2016-2017 Season Long Game Day Thread

[JATMtheJATM]

Preseason game number 1 tonight. Against the wild. At PENN STATE.

[JATMtheJATM]

http://www.buffalohockeybeat.com/top-sabres-pick-alexander-nylander-debut-preseason-opener/

Have at it.

[ckg927]

Off topic, but of some interest: Ottawa moves their AHL team to Belleville, Ont. for the 2017-18 season; renovations are being made to the Yardmen Arena(which was the home of the OHL's Belleville Bulls for many years before the team moved down the 401 & QEW to Hamilton, becoming the Bulldogs)to make it AHL-ready.

However, don't presume that Binghamton will be without the AHL. They ARE making preparations to welcome a new NHL team as their parent club.

[JATMtheJATM]

I saw that earlier too. The NHL news and notes thread would work for that

[JATMtheJATM]

Sabres lose 2-1. Zem with the goal

[JATMtheJATM]

http://www.wgr550.com/pages/22889588.php?contentType=4&contentId=18959266

Lines for tonight

[DetDannyWilliams]

It's on MSG

[DetDannyWilliams]

WOW! Lehner looks REALLY great... really slimmed down

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Girgensons, Okposo and Bogosian wearing the A&#39;s</p>&mdash; Paul Hamilton (@pham1717) <a href="https://twitter.com/pham1717/status/780908427988131840">September 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[DetDannyWilliams]

Same old Ennis...hits one off the left goal post

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Perfect pass from <a href="https://twitter.com/DGrant57">@dgrant57</a>.<br>Fantastic finish from <a href="https://twitter.com/NickBaptiste">@NickBaptiste</a>.<br>1-1 after 40 mins. <a href="https://t.co/eHfLJMGuiH">pic.twitter.com/eHfLJMGuiH</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/780931625743896579">September 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">�� GOAL! �� <a href="https://twitter.com/DGrant57">@DGrant57</a> is fed by <a href="https://twitter.com/NickBaptiste">@NickBaptiste</a> in front &amp; he makes no mistake with 4:41 left in the 3rd. 2-2.</p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/780943194611675136">September 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
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- - - Updated - - -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good work by <a href="https://twitter.com/Hfasching22">@Hfasching22</a> behind the net to set up the goal. He got the puck to Baptiste &amp; Grant finished. <a href="https://t.co/D7E96NEtGT">pic.twitter.com/D7E96NEtGT</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/780943969920385024">September 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Winner! <a href="https://t.co/2aLXTKBCFS">pic.twitter.com/2aLXTKBCFS</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/780946647564087297">September 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[Night Train]

and just like that, Grant becomes a part of the conversation..

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabres-nhl/grant-becomes-sabres-surprising-star-20160928

[JATMtheJATM]

Toronto Vs sabres tonight. PK for the sabres now

[JATMtheJATM]

Buffalo wins 1-0 in a shootout

[JATMtheJATM]

Sabres beating the send 2-0. Samson with a goal, Eichel with an assist

[swiper]

How do you start this thread before the first game?

[JATMtheJATM]

How do you start this thread before the first game?

I didn't. I posted in the game day thread for some preseason games and someone made it a whole new thread from that.

[YardRat]

I didn't. I posted in the game day thread for some preseason games and someone made it a whole new thread from that.

Not me. I kind of liked your response of just continuing the existing game day thread last season after I asked 'why not start a new one?'.

[JATMtheJATM]

Not me. I kind of liked your response of just continuing the existing game day thread last season after I asked 'why not start a new one?'.

Before I posted here, at a CKY music forum of all places, some hockey fans and I had a hockey thread that, when I was banned from there, was several years old and over 2000 pages long. The forum and the community still exists, and I wouldn't be shocked if the thread is still alive. For reference, I was banned in 2007.

[Dude]

I split it out since the GDT was for last season.

[JATMtheJATM]

I split it out since the GDT was for last season.

Fun police fun police!!

[JATMtheJATM]

Okposo out tomorrow. Price out with the flu.

[JATMtheJATM]

Here we go. Excited to see a healthy ennis and lehner and an older reinhart. Let's see what these guys can do.

[JATMtheJATM]

ROR is in tonight

[POTLAND PSILBYLO]

Psyched for 1/82nd of a season. Lehner has looked stellar in preseason. Was he 950ish?

[Shady25]

here we go gentleman! start the discussion wagon, get the beer flowing, and lets go Sabres

[Shady25]

wouldn't it be something if one of the players took a knee? lol

[YardRat]

Not a good start...down 0-1 and another penalty.

[JATMtheJATM]

Way to be, foligno

[Shady25]

picked it up at the end of the 1st.. hopefully we can clear our throats in the 2nd.

[JATMtheJATM]

Moulson gets caught watching and Mitchell taps Home a loose puck

[JATMtheJATM]

Matt moulson scores buffalo's first

[JATMtheJATM]

Reinhart with an assist on that. Like it

[YardRat]

Not pretty. Any word on Kane?

[JATMtheJATM]

Oh boy the wheels come off

[JATMtheJATM]

Shaw slewfoots larsson at the buzzer. Nice

[JATMtheJATM]

Okposo scores early and reinhart with the assist

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">������ O&#39;REILLY FROM CENTER ICE!<br><br>Just the way he drew it up. 3-2 Sabres lead. <a href="https://t.co/xaiAefnFMP">pic.twitter.com/xaiAefnFMP</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/787808897818034176">October 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ROR?src=hash">#ROR</a> ������ <a href="https://t.co/2SPcRzlheP">pic.twitter.com/2SPcRzlheP</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/787809690176647172">October 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It&#39;s knucklepuck time! <a href="https://t.co/nmpDPi4vRi">pic.twitter.com/nmpDPi4vRi</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/787810260115451905">October 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[JATMtheJATM]

Wow moulson with his second of the season. Gio has two tonight

[Night Train]

48th time Bills and Sabres win on the same day.

Outstanding 6-2 win.

[Skooby]

48th time Bills and Sabres win on the same day.

Outstanding 6-2 win.

Unreal.

[rbochan]

Again, as with the season opener, the game was listed in the channel guide here in Syracuse, but MSG didn't show it.
WTF?

[JATMtheJATM]

Flames tonight. Chad Johnson in net for the flames. Lehner going for sabres.

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">�� <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatvianLocomotive?src=hash">#LatvianLocomotive</a>! �� <br><br>Ennis sets him up, and it&#39;s 1-0 Buffalo! <a href="https://t.co/yLVc890e72">pic.twitter.com/yLVc890e72</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/788550754789367808">October 19, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shifty move from Tyler Ennis to set up <a href="https://twitter.com/zemgus94">@zemgus94</a> for the goal. <a href="https://t.co/ASFS163PV6">pic.twitter.com/ASFS163PV6</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/788551412011659265">October 19, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[JATMtheJATM]

1-1 after one

[Skooby]

I watched it on Comcast ticket, we lost 4-3 in OT. So we're hot with 3 points in 3 games.

