Location: you don't need an ignore button to ignore someone., CA Joined: 02.22.2007
Apr 5 @ 3:36 PM ET
so, now what to I do? Is there a prize or something?
Anyway, I always looked at it as points get you in to the playoffs and playing .500 hockey meant you won half your games.
I guess the loser point and varying opinions muddy the definition.
82 points in 82 games for a team that could have easily gotten 60 is an accomplishment. It's not as though everything went right for this them and they (in my opinion) exceeded expectations. #1 goalie out for most of the year, #1 center out for a few weeks, new coach/system, top players from last year going on IR or MIA. Yet they still have the chance to pull out a .500 in points.
Last summer everyone said that you can't go from 40 points out of the playoffs and improve enough that you're a playoff team which is probably true. But it's much more likely that a team can go from 82 points to about 90-95 points and that could be all they need to be 7th-10th.
82 points in 82 games for a team that could have easily gotten 60 is an accomplishment. It's not as though everything went right for this them and they (in my opinion) exceeded expectations. #1 goalie out for most of the year, #1 center out for a few weeks, new coach/system, top players from last year going on IR or MIA. Yet they still have the chance to pull out a .500 in points.
Last summer everyone said that you can't go from 40 points out of the playoffs and improve enough that you're a playoff team which is probably true. But it's much more likely that a team can go from 82 points to about 90-95 points and that could be all they need to be 7th-10th. - Zschalberg
Agree
Even with no major moves in the offseason we should be competing for a playoff spot next year
When talking about .500,
Points percentage makes the most sense
However...
This also isn't a debate I really care about at all
Schopp can argue it all afternoon long while I don't listen to his show
I'd rather focus on the really nice 2nd half this team has had, 90point pace
That has us in the mix for a playoff spot next year
And it's likely that we'll continue to improve
Especially if Murray can make a couple key additions
Location: I Know Nothink ... NOTHINK! Joined: 07.27.2007
Apr 5 @ 4:20 PM ET
There was a time in late December when these guys were playing really close to great hockey. They played pretty well against the East Coast teams, surprised a bunch of people with a few wins, and went out west and just missed against some of the League's really elite teams.
And I said to myself, and to many of you, "They're good now. Root now!"
They kind of bungled for a while in January, and took a bit of time to regroup. That stretch of 5 or 6 weeks had a few of you thinking we're still a long way off.
I disagree. We're getting sneak peeks here and there. The guys are beginning to realize they're not just lucky.
We've got an engine who knows when to push, and when to pull, who has earned the respect of the entire team, and has gotten them comfortable listening to him and responding.
We've got these two prodigies that our opponents can't stop, even after they've recognized the need to gameplan for them. And neither of them needs to carry the franchise, and both of them can just play the game.
I'm pretty sure we've got a bond fide #1 in the back, whose maturing development can only be hastened by the acquisition of a partner who really belongs on the top pair with him.
We've got an angry poopstirring warrior with a chip on his shoulder, a bunch of talent, and burning desire to just be respected, who is beginning to realize that this team will respect him if he gives them the same chance they've already given him. This eye-opening realization has him thinking of himself as part of a team, and reigning himself in to cooperating as part of a system.
We've got young guys who have learned that there comes a point in your growth into the NHL when you'll no longer be the best player you know, and so you have to be the best player in the role the team wants you to fulfill.
We have a sociopath wierdo who covers a hell of a lot of the net just by standing there, and who can stop a lot of rubber when he thinks thats the best way to get even with whoever he's angry at.
Smile, friends. We're very close. There's a few short steps that still remain to be taken. But let's not lose sight of the truth. They're good now. Root now.
There was a time in late December when these guys were playing really close to great hockey. They played pretty well against the East Coast teams, surprised a bunch of people with a few wins, and went out west and just missed against some of the League's really elite teams.
And I said to myself, and to many of you, "They're good now. Root now!"
They kind of bungled for a while in January, and took a bit of time to regroup. That stretch of 5 or 6 weeks had a few of you thinking we're still a long way off.
I disagree. We're getting sneak peeks here and there. The guys are beginning to realize they're not just lucky.
We've got an engine who knows when to push, and when to pull, who has earned the respect of the entire team, and has gotten them comfortable listening to him and responding.
We've got these two prodigies that our opponents can't stop, even after they've recognized the need to gameplan for them. And neither of them needs to carry the franchise, and both of them can just play the game.
