Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
The Buffalo Sabres are host to the NHL Scouting Combine this year and also have the second overall pick in the upcoming draft. They could've blown off the interview process when it came to prospect Jack Eichel as it's all but 100% certain that they'll take him with their second-overall pick. Some would say, why bother?
They did have a chat Eichel but passed on interviewing consensus 1st-overall pick, Connor McDavid. Perhaps they talked to him enough during the 2014-15 season as he played 90 minutes away in Erie, PA and even played in an OHL game at First Niagara Center, home to the Buffalo Sabres. But GM Tim Murray told Mike Schopp and the Bulldog on WGR550 earlier this evening that they hadn't interviewed McDavid and that it wasn't in their plans.
He also said that Eichel "would have been fine" with a lone Sabres interview, but other teams were interested in sitting down with him and "out of respect for [those] teams," he ended up doing some eight to 10 of them. The Combine interview process is that it wouldn't be the players choice as to who they would interview with, it would be the teams.
We Sabres fans, of course, don't care who he interviewed with or what was asked. We're interested how his interview with the Sabres went.
"He was great," Murray told Schopp and the Bulldog. "He came into our interview and I think he knew it was an important interview. He was ready, he was prepared. He was quick. He was sharp.
"He was impressive."
That's good to know. Just as the Sabres could've blown this off, so too could Eichel have just taken the whole thing for granted. It's impressive that he took the interview seriously enough to come in prepared.
But there was more to it than just questions about his game and what he thought of Buffalo and/or chicken wings. We found out something about Eichel that not only told us he's ready to go, but that he also has a little chip on his shoulder.
Schopp brought up an article in today's Boston Globe by Fluto Shinzawa concerning Eichel who comes from North Chelmsford, MA, which is a suburb of Boston. Shinzawa writes about the city of Buffalo and its bad-luck, bridesmaid sports teams while mentioning that Eichel had a taste of second place after his Boston University Terriers lost to Providence for the NCAA Hockey Championship this year. It's a good piece. Shinzawa is objective in his observations of Buffalo's history while sharing in the optimism that emanates from the Canal Side area of downtown Buffalo.
He noted that Eichel "got a preview of his future workplace" and during the interview process with the Sabres Shinzawa said that, "Eichel told his questioners, in a respectful but confident manner, that he would be better than Connor McDavid, his Canadian foil."
Schopp forwarded that tidbit to Murray to which the GM responded, "He said that. I think he should say that. Why not say that?
"I think he believes it. The way he played this season, we called it a two-horse race (otherwise known as McEichel) all year. So why should he not believe [he's better than McDavid]? Why should he not believe his skill-set--the whole package, size, skating ability, puck skills, hockey sense--the whole package as I said. He's confident in it and he backed up that confidence with his play this year and had a tremendous year. So, I don't know why he wouldn't believe he's the best player in the draft."
Like Chris "Bulldog" Parker said, a statement like that usually doesn't come from someone who will be playing anywhere other than in the NHL next season, to which Murray replied, "No, I can't imagine. If you believe you're the best guy in the draft and you can't wait to prove it, the NHL is where you go to prove it."
Man.
Can't wait for the season to begin.
Showing posts with label mike schopp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mike schopp. Show all posts
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Next man up in the Buffalo Sabres coaching search--Dan Bylsma
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
According to Sportsnet's Elliott Friedman, the Buffalo Sabres will move on from the Mike Babcock saga by interviewing former Pittsburgh Penguins benchboss, Dan Bylsma later this week.
Ironically enough, it was Penguins that walked away with a Stanley Cup split versus Babcock's Detroit Red Wings in the 2008 and 2009 Finals. Babcock took the first meeting with Conn Smythe-winner Henrik Zetterberg and a host of playoff-hardened Red Wings veterans defeating a young, upstart Penguins club while Bylsma would take the rematch as Evgeni Malkin along with first overall picks Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury would take the hard-fought seven-game series.
Neither coach would reach the Stanley Cup Finals again. Babcock would go 23-30 in six playoff seasons thereafter never making it past the second round while Bylsma would post a 27-27 record in five seasons before getting fired by the Pens on June 6, 2014 while reaching the conference finals once.