[JATMtheJATM]

That's not hot, but it keeps the sabres afloat. The no call in OT was junk

[Skooby]

That's not hot, but it keeps the sabres afloat. The no call in OT was junk Sarcasm, a different concept.

[Dmoney]

Calling penalties all night long, then swallow the whistle on a clear cross-check....

[coastal]

Robin L is trash.

[JATMtheJATM]

Sarcasm, a different concept.

Sarcasm doesn't always translate through text.

[OpIv37]

The Calgary fans were really flat. I couldn't believe how quiet it was most of the game.

[JATMtheJATM]

The Calgary fans were really flat. I couldn't believe how quiet it was most of the game.

Early season. I've noticed that Alot early in the season before from fans. Give it a few weeks when it seems like the games mean more.

[Dmoney]

Robin L is trash.

He reminds me of Darren Puppa a bit. Can make a great save to keep you in the game, then look like garbage and allow some crap goals that make you wonder....wasn't his best performance last night. Looked lost on the game winner, and the Tkachuk goal...

[JATMtheJATM]

He reminds me of Darren Puppa a bit. Can make a great save to keep you in the game, then look like garbage and allow some crap goals that make you wonder....wasn't his best performance last night. Looked lost on the game winner, and the Tkachuk goal...

He went for the firepoke just before the game winner. Pokes are a gamble and he got the shot off just before he went for the poke, exposing himself high. I can't fault him on that, as the defense broke down in front of him and he had to make a gamble.

[Skooby]

Sarcasm doesn't always translate through text.

You're either sarcastic or grew up out of NY State.

[JATMtheJATM]

You're either sarcastic or grew up out of NY State.

I'm as deadpan as can be. That's my humor.

Also, Michigan. I'm a Michigander

[OpIv37]

I'm as deadpan as can be. That's my humor.

Also, Michigan. I'm a Michigander

Eventually I'm going to end up in jail because I broke a Michigander's hand after they pointed to it and said "Detroit is there and the town I grew up in is here!"

But back on topic- 10 pm start times suck

[JATMtheJATM]

Eventually I'm going to end up in jail because I broke a Michigander's hand after they pointed to it and said "Detroit is there and the town I grew up in is here!"

But back on topic- 10 pm start times suck

...we actually do that. We all do. It's a Michigan thing. I have the state tattooed on my arm so I don't have to, but I still do

[casdhf]

I believe the preferred term is Michagoons.

[JATMtheJATM]

I believe the preferred term is Michagoons.

God damn right

[Skooby]

Down
1-0 heading into the 3rd.

[JATMtheJATM]

Deslauriers scores sabres only goal. Van wins..

[YardRat]

I thought it was Michigesbians...or is that only the football team?

[OpIv37]

...we actually do that. We all do. It's a Michigan thing. I have the state tattooed on my arm so I don't have to, but I still do

Oh I know. I haven't met many people from Michigan but pretty much every single one has done the hand thing.

[OpIv37]

Deslauriers scores sabres only goal. Van wins..

I saw most of the 3rd. It wasn't worth staying up for.

But, getting 3 of a possible 6 points on a WC road trip down 2 of our top 6 forwards isn't terrible.

[JATMtheJATM]

I thought it was Michigesbians...or is that only the football team?

I understand state is having a bad season, but I think that nickname is a little too soon.

[JATMtheJATM]

The goal went to Baptiste, his first of his career.

[DetDannyWilliams]

:shutit: ROENICK...:kissa: Flyers more why don't you

[JATMtheJATM]

Zemgus And moulson score

[Novacane]

What a choke job.

[Crisis]

I'm starting to hate Byslma.

[Novacane]

How long is eichel out? This team is boring without him.

[JATMtheJATM]

Sigh. Horrific third period

[JATMtheJATM]

How long is eichel out? This team is boring without him.

Even Kane back would be nice. He's entertaining to watch

[Novacane]

The really miss his speed in the 3 on 3. I don't think he'd be shooting it back to his goalie.

[OpIv37]

That was despicable. If the game was 43 minutes, they win, but they allowed one goal and went to pieces. I thought this team would have an outside shot at the playoffs but they aren't anywhere close.

[JATMtheJATM]

That was despicable. If the game was 43 minutes, they win, but they allowed one goal and went to pieces. I thought this team would have an outside shot at the playoffs but they aren't anywhere close.

They are missing two top 6 forwards and playing a ****ty backup. They need work, but it's gonna be ok

[OpIv37]

They are missing two top 6 forwards and playing a ****ty backup. They need work, but it's gonna be ok

No, it's not. All they had to do was go 17 min allowing 2 goals or less. Or allow 3 and win in overtime. Or allow 3 and win in a shootout. And they couldn't do it. 1-2-2. Giving up not just the extra OT point but the win to a conf opponent. The talent level just isn't there yet.

[JATMtheJATM]

No, it's not. All they had to do was go 17 min allowing 2 goals or less. Or allow 3 and win in overtime. Or allow 3 and win in a shootout. And they couldn't do it. 1-2-2. Giving up not just the extra OT point but the win to a conf opponent. The talent level just isn't there yet.

Isn't there yet for what exactly? Playoffs? Probably not. Not yet

[Crisis]

They are missing two top 6 forwards and playing a ****ty backup. They need work, but it's gonna be ok

That ****ty backup carried them tonight

- - - Updated - - -

This team's system is a mess. Tired of watching them fall into a shell when they have a lead. Play with no fire... Disco Dan is awful. Not even bringing up the awful coaching strategy in OT..

[JATMtheJATM]

That ****ty backup carried them tonight

- - - Updated - - -

This team's system is a mess. Tired of watching them fall into a shell when they have a lead. Play with no fire... Disco Dan is awful. Not even bringing up the awful coaching strategy in OT..

Overall, his numbers scream AHL. he was good tonight, from what I heard. Wasn't able to watch, just listened

[Night Train]

That 3rd period was a complete choke, void of any poise. Could be a long season.

[swiper]

I fell asleep at the end of the 2nd period. Awoke this morning to quite a surprise.

[OpIv37]

Isn't there yet for what exactly? Playoffs? Probably not. Not yet

I thought we'd be a bubble team with an outside shot of sneaking in for a quick exit, which would be great just to get some playoff experience for the youth. But this team will be out of it by Christmas.

[JATMtheJATM]

I thought we'd be a bubble team with an outside shot of sneaking in for a quick exit, which would be great just to get some playoff experience for the youth. But this team will be out of it by Christmas.

Meh, they have points in 3 of 5 games. I'm gonna wait it out before I declare the season dead. Remember how bad they started in 10-11? Didn't get their first home win till, what? Mid November?

[OpIv37]

Meh, they have points in 3 of 5 games. I'm gonna wait it out before I declare the season dead. Remember how bad they started in 10-11? Didn't get their first home win till, what? Mid November?

They were on 4 days rest and got their asses handed to them in the third period against a team that was on the second night of a back to back.

