Jump to content

Pegulaville26

Blogger
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    289

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Blog Entries posted by Pegulaville26

  1. Pegulaville26
    As we approach the offical start of Free Agency on Friday, teams are starting to talk to players in hope of agreeing to a deal before Friday. I expect the first day of Free Agency to be exciting. The Sabres themselves sit in an interesting spot this year. After attacking the top players in UFA the last two season under the Pegula regime I think they are going to take a different approach this year. I believe they are going to attack the second tier and look for players that will fit in with the young core that is being built. Here five players I would target this year:
    1. Danny Briere-35 years old-C/LW
    The former Sabres Co-Captain is the #1 target this year. I have been told this by an acquaintance who works in Sabres hockey operations department (aka source). Management wants Briere back badly and will go all out to bring him back. They believe Briere can get perhaps get Leino going again with the magic they had in Philly. Also they believe that bringing back Briere will help them convince Vanek to stay. Lastly they believe that Briere can help groom future Sabres stars like Hodgson, Grigorenko, and Girgensons. At this point in his career Danny will not likely play a full season however I think he would be a great fit for the Sabres.
    2. Viktor Stalberg-27 years old-LW
    I think Stalberg would fit in well with his speed and size to a young Sabres roster. The 6'3 winger landed in the dog house during the playoffs in Chicago. I have always liked the game Stalberg played during his time in Chicago. His mix of size and speed would be great for an awful PP and puck possession, Now Stalberg does have some red flags. He will need a coach who can push him to bring it every game and Rolston made a statement last season that you earn your ice or sit. Perhaps a new start could be just what Stalberg needs to jump his career. The Sabres are in a spot where they can take a chance on a player like Stalberg.
    3. Damien Brunner-27 years old-LW
    The Swiss product had a great start to his NHL career last season with Detroit. He ended the campaign with 26 points in 44 games. Like Stalberg, Brunner would fit in well with a young team looking to grow. Brunner could be an example of the magic that happens when you put on the winged wheel sweater, however again a 2-3 year lower salary contract is something the Sabres can live with. I still believe there's a good chance Brunner ends up back with the Wings when all is said and done.
    4. Pierre-Marc Bouchard-29 years old-C/W
    Bouchard's career has been slowed down with injuries. I love a team with speed and excitment, which is why I would look at a player like Bouchard. The Canadian forward will likely get a prove it 1 or 2 year deal from any time this year. To stick with the theme hear why not try to catch lightning in a bottle and a shot with Bouchard. He can bring scoring from a 2nd/3rd line role which the Sabres need badly. If Bouchard can stay healthy I still think he can make an impact in this league. Thats the catch though. Can you get enough games out of him to make it worth it.
    5. Mason Raymond-27 years old-LW
    Raymond struggled to live up to expectations in Vancouver and also delt with a rash of injuries. Raymond was oftern included in trade chatter over the last two seasons and the Sabres did kick the tires on Raymond at one point. A fresh start for Raymond could be just what the doctor ordered. Being out of the spotlight in Vancouver could allow the 27 year old winger to relax and play his game. Raymond can play in both ends of the rink. He can help on the PP or PK. On a line with a player like Steve Ott and a young playmaker like Mikhail Grigorenko I think Raymond has the chance to excel.
    The Sabres right now sit with 15.5 million cap space after the buy out of Nathan Gerbe. They need to still sign Hodgson, Flynn, Hackett, and Tropp who are RFA's. That should leave the Sabres with about 9-10 million to play with. I dont expect the Sabres to be big players outside of Briere. They'll be looking for players who fit roles.
  2. Pegulaville26
    Hopefully this topic never comes up again, Tootoo received a 2 game ban for charging Miller Saturday night. Good, end of story, hopefully the Sabres let it go too. Now onto the NHL radical realignment that puts the NHL into 4 conferences, which in fact I hate that they are calling them conferences instead of divisions. If they are divisions you can keep the East and West format. Anyways I digress, I like how the conferences are set up, everyone is happy in a way, nobody got left out of a West to East conference shift, and rival teams stayed in the same conference. Now the bad, how does Tampa and Florida end up in basically the Northeast Division? Splitting Stamkos and Ovi might not have been the best decision in the world, but in honestly when you look at it they didn't really have a choice. A bigger issue I have is the 16 teams in the west and 14 in the east. This sets up the expansion theory, which I think would be a terrible terrible terrible idea! They're too many teams having trouble already (NYI, Florida, Columbus, Phoenix, and Dallas) making this a 32 team league would be outrageous. The obvious places for expansion would be Quebec City, 2nd Toronto team, Hamilton, and Hartford. Hockey already failed in two of those places and the other two places teams already exsist close by (Buffalo and Toronto). If anything the NHL should go to 28 teams cut out Phoenix if they can't stay in the dessert and either the Islanders or Panthers go. The last large problem I have with the new realignment is the playoff system of rounds 1 and 2. I am all for creating rivalries, but how old will it get seeing Buffalo v Boston every year or Philly v Pitt or Ovi v Sid. What about the playoff rivalries of Buffalo and Philly? Chicago and Vancouver? Boston and Philly? Detroit and Colorado? Carolina and Buffalo?. Those playoff matchups will rarely happen unless those teams can make it to the new Frozen Four and they still might not matchup then.
    Onto the Sabres and there list of growing injuries, heres a recap of the current players out for at least Wednesday's game: Myers, Weber, Gaustad, Boyes, Kaleta, Leopold, and maybe McCormick. Will this team ever get healthy? If you look at the list of injured players the bad news is they are losing their size and strength (Kaleta, Myers, Weber, Goose, McCormick). Sure Kassian and McNabb have proven to be good replacements and Finley is big but has trouble skating. This cannot continue for the Sabres they are staying afloat right now but another big injury and this team could be done. Look at the players who have missed at least 1 game this year: Gerbe, Stafford, Regher, Goose, Weber, Miller, Myers, McCormick, Hecht, Kaleta, Ennis, and Leopold. That's 12 of the 23 man opening night roster! This reminds me of the 05-06 playoffs against the Canes when they lost almost the entire D core and Connolly (still bitter that was our cup). Pregame blog for Flyers v Sabres tomorrow , I'll be in the First Niagara Center as the Amerks/Sabres try to pull out a much needed 2 points at home.
  3. Pegulaville26

