around
I was just trying to point out the collection of young talent we are acquiring, and that the rebuild is actually looking pretty good

Ehrhoff is signed for 8 more years, & I know we are trying to re-sign Ott...
And some of these young kids are already playing a very steady game

It's gonna take a few years for the kids to grow into solid, consistent NHLers...
But it looks to me that we are headed in the right direction at least