Out of 5 games so far, they've had 3 where they scored 2 or less (one 2 goal game and 2 one goal games). Goaltending is bottom 10 and the D isn't much beyond the top pair (I was excited when we got Bogosian but he's been disappointing).

I guess teams have turned it around before, but I'm just not seeing the improvement that we desperately needed over last year.

[JATMtheJATM]

They were on 4 days rest and got their asses handed to them in the third period against a team that was on the second night of a back to back.

Out of 5 games so far, they've had 3 where they scored 2 or less (one 2 goal game and 2 one goal games). Goaltending is bottom 10 and the D isn't much beyond the top pair (I was excited when we got Bogosian but he's been disappointing).

I guess teams have turned it around before, but I'm just not seeing the improvement that we desperately needed over last year.

I have a feeling the sabres will be a second half team this year, but it might be too late, depending on how things go till Eichel gets back

[trapezeus]

I fell asleep before the 3rd and told a friend I am prepared for a 4-3 loss. I was surprised the next morning that I was right. I though the backup played well. ultimately, they don't look terrible, but they are scoring some random goals without a lot of pressure, so that's a worry to me. they aren't outworking people for long stretches. they aren't peppering the other team. and defensively, they need another dman. I think they can be a bubble playoff team, but they'll need to be .500 by eichel's return.

[swiper]

I fell asleep before the 3rd and told a friend I am prepared for a 4-3 loss. I was surprised the next morning that I was right. I though the backup played well. ultimately, they don't look terrible, but they are scoring some random goals without a lot of pressure, so that's a worry to me. they aren't outworking people for long stretches. they aren't peppering the other team. and defensively, they need another dman. I think they can be a bubble playoff team, but they'll need to be .500 by eichel's return.

LOL.

[JATMtheJATM]

Well, tonight blows

[OpIv37]

4+ periods and a 5 min OT without a goal. Eichel's good but he can't fix that by himself.

Scoring is inconsistent at best, D is bad, goaltending is sub-par. I thought getting a healthy Ennis back would help, but he's been invisible. Afinogenov 2.0. The only good thing about this team so far has been ST. Other than O'Reilly and Moulson's PP play, this team is a **** show.

[OpIv37]

The only saving grace is that this team just saved me $116 on the Gamecenter single team package.

Don't get me wrong- I'll still follow the team: watch any games that are televised locally, listen to games on XM if I happen to be in my car, check the stats and highlights after the ones I can't watch.

But I'm really tired of investing time and money in teams that aren't even remotely competitive.

[JATMtheJATM]

The only saving grace is that this team just saved me $116 on the Gamecenter single team package.

Don't get me wrong- I'll still follow the team: watch any games that are televised locally, listen to games on XM if I happen to be in my car, check the stats and highlights after the ones I can't watch.

But I'm really tired of investing time and money in teams that aren't even remotely competitive.

I do think the team will right the ship, they couldn't finish tonight and nilsson was pretty bad. They need scoring. They need Kane and Eichel. Even one of them would help a ton.

[Ingtar33]

I actually miss Lindy Ruff.

[Night Train]

I actually miss Lindy Ruff.

Dan B. should be on notice.

They had zero energy for long stretches and the forwards aren't getting back to play D. Our backup Goalie is terrible.

[JATMtheJATM]

Dan B. should be on notice.

They had zero energy for long stretches and the forwards aren't getting back to play D. Our backup Goalie is terrible.

They outshot the wild... 38-22? I think it was. You are going to win most games like that. Difference was goaltending. Dubnyk is a real good goalie. Nilsson? Not so much.

Also, the Derek Grant experiment should be over. Nice preseason. It's over

[OpIv37]

I actually miss Lindy Ruff.

I actually miss Ryan Miller, at least what he was in his prime.

Yeah he'd let in a softie here and there and he was a bit of a headcase (most goalies are), but he was also good enough to steal a game when the rest of the team came out flat. We don't have anyone who can do that now.

[JATMtheJATM]

I actually miss Ryan Miller, at least what he was in his prime.

Yeah he'd let in a softie here and there and he was a bit of a headcase (most goalies are), but he was also good enough to steal a game when the rest of the team came out flat. We don't have anyone who can do that now.

The goals people call softies are usually not soft at all. Usually. I mean, I've seen some dumpers go in, but people are always like, oh, that deflection went five hole, he should have stopped that, what a softie. And it's like... Dude bro, that's not soft.

Futurewise, can Petersen for the Irish looks really good and ullmark is young and on the rise too. I have faith in lehner, and still think he can be a starter going forward, though GMTM gave up too much for him

[trapezeus]

I have no faith in lehner staying healthy. and if he does, I don't see him becoming dominant. the team simply had to come out with some compete and not get shut out to show they were over the flyer game. and they gave us 1000 reasons to believe they are a bottom third team again. I also hate that we spent two years sucking to get talent, and our strategy seems to be very conservative boring hockey. not cool.

[JATMtheJATM]

I have no faith in lehner staying healthy. and if he does, I don't see him becoming dominant. the team simply had to come out with some compete and not get shut out to show they were over the flyer game. and they gave us 1000 reasons to believe they are a bottom third team again. I also hate that we spent two years sucking to get talent, and our strategy seems to be very conservative boring hockey. not cool.

i wonder if disco dan is playing "safe" hockey till eichel returns

[trapezeus]

perhaps, but it isn't working. asking Ror to be out there for what seems to be every other shift is insanity. some kids are going to just have to grow up, or we are going to have to make a trade to shakeit up. which irealize is awful because no one is performing well enough to get any value. Ennis is definitely shot. he looks small, he looks to have lost his hands and the afinagenov moniker fits. they look really very slow.

[JATMtheJATM]

perhaps, but it isn't working. asking Ror to be out there for what seems to be every other shift is insanity. some kids are going to just have to grow up, or we are going to have to make a trade to shakeit up. which irealize is awful because no one is performing well enough to get any value. Ennis is definitely shot. he looks small, he looks to have lost his hands and the afinagenov moniker fits. they look really very slow.

I wouldn't mind seeing ennis moved, TBH. I had hopes he would bounce back, but so far....

[JATMtheJATM]

Some hockey writers believe Eichel will take the rest of the year to recover fully and he will not have a good year when he returns. Which sounds realistic. Yuck. Bad year

[OpIv37]

I wouldn't mind seeing ennis moved, TBH. I had hopes he would bounce back, but so far....

What value does he have though? We have enough picks and prospects. We need someone who can contribute now and no one is going to give that up for Ennis.

[Novacane]

Oh wonderful. Is there anyone in the draft worth tanking for?

[DetDannyWilliams]

Blame it on the IDIOT BETTMAN and the stupid WORLD CUP! it was another game that didn't really mean anything just like the ALL STAR GAME! it was just another MEANINGLESS GAMES TO LINE THE NHL'S POCKETS :$: if the stupid games weren't played the season would have started at the start of October and Jack probably wouldn't have suffered the injury.