    A New Direction

    By Pegulaville26,

    Tomorrow night at the Air Canada Center against division rival the Toronto Maple Leafs the Buffalo Sabres will have a new coach behind the bench for the first time in 14 years. Lindy Ruff was relieved of his duties today as head coach of the struggling Sabres. Although I've been calling for it and after last night expected it I was still shocked. Ruff coached the Sabres in 1165 games and had a 571-432-78(ties)-84 record for a .559 winning %. He led the Sabres to the playoffs 8 times in 14 years. He led the Sabres to one cup final and three conference finals appearances. Under Ruff the Sabres won the Northeast Division two times. Ruff also won the Jack Adams Award in 2006 while leading perhaps one of the best Sabres teams in franchise history.
    This move is something I believed the Sabres should have made after last season. Ruff is not a bad coach and will likely have another job in the NHL soon if he wants it, but his time in Buffalo was up. The reason it was down today mid-season was because the Sabres needed to save face with the fans. The fanbase was turning on Terry Pegula and his honeymoon period had run out. He was left with no choice and had to do something.
    I have a few reasons why Ruff needed to be let go and I won't give you the "he lost the room" speech because I think that is just something people run with. I'll start with the way Ruff has handled the young talent in Buffalo. This is a bigger deal that most people would think. Ruff is a big reason Luke Adam is out of favor with the franchise. He went from leading the Sabres first line to being irrelevant. Ruff hammered on him and just hammered defense first into his head and ruined the kids offensive ability. Adam will likely never play for the Sabres again and won't surprise me if he is not tendered when his deal is up at the end of this year or traded before that. Tyler Myers won the Calder Trophy and after that season Ruff wanted Myers to focus on his defensive game more. Since then Myers has never been the same. Finally with Grigorenko this year Ruff tried the Barry Melrose method and that is not how it is done in today's NHL. Young players are given the chance to play and be a big factor in their first season. With Joel Armia, Brian Flynn, Brayden McNabb, Jake McCabe, Andrey Makarov, and Zemgus Girgensons coming through the system a coach who know how to hand young talent is vital. I'll get back to that later.
    Another thing to look at is Ruff's system. Let's start with his PP over his 14 years as coach from 97-13 the Sabres PP has finished 19, 21, 28, 17, 27, 20, 19, 3, 17, 14, 17, 9, 16, and 28th this year for an average of 18th place. All of the top teams in the NHL have excellent PP's and the Sabres have never been able to get out of their own way. I think a new coach with a fresh idea on how to use the players on the roster will improve the PP. Also Ruff's system he jammed into the Sabres head was starting to hold the Sabres hostage. If they got a lead it was time to focus on defense, the Sabres had no killer instinct under Ruff. Almost a play not to lose attitude.
    So ends the Lindy Ruff era and begins the Ron Rolston era. Rolston the current coach of the Sabres AHL affiliate the Rochester Amerks will take over as the interm coach for the rest of the season. Rolston is the older brother of NHLer Brian Rolston. The 46 year old coach was vital in the growth of USA hockey as a coach of young USA players as he climbed through the USA hockey ranks. Rolston has been the Amerks coach for the last two years and is familiar with a lot of the young talent now playing with the Sabres now and in the future. Rolston is perfect for infusion of youth coming through the system and on the current roster. He knows how to handle young players and develop them. Rolston has a big hand in the development of Marcus Foligno. His goal will be to get a grip on the Veteran core of this team in Vanek, Miller, Stafford, and Pominville.
    If Rolston is not kept as coach next season I think Tony Granato and Patrick Roy are a few names to watch. Regier is fond of Roy and the former junior coach of Mikhail Grigorenko. Granato is a name to watch as well because of the Sabres management connection to Pittsburgh and I think he's due for a chance.
    Also look for players like Brayden McNabb and Brian Flynn to crack the Sabres lineup in the next few weeks.
  4. Pegulaville26
    The Blue and Gold invade Scotiabank Place in Ottawa for a very important matchup in the Eastern Conference standings. The Sabres sit in 8th with 35 points and the Senators sit in 10th with 34 points. Depending on how tonight goes the Sabres could end up anywhere from the 6th spot to the 11th spot in the standings. A big 4 point swing is on the line tonight. For Ottawa Kyle Turris will make his Sens debut tonight after being traded from the Coyotes earlier in the week for David Rundblad and a 2nd round pick. I think the Yotes got the good end of the deal on that one, but we will see for sure in a year or two. Also tonight the Sens get back Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba, after struggling last season the two defenders were off to decent starts before they were injured.
    Unlike the Sens, the Sabres are not getting healthier. They will be without a laundry list of players tonight: Boyes, Myers, Gerbe, Kaleta, Ennis, Tropp, Stuart, Leino and Hecht. This however paints the way for a fun storyline to tonights game. Marcus Foligno will make his NHL debut against his brother Nick Foligno. The Foligno family will be in attendance tonight in Kanata as well as of course former Sabres player and proud dad Mike Foligno. Marcus played well last season for team Canada in the World Juniors in Buffalo, which he was a long shot to make at first. He is off to a decent start in Rochester (9G 3A 27GP) and Sabres could use his 6'2 220lb frame tonight. Also making his well deserved NHL debut for the Sabres is Derek Whitmore. The 27 year old AHL vet, has played well in Rochester and I'm surprised it took this long for him to get the call. In 29 games down on the farm he has 13 goals and 7 assists. Both Foligno and Whitmore have local ties being from Buffalo and Rochester respectivley.
    In other news Ryan Miller will guard the 4x6 cage tonight, hoping to rebound from his poor performance in Pittsburgh. This team needs Miller to play well in order to stay alive with all the injuries. Help is on the way with Boyes and Kaleta expected to play Thursday in Toronto and Myers to be back at the end of next week.
    Also rather important to tonights game Derek Roy will be put back between Vanek and Pommer on the top line tonight. I know Ruff doesn't have much of a choice, but in my opinion Roy is cancer for whoever he plays with. Both Stafford and Vanek thrived with Roy out of the lineup last season and Vanek continues to thrive without Roy this season. Stafford has struggled after being back with Roy this season. If a trade is to be made in the near future Roy is vote for the boot.
    Expected Lineup:
    Vanek-Roy-Pommer
    Adam-Szezechura-Stafford
    Kassian-Gaustad-Foligno
    Whitmore-Ellis-McCormick
    Ehrhoff-Leopold
    Regher-McNabb
    Sekera-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction: See lineup above...Too many injuries and Sens could come out flying with debut of Turris...Miller has struggled of late...3-2/OT Ottawa, at least a point would be nice tonight.
  5. Pegulaville26

