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Forums :: Blog World :: Michael Pachla: The 2020-21 season is upon us. A look at the Buffalo Sabres
Author Message
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Jan 31 @ 10:31 PM ET
You're very welcome. And that is genuine. Anything that irritates you is good in my book since everything you do irritates everyone.
- Wetbandit1


Yawn
Pegullaville
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Toronto
Joined: 03.16.2011

Jan 31 @ 10:37 PM ET
Ok
But guys have bad games- especially when they’re clearly on the downside of their careers
That doesn’t mean he’s garbage though
He’s got as many goals as Eichel & Hall combined after all

He’s been fine overall since a slow start

- jdfitz77


Staal’s been adequate.

I would like to add another forward so we can attempt to lower his minutes a tad to keep him fresh.

Buffalo--Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
Location: 2 15/16, NY
Joined: 07.07.2010

Jan 31 @ 10:42 PM ET
There's a lot of reasons to criticize this team right now and at this point they all seem valid. Coaching sucks, goal tending sucks, this guy sucks, that guy sucks. all of it.

2 observations I have:

First there's something off about Eichel. I don't mean his potentially not being 100% right now but overall. Going back to last year I see him look somewhat disinterested and pissed off. I've never seen a player enjoy himself less when he or his line scores. Every time he scores his face and body language heading back to the bench resembles a guy downplaying the accomplishment as if his team is down 9-0 and just got it's first goal with 7 minutes left, almost regardless of the situation.

You might not think much of it but I think it lands somewhere between strange and a big deal. I see it affect other players. Almost as if they can't be excited if Jack isn't excited. And Jack is rarely excited. It's like a glass ceiling on the teams excitement because Jack is the franchise.

Second is the affinity for scrubs. Sheahan, Thompson, Reider, Hutton. Too many flat out scrubs. These are such forgettable NHL'ers and we've carried so many in recent years.
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Jan 31 @ 10:43 PM ET
Staal’s been adequate.

I would like to add another forward so we can attempt to lower his minutes a tad to keep him fresh.

- Pegullaville


Maybe move Cozens to center at some point to take some load off of him?

It’s a short season, so i don’t think it’ll be too big an issue
Buff36
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 10.13.2019

Jan 31 @ 10:47 PM ET
There's a lot of reasons to criticize this team right now and at this point they all seem valid. Coaching sucks, goal tending sucks, this guy sucks, that guy sucks. all of it.

2 observations I have:

First there's something off about Eichel. I don't mean his potentially not being 100% right now but overall. Going back to last year I see him look somewhere between disinterested and pissed off. I've never seen a player enjoy himself less when he or his line scores. Every time he scores his face and body language heading back to the bench resembles a guy downplaying the accomplishment as if his team is down 9-0 and just got it's first goal with 7 minutes left, almost regardless of the situation.

You might not think much of it but I think it lands somewhere between strange and a big deal. I see it affect other players. Almost as if they can't be excited if Jack isn't excited. And Jack is rarely excited. It's like a glass ceiling on the teams excitement, but Jack is the franchise.

Second is the affinity for scrubs. Sheaha, Thompson, Reider, Hutton. Too many flat out scrubs. These are such forgettable NHL'ers and we've carried so many in recent years.

- Buffalo--Sabres

Funny you say that, I was amazed how much differently they played Yesterday when he was out getting his ear stitched up.
Buffalo--Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
Location: 2 15/16, NY
Joined: 07.07.2010

Jan 31 @ 10:48 PM ET
Funny you say that, I was amazed how much differently they played Yesterday when he was out getting his ear stitched up.
- Buff36



I did not see yesterdays game so I'm clueless on the incident. Can you provide some context?
ieetbred
Buffalo Sabres
Location: NY
Joined: 06.30.2011

Jan 31 @ 10:54 PM ET
Didnt address the defense

Didnt address backup goalie

The coach, among other questionable decisions, cant or is unwilling to recognize that okposo is done. Much bigger problem if thats coming from above

Im done with thompson unless someone can force him to stop being a giant wussy. Maybe mittelstadt isnt going to be anything special but at least he makes decisions when the puck is on his stick
IceColdBeer
Buffalo Sabres
Location: The CLT, NC
Joined: 07.18.2011

Jan 31 @ 11:00 PM ET
There's a lot of reasons to criticize this team right now and at this point they all seem valid. Coaching sucks, goal tending sucks, this guy sucks, that guy sucks. all of it.

2 observations I have:

First there's something off about Eichel. I don't mean his potentially not being 100% right now but overall. Going back to last year I see him look somewhat disinterested and pissed off. I've never seen a player enjoy himself less when he or his line scores. Every time he scores his face and body language heading back to the bench resembles a guy downplaying the accomplishment as if his team is down 9-0 and just got it's first goal with 7 minutes left, almost regardless of the situation.