[DetDannyWilliams]

Blame it on the IDIOT COMMISIONER BETTMANN ONCE AGAIN THIS IS WHY HE SHOULD BE FIRED! THE STUPID WORLD CUP WAS HIS IDEA! it was another game that didn't really mean anything just like the ALL STAR GAME! AND THE HERITAGE GAME AND THE WINTER CLASSIC, THE WORLD CUP WERE MEANINGLESS GAMES TO LINE THE NHL'S POCKETS :$: if the stupid WORLD CUP games weren't played the season would have started in the frst week of October and Jack probably wouldn't have suffered the injury because the Sabres would have either had an off day or a game that night. it's just not me that feels this way a lot of coaches around the NHL feel this way ask Chicago's coach Joel Quinville or Pittsburgh's head coach Mike Sullivan.

[OpIv37]

Wtf are you rambling about? The international hockey federation runs the World Cup, not Bettman. And Eichel got injured in a Sabres preseason practice, not a World Cup game. There is no reasonable way to conclude that the WC had anything to do with Eichel getting hurt.

And while I do think Bettman is an idiot, it has nothing to do with trying to line the NHL's pockets. That's a big part of his job as commish. The Heritage Classic and Winter Classic are a bit gimmicky, but they increase the profile of the league and draw attention from people who don't usually watch hockey. It's exactly what he should be doing.

[DetDannyWilliams]

Wtf are you rambling about? The international hockey federation runs the World Cup, not Bettman. And Eichel got injured in a Sabres preseason practice, not a World Cup game. There is no reasonable way to conclude that the WC had anything to do with Eichel getting hurt.

And while I do think Bettman is an idiot, it has nothing to do with trying to line the NHL's pockets. That's a big part of his job as commish. The Heritage Classic and Winter Classic are a bit gimmicky, but they increase the profile of the league and draw attention from people who don't usually watch hockey. It's exactly what he should be doing.

The World Cup of Hockey is organized by the National Hockey League (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hockey_League) (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hockey_League_Players%27_Association) (NHLPA), unlike the annual World Ice Hockey Championships (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Ice_Hockey_Championships).

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Bettman) announced the 2016 World Cup of Hockey (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_World_Cup_of_Hockey) to be held in September 2016 at Air Canada Centre (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Canada_Centre) in Toronto
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_of_Hockey

AS THE LATE STUART SCOTT WOULD SAY BOOYAH!!!!

[YardRat]

Lucky bounce for Sam. I'll take it.

[swiper]

Boom. So much for the backup goalie sucking.

[JATMtheJATM]

Boom. So much for the backup goalie sucking.

Ill gladly be wrong. Good for him. Hope he continues to play well and pushes lehner

[JATMtheJATM]

What value does he have though? We have enough picks and prospects. We need someone who can contribute now and no one is going to give that up for Ennis.

Exactly. He has little value, ATM

[Skooby]

We won, 3-0 yesterday. Boom didn't really give the GDT answer.

[swiper]

Ill gladly be wrong. Good for him. Hope he continues to play well and pushes lehner

Every goalie needs a game or two to find themselves. Perhaps yesterday's game is a sign he's feeling more comfortable in his new surroundings. Let's hope so.

[Ginger Vitis]

Oh wonderful. Is there anyone in the draft worth tanking for?

The consensus No.1 prospect in next years draft is Center Nolan Patrick son of Steve Patrick and nephew of James Patrick... The No.2 prospect is Timothy Liljegren a defensemen from Sweden

[JATMtheJATM]

Every goalie needs a game or two to find themselves. Perhaps yesterday's game is a sign he's feeling more comfortable in his new surroundings. Let's hope so.

Biggest thing for a goalie is finding a rhythm. If he can find his, and win some games for the sabres, and I'll be a happy fan. His career numbers coming into this season make it seem like its unlikely he grows to become a solid goalie. But at the same time, let's see what he can do. See what sabres coaches did for Chad Johnson?

[DetDannyWilliams]

Eichel believes he's ahead of schedule...Sabres doctors told him 4-6 weeks Eichel has his own timetable says he's shooting to be back before Thanksgiving.

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RECALL: <a href="https://twitter.com/NickBaptiste">@NickBaptiste</a> has been recalled from <a href="https://twitter.com/AmerksHockey">@AmerksHockey</a> - <a href="https://t.co/pkmWCIlqll">https://t.co/pkmWCIlqll</a> <a href="https://t.co/TDJGEhycMo">pic.twitter.com/TDJGEhycMo</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/792743538370940928">October 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ckg927]

Buffalo with a 2-0 lead on Winnipeg as the 2nd period is about to get underway.

Okposo & Gionta with the Sabres' goals.

[JATMtheJATM]

Okposo scores again.

[ckg927]

3-0 Sabres; Okposo with his 2nd of the game-O'Reilly with the helper.

[JATMtheJATM]

Winner!!

[OpIv37]

The World Cup of Hockey is organized by the National Hockey League (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hockey_League) (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hockey_League_Players%27_Association) (NHLPA), unlike the annual World Ice Hockey Championships (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Ice_Hockey_Championships).

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Bettman) announced the 2016 World Cup of Hockey (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_World_Cup_of_Hockey) to be held in September 2016 at Air Canada Centre (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Canada_Centre) in Toronto
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_of_Hockey

AS THE LATE STUART SCOTT WOULD SAY BOOYAH!!!!
Not really.

I stand corrected on the source behind the World Cup but there is still no correlation between it and Eichel's injury.

[Night Train]

Well, at least we have one team playing well. Only giving up 1 goal the last 2 games may have been a result of an asschewing, after they floated during the 3rd period vs. Philly. Fantastic response. Keep it going in Minny.

[JATMtheJATM]

Bailey up for tonight's game. I guess Deslauriers is hurt.

[JATMtheJATM]

Nope, fasching

[chernobylwraiths]

I think both

[JATMtheJATM]

I think both

Why not? Let's keep this IR train rolling

- - - Updated - - -


I think both

Why not? Let's keep this IR train rolling

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RECALL: The Sabres have recalled forward <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinBailey95">@JustinBailey95</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/AmerksHockey">@AmerksHockey</a>. <a href="https://t.co/R0ltOqT8LP">pic.twitter.com/R0ltOqT8LP</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/793465176905351168">November 1, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

- - - Updated - - -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight&#39;s squads will look different than when they met last week - game day updates: <a href="https://t.co/pU0sTJmH0O">https://t.co/pU0sTJmH0O</a> <a href="https://t.co/6SDB6NlNYQ">pic.twitter.com/6SDB6NlNYQ</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/793514829730504705">November 1, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[JATMtheJATM]

Oreilly gives buffalo the lead

[JATMtheJATM]

Bogo leaves game with injury and will not return

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">���� LARRY!<br><br>Johan Larsson set up by Gionta &amp; he regains the Buffalo lead, 2-1 with 6:26 left in the 3rd. <a href="https://t.co/weX8vh2hM9">pic.twitter.com/weX8vh2hM9</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/793639286339936257">November 2, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The go-ahead goal. <a href="https://t.co/F1hkI2Twib">pic.twitter.com/F1hkI2Twib</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/793640404872814592">November 2, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[JATMtheJATM]

Larsson with the game winner, sabres win again.

