Michael Pachla: 2015-16 Team Stats--December

Three tough games. We need some juicyfruit.

They started out last nights game out shooing the Isles 16-2 and managed not to score until late in the third. Either the NHL product is shot or these guys suck. Either way these games are terrible to watch. The entertainment value is shot.

Nice write up Michael.

While the team currently occupies 28th place the optics as far as the on-ice product this season are completed different than last year's squad. It's night and day really. I'd say it's definitely a transition year for the club.

The new core of the team who will be here in 1-2 years when the club should be in a place to complete for a playoff spot year in and year out have played very well at times this year. They include Eichel, O'Reilly, Reinhardt, Risto, McCabe, Pysyk, Girgs, Bogo, and Kane. That's 4 centers, top 4 D and 1 top line winger. With 1-2 more solid forwards upfront, I can't wait to see what this team can do in the near future. Perhaps that includes McGinn?

At the end of the day, I am just happy to enjoy watching Sabres hockey again. It had become what felt like a chore or obligation over the past 2-3 seasons.

ROR and Jack need to make a few more appearances together per game. Those two click best.

They started out last nights game out shooing the Isles 16-2 and managed not to score until late in the third. Either the NHL product is shot or these guys suck. Either way these games are terrible to watch. The entertainment value is shot.
- Buffalo--Sabres

The NHL product is bordering on shot.

Tim Murray traded away many prospects and picks for players who are supposed to make us better now. Yet we find ourselves three points out of last place and the third worse team in the league. We gave away many picks and good prospects for established players who are supposed to make us better now but we are close to last in almost all of the stat categories that Michael covers in his blog.

Was the tank really worth it? We traded away Neuvirth and Enroth for next to nothing to help ensure the tank. Neuvirth now leads the league in save percentage. Instead of resigning Stafford he was included in a trade for Kane. In part because Kane had surgery and wouldn't play again until the next year which would help the tank. This team is very weak at RW, and Stafford is having a good year and would be fourth on this team in scoring, second in goals, with his current stats. Myers is producing more points per sixty minutes as a defenseman than Kane is as a forward.

We have very little in as far as quality prospects who can make significant contributions to this team in the near future and the team as currently constructed is much closer to last place then they are to being in the playoff picture.

Murray made many trades giving away our futures for players who are supposed to make us better now in an attempt to show that rebuilds didn't have to take years. Something he said in interviews and has failed miserably in demonstrating. This is with adding McCabe, Pysyk, Reinhart and Eichel to this years roster. We are still the third worse team, three points out of last.

So I ask you, how do you grade Tim Murray's performance? McNabb trade, top four big, physical defenseman and two second round picks for two bottom six forward prospects. Myers, Stafford, Lemieux, Armia and a first round pick for Lawless and Blowgosian. 21st overall pick for Lehner and Legwand. The O'Reilly trade looks to be heavily in our favor, which is probably the only thing saving Murray's job at this point.

Tim Murray traded away many prospects and picks for players who are supposed to make us better now. Yet we find ourselves three points out of last place and the third worse team in the league. We gave away many picks and good prospects for established players who are supposed to make us better now but we are close to last in almost all of the stat categories that Michael covers in his blog.

Was the tank really worth it? We traded away Neuvirth and Enroth for next to nothing to help ensure the tank. Neuvirth now leads the league in save percentage. Instead of resigning Stafford he was included in a trade for Kane. In part because Kane had surgery and wouldn't play again until the next year which would help the tank. This team is very weak at RW, and Stafford is having a good year and would be fourth on this team in scoring, second in goals, with his current stats. Myers is producing more points per sixty minutes as a defenseman than Kane is as a forward.

We have very little in as far as quality prospects who can make significant contributions to this team in the near future and the team as currently constructed is much closer to last place then they are to being in the playoff picture.