    Accountability

    By Pegulaville26,

    Accountability....I've tossed this word around a lot the past three years in reference to the Buffalo Sabres franchise. In my mind I know who I consider accountable to the Sabres play over the past three seasons, but I don't know who Terry Pegula holds accountable. Last year the Sabres missed the playoffs and Darcy Regier along with Lindy Ruff were handed contract extensions. The only real change made from last years team was trading of Derek Roy. So am I to assume it was Derek Roy's fault the Sabres missed expectations last year outside of a crazy month and a half run. Was it Milan Lucic's fault and bringing in John Scott would fix all the problems? I was embarrassed for the franchise when Regier decided it was a good idea to tell the media that Sabres players were scared and thats why they had to get tougher.
    When Pegula bought the Sabres he came in beating the drum of change and a new direction. Dropping the famous line "The Sabres sole existence is to win the Stanley Cup". Sure like most Sabres fans I ate up and ran with it. Two years later I ask someone to show me where things have changed. Where is the new Pegula run franchise going over and beyond to bring a cup to Buffalo? I give him credit for re doing the Locker Room, paint job to the First Niagara Center, Alumni Plaza, and now developing the Webster block in front of the FN Center with a hotel, shopping center, and ice rinks. I am more than thankful for that. However the product on the ice has got worse in the two years Pegula has run the show. What has been the constant this entire time and over the last 15 years? Lindy Ruff and Darcy Regier.
    I think Darcy has done a decent job in putting this team together however I think Ruff is running it into the ground. If Darcy can't take off the blinders and see that then he needs to go as well. Ruff is not a bad coach, but 15 years of no championships is enough. Player like Vanek, Pominville, Stafford, Miller, and Myers have heard the same voice their entire careers. I reflect back on a moment in Boston this year when the Sabres came away with a 7-4 victory, Ruff ripped the NHL leading scorer and player who single handedly led the Sabres to victory that night Thomas Vanek. On a commercial break Ruff layed into Vanek for a neutral zone turnover on his previous shift. At the end of the game Ruff came over to tap Vanek on the back and give him a "atta boy" smack and Vanek rolled his eyes and muttered a expletive to the player sitting next to him. That alone shows Ruff's style is wearing thin with this roster.
    Ruff continues to mishandle the youth on the Sabres roster as well. He ruined Luke Adam who now is no more than a AHL winger, Tyler Myers has never been the same since Ruff told him to focus on the defensive end after his Calder Trophy Year, and now he is mishandling Mikhail Grigorenko. Grigorenko is scheduled to be scratched for this 3rd game in the last 4. Ruff doesn't feel he is getting a lot of production from the 18 year old which is hard when he plays with Scott, McCormick, Kaleta, Hecht, and Ott. His best game this year in DC he played with Foligno and Stafford. Watching Grigorenko he looks like he is afraid to make a mistake and someone got in his ear and preached defense first. He leaves the offensive zone early and looks hesitant at times to get caught up ice. A much different style than I watched him play in Quebec. Lindy tells the media that he using the Seguin and Stamkos method with Grigorenko giving him little ice time and letting him come along slow. That style also got Barry Melrose fired. Also that is not the way it is done any more in the NHL. Look around the league Brodin, Granlund, Galchenyuk, Gallahager, Brunner, Tarasenko, Conacher, Yakupov, and Schultz are examples of rookies getting a lot of ice time and thriving. The Sabres franchise always seems one step behind.
    Tonight the Sabres look to rebound against the struggling Jets at home. Buffalo comes in with a 3-4-1 home record. A struggling Stafford is being put with McCormick and Scott to get his game going and Leopold is going to be a healthy scratch for and replaced by Tj Brennan. Ruff is going with his shut down line again that held Crosby to three points Sunday in Hecht-Gerbe-Ott and Grigorenko will sit.
    I hope you sensed the sarcasm in the above paragraph. When will someone be held accountable?
  6. Pegulaville26
    Couple things I want to hit on before I start the grading. First Tim "Teeth" Kennedy is now on his 3rd team since being cut by Buffalo. If he has not fired his agent after the offseason disaster with Buffalo he needs too. Kennedy had a spot carved out in the Sabres lineup and had a decent rookie season. Best of luck to Teeth.
    Last the hockeybuzz rumor involving Derek Roy and Paul Stastny. I'll play along even though it came from EK. I could see this deal working for both teams, the Sabres get a top line center and Colorado gets a good center at a lower cap hit. However I don't think just Derek Roy gets Stastny out of Colorado. Also the Sabres would have to make more moves, probably Boyes and Gaustad.
    Ok now onto the grades:
    Defense:
    Tyler Myers-B
    Myers missed a lot of time this year with a broken wrist. Before he was hurt he was possibly the Sabres worse defenseman. He then recieved a one game trip to the press box and came back a whole different player. He came back as the Myers of 2011 Playoffs against Philly. He has provided some offense since coming back from his injury and has brought stability to the blue line. I am curious to see how his season finishes. His season end could be tied to the Sabres final standings.
    Jordan Leopold-B-
    Leopold has 8 goals this season and has provided good production from the point. He has had an up and down season in his own end though. At times he looks solid and at times like in Chicago and Detroit he looks awful. Leopold could be a deadline mover this season with the Sabres in sell mode.
    Robyn Regher-A
    Regher has come as advertised out of Calgary. He is physical and has been solid this season in his own zone. He punishes people usually on a nightly basis for entering his zone. Regher has had a few injury problems this year. He also brings leadership and a teacher to the young Buffalo D core.
    Andrej Sekera-B
    Sekera is for some reason a goat in Buffalo. I think he is a very underrated player, he provides offense, good outlet passes, and is not a liability in his own end. He could possibly be a deadline mover as well if Buffalo goes for a big player. He has not put up the amount of points I would like to see, but he has done great playing large minutes in his own zone.
    Christian Ehrhoff-B
    Ehrhoff also falls into the theme of many players this season on this team, up and down. Ehrhoff started off well and then he struggled in his zone and then he started playing well again. He has missed time with a rib injury. He looked good in his first game back, he should also help the Sabres power play with his return. I personally am very high on Ehrhoff and I had him targeted for the Sabres in March of last season. He will be a solid blue liner for years to come.
    Mike Weber-D
    Weber has disappointed this season. He seems slow at times and always late to the play. He has trouble tieing up guys in front of the net which is confusing for his size. Weber could be a throw in for a trade at the deadline or seasons end.
    Marc Andre Gragnani-F
    Grags has been awful! In the playoffs last season he was very solid for the Sabres, but this year has been a tire fire. Sure he is a +11, but I don't know how, he constantly turns the puck over, and is pushed around in his own end. Gragnani could also be moved at the deadline or not tendered at seasons end with him being a RFA.
    Offense:
    Thomas Vanek-A
    Vanek started off the season red hot. In my opinion he should have been given the C, he is the true leader of this team on and off the ice. Vanek gets little credit for what he does, he takes a beating in front of the net where no other player will go. He has tailed off as of late, but that is typical Vanek. He will end the season with 30 goals and 60 points. He has been very good in his own end, which is something he has worked hard at in his career.
    Jason Pominville-A+
    Pommer is having a great come back season! He had a horrific injury in the playoffs last season and he has come back this season on fire. He leads the Sabres in points and goals. He is also on his way to his first All Star game. The captain has accepted his new role and ran with it. He is great on the PK and PP. His second half could be better than the first, he is an anually a great finisher.
    Jochen Hecht-B
    Hecht has delt with concussion issues all season. He again is on the shelf with a concussion, his third in a year. He very well could have played his last game in a Sabres jersey. However when he was in the lineup he fit in well between Pommer and Vanek. He provided some scoring and good play in his own end. I hope he gets better soon
    Drew Stafford-F
    Stafford got a big contract in the offseason and he has fell flat on his face. Last season was his best career year. Stafford has struggled a ton this year. He is on pace for less than 15 goals this season. I could see Stafford being moved, however I would like to see Stafford again with Roy in the middle. Last game in NJ Roy was not in the middle and Stafford had perhaps his best game.
    Derek Roy-F
    Roy has come back and been terrible for the Sabres. He is being run out of Buffalo and I would be shocked if he isn't moved by the deadline. He has produced little and been a liability. I'm sick of seeing him flop all over and coast to the bench.
    Ville Leino-F
    Leino has been a disaster for the Sabres. The new big contract has been awful. Leino is on pace for 9 goals and he makes 4.5 million dollars. Maybe what could have saved Sabres management was a strong playoff by Leino. However they are not going to make the playoffs. Leino has 5 more years left on his deal. I wouldn't trade him this offseason, also I don't think anybody takes his contract. I still want to see one more season from Leino before parting ways.
    Nathan Gerbe-B-
    Gerbe plays bigger than his size. He has great speed, hands, and grit. He is afraid of nobody and will go get his nose dirty to make a play. He has been one of the best Sabres forwards all season. The only reason I give the B- is because the production isn't their.
    Luke Adam-C
    Luke started off strong between Vanek and Pommer. He started with 10 goals in the first two months, however he has gone ice cold. Lindy Ruff has demoted Adam to a 3rd line winger/center. I don't see the point Lindy is making with Adam. He cannot develop playing so few minutes, so I give half the blame on his cold streak to Ruff.
    Patrick Kaleta-B-
    The NHL is on a witch hunt to take Kaleta out of league. He can barely hit anymore without getting a penalty even if the hit is clean. Also players can mug Kaleta without getting a penalty called. Kaleta has been great on the PK selling out and blocking shots. He again has struggled with injuries this season, something that has plagued Kaleta his whole career. You can never hate the effort Kaleta gives.