Other contrasts between the two coaches are Babcock's Canadian and now the coach of an iconic franchise in Toronto while Bylsma is American. Babcock never played in the NHL while Bylsma played in 429 NHL games. And, of course, Babcock moved on after 10 years in Detroit while Bylsma was shown the door by new Pittsburgh GM Jim Rutherford after 5 1/2 seasons coaching the Penguins.
Said Friedman, "The expectation is that [Bylsma] will visit the Buffalo Sabres this week."
According to Sportsnet's Elliott Friedman, the Buffalo Sabres will move on from the Mike Babcock saga by interviewing former Pittsburgh Penguins benchboss, Dan Bylsma later this week.
Ironically enough, it was Penguins that walked away with a Stanley Cup split versus Babcock's Detroit Red Wings in the 2008 and 2009 Finals. Babcock took the first meeting with Conn Smythe-winner Henrik Zetterberg and a host of playoff-hardened Red Wings veterans defeating a young, upstart Penguins club while Bylsma would take the rematch as Evgeni Malkin along with first overall picks Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury would take the hard-fought seven-game series.
Neither coach would reach the Stanley Cup Finals again. Babcock would go 23-30 in six playoff seasons thereafter never making it past the second round while Bylsma would post a 27-27 record in five seasons before getting fired by the Pens on June 6, 2014 while reaching the conference finals once.
Other contrasts between the two coaches are Babcock's Canadian and now the coach of an iconic franchise in Toronto while Bylsma is American. Babcock never played in the NHL while Bylsma played in 429 NHL games. And, of course, Babcock moved on after 10 years in Detroit while Bylsma was shown the door by new Pittsburgh GM Jim Rutherford after 5 1/2 seasons coaching the Penguins.
Said Friedman, "The expectation is that [Bylsma] will visit the Buffalo Sabres this week."
Friday, June 20, 2014
Composite players are nice, but not this guy's cup of tea
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Yesterday, the afternoon host on WGR used a bleacher report slide-show he'd read to offer a very simplistic approach to the top-10 picks in the NHL Draft. The author of the slide show gave a composite player based upon the previous picks in that particular draft spot and the host rather liked it.
For instance, if you are picking 1st overall, based upon the average, the composite would be a Rick Nash-caliber player. 2nd overall would get you a player like Danny Heatley. At the three spot Jay Bouwmeester, at number four, Steven Weiss and so on.
It's all well and good, and the angle is sure to generate hits. But coming up with a player profile based upon the median talent over the course of "x" amount of years is a statistical average adds little to the conversation. It tells nothing of the player drafted, the team drafting him, the scouting department that drafted him, the situation he'll be finding himself in, or even the luck of landing the first overall pick.
The bleacher report piece takes everything and puts it into a nice, tidy package that's easily digestible with none of those nasty variables that would come into play at any draft.
Yesterday, the afternoon host on WGR used a bleacher report slide-show he'd read to offer a very simplistic approach to the top-10 picks in the NHL Draft. The author of the slide show gave a composite player based upon the previous picks in that particular draft spot and the host rather liked it.
For instance, if you are picking 1st overall, based upon the average, the composite would be a Rick Nash-caliber player. 2nd overall would get you a player like Danny Heatley. At the three spot Jay Bouwmeester, at number four, Steven Weiss and so on.
It's all well and good, and the angle is sure to generate hits. But coming up with a player profile based upon the median talent over the course of "x" amount of years is a statistical average adds little to the conversation. It tells nothing of the player drafted, the team drafting him, the scouting department that drafted him, the situation he'll be finding himself in, or even the luck of landing the first overall pick.
The bleacher report piece takes everything and puts it into a nice, tidy package that's easily digestible with none of those nasty variables that would come into play at any draft.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Ted Nolan did a remarkable job with Team Latvia...
despite what WGR's Mike Schopp thinks.
Throughout much of yesterday's GR show, Schopp continually downplayed the accomplishment of the Latvian hockey team and their coach, Ted Nolan.