Murray made many trades giving away our futures for players who are supposed to make us better now in an attempt to show that rebuilds didn't have to take years. Something he said in interviews and has failed miserably in demonstrating. This is with adding McCabe, Pysyk, Reinhart and Eichel to this years roster. We are still the third worse team, three points out of last.

So I ask you, how do you grade Tim Murray's performance? McNabb trade, top four big, physical defenseman and two second round picks for two bottom six forward prospects. Myers, Stafford, Lemieux, Armia and a first round pick for Lawless and Blowgosian. 21st overall pick for Lehner and Legwand. The O'Reilly trade looks to be heavily in our favor, which is probably the only thing saving Murray's job at this point.
- SabresPanacea

There a lot to consider when looking a Murray's trades, many are still too soon to judge. The tank was absolutely worth it, Eichel is a beast and just because he's not leading the league 35 games into his career doesn't mean he won't be in two years. Stafford resigning, really? He needed to go, his time here was over, he was bum for us just taking a paycheck and a spot.

RoR trade looks like a homerun for Murray, Mcginn turning out to be a quality player is icing on the cake. Yes, it hurts losing Zads, but Compher isn't exactly lighting thing up in college, and nor is Grig playing with some real offensive talent in Colorado.

Kane trade, meh... Bogo stats actually prove, when health he's doing better than Myers and at least he has some snarl. Armia is becoming more of a joke every day, and Lemieux won't play for us, so what are going to do with him. So, far I do feel Winnipeg is still winning on this deal, but it's still early.

I'm not happy about the McNabb trade, too much for D-Lo and Fash, but will have to see how Fashing turns out. If, he doesn't make it to at third line NHLer than we lost big on that trade.

Murray, won on the Miller, Ott trade, many people like to forget that one, but he fleeced St. Louis.

Lehner it's just to early on, the guy needs to play. Right now it's easy to say this is Murray's worst trade, but we need to give Lehner some time and see what we really have in him. If, he turns out to be our next starter for 5 plus seasons than the trade was well worth it.

I will say that I like having a G.M. who is not afraid to pull the trigger. Regeir was great at trades, he always got value, but they were too few and far between when the team could have really used help.

There a lot to consider when looking a Murray's trades, many are still too soon to judge. The tank was absolutely worth it, Eichel is a beast and just because he's not leading the league 35 games into his career doesn't mean he won't be in two years. Stafford resigning, really? He needed to go, his time here was over, he was bum for us just taking a paycheck and a spot.

RoR trade looks like a homerun for Murray, Mcginn turning out to be a quality player is icing on the cake. Yes, it hurts losing Zads, but Compher isn't exactly lighting thing up in college, and nor is Grig playing with some real offensive talent in Colorado.

Kane trade, meh... Bogo stats actually prove, when health he's doing better than Myers and at least he has some snarl. Armia is becoming more of a joke every day, and Lemieux won't play for us, so what are going to do with him. So, far I do feel Winnipeg is still winning on this deal, but it's still early.

I'm not happy about the McNabb trade, too much for D-Lo and Fash, but will have to see how Fashing turns out. If, he doesn't make it to at third line NHLer than we lost big on that trade.

Murray, won on the Miller, Ott trade, many people like to forget that one, but he fleeced St. Louis.

Lehner it's just to early on, the guy needs to play. Right now it's easy to say this is Murray's worst trade, but we need to give Lehner some time and see what we really have in him. If, he turns out to be our next starter for 5 plus seasons than the trade was well worth it.

I will say that I like having a G.M. who is not afraid to pull the trigger. Regeir was great at trades, he always got value, but they were too few and far between when the team could have really used help.
- sskkoo1

Good post!

Tim Murray traded away many prospects and picks for players who are supposed to make us better now. Yet we find ourselves three points out of last place and the third worse team in the league. We gave away many picks and good prospects for established players who are supposed to make us better now but we are close to last in almost all of the stat categories that Michael covers in his blog.