    Paul Gaustad-D
    Goose continues to win faceoffs and be a leader. However I need him to put some pucks in the net as well. Having 3 goals just isn't cutting it for me. Gaustad is on the shelf right now with an injury suffered on a dirty his by Jamal Mayers. Goose could be moved at the deadline with him set to become a UFA July 1.
    Brad Boyes-F
    I wanted so bad for Boyes to work out. He just won't go to the place you need to to score goals. Sure he is great in the shootout, but I don't need Ales Kotalik 2.0. He likely will be moved at the deadline and if not will be a UFA July 1.
    Goalies:
    Ryan Miller-C
    Miller has struggled this season, having his career worst statiscally. However I lay some of the blame on the poor Sabres defense and injuries. Also I blame the Lucic hit that he missed time with a concussion. I think he came back not 100% and it showed. He looks to be getting into the groove now with a healthy D corp. I'm hoping for a good second half from him. Miller wants to win like nobody else.
    Jhonas Enroth-C+
    Enroth started off excellent, but has fallen into slide as of late. He had the chance to take the job from Miller when he was hurt, but he failed. Enroth could part of a trade at the deadline or in the offseason. If the Sabres want to make a run they need him to be a part of the effort.
  7. Pegulaville26
    On Wednesday I declared the 6-0 win over the Bruins could be the game fans look back at to point to when the comeback started. However last nights game might be another one of those games. Kari Lehtonen stood on his head for 40 minutes and early in the 3rd Dallas increase their lead to 2-0. Buffalo appeared to be on the path to a frustrating L however, minutes Radek Dvorak took an awful penalty hauling down Vanek in the neutral zone. Vanek would capitalize on a nice tip on the PP. The score would stay 2-1 until the 19:20 mark of the 3rd. With the goalie pulled Derek Roy put away a rebound to tie the game at 2. Late in OT Lehtonen would again shine by stoning Vanek on a wide open net with seconds remaining.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10wkAf9stxo
    The game would go to a shootout where Nathan Gerbe would use a sick back hand to beat Lehtonen and give the Sabres 2 points. http://video.nhl.com...vidchn-shootout
    As the standings sit Buffalo is 8 points behind 8th place Toronto with a game in hand and 9 behind Ottawa with 3 games in hand. Buffalo wins the games in hand and head to head games left they catch both teams. (Currently watching the Oil vs Sens on the Iphone headed for a 3pt game. Hate them!)
    Tonight the Sabres host the Tampa Bay Lightning looking to keep it going. Buffalo has not lost at home since December 10th. The FN Center is becoming known as a hard place to win for road teams. Love it.
    Some big news today with Luke Adam being sent down to Rochester and Zack Kassian being called up. Kassian will played tonight for the injured Cody McCormick, who sustained an upper body injury last night. Adam who has 10 goals and 10 assists this season needs to play big minutes. He has not scored since early December and needs to get his confidence back. When Kassian returns to Rochester I'm sure you'll the Kassian-Adam-Foligno lined reunited that dominated Traverse City in the Prospects Tourney.
    Tampa has played well of late, but their style might play into Buffalo's hand tonight. The Sabres played last night and could feature some fatigue however Tampa is not a team known to press. Could help the Sabres stay in the game. The lightning bolts have won both prior meetings this season one in Buffalo and the other in St. Pete.
    The mystery surrounding tonight's game is who will be in goal for Buffalo. Miller or Enroth. With no pregame skate it will be unknown until game time. Ride the hot hand or give some rest? Buffalo doesn't play again until Valentine's Day against NJ at home.
    Projected lineup:
    Leino-Roy-Pominville
    Vanek-Ennis-Stafford
    Gerbe-Gaustad-Kaleta
    Kassian-Boyes-Ellis
    Ehrhoff-Myers
    Regher-Leopold
    Weber-Sekera
    Miller (Ride the hot hand is my guess)
    (Enroth)
    Projection: Tough game it will be a lower scoring battle. 2-1 Tampa in OT/SO
  8. Pegulaville26
    Tonight Buffalo will have another shot to tie the idle 8th Washington Capitals. Another team they are creeping closer is the Ottawa Senators. A win tonight puts Buffalo 4 points behing Ottawa, within yelling distance. Ottawa plays Montreal, Pittsburgh, and Winnipeg in their next three (at Winnipeg). Right now though the focus remains on Washington.
    Tonight division rival the Montreal Canadiens come into the FN Center. Buffalo has won 4 of the 5 meetings this season. The last game was a 3-2 OT win. Tyler Myers returns tonight after being suspended from a hit on Scott Gomez in that Montreal game. Buffalo went 1-0-2 in the games Myers was out.
    Montreal comes in 4-3-4 in their last 11, and by no means are a push over. Buffalo got a small break last meeting with Peter Budaj being in goal. No such luck tonight Carey Price will be in goal tonight for the Habs.
    A little bit of surprising news came out today in the morning skate Patrick Kaleta will not play tonight because of another injury. Also Nathan Gerbe will again be out of the lineup tonight with a strained muscle. To replace PK36 Buffalo has called up Travis Turnbull from Rochester. Turnbull is having a career year with 27 points in 53 games (12 g 15 a). Turnbull is more of the grinder type that is being brought up to handle any possible ruckus the Habs try to throw out in response to the Myers hit on Gomez (wouldn't Habs fans be happy Gomez is out?).
    With Myers back Ruff has to make a decision on who to play as the 6th defenseman Sulzer or Weber. Some people thought Buffalo would roll with 7 D, however Ruff already said Turbull is playing so Weber or Sulzer has to come out. My money is on Weber sitting.
    Miller in goal obviously.
    The FN Center should be rocking tonight with 8th place on the line and half of the arena full of Habs fans. With it being 80 degrees in Buffalo on March 21st, you can smell the playoff hockey in the air.
    Projected Lineup:
    Foligno-Ennis-Stafford
    Vanek-Hodgson-Tropp
    Leino-Roy-Pominville
    Myers-Leopold
    Ehrhoff-Sulzer
    Regehr-Sekera
    Miller
    (Enroth)
  9. Pegulaville26
    On Feburary 18th of 2011 Terry Pegula took over as Sabres owner and gave a energize first speech even shedding tears at the sight of his hero Gilbert Perrault. All of Buffalo was full of joy calling for Feburary 18th to be known as Pegula Day for the rest of time. He promised Stanley Cups, he promised a changed atmospher, and he promised money no longer is an issue with this team. Pegula and Sabres President Ted Black spoke of a 3 year plan, in which they would be a "Championship Team, Attitude, and Atmosphere". The new owner helped give the Sabres some energy and the team made a crazy second half run to get into the playoffs. He got a 99% season ticket renewal rate, put money into the arena, bought Sabres University (Rochester Amerks), and even personally handed out season tickets to fans.
    All of that I'm thankful for, however he forgot to fix one thing, THE TEAM! The most important part of the whole thing Pegula overlooked. Sure he went out and made big offseason additions in Ehrhoff, Regher, and Leino. All that got the Sabres into though were contracts that will cripple this team for years and cap jail. Leino's 6 year deal and Ehrhoff's 10 year deal at this point look like outright failures. Management made the splash to keep Sabres faithful hooked, but in turn probably set the franchise back a few years. I don't want to be the old Rangers or Leafs, who try to buy a Stanley Cup. That gets you nowhere. The Rangers and Leafs are finally starting to dig out of those mistakes after nearly a decade of poor product on the ice. What managment needed to do was make the smart moves, not the flashy, or sign the players everyone else wanted. Leino is a perfect example, he was a 2nd line winger in Philly with linemates of Daniel Briere and Scott Hartnell. The Sabres signed him to be a 1st or 2nd line CENTER. Trying to ram square pegs into round holes is not what the Sabres needed. The Sabres really wanted Brad Richards and it didn't work so why not wait it out and have the money to go after a Getzlaf or Parise at the deadline or next July 1. The Leino signing has also cost them the development of young center Luke Adam. He started off red hot with Vanek and Pominville, but now in the Lindy Ruff system is a 3rd or 4th line center/winger. Sure Leino is great in the playoffs, but the problem is you are not making the playoffs.
    Every Thursday morning for the past 2 months I have heard Ted Black just shove garbage down the throats of Sabres fans on WGR Sports Radio 550. He says the same things, patient this and injury that. Yada Yada Yada. He then made the argument today that the Sabres are in a better spot than they were a year ago. Sure the arena is nicer, but the team is no better off. They have a worse record and the same inconsistent players. A worse goalie and a coach and GM who have long over stayed their time. To me Ted Black was telling fans to be happy with what you have, well I would trade a good arena for a top 8 consistent hockey team. He can have back his fancy locker room and TV board outside, just give me a good team.
    The management of the Sabres still smells of the Golisano era. They are over patient and full of excuses. Injuries have hurt this team sure, but the best players on the ice most nights are Nathan Gerbe, Brayden McNabb, Tyler Myers, and Luke Adam. All under the age of 24, it's Roy, Stafford, Gaustad, and Miller who have let this team down. The management of this team still sits behind the poor core that has led this franchise and city to nothing. Missed playoffs and first round knockouts. Whining about late hits instead of taking care of it on the ice. Going into a ball when a team brings physical play to there doorstep. The most disappointing fact of it all is this core doesn't look to be changing any time soon. Stafford is in a new 4 year deal, Roy won't be traded, nobody will take Miller's contract, and one if not both of Gaustad or Hecht will be resigned in the offseason.
    The Sabres are headed down a dark path in my opinion and if you go to a Sabres home game you can feel it in the air. The fans are not into the game at all, there's no sound, no enthusiasm, no optimisim. Every game consits of the other team dominating in the Sabres zone and the Sabres get it out and change. Out and change. Out and change. If they manage to get it past the red line, it's dump it in, lose a race/battle, and here comes the other team again. No part of a Sabres hockey game is entertaining anymore.
    Terry Pegula has a real problem on his hands. He also might start to see some of the Sabres fans turn on his managment if no signs of change come in the near future.
  10. Pegulaville26

