Post-Game Talk (GBU): That was predictably boring

[CrazyPsycho]

One thing Nolan likes to use for motivation is sitting guys that are underperforming. With all of these injuries, he doesn't have that chance. It almost feels like guys are taking their spots for granted again like the RonRol days. Things like Flynn on the 2nd line, Foligno getting 1st line PP time, Scott on the 3rd line getting PP time just wouldn't be happening a couple weeks ago, and the results are showing.

 

[Dubi Doo]

They're a bad team. Plain and simple.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The effort has been there. They just don't have much talent. When Miller isn't standing on his head; they're being exposed. Add to the fact they're terrible on the road, and the results aren't surprising.

 

[Savitar]

The good is we are miles back, we need a Sam Reinhart

 

[SamuraiArt]

One thing Nolan likes to use for motivation is sitting guys that are underperforming. With all of these injuries, he doesn't have that chance. It almost feels like guys are taking their spots for granted again like the RonRol days. Things like Flynn on the 2nd line, Foligno getting 1st line PP time, Scott on the 3rd line getting PP time just wouldn't be happening a couple weeks ago, and the results are showing.

I totally agree with the sentiment that we're playing underperforming guys. I just wish Foligno was showing us more than he currently is. I don't understand the bad run he's been having. I think he could be quite a decent 2/3rd physical forward but it doesn't seem like he's bringing enough. Honestly, I've skimmed through the past few games more than watched them but I really think foligno is capable of a level of play that he currently isn't achieving. Getting him there is a different story.

The question really is, if we're playing so many of these guys beyond the level they can comfortably play at (re: Scott, D'Ags, Flynn, etc.) then why aren't we taking more of these 'tweeners on waivers? Is there a certain amount before we cant stop? Or is this just because of all the injured players currently on our roster? Either way, the team's poor performance tonight demands SOME sort of change. Back to you, Ted...

 

[Squantosawuss]

I have to say, especially whenever I hear Nolan's post-game comments, I really like this guy.

His candor and insight and attitude is so on the money IMHO. I hope he gets a chance to do well.

 

[VaporTrail]

Good, Bad, and Ugly All in One:

Last road win for the Sabres was on November 5 @ San Jose, lol

 

[Wisent42]

G: Stafford injured. First Leino, now Stafford. It's like Christmas just won't end!

 

[MacOfNiagara]

The last 2 games have been terrible. This is exactly how we looked like under Rolston.

Why is this happening? I mean, seriously. As the 'GEM' line started to struggle, the whole team collapsed. The effort and the intensity isn't there anymore.

IMO this is because teams have started to key in on Zemgus. He was flying a bit under the radar, but now he has strung together a series of really strong games. Particularly in the last few games you could see the opposition taking the body with him and finishing their checks on him at every opportunity. They were clearly trying to get him off his game and rattle him.

It's really a complement to Zemgus that he is getting that attention at 19 (Happy slightly premature birthday wishes Zemgus). He has steadily and rapidly developed at every level he has played. His next stage of development is dealing with being 'keyed' in on. I have very little doubt he will figure out how to work through the increased attention from the opposition.

 

[HogtownSabresfan]

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The effort has been there. They just don't have much talent. When Miller isn't standing on his head; they're being exposed. Add to the fact they're terrible on the road, and the results aren't surprising.

But Ted Nolan is a genius. No? Is a great coach when he has stand on your head goalie and even minor talent. There is no talent here. This team is garbage.

When, or if, Miller is traded we will finish dead last for sure. Next year, with Enroth as the #1, it will be ugly again.

 

[joshjull]

One thing Nolan likes to use for motivation is sitting guys that are underperforming. With all of these injuries, he doesn't have that chance. It almost feels like guys are taking their spots for granted again like the RonRol days. Things like Flynn on the 2nd line, Foligno getting 1st line PP time, Scott on the 3rd line getting PP time just wouldn't be happening a couple weeks ago, and the results are showing.

Or the team is ravaged with injuries and illness and are worn out right now. So guys are playing in roles they aren't suited for to try and fill gaps.

Flynn is taking things for granted? He is a solid bottom 6 two way player best suited to wing forced to play 2nd line center due to injuries. And he is playing with a broken nose. Taking things for granted is not really the issue for him.

It was a great story when they battled to a win with 16 skaters and played another game with an entire line flu ridden. But at some point all these injuries and illnesses were bound to catch up with them. It would happen to any team let alone one without much talent to start off with.

 

[Zman5778]

G: Stafford injured. First Leino, now Stafford. It's like Christmas just won't end!

Eh?? Stafford's been one of the better players for us this year. He hasn't been scoring like he used to.....but he's been working hard, defensively solid and just overall good for the team.

If he would score like he used to, I think we'd be looking at a finally-performing-to-potential version of him

 

[joshjull]

LOve this gem from Nolan in the post game


"We keep trying to do extra stuff we are incapable of doing"

 

[Zman5778]

"We keep trying to do extra stuff we are incapable of doing"

Like what, score goals???

 

[CrazyPsycho]

Or the team is ravaged with injuries and illness and are worn out right now. So guys are playing in roles they aren't suited for to try and fill gaps.

Flynn is taking things for granted? He is a solid bottom 6 two way player best suited to wing forced to play 2nd line center due to injuries. And he is playing with a broken nose. Taking things for granted is not really the issue for him.

It was a great story when they battled to a win with 16 skaters and played another game with an entire line flu ridden. But at some point all these injuries and illnesses were bound to catch up with them. It would happen to any team let alone one without much talent to start off with.

Yeah, I just mean guys are seemingly going back to their bad Rolston habits, specifically the lack of backchecking from the forward groups.

Wasn't really a shot at Flynn so much as guys just out of their element.

 

[Kyndig]

Think that was the worst game defensively this season. Our best defenseman was Weber

 

[couture23]

Think that was the worst game defensively this season. Our best defenseman was Weber

Myers IMO.

 

[Chad Thundercock]

I have to say, especially whenever I hear Nolan's post-game comments, I really like this guy.

His candor and insight and attitude is so on the money IMHO. I hope he gets a chance to do well.

I feel the same way, and I was very dubious of Nolan's re-hiring. I don't agree with a few things he says, maybe he doesn't know x and o's well and rubs management the wrong way, but I can see why he is regarded as a leader.

 

[start winnin]

PLZ. Suck this bad next year too, PLZ SABRES.

 

[Kyndig]

Myers IMO.

I actually thought Myers was pretty bad with the zone breakouts and passing.

Weber was completely invisible which is a compliment after what I saw from everyone else.