I come in peace.

Chances Trotz is fired before the New Year? I think most people, including myself, generally expected them to hold up to or improve upon last year. I haven't been watching, but I've read a lot about the supposedly bad team defense...

Are they tuning him out? It's kind of baffling... Trotz is an excellent coach, and I still think Washington made a mistake letting him go. And at this rate you have to consider the fact that no NHL coach except Scotty Bowman has ever won the Championship with multiple teams, is it the right decision for the team and the coach to stay the course and hope the train skips back on track? Or do you consider a change while you still have time to recover?

You've played the fewest games in the league and parity is rampant across the middle-of-the-pack teams, so I really do think the team can make a quick turn around but the decision needs to be fast...

Also, the Sabres don't hold a lot of records, guys. You already have 4 cups in a row and the last real dynasty, imo. Let us have the most consecutive losses in a row record for at least a few years


- BeadyEyedDouche

Replacing Leddy w Chara and Palmieri for Eberle are proving to be poor decisions. I was in favor of resigning Palms but the Chara decision is and has been a head scratcher to me. Couple that with all the other bullish!t that’s happened this season and here we are.

Replacing Leddy w Chara and Palmieri for Eberle are proving to be poor decisions. I was in favor of resigning Palms but the Chara decision is and has been a head scratcher to me. Couple that with all the other bullish!t that’s happened this season and here we are.
- streaks

Not a head scratcher for me. Lou was trying to keep as much of the team together as he could under the cap. Chara was affordable, as he was signed for $750,000, at or near the League minimum. There wasn't cap room for guys who were significantly better and available.

To me, the bigger issue is the sudden drop-off in scoring by the forwards. We have guys who were being counted on for 15 - 20 goals per season on pace to score maybe 5 goals this season.

The team was basically.500 on an extensive road trip to start the season before the Covid shat hit the team taking out top 6 forwards and top 4 d man. Then on top of that they lost a top 2 Dman in Pulock and their 2C in Nelson. I’ve said it before, The 1980 Islanders team couldn’t have dealt with losing the talent/players they have lost this year. I don’t think losing Leddy and Eberle has destroyed the team but the injuries and Covid certainly has.

For those thinking that firing Trotz will help in any way, I Disagree. Trotz's system is ideal for teams that lack serious talent. If we brought in a coach that was not defensive minded it would be a lot worse. They need to blow it up! The building is done and between that, the cap space, Trotz and Lou this should be a destination that is attractive to players unlike years past.

The team was basically.500 on an extensive road trip to start the season before the Covid shat hit the team taking out top 6 forwards and top 4 d man. Then on top of that they lost a top 2 Dman in Pulock and their 2C in Nelson. I’ve said it before, The 1980 Islanders team couldn’t have dealt with losing the talent/players they have lost this year. I don’t think losing Leddy and Eberle has destroyed the team but the injuries and Covid certainly has.
- nyisles7

This. Right here.

Not a head scratcher for me. Lou was trying to keep as much of the team together as he could under the cap. Chara was affordable, as he was signed for $750,000, at or near the League minimum. There wasn't cap room for guys who were significantly better and available.

To me, the bigger issue is the sudden drop-off in scoring by the forwards. We have guys who were being counted on for 15 - 20 goals per season on pace to score maybe 5 goals this season.
- JohnScammo

On the first paragraph totally agree.

On the second, the team has been snake bit for sure. That said we have seen this before and they have snapped out of it. Hopefully they will again. When it starts you grip that stick harder and typically makes it worse, Shooting wide, and trying to make the perfect play instead of simple plays.
The Covid line up games were a mis mosh of lines where players were thrown together just to field a line up. Not effective and I don’t think anyone really had high expectations especially offensively.

On the first paragraph totally agree.

On the second, the team has been snake bit for sure. That said we have seen this before and they have snapped out of it. Hopefully they will again. When it starts you grip that stick harder and typically makes it worse, Shooting wide, and trying to make the perfect play instead of simple plays.
The Covid line up games were a mis mosh of lines where players were thrown together just to field a line up. Not effective and I don’t think anyone really had high expectations especially offensively.
- nyisles7

I agree with you to an extent. I would just argue that the team was not playing great BEFORE the Covid bug hit. Yes, they had a long road trip and managed to win 5 games. However, those wins were against mostly weaker teams. IMO, they did not look good against Carolina, Florida, Tampa, or even New Jersey.