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THREE IN A ROW! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabresWin?src=hash">#SabresWin</a> <a href="https://t.co/jGbmGfQPOZ">pic.twitter.com/jGbmGfQPOZ</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/793643436293365760">November 2, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[OpIv37]

First was all Buffalo, second was all Wild, third was back and forth. But I'll take a road win against a quality WC opponent any way it happens.

ROR is a beast and needs to be the next captain. The Bailey/Baptistery line got some good offensive pressure but needs to work on their D. This team misses Eichel something fierce.

[JATMtheJATM]

First was all Buffalo, second was all Wild, third was back and forth. But I'll take a road win against a quality WC opponent any way it happens.

ROR is a beast and needs to be the next captain. The Bailey/Baptistery line got some good offensive pressure but needs to work on their D. This team misses Eichel something fierce.

This team also missed kaner

[swiper]

Looks to have been a good win for Lehner. We need to see more of that.

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We&#39;re 17-1-1 in our past 19 home games vs. Toronto.<br><br>Leafs are here Thursday.<br><br>Tickets still available: <a href="https://t.co/cK6TVeMYni">https://t.co/cK6TVeMYni</a> <a href="https://t.co/IKo3aNEhLJ">pic.twitter.com/IKo3aNEhLJ</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/793542924730503168">November 1, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[trapezeus]

I liked baptiste and bailey's hustle in their limited time. the chances are still limited and reinhert being on the ennis girgs line is like watching a smart kid be held back because he didn't have his PE credits or something. moulson and okposo looked good as well. who knew we'd ever say moulson looked good after last year?

[JATMtheJATM]

Looks to have been a good win for Lehner. We need to see more of that.

He's been better lately. Rebound control better and his movements more crisp and purposeful.

[Night Train]

Larsson. Foligno and Gionta are the best line...by far.

Injury to Bogosian may prompt a couple forwards coming down and some backliners coming up.

[JATMtheJATM]

Larsson. Foligno and Gionta are the best line...by far.

Injury to Bogosian may prompt a couple forwards coming down and some backliners coming up.

Larsson has turned into a nice little player.

[JATMtheJATM]

Great defense in that goal, kulikov... Crowd actually has energy though

[JATMtheJATM]

What a period for buffalo. Yet they are losing

[JATMtheJATM]

Foligno solves Andersen

[OpIv37]

Foligno solves Andersen

I turned it on about 17:00 left in the 3rd and Anderson has owned them. They're getting offensive pressure but not doing anything with it.

[OpIv37]

That was ****ty.

[JATMtheJATM]

Andersen stole that game. Sucks they lost, but if they play more games like that, the sabres will be fine. The sabres were the better team, by far

[Crisis]

Kane and Bogo will never be healthy.

[Historian]

They need more scoring, and they need it from their stars.

[JATMtheJATM]

They need more scoring, and they need it from their stars.

Losing 1-0 late in the second.

Can't. ****in. Score

[JATMtheJATM]

Okposo ties it!
Reinhart gives them the lead. Reinhart is developing REALLY nicely

[JATMtheJATM]

and it stands up. Sabres win!

[swiper]

Love Reinhart.

Lehner gets the #1 star. Couple of strong games lately.

[JATMtheJATM]

Love Reinhart.

Lehner gets the #1 star. Couple of strong games lately.

Imagine reinharts smarts in someone likes Eichel body with so much more skill. Not that Sam isn't skilled, but he isn't as skilled as many

[DetDannyWilliams]

you realize this team could be 8-3! if it wasn't for the refs giving the game to Flames first with the quick whistle before Calgary scores and then the refs discuss it and rule it was a goal where the rule clearly states that if the whistle is blown the play is dead, also the CROSSCHECK to Reinhart in the OT should've been a penalty so Sabres should have also won in Calgary and they should have won against the Flyers.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjlhEXvzqy4

[JATMtheJATM]

Condon going for Ottawa against the sabres tonight. Buffalo lost badly to the bruins monday

[Novacane]

Anemic offense.

[OpIv37]

Anemic offense.

1 goal in the last 6 periods plus an OT? Yup.

They get chances but don't finish. Reinhard has been invisible save the SO goal that turned out to be meaningless. This team is far behind where I thought they'd be, and I thought they'd be a bubble team lucky to get the 8th seed.

[JATMtheJATM]

Wasn't able to watch as I was at an AHL game, but yeah, another single goal game. Hope ennis comes back and Janer rounds into form soon. And seriously, this DEREK Grant bull**** needs to end

[rbochan]

Wasn't able to watch as I was at an AHL game...

We were watching an AHL game too, apparently.

[JATMtheJATM]

We were watching an AHL game too, apparently.

At least robin lehner is doing his job in net. Been very good to start the season. If the offense ever does come around and he maintains a high level of play...

[chernobylwraiths]

At least robin lehner is doing his job in net. Been very good to start the season. If the offense ever does come around and he maintains a high level of play...

But, like another former Sabre goalie, he let in a real softie on the lone regulation goal against Ottawa.

[JATMtheJATM]

But, like another former Sabre goalie, he let in a real softie on the lone regulation goal against Ottawa.

got a link? i wanna see it

[trapezeus]

softie? kulikov was walked around and risto missed the poke check. the defense let him down. but for fielding a largely AHL team, they got 1 point. not bad.

[coastal]

Risto should have ****ing decked him.

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Dan_Dunleavy">@Dan_Dunleavy</a> catches up with call-up Justin Falk &amp; gets you ready for Sabres-Devils - <a href="https://t.co/visJPIPOw4">pic.twitter.com/visJPIPOw4</a></p>&mdash; Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/797177100079927296">November 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[JATMtheJATM]

Moulson has his 5th. He's really doing well. On the PP.

sabres Lead after one

[JATMtheJATM]

Ot loss. They can not score. Need to get rid of all those AHL scrubs

- - - Updated - - -

Ot loss. They can not score. Need to get rid of all those AHL scrubs

[Novacane]

The goal a game Sabres

[OpIv37]

Jack job by the refs on the penalty shot call, but it wouldn't have mattered if the Sabres could score more than one goal every game.

They were all over NJ early but couldn't bury it.

[rbochan]

Staying out of the box would help.

[DetDannyWilliams]

http://i.imgur.com/ZwDN9SM.png

[swiper]

Devils score

[swiper]

Sabres looked awful in New Jersey. Lehner looked bad, the whole team in front of him looked lost.

[coastal]

Lehner is super psycho trash.

[JATMtheJATM]

One one after one. Reinhart with the goal. Moulson and Okposo with assists.

[Night Train]

Still get bullied too often. Run the Sabres and they lose their will. Soft.

Cannot finish chances.

Our Goalies are getting no help. Not a fan of the coach.

[coastal]

Kane... trash with a borderline personality.

Lehner... super psycho trash.

Eichel... not McJesus.

Okposo... needs to be a 2nd line winger.

Risto... not Keith.