I'm pretty sure we've got a bond fide #1 in the back, whose maturing development can only be hastened by the acquisition of a partner who really belongs on the top pair with him.
We've got an angry poopstirring warrior with a chip on his shoulder, a bunch of talent, and burning desire to just be respected, who is beginning to realize that this team will respect him if he gives them the same chance they've already given him. This eye-opening realization has him thinking of himself as part of a team, and reigning himself in to cooperating as part of a system.
We've got young guys who have learned that there comes a point in your growth into the NHL when you'll no longer be the best player you know, and so you have to be the best player in the role the team wants you to fulfill.
We have a sociopath wierdo who covers a hell of a lot of the net just by standing there, and who can stop a lot of rubber when he thinks thats the best way to get even with whoever he's angry at.
Smile, friends. We're very close. There's a few short steps that still remain to be taken. But let's not lose sight of the truth. They're good now. Root now. - Der Kaiser
Location: We are in 30th place. It's 2017 , NY Joined: 02.12.2012
Apr 5 @ 4:36 PM ET
.500 is about how I would judge this season, taking wins and losses out of the picture
We knew they weren't going to win a ton. What I mean is specific players, coaching etc.
Positives :
Eichel
Reinhart
O'Reilly
Ristolainen
McCabe
Negatives:
Girgensons
Bad contracts of Moulson, Gorges, Bogosian (depending on what Bogosian shows up)
Lack of #2 defense
Lehner (Health)
Lack of secondary scoring (up until recently)
Shallow prospect depth
I think there are a ton of positives to take from the recent play. Question is does is translate to next year, or is this a mirage due to a very weak schedule
Location: We need a You're an Ass button, NY Joined: 09.07.2006
Apr 5 @ 4:38 PM ET
There was a time in late December when these guys were playing really close to great hockey. They played pretty well against the East Coast teams, surprised a bunch of people with a few wins, and went out west and just missed against some of the League's really elite teams.
And I said to myself, and to many of you, "They're good now. Root now!"
They kind of bungled for a while in January, and took a bit of time to regroup. That stretch of 5 or 6 weeks had a few of you thinking we're still a long way off.
I disagree. We're getting sneak peeks here and there. The guys are beginning to realize they're not just lucky.
We've got an engine who knows when to push, and when to pull, who has earned the respect of the entire team, and has gotten them comfortable listening to him and responding.
We've got these two prodigies that our opponents can't stop, even after they've recognized the need to gameplan for them. And neither of them needs to carry the franchise, and both of them can just play the game.
I'm pretty sure we've got a bond fide #1 in the back, whose maturing development can only be hastened by the acquisition of a partner who really belongs on the top pair with him.
We've got an angry poopstirring warrior with a chip on his shoulder, a bunch of talent, and burning desire to just be respected, who is beginning to realize that this team will respect him if he gives them the same chance they've already given him. This eye-opening realization has him thinking of himself as part of a team, and reigning himself in to cooperating as part of a system.
We've got young guys who have learned that there comes a point in your growth into the NHL when you'll no longer be the best player you know, and so you have to be the best player in the role the team wants you to fulfill.
We have a sociopath wierdo who covers a hell of a lot of the net just by standing there, and who can stop a lot of rubber when he thinks thats the best way to get even with whoever he's angry at.
Smile, friends. We're very close. There's a few short steps that still remain to be taken. But let's not lose sight of the truth. They're good now. Root now.
Location: We need a You're an Ass button, NY Joined: 09.07.2006
Apr 5 @ 4:43 PM ET
.500 is about how I would judge this season, taking wins and losses out of the picture
We knew they weren't going to win a ton. What I mean is specific players, coaching etc.
Positives :
Eichel
Reinhart
O'Reilly
Ristolainen
McCabe
Negatives:
Girgensons
Bad contracts of Moulson, Gorges, Bogosian (depending on what Bogosian shows up)
Lack of #2 defense
Lehner (Health)
Lack of secondary scoring (up until recently)
Shallow prospect depth
I think there are a ton of positives to take from the recent play. Question is does is translate to next year, or is this a mirage due to a very weak schedule - sbroads24
IMO that schedule thing is a myth. Every team plays the same amount of games and the same teams other than their division. Lots of positives that we were anticipating being there after the tank fests we went through. A few changes here and there and a we could be in the hunt next season. Hope the players don't do a role reversal and end up with sophomore slumps.
