If Statmuse is up to date, the top 10 in hits per game this year is as follows:

Predators (7-8-1)
Rangers (8-6-3)
Sens (6-9-1)
Philly (7-6-3)
Pitt (6-7-3)
Islanders (11-6-0)
Caps (7-9-2)
Flames (7-6-2)
Jets (9-4-1)
Oilers (9-8-0)

Outside of the Islanders and I guess the Jets, the top10 teams in hits are mostly middling. Meanwhile Jersey, Colorado, Florida and Carolina are all in the bottom 10 in hits. Jersey is 2nd last in hits and yet leading their division. I'd argue there is no correlation at all between wins and hits tbh. The data doesn't support it anyways.
- QuinnFan

Its not lay out hits its more about a team that is hard to play against. fast, finishing checks always, in your face in the corners, just an overall edge to your game.

Our team peels away from checks and shy away from any contact. that is on Coaching. Finishing your checks leads to the opposing D men making mistakes because they know they are about to be checked. It does not have to be a booming check.

I'm trying to decide if I'm mad or dead inside

Dead inside is currently in the lead. Another cup of coffee could change the math
- Hank Balling

at this point I am beyond pissed with this teams lack of effort. We all now how to win games, forecheck, backcheck, paycheck.. all our team does is Paycheck.

All I hear from Donnie is we need to create opportunities. Well Donnie go back to basics, Forecheck, Backcheck, Paycheck.

have your guys on the forecheck, actually check someone, you know what happens when an opposing D-man knows he is going to get hit? He feels rushed and that leads to turn overs, and turn overs lead to scoring opportunities.

Its HOCKEY Donnie, Not franking Rocket Science.

The alarming part isn't that they are 32nd, but how far they are from 31.

They are about half of the average, and they do seem to get doubled or worse every game.
- Lunaion

Jesus you can't let the other team leave the ice thinking they were just at Spring Break. Sabres don't make it hard on anyone.

Haven't ever really dug into expected goals, but there does seem to be a correlation between the bottom10 hitters and high CF%. Think it depends on gameplan really, some teams are top10 in both (NYR/CAL)

Based on Stattrick for CF% at 5v5:

1) Carolina
2) Jersey
3) Florida
6) Sabres
10) Colorado

The Flames and Calgary are #4 and #5 respectively though, so it doesn't always hold true. But it's logical...the more time you spend possessing the puck, the less time you will have to hit opponents.
- QuinnFan

It is logical.
That said, Sabres are 53.1% CF, not 85%..the other 46.9% maybe they could actually hit the opposition. Make it tough on the other team.
Also, make the opposition fear going towards the slot/crease...make it very unpleasant for them...and attack the opponents slot.
So friggin basic IMO.

It is logical.
That said, Sabres are 53.1% CF, not 85%..the other 46.9% maybe they could actually hit the opposition. Make it tough on the other team.
Also, make the opposition fear going towards the slot/crease...make it very unpleasant for them...and attack the opponents slot.
So friggin basic IMO.
- IonSabres

Hate to say it, but other than 5 or 6 guys it looks like some just don't have the heart to do what it takes.

The internal cap is going to kill another rebuild

Hate to say it, but other than 5 or 6 guys it looks like some just don't have the heart to do what it takes.
- Buff36

Adams is busy with the arena maintenance staff,

“You guys have to want to be here”

Hate to say it, but other than 5 or 6 guys it looks like some just don't have the heart to do what it takes.
- Buff36

This.
The evaluation so far reveals a team that doesn't have the will to win at all costs.
This rosyer, save those 5 or 6 would get absolutely blown out in playoff hockey. It is actually pretty alarming that no one is expressing nor demonstrating on ice a this poop ends now mentality and actually leads.
Again, where is the friggin leadership? Been calling it out for the last 5 or 6 games.
Okposo? Too nice.
Girgensons? 4th liner
Tuch? Major disappointment
Cozens? Young, but no excuse.
Dahlin?

This.
The evaluation so far reveals a team that doesn't have the will to win at all costs.
This rosyer, save those 5 or 6 would get absolutely blown out in playoff hockey. It is actually pretty alarming that no one is expressing nor demonstrating on ice a this poop ends now mentality and actually leads.
Again, where is the friggin leadership? Been calling it out for the last 5 or 6 games.
Okposo? Too nice.
Girgensons? 4th liner
Tuch? Major disappointment
Cozens? Young, but no excuse.
Dahlin?
- IonSabres

Dahlin seems to be the only one getting visibly angry at the losses.

Incoming trade request within the calendar year

This.
The evaluation so far reveals a team that doesn't have the will to win at all costs.
This rosyer, save those 5 or 6 would get absolutely blown out in playoff hockey. It is actually pretty alarming that no one is expressing nor demonstrating on ice a this poop ends now mentality and actually leads.
Again, where is the friggin leadership? Been calling it out for the last 5 or 6 games.
Okposo? Too nice.
Girgensons? 4th liner
Tuch? Major disappointment
Cozens? Young, but no excuse.
Dahlin?
- IonSabres

Cozens disappointed last night in a big way.

Krebs gets absolutely demolished by Stutzle without the puck and he just stands there.

Krebs goes back after Stutzle and gets absolutely no backup as Cozens still just stands there.