Not all that surprising for a guy who relies upon stats for most his sports knowledge.
Throughout much of yesterday's GR show, Schopp continually downplayed the accomplishment of the Latvian hockey team and their coach, Ted Nolan.
Not all that surprising for a guy who relies upon stats for most his sports knowledge.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Thoughts on the Carolina home and home
After a 6-3 shelling at the hands of Carolina on Thursday, it didn't take head coach Lindy Ruff long to get that choking feeling and move veteran center/winger Jochen Hecht up to the third line.
Ruff used this as his excuse/reasoning, "We tried to be a little bit harder on [Eric]Staal. We used [Steve] Ott and [Patrick] Kaleta and Hecht against him," he said. "It was the only reason. I thought we had to try to slow [him down]." Staal had the hat trick vs. the Sabres in Carolina the night before.
Of course, that meant rookie Mikhail Grigorenko, playing in his fourth of possibly five "tryout" games was demoted to the fourth line.
Grigorenko, who had been middle-of-the road, but was showing signs of progressing, turned out to be a casualty of Ruff's reliance on the "tried and true." Hecht is one of Ruff's favorite players, one that he believes he can count on in all situations.
From the moment Hecht was signed to a one year deal, everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before he climbed up the lines into a spot that was beyond his talents (that would be anything above the fourth line.) Sure enough, it was last night.
In years past, Ruff has been seen as stunting the growth of his young players either being too hard on them or putting them in a position to fail. Now, even though Grigorenko has done what's asked of him, he gets demoted to a line with fighter John Scott and little Nathan Gerbe.
At today's skate, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald thinks that Ruff may have some remorse. “It’s like burning a game,” Ruff was quoted as saying.
Sure enough, they only have five games to decide whether the 18 yr. old center sticks or gets sent back to Jr. At 6:48 of ice time, to get a better "match up," Ruff did burn a game. And further burned his reputation of leaning on "his" guys into the brains of every Sabre fan.
Being on the third line getting 10-12 minutes a game is not a bad way to get introduced into the NHL. Doing what the coach tells you to do--focusing upon defense, even though you have mad offensive skills--should get you more ice-time, not less.
Ruff screwed up last night. Everyone in Sabreland knows it (except maybe for Terry Pegula and Darcy Regier) and I would hazard to guess that Grigorenko's a little perplexed at Ruff's decision.
Let's hope "Grigs" has the wherewithal to get past it and move forward.
************
There's a reason I dislike twitter, other than the fact that it's inane. One should never trust an initial reaction while dealing in disappointment.
After last night's loss. I wanted Lindy Ruff to be fired. I also wanted to see WGR's Paul Hamilton and Howard Simon and Chris "Bulldog" Parker canned as well. What the hell, I wanted Jeremy White and Mike Schoppsie fired too, like I always do.
It's an obvious overreaction, which is why twitter is pretty much useless, unless you want to laugh at someone.
But, here are the reasons why the aforementioned should at least be on notice:
Lindy Ruff--Relying on an old stand-by--Jochen Hecht--to get the job done. The Sabres lost 3-1. His "old standbys" have gotten him to the playoffs twice in the last five seasons, never getting the team past the first round.
Howard Simon--What a sore loser. Still. Before the 'Canes home-and-home, Simon had the audacity to belittle the organization with an article entitled 'Canes mediocre since raising the Cup. He is, of course, sure that Buffalo would have won it had they not fallen on hard times vs. Carolina back in 2006. But why bag on an organization that at the very least is not that far below the Sabres? Oh, and no comment section either.
Paul Hamilton--Sabres D-man Tyler Myers is off to a slow start--again. In an interview with Hamilton a couple of days ago, Myers had the "audacity" to laugh at a perceived lack of confidence in himself. A laugh Hamilton described as "condescending." Whoa there, pardner, nobody does that to THE Paul Hamilton. Myers has now got himself an overweight beagle annoyingly barking up a storm. Yesterday the hound almighty opened up his post-game article with, "Since I felt Tyler Myers was playing worse than he does, I figured I'd make him my focus this game." Talk about condescending. Really? Oh, and as usual, no comment section.