    Back to Work

    By Pegulaville26,

    The Christmas break is over, hockey went out of our mind and our families entered. Now it's time to get back to work. The Sabres will host the Washington Capitals tonight at the FN Center 4 points out of a playoff spot, tied with the Caps in 10th/11th place. All the patrons of Pegulaville wanted from Santa this year was a healthy hockey club. Well Santa delivered, Brad Boyes will return tonight, along with Jochen Hecht. Hecht is a bit of a surprise seeing he was wearing a walking boot near the end of last week. Tyler Myers still seems about a week or so away still, also some other good news is Ennis, Gerbe, and Tropp were all on the ice today. This team is getting healthier, please no more injuries.
    Marc Gragnani will again be scratched on the back end and Paul Szezechura will likely be the scratch on the front end. Derek Whitmore was sent back to Rochester, he played well in Ottawa and didn't really factor into anything in Toronto.
    The Sabres had perhaps their all around best effort in the past few weeks of Toronto. However it resulted in a 3-2 loss. The Sabres dominated from the 2nd period on until Patrick Kaleta decided to be Patrick Kaleta and take a dumb no need penalty. The Leafs took momentum on the PP and the Sabres ended the period down 2-1 after dominating 17 minutes of the 2nd period. The Sabres tied it earlier in the 3rd and then Patrick Kaleta over back checked, resulting in Kadri putting the Leafs up 3-2 and the game would end that way.
    After the game a furious captain Jason Pominville talked about how before the game, after the 1st, and after the 2nd the team talked about not over back checking. The Leafs like to enter the zone with speed and then put on the breaks and look for the trailer. This is a perfect example of why I think Kaleta will be looking for a new squad next season or will be part of a trade.
    Lets see if tonight the team can avoid the mental errors that have crushed them.
    Expected lineup:
    Vanek-Hecht-Pommer
    Boyes-Roy-Stafford
    Kassian-Goose-Adam
    Kaleta-Ellis-McCormick
    Ehrhoff-McNabb
    Regher-Sekera
    Leopold-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction-A good win at home would be a good start to a turn around. The Caps are struggling too and are looking for points. Sabres get a boost from the return of Hecht and Boyes 4-2 Sabres.
  11. Pegulaville26
    The new year has started off well for the Buffalo Sabres. Last night they pulled out a 4-3 win over the Oilers with a 3 point game from Drew Stafford and a multi point game from Derek Roy. Lindy Ruff overhandled his team again by making dramatic line changes that started in a poor start for the Sabres. Ruff quickly put the lines back to normal and the Sabres started to control play and earned the W.
    The best news in months came down today. Big #57 Tyler Myers is ready to go and will play tomorrow in Carolina. Myers is the most important player on this team, he eats big minutes, provdies offense from the point, and plays the PK and PP. The real evaluation of the Sabres can now begin. If they continue to struggle with 57 in the lineup then they really do have serious problems. I however am under the belief that Myers will start right the ship especially in the D-zone. This may also help the play of Ryan "three or more" Miller. He has looked good and awful at times since returning from his head injury. Myers returning will result in TJ Brennan heading back to Rochester, he has played well in his time in Buffalo, he will be part of a young upstart D next season (Myers, Brennan, and McNabb).
    Also on the injury front Tyler Ennis and Ville Leino are ready to get back into action Saturday or Tuesday at the latest. This will result in Zack Kassian being sent back to Rochester (if not before that) and Matt Ellis heading back to the press box. Still the Sabres will have a decision to make, who else sits? McCormick might be the person who watches from the press box as well, he sat last night for Kassian with Sabres looking to dress a more offensive lineup. Boyes has not played great since returning, but he provides skill and almost a given in the shootout. Here's how I expect the lines to look in the next few games:
    Vanek-Hecht-Pominville
    Stafford-Roy-Gerbe
    Leino-Adam-Ennis
    Kaleta-Gaustad-Boyes
    Myers-Regher
    Leopold-McNabb
    Gragnani-Weber
    Miller
    Enroth
    Before I end this I want to touch on the play of Nathan Gerbe. The 5'5 Boston College product has been the life and soul of this Sabres team all season. He is the smallest guy on the ice, but plays like the biggest. He has no fear and had lightning fast speed. He leads his team on and off the ice which is exceptional for such a young player. I hope to see at least a large "A" on his small jersey next season. He scored a nasty backhand breakaway goal last night to close out the Oil a true goal scorers goal. The Flyers remember how nasty Gerbe can be, check out this playoff clinching goal in the home finale last year:
    Sabres next 5 games are very important (@CAR vsWPG @TOR vsTOR @NYI) at least 8 out of 10 would be nice here.
  12. Pegulaville26
    Another big game tonight for Buffalo. Tonight's meeting with the Lightning is for a 8th place tie with the Caps, as long as Detroit does their job in Hockeytown tonight. Tampa comes in tonight's game struggling losing 6 of 7. The loss of Matheiu Garon has been a killer for the Bolts, Tampa was making a push however they now seem out of it.
    Steven Stamkos has hit the 50 goal milestone for the second time in his career. He is red hot and will need to be contained for Buffalo to have a chance tonight. He killed them in the last meeting in Buffalo a 2-1 loss. Tampa has won 3 of the 4 meetings this season (2-0, 4-3, 2-1).
    Nathan Gerbe will again not play tonight with his lingering injury. Good news on the injury front was Jochen Hecht was on the ice today skating not wearing a "don't hit me" jersey. Hecht is still not likely to play again in the regular season. Good to see he is making progress from his third concussion in one year.
    Nothing much to report from Hockey Heaven. Sabres need this one pretty badly lets see if they bring a better effort then they have recently. Scoring would be nice.
    Be nice to see Hodgson get the monkey off his back and get on the board.
    Projected Lineup:
    Foligno-Ennis-Stafford
    Vanek-Hodgson-Leino
    Pominville-Roy-Tropp
    McCormick-Boyes-Kaleta
    Ehrhoff-Sulzer
    Regehr-Leopold
    Weber-Sekera
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction: Bolts have given the fits to Buffalo all year. They frustrate the Sabres out of their game and Buffalo cannot score goals. 2-1 Tampa
  13. Pegulaville26
    The Sabres and Devils meet tonight in Newark with 2 very imporant points on the line. The Sabres can pull into a tie of 7th and the Devils can pull away from 9 the spot a few points. NJ comes off a 4-2 loss to the Canes on Monday and the Sabres are coming off a 4-2 win against the Caps. NJ will get a boost tonight with the return of young D stud Adam Larsson. He missed the last two games after he returned to Sweeden to attend his grandmothers funeral. Former Sabre Henrik Tallinder will sit again tonight dealing with back spams.
    NJ will put future hall of famer Martin Broudeur in goal tonight and the Sabres will counter with Ryan Miller. Miller missed the last meeting between these two in Buffalo, the Devils chased Enroth in a 5-3 win.
    On the injury front for Buffalo the news continues to be good, Nathan Gerbe has been cleared for contact and I expect him to play either Friday or more likely Saturday. Tyler Ennis and Myers practiced today both of them look to target a return next week against the Oilers or in Raleigh.
    The Sabres are again in a big 9 game stretch starting tonight (@NJ @WAS vs OTT vs EDM @CAR vs WIN @TOR vs TOR @NYI). I expect the Sabres to be able to win most of those games anything other than 12-14 points in this stretch would be unacceptable. Baring any further injuries they should be healthy outside of Leino for these 9 games. No excuses.
    Expected Lineup:
    Vanek-Hecht-Pommer
    Boyes-Roy-Stafford
    Kassian-Gaustad-Kaleta
    Adam-Ellis-McCormick
    Ehrhoff-McNabb
    Regher-Sekera
    Leopold-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth)
    Prediction- I anticipate a defensive lock down battle between these two teams. Can't say this often this season, but the Sabres defense has looked better as of late. 3-2 Sabres
  14. Pegulaville26
    I was doing my usual morning cruise around the hockey internet making stops at tsn, nhl.com, and hockeybuzz to get my crazy Ek rumors for the day. I'm surprised it took Ek so long, but at long last the Miller for Kane rumor was in his rumor blog today. So since the Sabres give me nothing interesting to write about I'll kick this around.
    Now let me say this first off IF this happens I find it hard to believe it goes down at the deadline. I think Chicago will take a shot at Nabokov, Bulin, or another rental goalie and keep Kane for the playoffs. However in the offseason a different story.
    Lets start with Patty Kane. He has speed, skill, personality, and excitment. He has struggled this season in Chicago after a red hot start. He has 12 goals and 33 assists so far in 57 games, with a +8. On the Sabres roster he'd be in the top 3 for scoring with Vanek and Pominville. However by Kane standards this is an off year. Kane has played center, but is best used on the wing. I'm not trying a Ville Leino conversion here if I make this deal. If I'm trading for Kane he is playing his natural position of wing. A few cabbies in Buffalo might be upset, but all in all I think most Sabres fans would be happy with Kane.
    Now to Ryan Miller. He has had an up and down season this year. He started well then went south since his injury, but is on the way back up again. He sports a 16-17-3 record with a 2.75 GAA and a .909%. He also has 3 shutouts this season, one coming in a shootout loss to the Rangers (only in the NHL). He has put his heart and soul into the Sabres franchise trying to win. However they have never reached a Cup final and have not bad it out of the first round since 06-07. This league is harsh where production matters more than dedication. Also not on Miller's side is the growing idea that paying a goalie a boat load of money isn't the way to go. Tonight's opponent is a prime example of this theory. Sure Thomas won the cup last year, but before him post lockout Niemi, Fleury (eh), Osgood, Gigure, and Ward. I don't think any of those goalies you would consider top 3-5 in the NHL besides maybe Ward, but he won before he made a name for himself. Fleury maybe, but he has to many off nights, take a look at last weekend Jets game. All those post lock out winners had scoring by the bunches.
    Before Sabres fans start buying their blue and gold 88 jerseys a couple hurdles stand in the way here. One Miller has a NTC in which he has to give a list of teams he will accept a trade to. Chicago might not be on that list. Also the Sabres need a goaltender if Miller is gone. Do they hand it over to Enroth? I'm assuming Crawford would probably come over with Kane, but it might cost the Sabres another piece too (Sekera, Gragnani, Weber, or Brennan). Also who says Chicago wants to give away Kane. He is a former first overall pick with the talent level that doesn't grow on trees. Sure maybe they will want a shake up if they get bounced in the first round, but is a 6 million dollar goalie that shake up? Anyway you could pry can out of Chicago without giving Miller up and instead using Enroth and prospects (wishful thinking probably)?
    WWDD(what would Darcy do)??? What would you do?
  15. Pegulaville26