Location: Matt Ellis is my patronus, NY Joined: 06.28.2011
Apr 5 @ 4:44 PM ET
IMO that schedule thing is a myth. Every team plays the same amount of games and the same teams other than their division. Lots of positives that we were anticipating being there after the tank fests we went through. A few changes here and there and a we could be in the hunt next season. Hope the players don't do a role reversal and end up with sophomore slums. - cabin
Schedule wise youd have to break it down to how many back to backs or travel etc. But in the end its al even. IF anything you would think the West would produce less but that has not been the case. Based off the West travels more between games
Location: We are in 30th place. It's 2017 , NY Joined: 02.12.2012
Apr 5 @ 4:46 PM ET
IMO that schedule thing is a myth. Every team plays the same amount of games and the same teams other than their division. Lots of positives that we were anticipating being there after the tank fests we went through. A few changes here and there and a we could be in the hunt next season. Hope the players don't do a role reversal and end up with sophomore slums. - cabin
I don't think we have to worry about 23,15,90, or even 9 when it comes to production.
I mean more of 22,82,28,47, the guys that coincidentally have produced since the schedule has been in our favor. Getting good production or good minutes from lines 3 and 4, and the middle pair is what will make us a playoff team
There was a time in late December when these guys were playing really close to great hockey. They played pretty well against the East Coast teams, surprised a bunch of people with a few wins, and went out west and just missed against some of the League's really elite teams.
And I said to myself, and to many of you, "They're good now. Root now!"
They kind of bungled for a while in January, and took a bit of time to regroup. That stretch of 5 or 6 weeks had a few of you thinking we're still a long way off.
I disagree. We're getting sneak peeks here and there. The guys are beginning to realize they're not just lucky.
We've got an engine who knows when to push, and when to pull, who has earned the respect of the entire team, and has gotten them comfortable listening to him and responding.
We've got these two prodigies that our opponents can't stop, even after they've recognized the need to gameplan for them. And neither of them needs to carry the franchise, and both of them can just play the game.
I'm pretty sure we've got a bond fide #1 in the back, whose maturing development can only be hastened by the acquisition of a partner who really belongs on the top pair with him.
We've got an angry poopstirring warrior with a chip on his shoulder, a bunch of talent, and burning desire to just be respected, who is beginning to realize that this team will respect him if he gives them the same chance they've already given him. This eye-opening realization has him thinking of himself as part of a team, and reigning himself in to cooperating as part of a system.
We've got young guys who have learned that there comes a point in your growth into the NHL when you'll no longer be the best player you know, and so you have to be the best player in the role the team wants you to fulfill.
We have a sociopath wierdo who covers a hell of a lot of the net just by standing there, and who can stop a lot of rubber when he thinks thats the best way to get even with whoever he's angry at.
Smile, friends. We're very close. There's a few short steps that still remain to be taken. But let's not lose sight of the truth. They're good now. Root now.
- Der Kaiser
Best comment I've read(red, wred) on here in a long long time.
I remember distinctly the end of the '04 season(pre lockout) Sabres and being really impressed and confident in them. They weren't quite there yet, but they had broken the mold of the 'Bankruptcy Sabres' and were starting to surprise opponents. This of course happened when they playoffs were out of sight and a lockout was looming so no one noticed. I wouldn't say this team is in the same boat, but there are similarities. Mainly having young talent that doesn't have to have the weight of the franchise on their shoulders. This is what made the 05-07 Sabres great and this of course if why it all fell apart shortly there after. The franchise screwed up the formula. I naturally don't expect that with this ownership group.
We've got an engine who knows when to push, and when to pull, who has earned the respect of the entire team, and has gotten them comfortable listening to him and responding.
Excellent comment
We've got young guys who have learned that there comes a point in your growth into the NHL when you'll no longer be the best player you know, and so you have to be the best player in the role the team wants you to fulfill.
This is one of the most important parts of building a great team. I think this comment is directed at Foligno. Back in 2011 Marcus was Mr. Canada, a leader and offensive machine on the Canadian Jr team when they played in Buffalo. I think it has taken him time to reassert himself into a different role on this team and I think he's doing it well. He's a pain in the ass to play against in all zones.