Chris "Bulldog" Parker--Bulldog's been really annoying lately, especially when it comes to the Bills and specifically Ryan Fitzpatrick. The season's over, and despite a Syracuse reunion at the top two spots on the coaching staff, and a possibility of a reunion with their QB of the last three seasons, it's back to the old punching bag, Fitzpatrick, and Bulldog's article, Are we done with Fitz? Yes, Bulldog, we know you're done with Fitz as a starter. But your plan, "if [you] were the Bills--pick the best [QB] I can with the 8th pick and hope he's ready to play in September?" Really? I'm glad you're not the GM. Like the Bills don't have holes at linebacker (at least two,) CB and WR. Glad I don't listen to you and that Schoppsie guy anymore.
Mike Schoppsie--Shoulda been fired long ago. Arrogance and perceived "entertainment." This is the same guy that once had some suggestions to help Ryan Miller get out of his goaltending slump. Schoppsie's suggestions were based on his time as a goalie, in an intramural floor hockey league. This is also the same guy who said faceoffs are not as important as people make them out to be. My suggestion is that you ask the Sabres about Carolina's go-ahead goal last night. Or go ask Edmonton why Nail Yakupov was able to tie the score with 4 seconds left in the third. What a maroon.
Jeremy White--The Jim Rome wannabe shtick is old. Has been old for a while. A waffler who said that he's happy to have the NHL back, yet was willing to boycott NHL players during the lockout. Said that he'd watch AHL players play for the crest. Never went to a Rochester game during the lockout.
Like Mike Trivisonno said one time down here in Cleveland. Fire all the media.
************
Yeah, can fire 'em all, except for WGR's John Murphy.
Would like to say thank your, Mr. Murphy, for your knowledgeable and insightful journalistic approach to the Buffalo sports scene.
Oh, and thanks for letting us know that 2013 unrestricted free agent Logan Coture of San Jose' is a huge Buffalo Sports fan.
************
Back to the Sabres.
Lindy "the tinkerer" Ruff held firm to his top two lines for three games with only the top line scoring. It would seem as if he'll be changing things up a bit for the afternoon game tomorrow at Washington.
Tomorrow's skate will give us more of an insight, but making one simple move may be a good way to approach things--exchange Steve Ott for Marcus Foligno on the second line.
Having Ott replace Foligno will give Tyler Ennis and Drew Stafford the same kind of forward Foligno is, only he's more experienced, has played with star players in a top-line/top-six role and he has produced.
Plus, having Ott ready to take faceoffs will allow Ennis to "cheat" a little more knowing that he has an excellent face-off man in waiting should he get tossed. Maybe that's what Ennis was hinting at when he said,
"Maybe another big guy on my line, we could be mutual at it and cheat on draws and have them take some. I have to improve at it."
Ennis is presently 38.6% on draws. Ott is at 61.9.
Rookie Grigorenko is 57.2% on draws.
Foligno dropping down with Grigorenko and Gerbe on the third line would still give that line a power forward presence and it might even help Grigorenko.
Who knows?
Ruff used this as his excuse/reasoning, "We tried to be a little bit harder on [Eric]Staal. We used [Steve] Ott and [Patrick] Kaleta and Hecht against him," he said. "It was the only reason. I thought we had to try to slow [him down]." Staal had the hat trick vs. the Sabres in Carolina the night before.
Of course, that meant rookie Mikhail Grigorenko, playing in his fourth of possibly five "tryout" games was demoted to the fourth line.
Grigorenko, who had been middle-of-the road, but was showing signs of progressing, turned out to be a casualty of Ruff's reliance on the "tried and true." Hecht is one of Ruff's favorite players, one that he believes he can count on in all situations.
From the moment Hecht was signed to a one year deal, everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before he climbed up the lines into a spot that was beyond his talents (that would be anything above the fourth line.) Sure enough, it was last night.
In years past, Ruff has been seen as stunting the growth of his young players either being too hard on them or putting them in a position to fail. Now, even though Grigorenko has done what's asked of him, he gets demoted to a line with fighter John Scott and little Nathan Gerbe.