Was the tank really worth it? We traded away Neuvirth and Enroth for next to nothing to help ensure the tank. Neuvirth now leads the league in save percentage. Instead of resigning Stafford he was included in a trade for Kane. In part because Kane had surgery and wouldn't play again until the next year which would help the tank. This team is very weak at RW, and Stafford is having a good year and would be fourth on this team in scoring, second in goals, with his current stats. Myers is producing more points per sixty minutes as a defenseman than Kane is as a forward.

We have very little in as far as quality prospects who can make significant contributions to this team in the near future and the team as currently constructed is much closer to last place then they are to being in the playoff picture.

Murray made many trades giving away our futures for players who are supposed to make us better now in an attempt to show that rebuilds didn't have to take years. Something he said in interviews and has failed miserably in demonstrating. This is with adding McCabe, Pysyk, Reinhart and Eichel to this years roster. We are still the third worse team, three points out of last.

So I ask you, how do you grade Tim Murray's performance? McNabb trade, top four big, physical defenseman and two second round picks for two bottom six forward prospects. Myers, Stafford, Lemieux, Armia and a first round pick for Lawless and Blowgosian. 21st overall pick for Lehner and Legwand. The O'Reilly trade looks to be heavily in our favor, which is probably the only thing saving Murray's job at this point.
- SabresPanacea

Well said. The O'Reilly trade is the only thing that has him hanging by a thread. And that trade was only salvaged with mega Pegula $$$. Being horrible to acquire top picks isn't really an accomplishment. And the Lehner trade was brutal. Talked to one of my insiders yesterday and he said the word on Lehner is he's a poopty human being. Was on coke, got off it and got fat and out of shape. Said the trade is what it appears to be. Murray has a man crush on Lehner for some reason and partly helped his uncle.

I will make a point that you are calling Stafford a bum and praising McGinn when Stafford has better stats.

I did forget the Miller trade.

I love Eichel, but there are players picked below him that are playing just as well or better, but I do think long term Eichel will have the last laugh.

Tim Murray traded away many prospects and picks for players who are supposed to make us better now. Yet we find ourselves three points out of last place and the third worse team in the league. We gave away many picks and good prospects for established players who are supposed to make us better now but we are close to last in almost all of the stat categories that Michael covers in his blog.

Was the tank really worth it? We traded away Neuvirth and Enroth for next to nothing to help ensure the tank. Neuvirth now leads the league in save percentage. Instead of resigning Stafford he was included in a trade for Kane. In part because Kane had surgery and wouldn't play again until the next year which would help the tank. This team is very weak at RW, and Stafford is having a good year and would be fourth on this team in scoring, second in goals, with his current stats. Myers is producing more points per sixty minutes as a defenseman than Kane is as a forward.

We have very little in as far as quality prospects who can make significant contributions to this team in the near future and the team as currently constructed is much closer to last place then they are to being in the playoff picture.

Murray made many trades giving away our futures for players who are supposed to make us better now in an attempt to show that rebuilds didn't have to take years. Something he said in interviews and has failed miserably in demonstrating. This is with adding McCabe, Pysyk, Reinhart and Eichel to this years roster. We are still the third worse team, three points out of last.

So I ask you, how do you grade Tim Murray's performance? McNabb trade, top four big, physical defenseman and two second round picks for two bottom six forward prospects. Myers, Stafford, Lemieux, Armia and a first round pick for Lawless and Blowgosian. 21st overall pick for Lehner and Legwand. The O'Reilly trade looks to be heavily in our favor, which is probably the only thing saving Murray's job at this point.
- SabresPanacea

The only trade I really hated was the Lehner trade. He could have waited on that one and got him for much less.

Stafford needed a change of scenery. I liked McNab but deslo is badly needed on this team. Lemieux father wouldn't let him sign here. Armia didn't live up to his supposed talent, so those two don't count. We have a couple of good d prospects so I'm not worried about that. Maybe we get a top 3 player in the draft for Eichel.