Bogo... complete and utter trash.

Kulikov... kinda like him.

GMTM... extension!

[JATMtheJATM]

Still get bullied too often. Run the Sabres and they lose their will. Soft.

Cannot finish chances.

Our Goalies are getting no help. Not a fan of the coach.

I was reading an article on Eichel a while back and they don't think he will have a good season upon returning. They think it'll take the rest of the season for him to completely return to form. They think he will resume his major upward trajectory, just not right away. Obviously, the games are played on ice and not paper, he may return just fine. But all these pieces missing at once and so early seems to have buried the sabres so far. Who knows what's happen when Eichel returns and Oreilly gets healthy again. And they are only two games below. 500 so rattling off a few wins in a row would elevate them quickly, but it's kinda feeling like a potential lost season. Sabres are just too thin on the wings right now.

For whatever reason, Vancouver is really high on Kane and benning has made some questionable trades. It's not out of the realm of possibility that GMTM could take him for a ride, either.

[OpIv37]

Kane has been a huge disappointment. When we got him, I was a bit concerned about his antics but I figured he'd be fine on the ice if he could change his attitude. Well, so far, he's gotten in trouble off the ice, has spent more time hurt than playing and has done nothing to make me think he deserves to be a top 6 forward. I'd trade him if anyone offers anything remotely reasonable.

[OpIv37]

Oh and what's up with Reinhart? He's been all but invisible.

[swiper]

Oh and what's up with Reinhart? He's been all but invisible.

Remember when Derek Roy thrived as 3rd line center behind Briere & Drury? That's the kind of player Reinhart is.

Like Roy, when asked to step out or up and do more, he can't.

[JATMtheJATM]

Remember when Derek Roy thrived as 3rd line center behind Briere & Drury? That's the kind of player Reinhart is.

Like Roy, when asked to step out or up and do more, he can't.

Guys in his second year. And Roy was a point per game player for several years in the sabres. He was a legit number one for a few years. I like reinhart on the wing it second d line center if Eichel or Oreilly go down. Dudes gonna be a drug for a long time

[OpIv37]

Remember when Derek Roy thrived as 3rd line center behind Briere & Drury? That's the kind of player Reinhart is.

Like Roy, when asked to step out or up and do more, he can't.
Well it's only his 3rd season and with all the injuries, he hasn't exactly been playing on the best lines. I'm not ready to slap the "Derek Roy" label on him yet but I have to admit it's a possibility

[JATMtheJATM]

Well it's only his 3rd season and with all the injuries, he hasn't exactly been playing on the best lines. I'm not ready to slap the "Derek Roy" label on him yet but I have to admit it's a possibility

Second season.

[OpIv37]

Second season.

Well he played 9 games in 2014-15. By NHL rules it doesn't count as a season but technically he has played in 3 seasons

[JATMtheJATM]

Well he played 9 games in 2014-15. By NHL rules it doesn't count as a season but technically he has played in 3 seasons

Let's be real here. Plus it's only 16 games this season, and he has 7 points. Hell be fine. There are much bigger issues for this team.

So wish we had signed pirri

[Night Train]

Outside of RR, we have no Defensemen and our forwards can't score.

Larsson,Gianta,Foligno are the only line playing well. That's a 4th line on every NHL team.

[OpIv37]

Outside of RR, we have no Defensemen and our forwards can't score.

Larsson,Gianta,Foligno are the only line playing well. That's a 4th line on every NHL team.

Weber and Gorges have their moments on D but aren't consistent.

On paper, the offensive talent is there, but a combination of injuries and misuse is keeping points off the board. Gionta has been a pleasant surprise so far this year but not enough to overcome the team's other woes.

ROR needs to be the next captain

[JATMtheJATM]

Outside of RR, we have no Defensemen and our forwards can't score.

Larsson,Gianta,Foligno are the only line playing well. That's a 4th line on every NHL team.

Moulson has rebounded well too. I was thinking he might actually have trade value now.

[Crisis]

Bylsma is awful. I hope the injuries this year don't keep him off the chopping block.

[swiper]

Guys in his second year. And Roy was a point per game player for several years in the sabres. He was a legit number one for a few years. I like reinhart on the wing it second d line center if Eichel or Oreilly go down. Dudes gonna be a drug for a long time

Reinhart is in the mold of Roy. Roy was NEVER a legit #1. He couldn't handle that. Reinhart I hope will rise to a Roy or better. He's one of my favorites right now. But, he needs better players above him and around him so he can shine. He's like Roy in that he shines when the opposing team is focusing on other players.

[swiper]

Bylsma is awful. I hope the injuries this year don't keep him off the chopping block.

Bylsma and Lehner needs to be upgraded first. Another top defender. And we need our forwards back.

[rbochan]

Sabres have now lost 5 straight and 6 of 7. They were outplayed throughout, and seem resigned to the fact they are bottom feeders incapable of scoring.

[JATMtheJATM]

Reinhart is in the mold of Roy. Roy was NEVER a legit #1. He couldn't handle that. Reinhart I hope will rise to a Roy or better. He's one of my favorites right now. But, he needs better players above him and around him so he can shine. He's like Roy in that he shines when the opposing team is focusing on other players.

I got caught up on the third line garbage, no offense. Reinhart doesn't need to be the star so long as we have Eichel and Oreilly. And, I really believe this, I think guhle might become a blue line star. The guy keeps trending upward. And of course Nylander. As far as Roy, he was never a top one center, but he also was better than your number 2 center. Too good for the second line, not good enough to be your number 1. The sabres had Alot of those during that time period after drury and briere

[Crisis]

Bylsma and Lehner needs to be upgraded first. Another top defender. And we need our forwards back.
Lehner has been one of the bright spots outside of a couple bad outings. If he can stay healthy he'll be fine.

[JATMtheJATM]

Lehner has been one of the bright spots outside of a couple bad outings. If he can stay healthy he'll be fine.

He's faced 27 shots through 2.. That's too many

[OpIv37]

The first TB goal was on Reinhart but the refs made this game much more difficult. The Sabres should have been on the PP when that goal was scored cuz Gorges took a high stick. Then the refs blew the whistle early when the Sabres should have had a delayed 6 on 5. Then the penalty on Okposo that led to the second TB goal was extremely weak.

I can't say that the Sabres would have won if these calls were made correctly, but they should be afforded the opportunity to win or lose on their own instead of being constantly at a disadvantage.

[JATMtheJATM]

The first TB goal was on Reinhart but the refs made this game much more difficult. The Sabres should have been on the PP when that goal was scored cuz Gorges took a high stick. Then the refs blew the whistle early when the Sabres should have had a delayed 6 on 5. Then the penalty on Okposo that led to the second TB goal was extremely weak.

I can't say that the Sabres would have won if these calls were made correctly, but they should be afforded the opportunity to win or lose on their own instead of being constantly at a disadvantage.

Okposo got robbed on that Bishop give away. Sabres luck right now is zero

[rbochan]

Saw them sore a goal and turned it off because I knew it was over then.