At today's skate, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald thinks that Ruff may have some remorse. “It’s like burning a game,” Ruff was quoted as saying.
Sure enough, they only have five games to decide whether the 18 yr. old center sticks or gets sent back to Jr. At 6:48 of ice time, to get a better "match up," Ruff did burn a game. And further burned his reputation of leaning on "his" guys into the brains of every Sabre fan.
Being on the third line getting 10-12 minutes a game is not a bad way to get introduced into the NHL. Doing what the coach tells you to do--focusing upon defense, even though you have mad offensive skills--should get you more ice-time, not less.
Ruff screwed up last night. Everyone in Sabreland knows it (except maybe for Terry Pegula and Darcy Regier) and I would hazard to guess that Grigorenko's a little perplexed at Ruff's decision.
Let's hope "Grigs" has the wherewithal to get past it and move forward.
************
There's a reason I dislike twitter, other than the fact that it's inane. One should never trust an initial reaction while dealing in disappointment.
After last night's loss. I wanted Lindy Ruff to be fired. I also wanted to see WGR's Paul Hamilton and Howard Simon and Chris "Bulldog" Parker canned as well. What the hell, I wanted Jeremy White and Mike Schoppsie fired too, like I always do.
It's an obvious overreaction, which is why twitter is pretty much useless, unless you want to laugh at someone.
But, here are the reasons why the aforementioned should at least be on notice:
Lindy Ruff--Relying on an old stand-by--Jochen Hecht--to get the job done. The Sabres lost 3-1. His "old standbys" have gotten him to the playoffs twice in the last five seasons, never getting the team past the first round.
Howard Simon--What a sore loser. Still. Before the 'Canes home-and-home, Simon had the audacity to belittle the organization with an article entitled 'Canes mediocre since raising the Cup. He is, of course, sure that Buffalo would have won it had they not fallen on hard times vs. Carolina back in 2006. But why bag on an organization that at the very least is not that far below the Sabres? Oh, and no comment section either.
Paul Hamilton--Sabres D-man Tyler Myers is off to a slow start--again. In an interview with Hamilton a couple of days ago, Myers had the "audacity" to laugh at a perceived lack of confidence in himself. A laugh Hamilton described as "condescending." Whoa there, pardner, nobody does that to THE Paul Hamilton. Myers has now got himself an overweight beagle annoyingly barking up a storm. Yesterday the hound almighty opened up his post-game article with, "Since I felt Tyler Myers was playing worse than he does, I figured I'd make him my focus this game." Talk about condescending. Really? Oh, and as usual, no comment section.
Chris "Bulldog" Parker--Bulldog's been really annoying lately, especially when it comes to the Bills and specifically Ryan Fitzpatrick. The season's over, and despite a Syracuse reunion at the top two spots on the coaching staff, and a possibility of a reunion with their QB of the last three seasons, it's back to the old punching bag, Fitzpatrick, and Bulldog's article, Are we done with Fitz? Yes, Bulldog, we know you're done with Fitz as a starter. But your plan, "if [you] were the Bills--pick the best [QB] I can with the 8th pick and hope he's ready to play in September?" Really? I'm glad you're not the GM. Like the Bills don't have holes at linebacker (at least two,) CB and WR. Glad I don't listen to you and that Schoppsie guy anymore.
Mike Schoppsie--Shoulda been fired long ago. Arrogance and perceived "entertainment." This is the same guy that once had some suggestions to help Ryan Miller get out of his goaltending slump. Schoppsie's suggestions were based on his time as a goalie, in an intramural floor hockey league. This is also the same guy who said faceoffs are not as important as people make them out to be. My suggestion is that you ask the Sabres about Carolina's go-ahead goal last night. Or go ask Edmonton why Nail Yakupov was able to tie the score with 4 seconds left in the third. What a maroon.
Jeremy White--The Jim Rome wannabe shtick is old. Has been old for a while. A waffler who said that he's happy to have the NHL back, yet was willing to boycott NHL players during the lockout. Said that he'd watch AHL players play for the crest. Never went to a Rochester game during the lockout.
