So housleys replacement was back filled and better than housley?

Although housley was the head coach, Steve Smith the defensive coach ( for just 1 of the 2 years housley was here) is to blame?

Now krueger is gonna let him run the systems with no input, because hes not an x/o"s coach

Housley shouldn't be blamed for not coaching or implementing a system where forwards help on d?



This is on phail, you'll see. He was terrible.

So you want them to rehire him to run the d too?
- Boss34

I think we put way too much on coaching. Nashville has great defensemen, Buffalo had a bad group. Not suggesting Phil is a good coach, just that this is mostly about the players.

I think we put way too much on coaching. Nashville has great defensemen, Buffalo had a bad group. Not suggesting Phil is a good coach, just that this is mostly about the players.
- Lunaion

Coaching matters, somewhat.

"“Are we excited about where we’re going? Without a doubt and what I’ve really liked from our players is just because the coach has changed, if we think that’s going to resolve all our issues, we’re in trouble. "

https://youtu.be/v8CpsNDn2s8

I think he has the ability to create offense.
And he'd be no different then the other "power" forwards that aren't wizards with the puck but still pot 20/25. I've been beating the play Risto at forward for a while now. What's the worst that happens? His stock can't fall anymore.
- SDSabre

there is this gem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O9EwxGct9Y

[quote=TheSabresTaco]

If Dahlin becomes what we all hope, we don't need a "true" #1 RHD. We need someone that Dahlin can play with steadily, and help out. Is it possible Botts is collecting "quality" rhd in the hopes one shines through with our Golden boy, then the others play 2nd line where the belong? Wouldn't surprise me.

there is this gem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O9EwxGct9Y
- SabresFaninIndiana

Yeah. Burns is considered one of the best as well. The collective that say Risto doesn't have offensive skill is just flat out wrong. Might be one of his strengths.

Coaching matters, somewhat.

"“Are we excited about where we’re going? Without a doubt and what I’ve really liked from our players is just because the coach has changed, if we think that’s going to resolve all our issues, we’re in trouble. "
- TheSabresTaco

That says it well.

He is NOT one that creates offense. I tend to like my second line players to be good with the puck.
- Slump Buster

Risto is actually a good top of the funnel PP guy. I’m a fan. Keep dahlin and Eichel on the half walls to let them rip shots.

I also don’t really remember how montour did.

[quote=SDSabre]

You know what we need? Competent D play from talented defensemen.

Not sure what you're pointing out here. This isn't a throw away season. Housley had to go. Johansson is an upgrade and will be here next year, but it forces someone out of position this year. Same with Miller.
- Lunaion

He's making moves for right now, not for later. He's setting himself for next year in the sense that he's not doing anything to hurt himself for next year, but all of the moves he's made in the last 12 months are win-now moves

Yeah. Burns is considered one of the best as well. The collective that say Risto doesn't have offensive skill is just flat out wrong. Might be one of his strengths.
- SDSabre

True. It's one of his best attributes, is his play in the opposite end. It's unfortunate that he's so clumsy in his own end.

[quote=TheSabresTaco]

Agreed.

He's making moves for right now, not for later. He's setting himself for next year in the sense that he's not doing anything to hurt himself for next year, but all of the moves he's made in the last 12 months are win-now moves
- jcragcrumple

Guess we're on different topics then. My point is that guys like Miller, MoJo, and Joker are all great moves. Even though the surplus is awkward this year, they all fit better next year. I think you'd do it differently if the focus was on winning this year.

Risto is actually a good top of the funnel PP guy. I’m a fan. Keep dahlin and Eichel on the half walls to let them rip shots.

I also don’t really remember how montour did.
- Sabretooth9

i would like to see VO get some PP time in the preseason to see how that shot can work from the half wall as well... could be a good guy for that

Guess we're on different topics then. My point is that guys like Miller, MoJo, and Joker are all great moves. Even though the surplus is awkward this year, they all fit better next year. I think you'd do it differently if the focus was on winning this year.
- Lunaion

after this year we will end up rid ourselves of bogo, nelson, hunwick and scandella.. we may need some of these guys, but if they don't look like they fit our plan D are always sought after at the TDL

Guess we're on different topics then. My point is that guys like Miller, MoJo, and Joker are all great moves. Even though the surplus is awkward this year, they all fit better next year. I think you'd do it differently if the focus was on winning this year.
- Lunaion

I think an issue for both the Bills and the Sabres until recently is that they neglected depth. One guy goes down and you're pulling up a barely competent player. Both teams are really focusing on depth these days. Which is very important. Fans see a log jam, the organization sees a bunch of guys pushing each other to be better. Then they get to pick who to kick off to aszhole island.

after this year we will end up rid ourselves of bogo, nelson, hunwick and scandella.. we may need some of these guys, but if they don't look like they fit our plan D are always sought after at the TDL
- SabresFaninIndiana

I'm just thankful Slobby gets to stay

Dear Pachla,

Another swell write up, I agree Montour starts on the first pairing with the hopes that Joker takes it by Christmas. One can only dream of a competent pairing to moving the needle North-South...until next time.


-WU20


P.S. Fall titties bring out the creative side....
- washedup20

thx...and fall definitely has its moments

i would like to see VO get some PP time in the preseason to see how that shot can work from the half wall as well... could be a good guy for that
- SabresFaninIndiana

Most of VO's value comes from there. It would be crazy not to try it.

https://youtu.be/v8CpsNDn2s8

I think he has the ability to create offense.
And he'd be no different then the other "power" forwards that aren't wizards with the puck but still pot 20/25. I've been beating the play Risto at forward for a while now. What's the worst that happens? His stock can't fall anymore.
- SDSabre

Should we enter a junior world tournament I'll change my mind.

Guess we're on different topics then. My point is that guys like Miller, MoJo, and Joker are all great moves. Even though the surplus is awkward this year, they all fit better next year. I think you'd do it differently if the focus was on winning this year.
- Lunaion

They really won't fit better unless Risto is moved. Even then Borgen will probably be in the mix for a RD spot. It also doesn't explain why he would trade for Sheary and Vesey and fire the coach if he weren't trying to win now. And signing a UFA for $4.5 m is the definition of a win-now move

If he's thinking about setting himself up for next year, realistically the only change from within will be substituting Asplund and maybe davidsson for the lockport twins, and Cozens takes a RW spot. There's nothing else coming from within with forwards.

This is basically the team for the next 2 years, unless a substantial, multi-piece trade is made

They really won't fit better unless Risto is moved. Even then Borgen will probably be in the mix for a RD spot. It also doesn't explain why he would trade for Sheary and Vesey and fire the coach if he weren't trying to win now. And signing a UFA for $4.5 m is the definition of a win-now move

If he's thinking about setting himself up for next year, realistically the only change from within will be substituting Asplund and maybe davidsson for the lockport twins, and Cozens takes a RW spot. There's nothing else coming from within with forwards.

This is basically the team for the next 2 years
- jcragcrumple

This can't be a real argument. Please tell me this isn't real life.

This can't be a real argument. Please tell me this isn't real life.
- TheSabresTaco

You don't fire the coach unless you believe he's holding the roster back. It's basically saying "our team is better than what you've done with it."

Firing the coach is blaming him (in this case, rightly) for being sucktastic. He doesn't think they should be that sucky

Firing a coach is a win-now move

Are the bills actually in on clowney or is that fake news?

Had Whataburger because everyone hyped it up to be the best thing ever what a disappointment 1/10

Had Whataburger because everyone hyped it up to be the best thing ever what a disappointment 1/10
- gerbe75pts

poor ordering skills? whataburger is awesome