In other news, Vancouver lost in regulation late last night to pass the Islanders in the important standings. https://www.tankathon.com/nhl

Not a head scratcher for me. Lou was trying to keep as much of the team together as he could under the cap. Chara was affordable, as he was signed for $750,000, at or near the League minimum. There wasn't cap room for guys who were significantly better and available.

To me, the bigger issue is the sudden drop-off in scoring by the forwards. We have guys who were being counted on for 15 - 20 goals per season on pace to score maybe 5 goals this season.
- JohnScammo

There were other options to take a chance on on the cheap, if that’s the only option Lou had. Tony DeAngelo comes to mind. I realize some may argue that could have been a risk, but so was the Chara decision imo. I suggested it’s a head scratcher bc we lost both Leddy and Toews in back to back years. Both puck moving defenseman. Chara is not a puck mover and never was, among other things.

I have faith in Lou and Trotz. I just question some of their decisions at times. Which is what this board is for. Talking hockey and sorting through our frustration as fans.

I agree with you to an extent. I would just argue that the team was not playing great BEFORE the Covid bug hit. Yes, they had a long road trip and managed to win 5 games. However, those wins were against mostly weaker teams. IMO, they did not look good against Carolina, Florida, Tampa, or even New Jersey.

In other news, Vancouver lost in regulation late last night to pass the Islanders in the important standings. https://www.tankathon.com/nhl
- JohnScammo

I have a tough time giving up on this team. I keep thinking this is the last loss they can possibly take but find myself extending it a game after each loss. I’m frustrated at the lack of scoring. You’d think someone would snap out of the funk at some point. I’m all for tanking, but my concern is this team is already old and another year gone by won’t help their chances at the ultimate goal of winning a cup.

This will sound crazy but I do not fault Trotz or Lou. Trotz is trying to use everything he has too a point. Lou gambled and things have not panned out. What Lou does from here will be the difference maker. He if stands pat til the Olympic break it will be too late.

There moves out there. some short term and some longer term. Everyone makes mistakes. It is what you do after the mistake is what people remember.

I would assume Varly in net tonight.

There were other options to take a chance on on the cheap, if that’s the only option Lou had. Tony DeAngelo comes to mind. I realize some may argue that could have been a risk, but so was the Chara decision imo. I suggested it’s a head scratcher bc we lost both Leddy and Toews in back to back years. Both puck moving defenseman. Chara is not a puck mover and never was, among other things.

I have faith in Lou and Trotz. I just question some of their decisions at times. Which is what this board is for. Talking hockey and sorting through our frustration as fans.
- streaks

Lou and Trotz are big on team chemistry. I think that's why they got and kept Komarov as long as they did.......marginal hockey skills but loved by his teammates. Deangelo apparently wore out his welcome in both the Rangers' locker room and the Coyotes. Rumors were that he was fighting with his teammates. He makes $1 MM, a bit more than Chara, but probably affordable. It's the team chemistry that was undoubtedly the concern. I agree that it sucked losing our 2 best puck-moving d-men in back-to-back years due to cap issues. At least Lou was able to get some draft picks in exchange. I suspect that Lou was hoping that Dobson and/or others would have been closer to step up into that role by now.

I have a tough time giving up on this team. I keep thinking this is the last loss they can possibly take but find myself extending it a game after each loss. I’m frustrated at the lack of scoring. You’d think someone would snap out of the funk at some point. I’m all for tanking, but my concern is this team is already old and another year gone by won’t help their chances at the ultimate goal of winning a cup.
- streaks

Yeah, I haven't given up on the team yet. I keep posting the tankathon, mostly as a joke. I attended the game against San Jose, partly because I haven't given up on the team. I also wanted to see UBS Arena, and I highly recommend it if you get a chance.

This will sound crazy but I do not fault Trotz or Lou. Trotz is trying to use everything he has too a point. Lou gambled and things have not panned out. What Lou does from here will be the difference maker. He if stands pat til the Olympic break it will be too late.

There moves out there. some short term and some longer term. Everyone makes mistakes. It is what you do after the mistake is what people remember.

I would assume Varly in net tonight.
- Nfdbulldawg

I didn’t think sOrOkin was his best last night so yes. He didn’t lose them the game but just wasn’t as sharp as he has been lately
I’m going tonight to watch them win their first game at UBS. Let’s Go Islanders!