Like Mike Trivisonno said one time down here in Cleveland. Fire all the media.
************
Yeah, can fire 'em all, except for WGR's John Murphy.
Would like to say thank your, Mr. Murphy, for your knowledgeable and insightful journalistic approach to the Buffalo sports scene.
Oh, and thanks for letting us know that 2013 unrestricted free agent Logan Coture of San Jose' is a huge Buffalo Sports fan.
************
Back to the Sabres.
Lindy "the tinkerer" Ruff held firm to his top two lines for three games with only the top line scoring. It would seem as if he'll be changing things up a bit for the afternoon game tomorrow at Washington.
Tomorrow's skate will give us more of an insight, but making one simple move may be a good way to approach things--exchange Steve Ott for Marcus Foligno on the second line.
Having Ott replace Foligno will give Tyler Ennis and Drew Stafford the same kind of forward Foligno is, only he's more experienced, has played with star players in a top-line/top-six role and he has produced.
Plus, having Ott ready to take faceoffs will allow Ennis to "cheat" a little more knowing that he has an excellent face-off man in waiting should he get tossed. Maybe that's what Ennis was hinting at when he said,
"Maybe another big guy on my line, we could be mutual at it and cheat on draws and have them take some. I have to improve at it."
Ennis is presently 38.6% on draws. Ott is at 61.9.
Rookie Grigorenko is 57.2% on draws.
Foligno dropping down with Grigorenko and Gerbe on the third line would still give that line a power forward presence and it might even help Grigorenko.
Who knows?
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Yeah, no NHL news to speak of, no pro football team to speak of either
It's taken a while to fully digest the disaster that was the Buffalo Bills in the Meadowlands. Nearly everything that could go wrong, did go wrong for Buffalo, except for RB C.J. Spiller and his 169-yard, one touchdown performance after Fred Jackson left the game due to injury.
Ugly, was the one word title used by WGR's Bulldog in summing up the game. Perhaps he omitted a letter, it was F-ugly.
GR's Whiner Line was, as usual, over the top. Which was to be expected. The callers hated everyone--Ryan Fitzpatrick, Chan Gailey, Mario Williams, perennial whipping boy Leodis McKelvin. Reasoning ranged from simple analysis to downright anal cysts of the mouth. So far reaching was the blame, I was a bit surprised it didn't include President Obama, Rob Johnson or Ryan Miller.
I haven't been that disappointed by a Bills game since Super Bowl XXVI when Mark Rypien smoked the Bills d and the Washington Redskins d put the clampdown on future HOF'er Jim Kelly and his "K-gun" offense.
Many a Bills fan was psyched up for that game thinking that the near miss the year before would hopefully lead to success in their second try. The 37-24 loss was much more lopsided than the score indicated. Much like the Bills 48-28 loss on Sunday.
Much maligned Redskins QB Mark Rypien was the Super Bowl MVP with a stat line of 18-33, 292 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT. Much maligned Mark Sanchez was 19-27, 265 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT.
And if you thought Ryan Fitzpatrick's performance this past Sunday was poor--18-32, 195 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT--this is the line for Jim Kelly in that Super Bowl: 28-58, 275 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT. And, by the way, they both threw INT's on the team's first possession.
Parallels can also be drawn between the two teams when it comes to preparation. Neither the 1992 Super Bowl Bills--as evidenced by RB Thurman Thomas missing the first two plays because he couldn't find his helmet--nor last Sunday's Bills were prepared. While on the other side, Washington's Joe Gibbs and the Jets Rex Ryan were totally ready to shut down the Bills offense and exploit their highly skilled, yet soft defenses.
I will say one thing in defense of the '92 Bills defenders, at least they didn't whine about getting punched in the face.
There's been a big uproar over Mario Williams' post game comments on how he was literally getting smacked around and he called out the refs for not calling anything. The $100M man (or in this case, boy) didn't fight back and was held to one tackle and no sacks in his Buffalo Bills debut.
Former NFL lineman Damien Woody, who publicly trumpeted the Bills, had this to say, "For him to blame replacement officials as the reason he got dominated yesterday, I think that's pathetic," Woody said. "There's no ifs, ands or buts about it.
