Confirmed with Link: Lindy Ruff named Head Coach, Press Conference at 1:00 PM EDT

[toddkaz]

Multiple coaches and they've all, at some point, tried to implement a better defensive system.

And they've all failed. The only constant is the players. They say the right things but actions speak louder than words.

That brings us back to Adams. Many teams over time have traded for a top 4 defenseman for 2nd round pick or something close.

Instead in the last 5 years we have brought in fringe guys.

 

[Fjordy]

It doesn't look like they're that far off. All three should be fixable, those moments smoothed off by repetition and experience.

It's just strange to rely on the Byram - Dahlin pair in all difficult situations, they are not so reliable and it's not their fault.

It doesn't look like they're that far off. All three should be fixable, those moments smoothed off by repetition and experience.



Jokiharju also got 60% O-zone starts. It's a lot easier to defend when the play starts at the other end of the ice unless you have Sammi Salo in net.

Right at the moment, I don't think any of them have been particularly good. It seems most nights there is someone who has screwed up badly. I haven't brought myself to go watch the Flyers game because... ewww, Flyers win. Nobody needs that. (Insert, don't put that evil on me gif here).

I'd like to see Ruff get more out of his d-zone play, sure.

I have concerns about Power after having watched him now for parts of six seasons that it is just not there when it comes to the urgency of getting into defensive competitions - again this has NOTHING TO DO WITH HITTING - but everything to do with closing on his man to disrupt someone, getting inside position to block them off from having easy possession around the net, or pinning people out along the boards just by leaning on them. That last bit he's seemed to get better at. I don't think Wilford is the guy to get that out of him. If I was Ruff, I would be looking for the next defense whisperer assistant coach.

I have concerns with Dahlin that he can't channel the feisty parts of his game yet, that he switches off thought and even sometimes effort. It may be part of his usage - all those minutes do lend to wanting to conserve energy - but the times I see him at his offensive blueline sort of half-assing it back for a loose puck that someone on the other team blows past him to get is getting pretty high.

I have already stated my opinion and I will not change it for now, we have an unbalanced defense and it is the GM's fault. I agree about Wilford, but does Ruff have a say and why didn't he bring anyone with him? It is a mystery.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

So when should we expect this team to make the playoffs? 2026? 2029? 2034? How much more "development" do we have to endure before accomplishing the single easiest accomplishment in all of pro sports? The Hershey Bears have higher standards than an alleged NHL team and it's ridiculous.

We had a few guys that developed really well, would've filled in positions that were or are currently desperately needed. We could be a playoff caliber team right now if the organization was serious.

 

[brian_griffin]

Net front (Reinhart) and entry (Eichel) are two problems they have not solved since blowing up the core of the Murray rebuild plan.

And for all of Skinner's warts and defensive disinterest, he'd at least get a few greasy goals and be willing to camp within a stick's length of the crease.

Pour it out for 45 seconds and then bust ass to get to the bench.

Cozens was a beast in the third period last night. The way he abused Sundqvist and ground out a goal (even though the war room stole it from him) set the tone for the rest of the game and was great to see. I think he sees himself and what he needs to do. Needs to be seared into his long-term memory.

And Benson is a frickin MENACE! As Lindy said, "I want him there 101 times out of 100."

These guys want to lead. Will the rest follow?

Things appear to be looking up . . .

If the Sabres also had a Benson clone (hockey IQ, puck-battle skills, 3-zone responsibility, tenacity) at 6'4" 220lbs / 195cm 100kgs, or instead had two of them at 6'1" 200 lbs, they'd make the playoffs.