I don’t think Trotz will get fired for half the team getting covid and injured but that’s just me. So no, the Sabres don’t have a shot at getting trotz. Also, no worries there is no chance the Islanders have any chance of attaining the lofty heights the Sabres have reached over the last decade or so.
- Cptmjl

Oh that's not even close to what I was trying to say.

So this season a wash at this point? Re-group and make a run next year?

I agree with you to an extent. I would just argue that the team was not playing great BEFORE the Covid bug hit. Yes, they had a long road trip and managed to win 5 games. However, those wins were against mostly weaker teams. IMO, they did not look good against Carolina, Florida, Tampa, or even New Jersey.

In other news, Vancouver lost in regulation late last night to pass the Islanders in the important standings. https://www.tankathon.com/nhl
- JohnScammo

- nyisles7

I didn’t think sOrOkin was his best last night so yes. He didn’t lose them the game but just wasn’t as sharp as he has been lately
I’m going tonight to watch them win their first game at UBS. Let’s Go Islanders!
- nyisles7

From your lips to gods ears. Here is to the first win at the new Barn !!! LGI !!!

Oh that's not even close to what I was trying to say.

So this season a wash at this point? Re-group and make a run next year?
- BeadyEyedDouche

Thought thats where you were going with that. Probably a wash in this division but who knows? If any team could make it interesting it would be this one. Not sure that’ll happen though?

If anyone actually thought they would by now, you are absolutely nuts. Why are we surprised at our record? This roster had no shot at being above middle of the pack at best. That’s why it drove and still drives me crazy that the last two seasons are being used as litmus tests. They weren’t real seasons. They were condensed. That kind of schedule worked well with our run and gun type of play and it showed in our back to back game record. That’s when we were a younger team. Last year and the year before mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ANF NEVER DID!! FFS. We are not a good team and there was no way we were making the playoffs with this roster. How anyone is surprised is beyond me.
- crdemartino

Last thing I think when thinking of this team is run and gun…

And to be quite honest, I don’t think they would made the playoffs last year or the year before if we played a full schedule. Not being able to score and relying on defense is not sustainable
- crdemartino

This may be true. We were right on the edge and not playing well.

There were other options to take a chance on on the cheap, if that’s the only option Lou had. Tony DeAngelo comes to mind. I realize some may argue that could have been a risk, but so was the Chara decision imo. I suggested it’s a head scratcher bc we lost both Leddy and Toews in back to back years. Both puck moving defenseman. Chara is not a puck mover and never was, among other things.

I have faith in Lou and Trotz. I just question some of their decisions at times. Which is what this board is for. Talking hockey and sorting through our frustration as fans.
- streaks

I would’ve loved to have taken a flyer on Deangelo but we all know that wasn’t happening. Would’ve been a great story imo.

Thought thats where you were going with that. Probably a wash in this division but who knows? If any team could make it interesting it would be this one. Not sure that’ll happen though?
- Cptmjl

Hahaha no, I'm a realistic Buffalonian - I was just wondering if NYI would be foolish enough to blame him for the situation because honest to god, he might be the most under-rated coach of all-time.

Seems like a few trades might help you guys shake things up.

I'm being dead serious about Colin Miller - He is having a great season and with all of the COVID-related stuff, he would be a great addition for you guys. He would really help shore-up that blue-line and he could probably be had for a 3rd round pick.

But what about going for someone like Kessel to help with the offense a little? Palmieri could go back to deal with the salary and Arizona could hold onto half of the remaining salary as well.

What do you guys want/hope to see in the next few weeks?

Hahaha no, I'm a realistic Buffalonian - I was just wondering if NYI would be foolish enough to blame him for the situation because honest to god, he might be the most under-rated coach of all-time.

Seems like a few trades might help you guys shake things up.

I'm being dead serious about Colin Miller - He is having a great season and with all of the COVID-related stuff, he would be a great addition for you guys. He would really help shore-up that blue-line and he could probably be had for a 3rd round pick.

But what about going for someone like Kessel to help with the offense a little? Palmieri could go back to deal with the salary and Arizona could hold onto half of the remaining salary as well.

What do you guys want/hope to see in the next few weeks?
- BeadyEyedDouche

I don’t want Lameriello to trade anything really. Hold onto everything we got and let these guys work it out. If they can’t then jettisone whatever we can get at the deadline and hope for a high pick. I see Lou following this blue print but who knows it’s lameriello. Expect the unexpected.

New blog


Just kidding. We've become Ben Shelley's red headed step child