You might not think much of it but I think it lands somewhere between strange and a big deal. I see it affect other players. Almost as if they can't be excited if Jack isn't excited. And Jack is rarely excited. It's like a glass ceiling on the teams excitement because Jack is the franchise.

Second is the affinity for scrubs. Sheahan, Thompson, Reider, Hutton. Too many flat out scrubs. These are such forgettable NHL'ers and we've carried so many in recent years.

- Buffalo--Sabres


I mentioned this earlier in the season and a bunch of people on here jumped on me arguing about how many secondary points Jack has. His body language is terrible and he gives the puck away almost every shift. I hate to say this but I think this team would be better off with whatever haul we could get for him. Good riddance.

Also I actually like Reider and Sheahan, better than Rodriguez, Vesey and Sheary anyways. Every team has some players like that.
Buff36
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 10.13.2019

Jan 31 @ 11:01 PM ET
I did not see yesterdays game so I'm clueless on the incident. Can you provide some context?
- Buffalo--Sabres

He missed about 10 min of the 3rd, took a puck to the head, but the team seemed to be more relaxed on the ice during that time.
IceColdBeer
Buffalo Sabres
Location: The CLT, NC
Joined: 07.18.2011

Jan 31 @ 11:06 PM ET
Didnt address the defense

Didnt address backup goalie

The coach, among other questionable decisions, cant or is unwilling to recognize that okposo is done. Much bigger problem if thats coming from above

Im done with thompson unless someone can force him to stop being a giant wussy. Maybe mittelstadt isnt going to be anything special but at least he makes decisions when the puck is on his stick

- ieetbred


I’ve been a huge critic of Casey over these last few years but he’s definitely made much better use of his time here than anything Tage has done.
Buffalo--Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
Location: 2 15/16, NY
Joined: 07.07.2010

Jan 31 @ 11:07 PM ET
Didnt address the defense

Didnt address backup goalie

The coach, among other questionable decisions, cant or is unwilling to recognize that okposo is done. Much bigger problem if thats coming from above

Im done with thompson unless someone can force him to stop being a giant wussy. Maybe mittelstadt isnt going to be anything special but at least he makes decisions when the puck is on his stick

- ieetbred



That's the third thing I left off my post, the overpaid disappearing acts. Okposo, Skinner.
SABRES 89
Season Ticket Holder
Buffalo Sabres
Location: I'm very Happy to be here. Las Vegas Via Buffalo N.Y.
Joined: 02.17.2007

Jan 31 @ 11:07 PM ET
I just watched a brief tidbit on TSN in between periods of the Sens, Oilers game called Unwanted Visitor. It's about why Ted Nolan isn't coaching in the NHL. I just watched the part where he was asked about his 2nd time with the Sabres and he said" absolutely management wanted him to tank for the 1st overall pick.
sbroads24
Buffalo Sabres
Location: We are in 30th place. It's 2017 , NY
Joined: 02.12.2012

Jan 31 @ 11:08 PM ET
Kahun gets props,
but when Staal did it you still talked about how he stinks

What gives with your hate in Staal ?
He had a slow start, but since then he’s been fine
And he’s got a new linemate just about every game too

- jdfitz77

I don’t even know why I bother but whatever -

There’s a giant difference between keeping a middle six winger that ended up signing for under a mil, and being concerned that the 2C we acquired is no longer a viable 2C, which is how Staal has played so far

I have no “hate” for Staal. He’s 36 and playing like he’s 36. I “hate” how this team chooses to address holes in the roster
Buffalo--Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
Location: 2 15/16, NY
Joined: 07.07.2010

Jan 31 @ 11:10 PM ET
He missed about 10 min of the 3rd, took a puck to the head, but the team seemed to be more relaxed on the ice during that time.
- Buff36



I could imagine. Just like when Risto had the OT 2 on 1 with Eichel the other day and you could tell Risto wanted to use Jack as a decoy and bury one but he got caught between both worlds and pulled of neither. I think it's the pressure of Eichel.
IceColdBeer
Buffalo Sabres
Location: The CLT, NC
Joined: 07.18.2011

Jan 31 @ 11:11 PM ET
I just watched a brief tidbit on TSN in between periods of the Sens, Oilers game called Unwanted Visitor. It's about why Ted Nolan isn't coaching in the NHL. I just watched the part where he was asked about his 2nd time with the Sabres and he said" absolutely management wanted him to tank for the 1st overall pick.
- SABRES 89


if only we actually got it. mcdavid actually plays like he gives a crap.
lulags
Buffalo Sabres
Location: St Louis
Joined: 02.24.2007

Jan 31 @ 11:15 PM ET
There's a lot of reasons to criticize this team right now and at this point they all seem valid. Coaching sucks, goal tending sucks, this guy sucks, that guy sucks. all of it.