    Buyer Beware

    By Pegulaville26,

    The headline of the 2012 offseason outside of the new CBA will be eventual trade of Rick Nash. Nash has been on the block since the trade deadline. This offseason teams will line up to give away prospects, draft picks, and good young players to acquire Nash. However is Nash worth the high return Columbus will receive in any deal?
    First let me say this, I believe that Nash is a great player in this league. However I don't consider him to be a top 10 player in the NHL talent barely top 25 (see top 100 list blog). The former first overall pick has a great mix of size, speed, and skill. At 6'4 216 lbs Nash has the ideal characteristics of a top flight NHL power forward. With that being said Nash's career high in points was in 08-09 with 79 points. Also Nash has only led his team to one playoff appearance in 9 seasons and 0 playoff wins. Sure great teams were not built around Nash, but as a top player he is supposed to carry the team. Out of the 9 seasons Nash was in Columbus they only came close to the playoffs two or three times.
    Another red flag teams have to watch out for is that Nash has 6 years at a 7.8 million dollar cap hit. Nash is the 5th highest paid player in the NHL (Staal, Crosby, Malkin, and Ovechkin). Perhaps with the new CBA the team who acquires Nash might have an out.
    The Flyers, Bruins, Hurricanes, Rangers, Sharks, and Leafs are the rumored front runners for Nash at this point. Lets look at it from the view of the Leafs, it would likely cost them Schenn, top prospect, and probably 5th overall pick. A potential Sharks deal could be Niemi, Pavelski, and a first round pick. That is a lot to give up for a player who averages 60 points a season for his career. At the deadline the Jackets wanted the Rangers to give up Dubinsky, Del Zotto, Stepan, and a 1st round pick. Columbus may come down on the demand for Nash, but not much with all the teams that will make an offer on Nash.
    I made this point before around the deadline, but I'll make it again. Here are Nash's career numbers:
    GP: 674
    G: 289
    A: 258
    PTS: 547
    +/-: -71
    Here are Thomas Vanek's career numbers:
    GP: 547
    G: 230
    A: 217
    PTS: 447
    +/-: +35
    Vanek has played 7 seasons to Nash's 9. If you project Vanek's numbers out over 9 seasons he would equal Nash or even surpass his current numbers. Now I am not saying Nash and Vanek are the same player. However if you look at the numbers they have had a similar career. Would anyone give up what they would for Nash for Vanek? Vanek has never had great teams around him as well except for one season. A few other players with similar numbers to Nash drafted in the same season and played less games are Zach Parise and Loui Eriksson.
    The point I am trying to make is that I believe the team that wins the Nash sweeps may regret it in the end. He is a great player however in the end I think Columbus will end up as big time winners in any deal and begin to turn things around.
  16. Pegulaville26
    Man is it tough to be a Buffalo sports fan. Lets jump into the time machine and go back to October the Sabres were in first place and were only down 2 players. The Bills were also in first place and 5-2. Now back to reality the Sabres cling to the 7th seed with a one point lead on the 9th place team and the Bills have lost 7 straight to drop to 5-9, making it 12 years without NFL playoffs. Welcome to the life of a Buffalo sports fan. Life goes on.
    The Sabres seemed to be on the upswing after a good 5-4 win over the Leafs Friday in the FN Center and then Saturday came. Miller and Enroth decided they didn't want to stop pucks. The first Pens goal beat Miller from outside the blue line and was followed by two more softees. Enroth then entered and decided to let in a goal that a 10 year old could of stopped off the stick of Malkin. Re-enter Miller in the 2nd period and he gives up two more and re-enter Enroth who also gives up two more. In all gets you to a 8-3 throttle at the hands of the Penguins. I really can't jump on the D or offense that game was all on the goalies. Terrible goal after terrible goal just sucks the life out of the team. No other excuses could be used this game the Pens played the night before and were missing better players than the Sabres were missing from their lineup. It gets worse though the Sabres lost 2 maybe 3 more players due to injury. Colin Stuart and Tyler Ennis left with lower body injuries, Vanek left early but did return to finish the game with a upper body injury.
    So since were on the topic of injuries lets recap. Ennis, Leino, Myers, Boyes, Stuart, Tropp, Gerbe, Hecht, and Kaleta will all miss Tuesday's game in Ottawa. Vanek is probable, but nothing is 100%. The Sabres have recalled Foligno and Whitmore to fill in for the injured forwards and the forward barrel is empty in Rochester. The next possible player that could be called up for forward is Kevin Sundher who signed his entry level contract over the weekend and is playing for the WHL for the Victoria Royals. Yikes. Let's paint it in a different picture if you still can't see how bad it is. Here are the lines from practice today:
    Adam-Szezechura-Pommer
    McCormick-Roy-Stafford
    Kassian-Gaustad-Ellis
    Boyes (non-contact)-Gragnani
    Yea they can't even field 4 lines and Gragnani is a defenseman who struggles playing that position. Also the Sabres made the mistake of playing poorly in front of the owner in his home city of Pittsburgh. Pegula was quoted saying after the game a few interesting statements. One being that his daughter could of played better goaltending and that "If they think they played well tonight we have a problem". I think it's safe to say the owner is getting a little tired of this. He didn't build Hockey Heaven with his own money for lackluster play. The hammer may be waiting to fall here, I smell a trade soon if this doesn't turn around.
    Pregame coming tomorrow.
  17. Pegulaville26
    Well well well....where to begin here? Another home game another blown lead and another home loss. This kind of felt like groundhog dog of the 2010 playoffs, just missing the goalie change. The Sabres got a quick start pushing the play and got a 3-0 lead, then the turnovers begin and Philly makes it 3-1 with 1 second left in the first. Tropp did he best to get the momentum back as time expired in the first with a good scrap with Rinaldo. The late goal probably saved Bryzgalov from a hook after the first he was off all night continously looking behind himself for the puck. Then the 2nd period started and Philly added 3 more to take a 4-3 lead at the end of 2 and then the third started and the Sabres thought they were up 3-0 still and generated nothing. Thankfully they managed to get a tying goal with 1:30 left in regulation. But the capper of the night Marc Gragnani sums up his poor play by making a blind pass across the blue line and Giroux easily picked it off and walked in to beat Miller in OT. Sabres are lucky to get a point in the one.
    Lets start with the good Kassian and McNabb continue to impress, and Leino is playing better with Adam and Kassian. Miller played well this game isn't his fault. That's all the good.
    Finley? Glad he stuck up for Ennis but can't skate.
    Gerbe out with a head injury due to a hit from behind from Bourdon how that was only a 2 min minor is beyond me and of course Sabres don't get a PP because a player stood up for their teammate. MA Bourdon should hear from Shanny but not holding my breathe.
    I'm done with the excuses! Done! I don't want to hear injuries, or young players, or this, or that. Roy was to busy flopping the entire game instead of playing hockey and Stafford is I don't know I have no word for him, I don't care that he scored. Gragnani doesn't deserve to be on this club his soft play and turnovers continue to kill this team. Only problem no bodies to replace him.
    Giroux and Jagr showed up for Philly superstars being superstars take note Sabres.
    Lindy Ruff, it's time. 15 years is long enough he has lost this team. He needs to be accountable for blown lead after blown lead after blown lead after blown lead after blow lead and oh yeah after blown lead! Your team dominates the 1st period and you order them to into a shell in the 2nd period?! Remembers the playoffs? Remember Nashville when your team almost blew it on Saturday? Remember Florida earlier in the season? Remember Boston a few weeks ago? Why does he continously order this team into a shell to protect leads?! It doesn't work!! Bryzgalov was leaky and bad in the 1st and I was surprised to see him come out for the 2nd. The Sabres respond by throwing 5 shots at him in the 2nd and 5 in the 3rd. Why pull your foot off the pedal? You are allowed to blow teams out of your home arena.
    Lindy Ruff blog to come tomorrow and some surprising stats on his coaching career.
  18. Pegulaville26
    It feels like opening night again, with the anticipation of seeing the debut of Cody Hodgson tonight. The ironic twist is that the Anaheim Ducks are the opponets tonights like on opening night in Helsinki. Hockey Heaven is buzzing about tonights game and the rest of the season for that matter. Tonight's game features two of hottest teams in the NHL fighting for a furious come back to make the playoffs. The Sabres are 8-3-3 in their last 14 and the Ducks are 9-3-2 in their last 14.
    The last time these two teams met on opening day in Finland, Buffalo cruised to a 4-1 W. Also another story line to this matchup is that the last time Bruce Boudreau coached the Washington Capitals was at the First Niagara Center. The Sabres down 9 regulars would smoke the Caps 5-1 being the final straw for Boudreau in DC. He should have his boys up for tonight's game seeking some revenge.
    The Sabres are facing a whole different animal tonight than what they faced on October 7th. Perry, Getzlaf, and Ryan have all returned to form. Also Teemu Selanne is a machine and is showing no signs of aging. Also a different Jonas Hiller will be between the pipes tonight. He has reboundedwell from his slow start. Coach Boudreau has his team clicking on all cylinders and is showing he was not the problem in DC.
    Something else that will be curious to watch is the performance of Ryan Miller tonight. He expressed his displeasure yesterday of Gaustad being traded. Goose was one of Miller's best friends on the team and they grew up together. I can understand his disappointment, but some of his comments were eyebrow raising. See some comments here in an article by WGR 550 Sports Radio http://wgr550.com/Sabres-Miller-angry-about-Gaustad-trade/12404220.
    To the big story line tonight Cody Hodgson will make his Sabres debut tonight. He traveled to Buffalo from Phoenix yesterday to get his physical and visa in order. Then flew back to the west coast to join his new mates in Anaheim. He may be a bit jet lagged, but I expect he will have some jump in his step tonight in his debut. Now I'm not going to pretend to know a ton about Hodgson, I don't take in many Canucks games, but I have heard great things about him that have Sabres fans buzzing. Ruff said he wanted to slate CoHo into a top 6 role and minutes. He is expected to slot in between Stafford and 2009 world juniors teammate Tyler Ennis.
    Kassian made his debut last night with the Canucks and played 12 minutes playing wing with the Sedins. Kassian had to be shocked he went from playing 3rd line winger in Buffalo to playing with the Sedins in Vancouver. He was credited with 5 hits and a shot. Yotes tough guy Paul Bissonnette tweeted after last night's game that Kassian turned down his invite to throw around some fists. Interesting, but I think if it were game 10 in a Canucks jersey he accepts the challenge. Time will tell.
    Projected Lineup:
    Vanek-Roy-Pominville
    Ennis-Hodgson-Stafford
    Gerbe-Leino-Kaleta
    Ellis-Boyes-Tropp
    Myers-Ehrhoff
    Regher-Leopold
    Sekera-Weber
    Miller
    (Enroth) Be curious to see if Enroth gets the call in SJ tomorrow
    Prediction: Hard fought game for sure. Buffalo always plays the Ducks well, 3-2 Buffalo.
  19. Pegulaville26

    Cold Blooded

    By Pegulaville26,

    As Gus Johnson would say, the Sabres were Coooold Blooooded last night. They walked into the Verizon Center and they dropped the hammer on the Capitals. Buffalo skated and hit their way to a 5-1 win and sole ownership of 8th place. After the first 10 minutes of the first period this game was never close.
    Alex Ovechkin had the chance to again carry his team and prove he is a true superstar. Instead he literally and figurativley fell on his face. Ovechkin was dangerous one maybe two times throughout the entire game. Tyler Myers and Andrej Sekera used their speed to take away the time and space AO had. He couldn't pick up any speed in the neutral zone and was noticeably frusterated numerous times. Eventually causing him to coast and disappear. If you want a blue print how to stop Ovechkin watch the game last night.
    I want to touch on a few guys that deserve a lot of props for their performance last night. First Ryan Miller, he has returned to Vezina Year form. He is reason number one, two, and three Buffalo has made the run they are on now. This run started on January 24th with a shootout win in NJ. In that time Miller is 19-3-5 with a 1.80 GAA and a .940 save %. He has allowed one goal or less in his last 5 games. He has rebounded from a poor/injury riddled start and now he is carrying his team.
    Two other guys I want to touch on from the blue line are Andrej Sekera and Alexander Sulzer. Sekera has been one of the top D-men over the last 20 games. Solid in his own end and producing offensively. His combination of speed and physical play make him a dominant force on the blue line. Where did Alex Sulzer come from? He has been nothing but a surprise, he has 3 points and is a +3 in 13 games. Sulzer has found chemistry with fellow countryman Ehrhoff and the two have locked it down. Buffalo was down to four defenders last night at one point and they never missed a beat. Stick tap to the 5 men on the blue line last night.
    Last two I want to touch on are Drew Stafford and Cody Hodgson. Stafford has come to life with Ennis and Foligno adding two more goals last night. He looks like the Stafford from last season playing with speed and using his body like he should. He has 19 goals and could get near 25 which would not be a bad season after such a poor start. CoHo struggled early in his Buffalo career, but he has found his stride. Last night he was flying, splitting the Caps slow defenders numerous times. One time resulting in Vanek burrying the 3rd goal on a rebound that sent Holtby to the showers. Playing big minutes on the PK and as a top six center. Exciting future for Sabres fans.
    The bad news that came out of the game last night was the injury to Ehrhoff. He left after a nasty knee on knee freak collision with Troy Brouwer. Ruff said today the news was better than expected, but he is still going to miss sometime. I am betting on a knee sprain. Weber must step in and play his role like the other five on the blue line.
    Next up the Pens on Friday. Magic # to clinch is 9.
    Want a summary of last nights game? Watch Sabres captain Jason Pominville put in the dagger...
    Love this clip and the Sabres were sure Cold Blooded last night...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuK5X8MRLdc
  20. Pegulaville26
    Tonight begins a very important month for the Buffalo Sabres when the red hot Detroit Red Wings visit the First Niagara Center. The interesting part of this matchup is that these two teams could have a similar situation occur. In October the Wings were struggling to score goals and pilled up a long losing streak. Datsyuk and Zetterberg were ice cold and people started to talk about the Wings finally hitting the wall. Not the case in November the Wings became red hot and so did Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Now in November if you look at the Sabres they have had problems scoring with Roy, Leino, Gerbe, and Stafford going ice cold. With the new month of December beginning could the Sabres see a Detroit or Boston type month? Tonight would be a good start for confidence. Tyler Ennis is back, as well as Ryan Miller in a backup situation. Miller will probably get his first look at action since the Lucic hit tomorrow night in Nashville. With the health of the team getting better and the new infusion of young talent in Kassian and McNabb, I can see this team having a fantasic month and being back on top of the NE division.
    On the other side of the coin should the Sabres continue to struggle, they could slide right out of the top 8 and possibly out of playoff contention. They have a lot of divisional games this month as well as conference games against top 8 teams. Stafford, Roy, Leino, and Miller need to have a good month or we could start to see their names appear in trade rumors more as the deadline approaches. In Leino's case his contract would be untradeable but could cause a benching if his drought doesn't end.
    I look forward to see Datsyuk play tonight, as good as he is I think he is one of the most underrated players in the NHL and he shows it every year in the playoffs when the entire hockey world is watching. He has slick hands and lightning quick shot. Enroth will need his "A" game tonight to handle Datsyuk and Enroth's fellow Sweedish country men.
    Post game thoughts to come tomorrow.
  21. Pegulaville26