"You're the big free agent. You're the $100 million man going up against a guy that was on the practice squad and inserted in the starting role just a couple weeks ago. I saw a lot of times Mario was one-on-one and couldn't do anything."
We all bought into the hype. When Williams was brought in, it was thought that he could help change the Bills defense. He and fellow free agent Mark Anderson were to bring on a strong pass rush that would help the secondary. It didn't happen vs. the Jets as Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sporano game-planned a quick strike pass attack the left the Bills looking for their collective jock straps.
Buying into the hype is what Jerry Sullivan started off with yesterday on the Howard Simon Show. "That was pretty startling what happened yesterday," he said, "and I think I fell for it...about Mario Williams."
Hype is what doomed the 1992 Buffalo Bills Super Bowl hopes. They were supposed to win that one, because they came so close the previous year and had the great Jim Kelly vs. a journeyman.
That team, like this team in Week One, couldn't handle the expectations.
So, other than Fitzpatrick, Williams and the game-plan, what else?
WR TJ Graham was drafted to stretch the feild with his speed, he didn't dress. Why? Gailey said he didn't feel as if Graham was ready. Like someone on WGR pointed out, how ready do you need to be to run as fast and far as you can to stretch out the d?
The WR's couldn't get open. Stevie Johnson did very little (although he did catch a TD pass in "garbage time",) but ya gotta believe he's nursing a very sore groin. Donald Jones had five catches including a touchdown when the game was already determined. David Nelson had some catches, then caught a bad break when he tore his ACL and is now out for the season.
TE Scott Chandler had a TD reception late in the third quarter, but was never used properly until the game was out of reach. If receivers can't get open and you're QB's having a tough day, your TE can be the QB's best friend, just ask Tom Brady.
As mentioned Spiller was a bright spot, but Fred Jackson never got anything going before leaving with a sprained knee which will keep him out 3-4 weeks.
And the Bills' "Mr. Wildcat," Brad Smith, never entered the game. What a waste of a uniform.
On defense, the Bills secondary got torched, the linebackers looked lame, the pass rush was a complete dud and they couldn't manage to stop the Jets when it counted on third down as NY was 10-14 on third down conversions.
The punt team allowed a 68 yd. punt return for a TD that put the Jets up by 21-0 less than three minutes into the 2nd quarter.
F-ugly.
Defensive Coordinator Dave Wannstedt had a gameplan based upon a four-man rush and he barely wavered from that. Why? *shrugs* Who the hell knows.
F-ugly.
*************
There is tension in the air in Buffalo with many either hitting the panic button or cloaking their panic.
WGR's Mike Schopp is sure that a Harsh reality is looming concerning the Bills. He makes the case that the Bills have two-time castoffs at QB--Fitzpatrick, Tyler Thigpen and Tavaris Jackson. He states that the Bills have brought in dead end players and coaches--Shawn Merriman, TO, GM Buddy Nix, Gailey and former coach Dick Jauron.
In a typical Schoppian reach where he tries to make a point that rests on shaky ground and has inadequate tie-ins, he seems to yearn for the Tom Donohoe era Buffalo Bills stating that the 2002 and 2004 Bills teams are probably the best. "Donohoe didn't win here," he writes, "but at least in his five years [in Buffalo] the Bills availed themselves to top talent."
After a 3-13 season in Donohoe's first year as GM, Schopp seems to be alluding to the parade for Drew Bledsoe who was traded from the NE Patriots (thus opening the door for Tom Brady) to the Bills for a 2003 1st round pick.
I can't remember who else he brought in that year, but the team did go 8-8. Maybe that's what Schopp's alluding to.
But what ailed the Bills throughout the '00's was poor drafting, exemplified in the Tom Donohoe era.
First round picks Nate Clemens (#21, 2001,) and Lee Evans (#13, 2004) ended up with solid careers. But Donohoe is also responsible for one of the biggest busts ever in T Mike Williams (#4, 2002) while he took a gamble on an injured Willis McGahee (#23, 2003.)