[coastal]

Two spots from last place... looks like the tank hasn't left town yet.

[swiper]

Buffalo Sabres.... more proof Terry Pegula is in way over his head.

[OpIv37]

Okposo got robbed on that Bishop give away. Sabres luck right now is zero

Luck is, and always will be, the enemy of Buffalo sports.

[JATMtheJATM]

Buffalo Sabres.... more proof Terry Pegula is in way over his head.

I was reading some stuff on the Amerks, and this is a huge issue someone really hit on. The Amerks aren't developing players. They get there and they stagnate. It's on pegula and Murray to fix this issue. Once it is, the rest of the domino's will fall

[Night Train]

The idea was to have some vets hold the fort until the youth developed. Now it looks like the future is now. The Vets aren't showing up, via injury or just indifference in their effort.


RR is our only defenseman playing well.

Goalies are hung out to dry, despite playing well.

Forwards offer little ability to finish a scoring chance and don't get back on D.

Our best line ( Larsson,Gianta,Foligno) is most teams 4th line.

Coach looks lost and may need to be sacked.

[OpIv37]

I was reading some stuff on the Amerks, and this is a huge issue someone really hit on. The Amerks aren't developing players. They get there and they stagnate. It's on pegula and Murray to fix this issue. Once it is, the rest of the domino's will fall

So then what was the point of all of this?

The Sabres have added some key pieces but Eichel, ROR and Risto can't do it alone. I'm losing my faith in this rebuild because of how poorly they've played, and if player development isn't good, then this team is going nowhere fast.

[JATMtheJATM]

So then what was the point of all of this?

The Sabres have added some key pieces but Eichel, ROR and Risto can't do it alone. I'm losing my faith in this rebuild because of how poorly they've played, and if player development isn't good, then this team is going nowhere fast.

Exactly. The good news is, people are starting to see this and hopefully, it's corrected. Soon.

But there's also other factors that no one saw coming. Mainly injuries. I trust GMTM but there also needs to be changes down the line

[Mace]

Two spots from last place... looks like the tank hasn't left town yet.

Hope the pro-tankers are feeling good about it. Biggest problem with wanting to lose on purpose is the assumption it makes you win. It doesn't. Makes you look silly for rooting for them to lose then complaining they aren't winning enough because your perfect plan didn't snap into focus like you figured it had to.

Keep tanking to lose more for better players you don't win with.

Okie Dokey.

[OpIv37]

The SXM NHL channel was destroying the Sabres on my drive home today (and rightfully so). The Sabres are the only team in the NHL averaging under 2 goals a game. They have the fewest goals by defensemen in the league by far (just one and it came last night).

Absolutely pathetic. I thought this team would be a bubble playoff team, finishing somewhere in the 8-10 range in the conf. They are bottom feeders yet again and will be lucky to finish above 13.

[Crisis]

Team is not going to be back in the playoffs until Disco is gone.

[JATMtheJATM]

Hope the pro-tankers are feeling good about it. Biggest problem with wanting to lose on purpose is the assumption it makes you win. It doesn't. Makes you look silly for rooting for them to lose then complaining they aren't winning enough because your perfect plan didn't snap into focus like you figured it had to.

Keep tanking to lose more for better players you don't win with.

Okie Dokey.

Some people don't know what tank means. Being bad doesn't equal tank. This year, they are just bad.

Personally, I believe in the process. As much hype as this year came with, you aren't going to score much with the injuries the sabres have had to the players they have had. I think some people are just conditioned to assume it's all doom and gloom. I think this is a much better team than the standings would have you believe. They just got to get Oreilly and Eichel back. That said, Murray needs to be on the look out for some wingers. Why he didn't bite on pulkkinen, I'll never know

[YardRat]

Some people don't know what tank means.

Considering 'tanking' is a process through which one is intentionally bad so that they can add talent get better in the future, apparently Murray and Co qualify as 'some people'.

[swiper]

The idea was to have some vets hold the fort until the youth developed. Now it looks like the future is now. The Vets aren't showing up, via injury or just indifference in their effort.


RR is our only defenseman playing well.

Goalies are hung out to dry, despite playing well.

Forwards offer little ability to finish a scoring chance and don't get back on D.

Our best line ( Larsson,Gianta,Foligno) is most teams 4th line.

Coach looks lost and may need to be sacked.

In Buffalo we have seen veterans come in and play hard. James Lofton, Stu Barnes, Michael Peca, and Chris Drury immediately come to mind. But many veteran players have come to Buffalo and just been lousy. Evander Kane, Derrick Dockery, Mario Williams come to mind.

I think they have to get rid of Kane, Ennis, Franson. The defense? Ugh. Is it that hard to get at least 3 or 4 solid defensemen to mix with your young guys?

[coastal]

What would it cost to get JVR?

[swiper]

LOL. He's leading in points & goals on a team scraping to get into the play-offs. He's off the table.

[JATMtheJATM]

Considering 'tanking' is a process through which one is intentionally bad so that they can add talent get better in the future, apparently Murray and Co qualify as 'some people'.

I'm talking about people calling the current season a tank job. Keep up, yardie

[JATMtheJATM]

In Buffalo we have seen veterans come in and play hard. James Lofton, Stu Barnes, Michael Peca, and Chris Drury immediately come to mind. But many veteran players have come to Buffalo and just been lousy. Evander Kane, Derrick Dockery, Mario Williams come to mind.

I think they have to get rid of Kane, Ennis, Franson. The defense? Ugh. Is it that hard to get at least 3 or 4 solid defensemen to mix with your young guys?

I definitely think franson has to go. Ennis might be up there. Kane.. When he shows, he's excellent, but so far.. Depends on what they get for him, really.

[OpIv37]

I definitely think franson has to go. Ennis might be up there. Kane.. When he shows, he's excellent, but so far.. Depends on what they get for him, really.

Ennis is Afinogenov 2.0. Elite speed and skating, above average puck handling but no idea what to do with it. He skates circles around guys until his pocket gets picked without a shot or attempted pass.

Kane has had off the ice issues, has been hurt a lot, and hasn't played well when he has been healthy.

I'd move both if anyone was willing to take them. The only problem: I would hesitate to load up on picks and prospects. This team is at the point where they should be learning to win and thinking about the present and immediate future.

[JATMtheJATM]

Ennis is Afinogenov 2.0. Elite speed and skating, above average puck handling but no idea what to do with it. He skates circles around guys until his pocket gets picked without a shot or attempted pass.

Kane has had off the ice issues, has been hurt a lot, and hasn't played well when he has been healthy.

I'd move both if anyone was willing to take them. The only problem: I would hesitate to load up on picks and prospects. This team is at the point where they should be learning to win and thinking about the present and immediate future.

Don't have to get picks, but get younger, either rising players or established players. And look for young guns who are struggling elsewhere who could need a change of scenery. Strome in New York comes to mind

[swiper]

I was no fan of Afinogenov, but he was far better than Ennis. Ennis is one of the most disappointing players ever at this point. Get him out of here.