2 observations I have:

First there's something off about Eichel. I don't mean his potentially not being 100% right now but overall. Going back to last year I see him look somewhat disinterested and pissed off. I've never seen a player enjoy himself less when he or his line scores. Every time he scores his face and body language heading back to the bench resembles a guy downplaying the accomplishment as if his team is down 9-0 and just got it's first goal with 7 minutes left, almost regardless of the situation.

You might not think much of it but I think it lands somewhere between strange and a big deal. I see it affect other players. Almost as if they can't be excited if Jack isn't excited. And Jack is rarely excited. It's like a glass ceiling on the teams excitement because Jack is the franchise.

Second is the affinity for scrubs. Sheahan, Thompson, Reider, Hutton. Too many flat out scrubs. These are such forgettable NHL'ers and we've carried so many in recent years.

- Buffalo--Sabres

Very valid point on Eichel. I just don’t think he will ever have the mental maturity to carry a team as Captain. He is a stud, but not a leader. I’ve said this a couple of times before.
I believe more and more he wants out. I’ve come to terms with the fact we are not going to be a top contender with Jack at the wheel. If we could get a stupid return,
I’d be game moving him
SABRES 89
Season Ticket Holder
Buffalo Sabres
Location: I'm very Happy to be here. Las Vegas Via Buffalo N.Y.
Joined: 02.17.2007

Jan 31 @ 11:15 PM ET
if only we actually got it. mcdavid actually plays like he gives a crap.
- IceColdBeer

5 points for him tonight and 6 for Draisaitl
Pegullaville
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Toronto
Joined: 03.16.2011

Jan 31 @ 11:16 PM ET
if only we actually got it. mcdavid actually plays like he gives a crap.
- IceColdBeer


I’m sure he’ll want out of Edmonton too when they inevitably miss the playoffs this year as well cause his supporting cast is somehow worse than the one the Sabres surrounded Eichel with (aside from Draisatil of course)
lulags
Buffalo Sabres
Location: St Louis
Joined: 02.24.2007

Jan 31 @ 11:16 PM ET
if only we actually got it. mcdavid actually plays like he gives a crap.
- IceColdBeer

5 more points so far tonight
Buffalo--Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
Location: 2 15/16, NY
Joined: 07.07.2010

Jan 31 @ 11:18 PM ET
I mentioned this earlier in the season and a bunch of people on here jumped on me arguing about how many secondary points Jack has. His body language is terrible and he gives the puck away almost every shift. I hate to say this but I think this team would be better off with whatever haul we could get for him. Good riddance.

Also I actually like Reider and Sheahan, better than Rodriguez, Vesey and Sheary anyways. Every team has some players like that.

- IceColdBeer



Jack obviously has skills and we have to accept the fact that if he leaves he will absolutely tear it up somewhere else. Not just stats but postseason success as well. Like big time. But otherwise there's clearly something wrong. I think of NHL players as typical Jocks. Cocky, arrogant, rub it in your face kind of dudes. I used to Joke that the Montreal Canadiens score first in any game and all the players jump into the boards and embrace each other like they just scored the game winner in the World jr Gold game(and then go on to lose 4-2). I mean, that's what I want to see. Iike you belive you're going to win and you belive the goal matters.

And as far as scrubs I don't mean low point producing 3rd and 4th liners. Every team has those. Limited minutes means limited points. I just feel on many other teams those guys are committed role players who have eastablished an identity and play with purpose for a greater good. Ours are foregetble fly-ny nights that are just here because they're affordable.
IceColdBeer
Buffalo Sabres
Location: The CLT, NC
Joined: 07.18.2011

Jan 31 @ 11:21 PM ET
5 more points so far tonight
- lulags



pain
Buffalo--Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
Location: 2 15/16, NY
Joined: 07.07.2010

Jan 31 @ 11:24 PM ET
5 more points so far tonight
- lulags



Was 8-3, when you mentioned it. 8-5 now. Wow.
IceColdBeer
Buffalo Sabres
Location: The CLT, NC
Joined: 07.18.2011

Jan 31 @ 11:26 PM ET
I’m sure he’ll want out of Edmonton too when they inevitably miss the playoffs this year as well cause his supporting cast is somehow worse than the one the Sabres surrounded Eichel with (aside from Draisatil of course)
- Pegullaville



sweet let’s swap them then! everyone wins!!
Buffalo--Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
Location: 2 15/16, NY
Joined: 07.07.2010

Jan 31 @ 11:27 PM ET
sweet let’s swap them then! everyone wins!!
- IceColdBeer



All those weirdos who had Sabres Mcdavid jerseys made years ago would be justified.
IceColdBeer
Buffalo Sabres
Location: The CLT, NC
Joined: 07.18.2011

Jan 31 @ 11:28 PM ET
All those weirdos who had Sabres Mcdavid jerseys made years ago would be justified.
- Buffalo--Sabres



haha! what an incredible will into existence play. weirder things have happened.
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