    Deja Vu

    By Pegulaville26,

    Here we are again for the 3rd straight season the Buffalo Sabres are looking to make a late season run to the playoffs. With 16 games left the Sabres sit 3 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot. Sabres have a date tonight with the struggling Lightning on a three game winning streak.
    This week will be a huge week for Sabres management to decide what they want to do next week at the deadline. With matchups against the Lightning, Panthers, Capitals, and Bruins this week the Sabres can take 6 or 7 points this week. I'm still at put at least two weeks of solid hockey together and then I will buy in. Last time the Sabres were in this position about a month ago they followed a good 3-0-1 week with a 0-3-1 week.
    This time I will admit I have more faith in the Sabres putting up another solid week. I see imporvement and changes under new coach Ron Rolston. The defensive play has imporved greatly in their own end. The Sabres PP is starting to crawl out of the basement with PP goals in 3 straight and 5 PP goals in those 3 games. One main reason is the turn around play of Tyler Myers. Myers has once again started to return to his old dominate form. He is skating better, being more physical, and getting more involved in the offensive zone. I have always felt as Myers goes so the Sabres go. His value to this team is far more important than people realize. Rolston has been a calming influence for Myers and has forced the 6'8 d-man to turn his game around. Rolston had Myers playing with Ehrhoff and logging 25 minutes a game whether he was playing well or not. I like how Rolston allowed the 22 year old to play his way out of the funk instead of style Ruff took which was to take away his minutes. Marcus Foligno, Tyler Ennis, Steve Ott, Mike Weber, and Brian Flynn have also taken off under Rolston.
    Drew Stafford will again be a healthy scratch tonight for the second straight game. Rolston has cited Stafford's work ethic as a reason for his benching. I think all signs point to Stafford not wearing a Sabres jersey again. If a team comes in with an offer in the next week I believe Stafford will be sent packing.
    Mark Pysyk will remain in the lineup tonight for Andrej Sekera who is still not ready to return from injury. Pysyk has surprised me in his 5 games with the Sabres. He shows his smarts and poise under pressure at a very young age. He makes great decisions with the puck and doesn't look flustered under pressure. He is not going to do anything flashy, but at 21 years old is a solid 3rd pairing defenseman. Bright future ahead on the Sabres blue line with Pysyk, McNabb, Myers, and Ehrhoff.
    Lineup:
    Pominville-Hodgson-Ott
    Leino-Ennis-Vanek
    Flynn-Porter-Foligno
    Gerbe-Hecht-Kaleta
    Ehrhoff-Leopold
    Myers-Regehr
    Pysyk-Weber
    Miller
    Prediction: Close game, but I think the Sabres keep rolling to make it 4 straight 3-2.
  22. Pegulaville26

    Down on the Farm

    By Pegulaville26,

    With the NHL Lockout now in its 103rd day I have found myself following the Sabres AHL affiliate the Rochester Americans for my hockey fix. The Amerks roster has a lot of players that have/will be playing for the Sabres at some point this season or next year. For those fans that are interested I thought I would give another update how some prospects are doing so far this year.
    First off the Amerks themselves as a team are 14-11-2-1 through 28 games. They sit 10th in the Western Conference in the standings (Yes Western Conference AHL does it backwards).
    Now to the players the:
    Cody Hodgson- Hodgson playing as the #1 center for the team has 16 pts in 14 games (3G,13A). Hodgson missed about a month with a broken hand, but when he has played he looks like the best player on the ice most nights.
    Marcus Foligno- Foligno continues to grow after his strong end of the 2011-12 season. He has 25 points through 28 games (9G,16A). He contines to be a physical force along the boards and is meshing well on a line with Cody Hodgson since CoHo has returned from his injury. A lot for Sabres fans to be excited about with Foligno. The power forward Sabres fans have been waiting for.
    Luke Adam- Adam started off slow and was starting to make people wonder if he was more of a flash in the pan than a real prospect. However of the last three weeks Adam has again found his stride. He has 14 points through 25 games (7G,7A). He carried an AHL longest active 8 game point streak into last nights game (5+4). Adam is worth keeping an eye on if he can keep this up or if he is going to continue as a hot and cold player, in which the Sabres have enough of those players.
    Brian Flynn- Flynn is a personal favorite of mine that I have hyped up as a good prospect and so far he has made me look good. He has 19 points in 25 games (9G,10A). He is responding very well to more minutes playing with Foligno and Hodgson at times.
    Brayden McNabb- McNabb continues to excite me as a prospect. His offensive game has grown in the AHL and he continues to be a physical force. He is by far and away the #1 defenseman in Rochester and has 16 points in 28 games (2G,14A). He is playing big PP and PK minutes for coach Ron Rolston.
    TJ Brennan- Brennan has caught the most attention by far of any player on the roster. He is having a excellent season so far leading the Amerks in points with 28 in 28 games. He also leads the team in goals with 12 and assists with 16. He has grown as a PP QB for Rochester. He has 6 PPG on the season. He is also improving in his own end of the rink as well. Brennan was a force last night recording 5 points in a 7-6 win over Lake Erie. Brennan has added his name to the crowded Sabres blue line group when/if a season is played this year.
    Zemgus Girgensons- The 2012 first round pick has struggled at times in his first pro career, which is expected for a 18 year old. He has 6 points in 23 games (2G,4A). Girgensons will without a doubt spend the rest of this season in Rochester regardless of the lockout ending. In my opinion will also start next season in Rochester as well.
    Mark Pysyk- Pysyk has been up and down as well in his first pro season. As of late however he is starting to settle in playing with former junior teammate Brayden McNabb. He has 10 points in 26 games (2g,8A). He is also the only defenseman on the roster with a + at a +3 rating. Pysyk will also remain in Rochester the remainder of the season regardless.
    Quick World Juniors prospect update:
    Joel Armia- Armia recorded two assists in Finland's opening game 5-1 win over Latvia. Armia has excellent hands and vision. Vanek with more grit.
    Mikhail Grigorenko- Grigorenko recorded two assists in Russia's opening game 3-2 win over Slovakia. He also had a big face off win in OT to set up the game winning goal earning his second point. Grigorneko will remain in juniors the remainder of this season.
    Jake McCabe- The Sabres 2nd round pick in 2012 was selected as the captain for team USA. McCabe was solid in team USA's opening game 8-0 blowout over Germany.
    Andrey Makarov- Makarov was signed as a free agent this offseason. He is the back up to Lightning first round pick Andrei Vasilevslki.
  23. Pegulaville26
    The 2012 NHL draft weekend didn't disappoint with big trades, rumors, draft winners, and draft losers. Jordan Staal, Sergei Bobrovsky, Lubomir Visnovsky, Mike Ribero and Brandon Sutter all have new homes after the draft weekend. Yakupov went first as expected and Scott Howson made people scratch their heads as expected.
    Sabres Draft
    With the their 12th selection Buffalo took the risk and selected highly talented Russian center Mikhail Grigorenko. Grigorenko started as a top 3 prospect in the draft and by the time the draft rolled around he started to slide. Teams feared his work ethic, his willingness to bolt for Russia, and if he was really 18. I am not even going to discuss the age issue this isn't baseball and he is not from Cuba. The young Russian sniper has guarenteed the Sabres if he does not make the team he will return to Quebec to play in juniors. Also Grigorenko arrived in Buffalo yesterday and already began working out. Grigorenko said he would stay in Buffalo to train until camp starts, showing excellent will and work ethic. Regier has stated he plans to begin contract negotiations very shortly with Grigorenko.
    The Sabres followed the Grigorenko pick up by trading up to the 14th spot with Calgary and giving up their 21st and 42nd pick. Once I saw the Sabres moved up I expected them to take talented Finnish center Teuvo Teravanien. However the new Sabres want size and skill, so instead they selected big Latvian center Zegmus Girgensons. The Latvian Locomotive has been playing in the USHL for the last three years and is commited to play at the University of Vermont. Girgensons can put up points and likes to throw around the body, likes of Callahan and Brown. In the 2nd round Buffalo selected defender Jake McCabe from the University of Wisconson and with the 3rd pick selected another big center Justin Kea from Saginaw.
    Three of the top four picks were a 6'3, 6'1 and 6'4 center. The Sabres succeeded in their goal of adding down the middle. I would give them an A in this weekend's draft.
    Staal Trade
    After the news broke of Jordan Staal turning down a 10 year deal with Pittsburgh it was only a matter of time. Also the only destination seemed to be Carolina and so it was. The Pens and Canes both made out in this hockey trade. The Staal's will the faces of Carolina hockey for the next decade with Jeff Skinner. Sutter will slot in nicely behind Crosby and Malkin as a third line center. Pouliot will also be a nice addition to the Pens blue line in a year or two.
    Howson
    Scott Howson never seems to disappoint. How this guy has a job still is beyond me as he continues to drive the Blue Jackets franchise into the ground. First with the Carter trade giving up Coutourier and Voracek. He would eventually get back Jack Johnson when he moved Carter to LA. He decided that the Flyers haven't ripped him off enough so went back and gave up 3 draft picks for Sergei Bobrovsky. In today's NHL goalie value is at an all time low. It is also being reported that the Islanders offered all of their picks this year for the 2nd overall pick. Sure it might be a roll of the dice if the later picks worked out, but is Ryan Murray going to be that more successful than Griffin Reinhart? I think Garth Snow is dumb to offer that, but I think Howson is ever more dumb to not take that deal and collect prospects. Cannot wait to see what Howson gets for Nash.
  24. Pegulaville26

