After everything that happened yesterday with the Sabres, I wanted to take some time to take it all in and develop some thoughts.
First off, I like the attitude that general manager Tim Murray brings. It seems that his style goes along with other new members of the organization and that's something that this team needs.
Murray mentioned that everyone has a clean slate, which the players had when Nolan first got here, in a sense. But Murray is on a clean slate of his own, and he'll have his hands full quickly. Many are wondering what his first move will be, or if he will begin with an immediate big move.
While I'd like to see that happen, I also want Murray to get adjusted and learn the team a bit more. I'm sure he has a good sense of many of the players/prospects, but let him get comfortable before pulling the trigger too quickly.
In my mind, the biggest decision for him are the futures of Ryan Miller (most importantly), Steve Ott and Matt Moulson. When we see what happens with those three players, we will clearly be able to see exactly what direction the Sabres are headed. Either way, I expect to see Miller or Enroth headed somewhere else by next season.
Even though the spotlight was on Murray, many haven't looked past the other addition, Craig Patrick. It's a tremendous add to the organization and I'm excited to have him here as well.
"I've had many rebuilds in my career, I was a GM for 23 years, rebuilt a lot of teams, this is going to be fun." -Craig Patrick
After the press conference, Buffalo prepared for their first game with the new GM, and it wasn't very impressive. Sure, the Sabres played a close game, but Enroth and the goal posts carried them to a shootout.
Enroth played phenomenal once again, just like he did in his lone win of the season against the Panthers, but none of the three Sabres shooters could score in the shootout.
By going 0-3 and scoring one goal in regulation, Buffalo continued it's unimpressive goal support for Enroth.
"It's hard to win with this team." -Jhonas Enroth after a shootout loss to Florida. His comment can be taken it multiple ways, but I don't believe he meant it to sound like such a bad thing.
With almost no goal support, injuries and younger players, it's going to be tough to win in general. Still, the team plays differently in front of Enroth, and they always have.
As I posted yesterday, here are some solid statements from Murray:
"I'm fairly aggressive guy and not afraid to make a mistake."
"If you're a good team you have to spend to the cap."
"I see a lot of good people in the organization and a lot of good things happening."
"You build a team through the draft. Good drafting allows you to trade well...you use free agency to put you over the top."
"This team is in last place right now; everyone can be traded."
As always, thank you for reading!
