Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
This is the first in a two-part series reviewing the Rochester Americans season.
While the majority in Sabreland was obsessing over the NHL lottery last Saturday night, hoping that the gold logo would come up Buffalo, the Rochester Americans were in the midst of a three-game-in-three-night season finale' that featured two road games in a row to end the season. When the ping-pong balls came up Edmonton, Rochester was in Binghamton in the second to last game of a long, trying season.
In contrast to the supreme focus of Buffalo hockey fans and media on the circus that was "McEichel" all season, those in Rochester, a mere 60 miles east, were of the casual, detached variety, even when it came to the climax that was the NHL lottery. "We were in the middle of a game," said long time Amerks broadcaster Don Stevens of the lottery draw. "I don't think there was a lot said about it."
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Saturday, April 25, 2015
An early look at the Sabres free agents
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Back-to-back 30th place finishes and a general manager who's talked consistently of not wanting a long rebuild is a recipe for some definitive turnover in an NHL organization. Add in an AHL affiliate that just finished the season 29-41-6, good for 14th in the conference and 27th in the league, and one could imagine some major personnel changes and a decidedly different look in Buffalo as well as Rochester.
The Buffalo Sabres have gone through major personnel changes already as less than half the players from the 2013-14 opening game roster are still with the organization. Of the 11 that are still around only three--Tyler Ennis, Zemgus Girgensons and Rasmus Ristolainen--have top-six forward/top-pairing defenseman potential.
This season because of turnover and injuries to both clubs, over 50 players pulled on a Rochester Americans sweater. Murray was grabbing players from everywhere to try and fill the Amerks roster, which, be it known, is typical in the relationship between an NHL club and their AHL affiliate. Yet, that much turnover might be a little extreme.
Back-to-back 30th place finishes and a general manager who's talked consistently of not wanting a long rebuild is a recipe for some definitive turnover in an NHL organization. Add in an AHL affiliate that just finished the season 29-41-6, good for 14th in the conference and 27th in the league, and one could imagine some major personnel changes and a decidedly different look in Buffalo as well as Rochester.
The Buffalo Sabres have gone through major personnel changes already as less than half the players from the 2013-14 opening game roster are still with the organization. Of the 11 that are still around only three--Tyler Ennis, Zemgus Girgensons and Rasmus Ristolainen--have top-six forward/top-pairing defenseman potential.
This season because of turnover and injuries to both clubs, over 50 players pulled on a Rochester Americans sweater. Murray was grabbing players from everywhere to try and fill the Amerks roster, which, be it known, is typical in the relationship between an NHL club and their AHL affiliate. Yet, that much turnover might be a little extreme.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Some background on Evan Rodrigues
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Jack Eichel's Boston University linemate and Terriers alternate captain Evan Rodrigues is reportedly headed to Buffalo. The 5'10" 175 lb. winger had a monster season last year finishing with 21 goals and 61 points while riding shotgun with Eichel, the "presumed" second overall pick in this year's draft. Rodrigues finished second in the nation in points and assist playing in Hockey East, one of the toughest conferences in the NCAA.
Rodrigues went undrafted and is now the second player Buffalo GM Tim Murray has signed out of college this spring. The first was RIT forward Matt Garbowsky who had 26 goals and 28 assists in 40 games. His 56 points placed him tied for 4th in the nation. With the presumed selection of Eichel at the draft this June, Murray will be bringing in three of the top five college scorers in the nation.
A right-handed shot who flourished on Eichel's left wing, Rodrigues' output this year dwarfed his previous numbers. In 105 games prior, he scored a grand total 21 goals plus a total of 39 assists, showing just how much of an impact Eichel had on BU.
Rodrigues is described as a skilled two-way forward who was able to impact the game in multiple facets according to The Daily Free Press at BU. “You guys see us play, it speaks for itself,” Eichel said back in February after Rodrigues notched a pair of milestones. “He’s so skilled, he’s so smart and he works so hard, so if you put these three things together, he’s obviously tearing it up for a reason. I really enjoy playing with him.”
Said BU coach David Quinn, "I’ve seen it ever since I got to BU. He’s just an incredibly smart player, works hard, competes, has a great skill set and he can skate. Other than that (he said with a laugh,) he can’t really do too much.”
Back on April 9th with the Terriers getting ready for the Frozen Four, Quinn had high praise for one of his senior leaders. “You don’t have 60-plus points and not be a huge reason why we’re in the situation we’re in,” said the second-year coach. “He’s made so many clutch plays, might be our best penalty killer. And he’s the most intelligent college hockey player I’ve ever seen.”
Note: Scott McLaughlin of WEEI Boston broke the story last night.
Thanks to Sarah Kirkpatrick and Conor Ryan for their work at the Free Press as well as Michael Whitmer of the Boston Globe
Links:
http://dailyfreepress.com/2015/02/07/evan-rodrigues-notches-pair-milestones-win-lowell/
http://dailyfreepress.com/2015/04/21/bu-hockeys-evan-rodrigues-to-sign-deal-with-buffalo-sabres/
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/04/08/for-senior-evan-rodrigues-turnaround-satisfying/d3EJBHS1BoWsLLUZg1fhbI/story.html
Jack Eichel's Boston University linemate and Terriers alternate captain Evan Rodrigues is reportedly headed to Buffalo. The 5'10" 175 lb. winger had a monster season last year finishing with 21 goals and 61 points while riding shotgun with Eichel, the "presumed" second overall pick in this year's draft. Rodrigues finished second in the nation in points and assist playing in Hockey East, one of the toughest conferences in the NCAA.