[JATMtheJATM]

I was no fan of Afinogenov, but he was far better than Ennis. Ennis is one of the most disappointing players ever at this point. Get him out of here.

The one thing about Max was he worked his ass off every game. He was not lazy

[DetDannyWilliams]

I definitely think franson has to go. Ennis might be up there. Kane.. When he shows, he's excellent, but so far.. Depends on what they get for him, really.
umm you do know that Franson is the team leader among goals, in goals, by a defenceman, Thurs vs. Tampa Bay21:55 ice time, goal, 3 shots

[JATMtheJATM]

umm you do know that Franson is the team leader among goals, in goals, by a defenceman, Thurs vs. Tampa Bay21:55 ice time, goal, 3 shots

Great. He still sucks.

Carrier scores!

[DetDannyWilliams]

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M8afb7d43e624cfaa8357bd7fd4df4c46o0&w=234&h=140&c=8&qlt=90&o=4&pid=1.7

[DetDannyWilliams]

FU REFS! HOW CAN THAT ONLY BE A 2:00 PENALTY?, HE ALMOST TOOK FOLIGNO'S HEAD OFF! SHOUD BE A 5 AND 10 MIN. MISCONDUCT PENALTY AND BE GONE FOR THE GAME!

[DetDannyWilliams]

Foligno isn't out there for the 3rd either

just returned

[JATMtheJATM]

What an overtime and the sabres win.

[OpIv37]

Gutsy win despite the lack of O by the Sabres.

Nilsson was great. Grant showed a little something finally, and Carrier had a good game.

Still disappointed in Reinhart.

[JATMtheJATM]

Gutsy win despite the lack of O by the Sabres.

Nilsson was great. Grant showed a little something finally, and Carrier had a good game.

Still disappointed in Reinhart.

Reinhart was everywhere on OT.

[rbochan]

haha
I turned the game on and saw they'd already scored their 1 goal and promptly turned it off.

[OpIv37]

Reinhart was everywhere on OT.

He's brutal defensively and if he could have buried Even one of the chances he had, we wouldn't have needed OT.

[JATMtheJATM]

He's brutal defensively and if he could have buried Even one of the chances he had, we wouldn't have needed OT.

Oh stop. It's not just reinhart who isn't burying his chances right now.

[coastal]

lol

[OpIv37]

Oh stop. It's not just reinhart who isn't burying his chances right now.

True, but with ROR and Eichel out, he's the best offensive threat we have and he's not coming through.

[JATMtheJATM]

True, but with ROR and Eichel out, he's the best offensive threat we have and he's not coming through.

Okposo? Love the guy, but he had chances too and couldn't bury them

[coastal]

Team speed is sorely lacking.

[JATMtheJATM]

Okposo? Love the guy, but he had chances too and couldn't bury them

To expand on this, I think Okposo and reinhart have chemistry, and if they keep playing like they did, it'll come

[DetDannyWilliams]

Tim Murray has a daily routine.
“My first stop is the trainer’s room – every day,” the Sabres’ general manager said. “Who can play? Who can’t play? Who’s available? Who’s not available? What do I have to call up?”
Then Murray goes upstairs and has Assistant GM Mark Jakubowski calculate the salary cap. Whether the Sabres summon Justin Bailey, Nick Baptiste, Cal O’Reilly or Dan Catenacci depends on how close Buffalo is to the cap ceiling – and the team has been mighty close.
“This is what we do every day,” Murray said.

“We’re a cap team because of injuries,” Murray said. “We’re paying 27 people. Ideally, we would like to have 21 people on our team. We’re paying 27 people NHL salaries that are on the cap.
“One injury is easy. Two injuries is OK. But if you have 27 guys on your roster, you’re into unknown territory, so we’re trying to make the best of it.”

Because of the volume and magnitude of injuries, Murray and Jakubowski have had to develop circus skills. They juggle money. They walk a financial tightrope.

“We’re right against the cap,” Murray said.

Normally, a cap team is a contender. Back in 2006-07, the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Sabres couldn’t let rookie Drew Stafford practice because it would have put them over the threshold.
This year’s team is not a contender, but it’s in the same predicament as the club from a decade ago. On the surface, that’s troubling news. But, as Murray explained, it’s simply because of injuries.
NHL teams don’t benefit from the cap-relieving device known as long-term injured reserve until they need to exceed the ceiling, so every injured player is on Buffalo’s cap. That includes forward Cody McCormick, who hasn’t played in almost two years because of blood clots, and defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, who is day-to-day. Jack Eichel, Tyler Ennis, Ryan O’Reilly, Zach Bogosian and Nicolas Deslauriers are also hurt, giving the Sabres seven guys out of the lineup.
Those absences have led to as many as five call-ups per game. Even though the erstwhile Amerks are on the low end of the salary scale, having that many in Buffalo adds up.
For example, the Sabres needed forwards Evan Rodrigues, William Carrier and Baptiste, plus defensemen Taylor Fedun and Justin Falk on Thursday against Tampa Bay. The quintet has a combined cap hit of $3.5 million. According to the daily salary calculator at CapFriendly.com, their additions put the Sabres at $72,662,024 – just $337,976 under the cap of $73 million.

Because the NHL calculates the cap every day, being that close to the ceiling impacts which minor-leaguer gets the call and how long he gets to stay.
“There was a day last week where Catenacci makes $575,000, and he was the only forward we could have brought up if there was a sickness or an injury,” Murray said.

Potential bonuses are also tying the hands of Murray and Jakubowski. Entry-level contracts are flush with incentives, some easily attainable and some not. So even though Internet salary sites may list Baptiste’s cap hit as $718,333, the Sabres have to budget $1 million or so for the year.
“We’re a team that has young guys that have a capability of earning huge bonuses in Eichel and Sam Reinhart, and even Baptiste and Carrier and these guys have smaller bonuses,” Murray said. “We don’t know if they’re going to earn them yet. You have to predict that and you have to account for it. That’s what we’re doing right now.
“Basically, from the start of the year we’re going on the assumption they’re going to reach their bonuses, so that’s how we are calculating our cap and that’s how we are using players.”
Ignoring potential bonuses would have a huge impact. For example, if the Sabres are stuck near the cap all season and merely budget base salaries, year-end bonuses could push their payroll to $75 million. That $2 million cap overage would be subtracted from next season’s cap allowance. So if the cap remains at $73 million, the Sabres would have only $71 million to spend.
“It’s a big impact if you go over,” Murray said.

http://buffalonews.com/2016/11/18/inside-sabres-injuries-murray-thinking-cap/

[rbochan]

They scored 3 goals!

Where are we all meeting up for the Cup Parade?

[JATMtheJATM]

Kane with a point, reinhart with two, Okposo with two. Moulson scoring. I like that. And lehner with a strong game

[OpIv37]

Kane with a point, reinhart with two, Okposo with two. Moulson scoring. I like that. And lehner with a strong game

Calgary's barrage of penalties helped with the scoring, but at this point I'll take goals any way we can get them. Kane had prob his best game all year.