WGR: Why are the Sabres better under Ted Nolan?

[cardiffgiant]

How quickly we've all forgotten the biggest difference between these two coaches, which is blatantly reflected in their records:

Versus:

 

[Sabres Fan UK]

Because he is a better coach.

 

[hizzoner]

I cannot say I have seen better coaching. The breakouts are still crap and the offensive zone play is hardly creative. What we have is more vets who know the pay day is now and only now, who with their being older, stronger and more experienced will have fewer brainfarts -play it safe, play for the scoreless tie. And the second thing? Miller, Miller, and more Miller.

 

[EichHart]

Because he is a better coach.

Pretty much this...He actually has a system in place to help the strengths of the players on this team. Rolston just threw a bunch of players out there and let them play. It also helps to not have 5-6 rookies playing at once, sometimes all on the same line.

 

[MagnumForce2]

Because the players respect and like him....and they play for him. I was a season ticket holder for the 1st coming of Ted Nolan. By the 2nd year, with no Lafontaine, he took a bunch of blue collar players with a great goalie to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Then Ruff and Regier got to reap the rewards of what Nolan and Muckler built.

 

[SabreBlood]

I cannot say I have seen better coaching. The breakouts are still crap and the offensive zone play is hardly creative. What we have is more vets who know the pay day is now and only now, who with their being older, stronger and more experienced will have fewer brainfarts -play it safe, play for the scoreless tie. And the second thing? Miller, Miller, and more Miller.

How about the defensive zone? You didn't mention that, likely because it's greatly improved.

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

How about the defensive zone? You didn't mention that, likely because it's greatly improved.

They replaced 2 18 year olds with seasoned vets. Rolston could still be here and things would improve. The back check however is significantly better.

 

[SabreBlood]

They replaced 2 18 year olds with seasoned vets. Rolston could still be here and things would improve. The back check however is significantly better.

True, but this team is playing way harder than they ever did for Rolston.

I believe Rolston was force-fed rookies and line up decisions by Regier. Rolston was put into an impossible situation.