Rodrigues went undrafted and is now the second player Buffalo GM Tim Murray has signed out of college this spring. The first was RIT forward Matt Garbowsky who had 26 goals and 28 assists in 40 games. His 56 points placed him tied for 4th in the nation. With the presumed selection of Eichel at the draft this June, Murray will be bringing in three of the top five college scorers in the nation.
A right-handed shot who flourished on Eichel's left wing, Rodrigues' output this year dwarfed his previous numbers. In 105 games prior, he scored a grand total 21 goals plus a total of 39 assists, showing just how much of an impact Eichel had on BU.
Rodrigues is described as a skilled two-way forward who was able to impact the game in multiple facets according to The Daily Free Press at BU. “You guys see us play, it speaks for itself,” Eichel said back in February after Rodrigues notched a pair of milestones. “He’s so skilled, he’s so smart and he works so hard, so if you put these three things together, he’s obviously tearing it up for a reason. I really enjoy playing with him.”
Said BU coach David Quinn, "I’ve seen it ever since I got to BU. He’s just an incredibly smart player, works hard, competes, has a great skill set and he can skate. Other than that (he said with a laugh,) he can’t really do too much.”
Back on April 9th with the Terriers getting ready for the Frozen Four, Quinn had high praise for one of his senior leaders. “You don’t have 60-plus points and not be a huge reason why we’re in the situation we’re in,” said the second-year coach. “He’s made so many clutch plays, might be our best penalty killer. And he’s the most intelligent college hockey player I’ve ever seen.”
Note: Scott McLaughlin of WEEI Boston broke the story last night.
Thanks to Sarah Kirkpatrick and Conor Ryan for their work at the Free Press as well as Michael Whitmer of the Boston Globe
Links:
http://dailyfreepress.com/2015/02/07/evan-rodrigues-notches-pair-milestones-win-lowell/
http://dailyfreepress.com/2015/04/21/bu-hockeys-evan-rodrigues-to-sign-deal-with-buffalo-sabres/
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/04/08/for-senior-evan-rodrigues-turnaround-satisfying/d3EJBHS1BoWsLLUZg1fhbI/story.html
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
If Jack Eichel decides on another year at Boston University, so what?
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
The NHL Draft is still two months away but it's never too soon to start manufacturing drama. Add in some paranoia, melancholy, and a strong inferiority complex--tenets of the Buffalo sports psyche since, at least, "wide right"--and drama explodes into melodrama.
"OMG! What if Jack Eichel goes back to BU after Buffalo drafts him?
AAAHHHHH!!!"
If the Buffalo Sabres draft Jack Eichel with the second-overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft and he decides to go back to college instead of turning pro, it means that he will not suit up for Buffalo next season and his entry-level contract won't kick in for another year. The Sabres hold his rights for three years. Case closed.
And for those who are really paranoid over possibly losing two years of their lives watching a 30th place team while ultimately coming up empty, it's conceivable that Eichel could play three more years in college then declare himself a free agent, but it probably ain't happenin'.
For the safety and security of yourself and those around you please, step away from the edge.
The NHL Draft is still two months away but it's never too soon to start manufacturing drama. Add in some paranoia, melancholy, and a strong inferiority complex--tenets of the Buffalo sports psyche since, at least, "wide right"--and drama explodes into melodrama.
"OMG! What if Jack Eichel goes back to BU after Buffalo drafts him?
AAAHHHHH!!!"
If the Buffalo Sabres draft Jack Eichel with the second-overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft and he decides to go back to college instead of turning pro, it means that he will not suit up for Buffalo next season and his entry-level contract won't kick in for another year. The Sabres hold his rights for three years. Case closed.
And for those who are really paranoid over possibly losing two years of their lives watching a 30th place team while ultimately coming up empty, it's conceivable that Eichel could play three more years in college then declare himself a free agent, but it probably ain't happenin'.
For the safety and security of yourself and those around you please, step away from the edge.
Monday, April 20, 2015
"Buffalo, I'm comin' for ya!"
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Plain and simple, I was a little disappointed last night when Edmonton won the "Connor McDavid Sweepstakes." This nothing against Jack Eichel who will be there at No.2 when the Sabres take the podium in Sunrise, FL, but finishing second, especially having endured a season like no other, is at the very least, mildly disappointing. Like Sabres GM Tim Murray said post-lottery, “If you can pick 1 or 2, you’re going to choose 1. Anytime you can get 1 vs. 2 in any walk of life, you’re going to want No. 1."
Which is really no disrespect to Eichel, it's just human nature.