Well said. The O'Reilly trade is the only thing that has him hanging by a thread. And that trade was only salvaged with mega Pegula $$$. Being horrible to acquire top picks isn't really an accomplishment. And the Lehner trade was brutal. Talked to one of my insiders yesterday and he said the word on Lehner is he's a poopty human being. Was on coke, got off it and got fat and out of shape. Said the trade is what it appears to be. Murray has a man crush on Lehner for some reason and partly helped his uncle.
- Buffalo--Sabres

I heard he was 40 lbs. overweight reporting to camp, but I hadn't heard the rest of what you are reporting. Doesn't surprise me, coke is a big problem within the NHL today.

The only trade I really hated was the Lehner trade. He could have waited on that one and got him for much less.

Stafford needed a change of scenery. I liked McNab but deslo is badly needed on this team. Lemieux father wouldn't let him sign here. Armia didn't live up to his supposed talent, so those two don't count. We have a couple of good d prospects so I'm not worried about that. Maybe we get a top 3 player in the draft for Eichel.
- sippyd

Happy New Year lovely lady.

Even if Lemieux wasn't signing here and stafford needed a change doesn't mean we couldn't have traded them in different deals to get value from them. Deslaurier is getting forth line minutes and has very few points, players like him are very easy to find in FA.

I like you, also hope for a high draft pick to get a scoring winger for Eichel.

Nice to see you as always.

There a lot to consider when looking a Murray's trades, many are still too soon to judge. The tank was absolutely worth it, Eichel is a beast and just because he's not leading the league 35 games into his career doesn't mean he won't be in two years. Stafford resigning, really? He needed to go, his time here was over, he was bum for us just taking a paycheck and a spot.

RoR trade looks like a homerun for Murray, Mcginn turning out to be a quality player is icing on the cake. Yes, it hurts losing Zads, but Compher isn't exactly lighting thing up in college, and nor is Grig playing with some real offensive talent in Colorado.

Kane trade, meh... Bogo stats actually prove, when health he's doing better than Myers and at least he has some snarl. Armia is becoming more of a joke every day, and Lemieux won't play for us, so what are going to do with him. So, far I do feel Winnipeg is still winning on this deal, but it's still early.

I'm not happy about the McNabb trade, too much for D-Lo and Fash, but will have to see how Fashing turns out. If, he doesn't make it to at third line NHLer than we lost big on that trade.

Murray, won on the Miller, Ott trade, many people like to forget that one, but he fleeced St. Louis.

Lehner it's just to early on, the guy needs to play. Right now it's easy to say this is Murray's worst trade, but we need to give Lehner some time and see what we really have in him. If, he turns out to be our next starter for 5 plus seasons than the trade was well worth it.

I will say that I like having a G.M. who is not afraid to pull the trigger. Regeir was great at trades, he always got value, but they were too few and far between when the team could have really used help.
- sskkoo1

Grig will get his time, but Patty loves his Vets, he plays Iggy and Tangs over Grigs right now but it won't last long. Tanguay looks washed up and all signs are pointing towards iggy traded.

I am almost certain that Grigs will be the 3rd line C next year. Zads on the other hand is coming into his own, I was pissed they sent him down but now seeing how hes maturing and developing in the AHL, hes going to be so beasty soon enough.

I still like the trade, for both sides

Edit: Just checked, Compher has 17pts in 20gms this season, thats pretty damn good

Grig will get his time, but Patty loves his Vets, he plays Iggy and Tangs over Grigs right now but it won't last long. Tanguay looks washed up and all signs are pointing towards iggy traded.

I am almost certain that Grigs will be the 3rd line C next year. Zads on the other hand is coming into his own, I was pissed they sent him down but now seeing how hes maturing and developing in the AHL, hes going to be so beasty soon enough.

I still like the trade, for both sides

Edit: Just checked, Compher has 17pts in 20gms this season, thats pretty damn good
- DDM-Coga

Stop rubbing it in, you bum.

Stafford has 2 more points and when he doesn't show up on the score sheet he disappears. McGinn is always around the puck. You never have to ask if he is playing or not if he doesn't see the stat sheet, also makes $1.35 million less.