I don’t need him out there fighting all the time and what not but at least stand up for your (frank)ing teammate, especially against a guy like Stutzle.

Dahlin seems to be the only one getting visibly angry at the losses.

Incoming trade request within the calendar year
- sbroads24

Can’t wait for all of Buffalo to then poop all over him too saying how he wasn’t a leader, wasn’t very good anyways, played with a purse, wasn’t a team player, team is better off without him etc.

Cozens disappointed last night in a big way.

Krebs gets absolutely demolished by Stutzle without the puck and he just stands there.

Krebs goes back after Stutzle and gets absolutely no backup as Cozens still just stands there.

I don’t need him out there fighting all the time and what not but at least stand up for your (frank)ing teammate, especially against a guy like Stutzle.
- ImThatGuy

I was screaming at the TV last night at Cozens, it was a perfect opportunity to show support for a brother and to get some excitement back in the team.

Epic Fail...

Passion at the beginning of the Year by the players, really wore of quickly. Unfortunately even though
we changed out the core, a lot of these young kids have gotten a few years of losing in them all ready, this streak has sucked the life out of a very young team, that was playing competitive hockey. Sometimes it doesn't have to be a huge move to put a jolt in your team. You can evaluate all you want, are GM failed in that regard. He let another young teams confidence hit the dumpster and said it's a good learning experience.

Cozens disappointed last night in a big way.

Krebs gets absolutely demolished by Stutzle without the puck and he just stands there.

Krebs goes back after Stutzle and gets absolutely no backup as Cozens still just stands there.

I don’t need him out there fighting all the time and what not but at least stand up for your (frank)ing teammate, especially against a guy like Stutzle.
- ImThatGuy

This was the focus of my call today. I want a pure knuckle dragging goon. No offense. No hockey abilities. Just beat the crap out of the opposition goon. So, basically, I'm saying a tough as nails Peyton Krebs because that's whose roster spot he takes. And, the team becomes instantly better.

Dahlin and Thompson need to be protected for the rest of this tank season. Even the analytics morons should be able to understand this point.

This was the focus of my call today. I want a pure knuckle dragging goon. No offense. No hockey abilities. Just beat the crap out of the opposition goon. So, basically, I'm saying a tough as nails Peyton Krebs because that's whose roster spot he takes. And, the team becomes instantly better.

Dahlin and Thompson need to be protected for the rest of this tank season. Even the analytics morons should be able to understand this point.
- lacaprup

What time did you call? I’ll go back and listen.

Can’t wait for all of Buffalo to then poop all over him too saying how he wasn’t a leader, wasn’t very good anyways, played with a purse, wasn’t a team player, team is better off without him etc.
- ImThatGuy

Why do you wake up feeling so horrible every day?

You love to be miserable.

What time did you call? I’ll go back and listen.
- ImThatGuy

Around 6:40 when Marty was on with the morning show.

Can’t wait for all of Buffalo to then poop all over him too saying how he wasn’t a leader, wasn’t very good anyways, played with a purse, wasn’t a team player, team is better off without him etc.
- ImThatGuy

Dahlin is beloved already. Eveyone knows how great he is.

This was the focus of my call today. I want a pure knuckle dragging goon. No offense. No hockey abilities. Just beat the crap out of the opposition goon. So, basically, I'm saying a tough as nails Peyton Krebs because that's whose roster spot he takes. And, the team becomes instantly better.

Dahlin and Thompson need to be protected for the rest of this tank season. Even the analytics morons should be able to understand this point.
- lacaprup

We're plenty tough, this isnt the 70's nhl.
We'll.make em pay on the pp and the scoreboard

- slumpbuster

One thing unmentioned in the hitting talk. Yes, NJD are second to last in hits; however, they throw 33% more hits than Buffalo every game.

This was the focus of my call today. I want a pure knuckle dragging goon. No offense. No hockey abilities. Just beat the crap out of the opposition goon. So, basically, I'm saying a tough as nails Peyton Krebs because that's whose roster spot he takes. And, the team becomes instantly better.

Dahlin and Thompson need to be protected for the rest of this tank season. Even the analytics morons should be able to understand this point.
- lacaprup

From the HB Calgary blog, Trevling looking for a RW...hmm, maybe a guy who has 9-1-10 production could net us somebody worthwhile?

Also mentioned that non-RW options to toughen up their roster include RhD Luke Schenn and Carson Soucy ... Will Borgen would also look good back in Blue & Gold. I doubt Seattle would disrupt their D though.

One thing unmentioned in the hitting talk. Yes, NJD are second to last in hits; however, they throw 33% more hits than Buffalo every game.
- lacaprup

The disparity between Buffalo and everyone else is unbelieveable

The disparity between Buffalo and everyone else is unbelieveable
- IonSabres

That reflects the genius quotient. Sam Ventura and Jason Karamanos' combined hockey genius sets the Sabres apart.

That reflects the genius quotient. Sam Ventura and Jason Karamanos' combined hockey genius sets the Sabres apart.
- lacaprup

Ventura and analytics do not care about hitting.

Rasmus glue asplund is a fine example.

Around 6:40 when Marty was on with the morning show.
- lacaprup

When JW doesn’t disagree with you, you know everyone is questioning it.

He has always been the don’t need a big guy leader of the pack.

Or the Jeremy is also apathetic about the Sabres and just doesnt care.