Murray as well as Sabres fans went into this whole process knowing that there was an 80% chance that McDavid would be headed somewhere other than Buffalo. "We came up here with an expectation we’d probably be picking No. 2 and we’re going to deal with it. There’s no issue there.” They'll also be getting a player in Eichel who many feel would be the first overall selection or rival the first overall selection in every draft dating back to John Tavares and Steven Stamkos.
Which was the whole idea behind a few teams wanting to finish in 30th this season.
Plain and simple, I was a little disappointed last night when Edmonton won the "Connor McDavid Sweepstakes." This nothing against Jack Eichel who will be there at No.2 when the Sabres take the podium in Sunrise, FL, but finishing second, especially having endured a season like no other, is at the very least, mildly disappointing. Like Sabres GM Tim Murray said post-lottery, “If you can pick 1 or 2, you’re going to choose 1. Anytime you can get 1 vs. 2 in any walk of life, you’re going to want No. 1."
Which is really no disrespect to Eichel, it's just human nature.
Murray as well as Sabres fans went into this whole process knowing that there was an 80% chance that McDavid would be headed somewhere other than Buffalo. "We came up here with an expectation we’d probably be picking No. 2 and we’re going to deal with it. There’s no issue there.” They'll also be getting a player in Eichel who many feel would be the first overall selection or rival the first overall selection in every draft dating back to John Tavares and Steven Stamkos.
Which was the whole idea behind a few teams wanting to finish in 30th this season.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
The NHL Draft Lottery Tonight, plus a welcome to the "dark side"
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
At 8:00pm tonight the results of the 2015 NHL Draft Lottery will be aired live before the Pittsburgh/NY Rangers game.
Sabres President Ted Black will be in the booth representing Buffalo during the actual number drawing process which will take place beforehand while GM Tim Murray will be in the Sportsnet studios for the unveiling of the team getting the first overall pick. There will no communication from those watching the lottery process and those in studio. A video of the lottery will be available later in the evening.
It's a defining day for whichever team is lucky enough to come out on top as phenom Connor McDavid awaits, but Murray won't allow himself to get caught up in that as he's taken a decidedly "Buffaluck" approach to the drawing. “I don’t think about the Draft Lottery, " he said yesterday. "I just assume we’re going to lose, so it’s just another day. We’ve got an 80 percent chance of losing the lottery."
At 8:00pm tonight the results of the 2015 NHL Draft Lottery will be aired live before the Pittsburgh/NY Rangers game.
Sabres President Ted Black will be in the booth representing Buffalo during the actual number drawing process which will take place beforehand while GM Tim Murray will be in the Sportsnet studios for the unveiling of the team getting the first overall pick. There will no communication from those watching the lottery process and those in studio. A video of the lottery will be available later in the evening.
It's a defining day for whichever team is lucky enough to come out on top as phenom Connor McDavid awaits, but Murray won't allow himself to get caught up in that as he's taken a decidedly "Buffaluck" approach to the drawing. “I don’t think about the Draft Lottery, " he said yesterday. "I just assume we’re going to lose, so it’s just another day. We’ve got an 80 percent chance of losing the lottery."
Thursday, April 16, 2015
A response to "Harry Tee" from Puck Daddy's, the Tank That Was
Yahoo's Puck Daddy has been scouring the internet for "different perspectives" on the Buffalo Sabres 2014-15 season described by them as "one of the most disappointing yet hopeful, logical yet controversial seasons in NHL history."
Today's piece features "Harry Tee" whom they found on Twitter. In it, Harry says he's a newbie Sabres fan having followed them since 2008. He's not thrilled that the Sabres finished last this season and calls the entire season a "sham of an arrangement [that] has zapped much of my desire for the sport."
If you wish to read it, click here.
If you wish to read my response to a "thumbs down" from TSN's Dave Hodge who urged the Sabres to "get Connor with honor" and "lose with dignity," click here.
Woof!
Edit: from puckdaddy http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/how-buffalo-s-connor-mcdavid-tank-killed-my-passion-for-sabres-hockey-145050744.html
Editor's note: A fan's guest column posted earlier Thursday has been removed from the Puck Daddy blog and Yahoo Sports. The column was a fan's view of the Buffalo Sabres' 2014-15 season. The author of the column engaged with other fans on social media upon publication. The author's social media activity is unacceptable and does not represent the views of Puck Daddy or Yahoo Sports.
Today's piece features "Harry Tee" whom they found on Twitter. In it, Harry says he's a newbie Sabres fan having followed them since 2008. He's not thrilled that the Sabres finished last this season and calls the entire season a "sham of an arrangement [that] has zapped much of my desire for the sport."
If you wish to read it, click here.
If you wish to read my response to a "thumbs down" from TSN's Dave Hodge who urged the Sabres to "get Connor with honor" and "lose with dignity," click here.
Woof!
Edit: from puckdaddy http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/how-buffalo-s-connor-mcdavid-tank-killed-my-passion-for-sabres-hockey-145050744.html
Editor's note: A fan's guest column posted earlier Thursday has been removed from the Puck Daddy blog and Yahoo Sports. The column was a fan's view of the Buffalo Sabres' 2014-15 season. The author of the column engaged with other fans on social media upon publication. The author's social media activity is unacceptable and does not represent the views of Puck Daddy or Yahoo Sports.
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