McGinn is a 2nd/3rd line player who is playing more minutes because the Sabres don't have a ton of talent on the wings.

Stafford was supposed to be this big time power forward who can score at will. He is not.

Comparing Stafford to McGinn is like comparing a Kit-Car to a Jeep Wrangler.

One looks good on the outside but has the insides of a Volkswagen Beetle and the other just keeps motoring through the mud and will take on any mountain.

Stop rubbing it in, you bum.
- sippyd

just saying its was a fair trade so don't discredit some of my shiny new toys

Happy New Year lovely lady.

Even if Lemieux wasn't signing here and stafford needed a change doesn't mean we couldn't have traded them in different deals to get value from them. Deslaurier is getting forth line minutes and has very few points, players like him are very easy to find in FA.

I like you, also hope for a high draft pick to get a scoring winger for Eichel.

Nice to see you as always.


- SabresPanacea

Seems like TM gets too fixated on getting a specific player at all costs. I'm glad he was so fixated on ROR. His obligation should be to the Sabres, not his uncle. That part pissed me off. Now the guy's a coke head.

Happy New Year to you too.

38 games into a 3 year rebuild, here is what I see:

ROR is a beast, McGinn is good
Eichel and Reinhart are two rookies who look very solid...I love watching their development and have high expectations for them in 2 years time
Girgensons is solid, in a variety of roles...lockdown checking center, or 2nd line winger.
Risto is developing into a top D-man right before our eyes...love his play, especially the physicality when he so desires.
McCabe and Pysyk are very solid young D-men who should continue to develop more.
Bogo is solid, albeit prone to the occasional luck-head play...he should be far more consistent by now.
Gorges playing solid now that he isn't hurt...we can expect the same for 2 more years allowing the younger D time to develop.
Kane and Ennis have been very, very disappointing. I have hopes that Ennis can/will find his game...I hope sooner than later. Kane needs several classes on how to play a proper puck possession game and stop taking ridiculous shots that cause turnover after turnover...can he...I think it is 50/50 and declining further as time goes on..obviously.
Lehner? No one knows...and we won't until into next year. I fully expect for him to suck for the next couple of months while he refinds his game...as a past Calder Cup winning starting Goalie, the promise is there...but can he find that form again in the NHL? No one knows...but I'll,give him through the 2016/17 season.
Johnson looks like the ideal backup and can win games during a relatively extended streak. Ullmark needs further development but shows promise as well.

That leaves us exactly where I think we would expect to be 35 games into a 3 year rebuild...
- a core has been identified that is young but developing nicely
-we have some prospects in the pipeline...but too early to tell where they end-up...hopefully at least a few make the jump to the big club and contribute.
- we have holes that need additional attention. But those will be addressed b
- Draft picks
- Trades
- FA acquisitions.

I remain confident the team is headed in the right direction under GMTM...a GM who shows he has balls and isn't afraid of his own shadow and sits on his hands. Has he been perfect...nope..but waiting for the perfect trades is what most of the fan base hated under the past front office.

38 games into a 3 year rebuild, here is what I see:

ROR is a beast, McGinn is good
Eichel and Reinhart are two rookies who look very solid...I love watching their development and have high expectations for them in 2 years time
Girgensons is solid, in a variety of roles...lockdown checking center, or 2nd line winger.
Risto is developing into a top D-man right before our eyes...love his play, especially the physicality when he so desires.
McCabe and Pysyk are very solid young D-men who should continue to develop more.
Bogo is solid, albeit prone to the occasional luck-head play...he should be far more consistent by now.
Gorges playing solid now that he isn't hurt...we can expect the same for 2 more years allowing the younger D time to develop.
Kane and Ennis have been very, very disappointing. I have hopes that Ennis can/will find his game...I hope sooner than later. Kane needs several classes on how to play a proper puck possession game and stop taking ridiculous shots that cause turnover after turnover...can he...I think it is 50/50 and declining further as time goes on..obviously.
Lehner? No one knows...and we won't until into next year. I fully expect for him to suck for the next couple of months while he refinds his game...as a past Calder Cup winning starting Goalie, the promise is there...but can he find that form again in the NHL? No one knows...but I'll,give him through the 2016/17 season.
Johnson looks like the ideal backup and can win games during a relatively extended streak. Ullmark needs further development but shows promise as well.