    End of the Road

    By Pegulaville26,

    The company I worked for picked a good weekend to send me to Atlantic City for work. I missed the 2 and a half games over the weekend. Loses to Carolina, Winnipeg, and Toronto. I walked off the plane last night and the first thing I saw on the TV at the bar outside my gate was a 2-0 Leafs lead last night. I said to my co-worker "It's like I never left". That score would hold up. The Sabres combined for 3 goals in their last 3 games. Vanek, Pominville, and Myers being the 3 goal scorers. A scary trend teams are starting to figure out with this team is stop 26 and 29 and your going to beat the Sabres. Vanek left last nights Leafs game early with the flu and the Sabres offense produced almost nothing, besides Gerbe ripping it off the post late in the 3rd. Vanek has 19 goals on the year and Pominville is at 14, the next closest is Luke Adam with 10 who hasn't scored since Europe I think. The Sabres as a team have 107 goals for meaning that Pominville and Vanek are responsible for 30% of the scoring this team does. The two have a combined for 83 points on the season and have combined for 242 shots on the season. Nobody else on this team fears anybody else and why should they? Stafford and Roy don't want to play hard consistent, Adam is in a rookie funk (Ruff thinks McCormick and Ellis will help get him out of it), Gerbe hits iron like it's nobody's business, Leino has been hurt and produced little when he plays, Hecht is Hecht, Ennis hasn't played all year, Gaustad is useless, Kaleta is even more useless now that he gets a penalty for hitting, Boyes is the new Ales Kotalik (only good in shootouts).
    Now to Ryan Miller who is doing his best to play himself right out of town in the offseason. He makes some good saves, but at least 2 goals a game go right through him. This also seems to come at the most critical times in the game, starting to become a trend (Game 7 vs Philly last year and Crosby goal in the Olympics to name a few). He just seems to not be able to handle the pressure when things are the hardest. Once the Sabres are way out of playoff contention he will put together a solid run. Hello A-Rod. He currently sports a 3.01 GAA and .902 save %, he also makes 5.25 million dollars.
    I said I wanted to wait until Myers is back to offically kill this team, well he has played 3 games and all have ended with an L. One point against Toronto, Winnipeg, and Carolina just simply unacceptable. Now have lost 9 of 10, I am almost getting into Bills mode with the Sabres. Bills mode means I hope they lose as many games as possible and get the best draft pick they can.
    Friday should be a home game at the FN Center for the Leafs, Sabres fans are making Panthers games seem like a party. There's no life in the arena, you could hear a pin drop. All of the Sabres faithful just wait for the bad to come and most nights they are not disappointed. This team as currently constructed shows no enthusiasm or sense of joy. Watch this team after they score, it's like they just lost their dog. Nobody is happy on the bench no smiles and they just go through the motions. Go to a pre-game skate you will feel the doom and gloom this team lets surround them and it shows on the ice.
    For those Pegulaville faithful hoping to see a new coach behind the bench your day may be coming. I honestly would be shocked if both Regier and Ruff survive the month of January. After games against the Leafs and Islanders the Sabres end the month with a lovely road trip making stops in Chicago, Detroit, Winnepeg, St. Louis, NJ, and Montreal. Then they come home to start Feburary and host the Rangers, Bruins, Stars, Tampa, and NJ. Not to mention the West Coast trip to start the month of March which the Sabres are annually poor at. I think after another poor month of January where the Sabres will accumulate single digit points for the month, Terry Pegula will have enough and no choice other than to send Ruff and Regier packing.
    With no trade in sight with the patient Regier at the helm the Sabres seem to destined for more boring 2-1 loses.
  25. Pegulaville26

    Enough of Ruff

    By Pegulaville26,

    Before I get into Ruff Leino has his hearing today for his elbow to Matt Read last night, since Leino is a first time offender I expect a fine at most but wouldn't shock me to see a 1 game suspension which in my opinion is deserved. On the other hand the fact that there will be no hearing for Bourbon with the Czar of discipline is a little surpring to me. Gerbe has a concussion and is now added to the list of injuries thanks to that Bourbon hit. We will see how it all unfolds.
    Lindy Ruff the coach of the Buffalo Sabres for 14 years. He has survived a lockout, 4 owner changes, and bankruptcy. 166 coaching changes have occured since Lindy Ruff was hired as Sabres bench boss. Five of those coaches had Stanley Cup rings. Under his tenure the Sabres have 2 division titles and 1 Eastern Conference Championship, and obviously only 1 cup appearence. The team has made the playoffs 8 of 13 years he's been coaching. Since after the 06-07 season the Sabres have won 0 playoff series and made the playoffs twice. In total Ruff has won 12 playoff series in 13 years. His teams average a season point total of 92pts equating his team usually finishes between 7th and 13th in the conference. He has won the Jack Adams 1 time after a surprising 05-06 season out of the lockout. With a team featuring: Briere, Drury, Vanek, McKee, Miller, Dumont, Connolly (in his prime), Lydman, Tallinder, Roy, Biron, and Pominville to name a few. Stellar team.
    Outside of stats Ruff struggle to intigrate new players into his system. Deadline moves of Raffi Torres, Dominic Moore, Dainus Zuburus, Steve Bernier and Brad Boyes of the recent history have done nothing to help this team out. This could be a sign to the current struggles of Leino and slow start of Ehrhoff.
    As you read Ruff's stats most of you probably think that's not bad, but average isn't ok anymore. With new owner Terry Pegula being mediocre is no longer acceptable. He threw big money into this team not only with players but into arena renovations as well. He has brought hope to a fan base that begs for a winner, but continous to watch disappointment. When is enough, enough? When does Ruff no longer get a pass?
    He has lost most of this team and it shows on the ice. Ruff screaming at Vanek last night because he was coasting (not to mention that's one of the guys keeping your team afloat right now) Vanek stared at the ice until Ruff scolded Vanek to look at him when he talks to him. Thats your guys wearing the "A" and should of been the "C". He has lost Stafford and Roy, with Ennis soon to come. It's to late to get back Stafford and Roy both need a one way ticket out. Ennis has a little Max Afinogenov in him, ver stick handles turns the puck over at the blue line. Ennis can be saved and shown how to play the game right. Instead Ruff will sit him or just thrust his system down his throat until he is lost like Roy and Stafford. I don't want Ruff to get his hand anywhere near Kassian or McNabb. He is starting to ruin Myers by telling him to concentrate more on defense than being part of the rush. Not Myers game. Ruff mishandles his goaltending every season like clock work dating all the way back to Biron and Miller days. He runs Miller into the ground doesn't play the backup, until this year decides he's going to play Enroth a ton and start a goalie controversy when Miller starts slow. Way to keep the face of your franchise happy. I can go on, pulling Luke Adam off the Vanek and Pommer line. Splitting up the Leino Kassian Adam line last night. Not giving Vanek, Adam, or Kassian playing time in the final 3 minutes of regulation or OT last night. Power Play hasn't been good since 06-07. I'll stop there.
    For years this team folds under pressure. Remember when they were called the "hardest working team in hockey"? Ha! Seems silly to think that now. This team has no effort, no consistency, no toughness, and no pride. They used to be just like the city it represented. Hard working and determined. Those were the days. Ruff has shoved his defense first system into the face of every player and fan over and over and over again. In turn the team continues to blow leads over and over and over again. This has been a problem for 3 or 4 years now because once the Sabres have a lead of more than 1 goal Ruff orders a full retreat (see last nights game).
    Not only is Ruff to blame here, the GM Darcy Regier needs to go as well. I think 13 years has been long enough of his "patient" moves and average teams. As long as Regier is around Ruff isn't going anywhere.
    The other problem is who would be the coach to replace Ruff? Randy Carlye is currently seeking employment, but outside of that I have no idea. They let Kevin Dineen walk this offseason who coached a lot of these players in Portland. Dineen has his Panthers in first place in the Southeast Division and is on track for the Jack Adams award this year. Good coach right under the Sabres nose. Time will tell what happens with Ruff. I don't expect a move instead I expect more mediocre play and blown leads. Maybe if this teams misses the playoffs or is out of the top 8 by the half way point a move will be made.
×
×
  • Create New...