That leaves us exactly where I think we would expect to be 35 games into a 3 year rebuild...
- a core has been identified that is young but developing nicely
-we have some prospects in the pipeline...but too early to tell where they end-up...hopefully at least a few make the jump to the big club and contribute.
- we have holes that need additional attention. But those will be addressed b
- Draft picks
- Trades
- FA acquisitions.

I remain confident the team is headed in the right direction under GMTM...a GM who shows he has balls and isn't afraid of his own shadow and sits on his hands. Has he been perfect...nope..but waiting for the perfect trades is what most of the fan base hated under the past front office.
- IonSabres

This sums it up nicely. Both GM's are one extreme to another. I still hate the Lehner trade and the uncle thing.

38 games into a 3 year rebuild, here is what I see:

ROR is a beast, McGinn is good
Eichel and Reinhart are two rookies who look very solid...I love watching their development and have high expectations for them in 2 years time
Girgensons is solid, in a variety of roles...lockdown checking center, or 2nd line winger.
Risto is developing into a top D-man right before our eyes...love his play, especially the physicality when he so desires.
McCabe and Pysyk are very solid young D-men who should continue to develop more.
Bogo is solid, albeit prone to the occasional luck-head play...he should be far more consistent by now.
Gorges playing solid now that he isn't hurt...we can expect the same for 2 more years allowing the younger D time to develop.
Kane and Ennis have been very, very disappointing. I have hopes that Ennis can/will find his game...I hope sooner than later. Kane needs several classes on how to play a proper puck possession game and stop taking ridiculous shots that cause turnover after turnover...can he...I think it is 50/50 and declining further as time goes on..obviously.
Lehner? No one knows...and we won't until into next year. I fully expect for him to suck for the next couple of months while he refinds his game...as a past Calder Cup winning starting Goalie, the promise is there...but can he find that form again in the NHL? No one knows...but I'll,give him through the 2016/17 season.
Johnson looks like the ideal backup and can win games during a relatively extended streak. Ullmark needs further development but shows promise as well.

That leaves us exactly where I think we would expect to be 35 games into a 3 year rebuild...
- a core has been identified that is young but developing nicely
-we have some prospects in the pipeline...but too early to tell where they end-up...hopefully at least a few make the jump to the big club and contribute.
- we have holes that need additional attention. But those will be addressed b
- Draft picks
- Trades
- FA acquisitions.

I remain confident the team is headed in the right direction under GMTM...a GM who shows he has balls and isn't afraid of his own shadow and sits on his hands. Has he been perfect...nope..but waiting for the perfect trades is what most of the fan base hated under the past front office.
- IonSabres

Agreed, It looks bleak in the standings but the core for the most part is there. Just needs some time. Unfortunately, we can't speed that up.

Seems like TM gets too fixated on getting a specific player at all costs. I'm glad he was so fixated on ROR. His obligation should be to the Sabres, not his uncle. That part pissed me off. Now the guy's a coke head.

Happy New Year to you too.
- sippyd

hopefully hes not too fixated on Stamkos, apparently hes on the 2nd line as a Winger now, they are running that guy out of town

If Im picking out TM's worst moves I don't think I get to any of the trades.

Moulson contract and the seemingly wasted three 2nd rounders from the 2014 draft are the two that really bother me.

hopefully hes not too fixated on Stamkos, apparently hes on the 2nd line as a Winger now, they are running that guy out of town
- DDM-Coga

Ryan Callahan - 13 points in 37 games.