His signature move, though, was trading away their first round pick in 2005 to Dallas to nab QB J.P. Losman. Losman would loose his starting job to journeyman Kelly Holcomb after only three games and was out of the league four years later.
While the two coaches under Donohoe have the best single season records for the Bills over their 13-year playoff drought, both proved nothing more than excellent coordinators.
Greg Williams spent three years in Buffalo, his only head coaching position. He went 3-13, 8-8 (2002) and 6-10 for a combined 17-31 record. Mike Mularkey went 9-7 in his first season yet followed it up with a 5-11 record.
Just after the 2005 season, Donohoe was fired, January 5, 2006 and it was that day, according to Schopp, "that the Bills stopped competing the way other teams do."
Sorry, Schopp, but a 31-49 record competing as "other teams do" is cause for a change.
Donohoe took the Bills for a ride after Ralph Wilson gave him complete control. After that debacle, is it any wonder that Wilson pulled back and started over by reaching back for someone he could trust? Marv Levy?
In the five years not doing business "as other teams do" post-Donohoe the Bills compiled a, lo and behold, 31-49 record.
Sorry, Schopp. Doesn't work. Try again.
Ugly, was the one word title used by WGR's Bulldog in summing up the game. Perhaps he omitted a letter, it was F-ugly.
GR's Whiner Line was, as usual, over the top. Which was to be expected. The callers hated everyone--Ryan Fitzpatrick, Chan Gailey, Mario Williams, perennial whipping boy Leodis McKelvin. Reasoning ranged from simple analysis to downright anal cysts of the mouth. So far reaching was the blame, I was a bit surprised it didn't include President Obama, Rob Johnson or Ryan Miller.
I haven't been that disappointed by a Bills game since Super Bowl XXVI when Mark Rypien smoked the Bills d and the Washington Redskins d put the clampdown on future HOF'er Jim Kelly and his "K-gun" offense.
Many a Bills fan was psyched up for that game thinking that the near miss the year before would hopefully lead to success in their second try. The 37-24 loss was much more lopsided than the score indicated. Much like the Bills 48-28 loss on Sunday.
Much maligned Redskins QB Mark Rypien was the Super Bowl MVP with a stat line of 18-33, 292 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT. Much maligned Mark Sanchez was 19-27, 265 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT.
And if you thought Ryan Fitzpatrick's performance this past Sunday was poor--18-32, 195 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT--this is the line for Jim Kelly in that Super Bowl: 28-58, 275 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT. And, by the way, they both threw INT's on the team's first possession.
Parallels can also be drawn between the two teams when it comes to preparation. Neither the 1992 Super Bowl Bills--as evidenced by RB Thurman Thomas missing the first two plays because he couldn't find his helmet--nor last Sunday's Bills were prepared. While on the other side, Washington's Joe Gibbs and the Jets Rex Ryan were totally ready to shut down the Bills offense and exploit their highly skilled, yet soft defenses.
I will say one thing in defense of the '92 Bills defenders, at least they didn't whine about getting punched in the face.
There's been a big uproar over Mario Williams' post game comments on how he was literally getting smacked around and he called out the refs for not calling anything. The $100M man (or in this case, boy) didn't fight back and was held to one tackle and no sacks in his Buffalo Bills debut.
Former NFL lineman Damien Woody, who publicly trumpeted the Bills, had this to say, "For him to blame replacement officials as the reason he got dominated yesterday, I think that's pathetic," Woody said. "There's no ifs, ands or buts about it.
"You're the big free agent. You're the $100 million man going up against a guy that was on the practice squad and inserted in the starting role just a couple weeks ago. I saw a lot of times Mario was one-on-one and couldn't do anything."
We all bought into the hype. When Williams was brought in, it was thought that he could help change the Bills defense. He and fellow free agent Mark Anderson were to bring on a strong pass rush that would help the secondary. It didn't happen vs. the Jets as Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sporano game-planned a quick strike pass attack the left the Bills looking for their collective jock straps.
Buying into the hype is what Jerry Sullivan started off with yesterday on the Howard Simon Show. "That was pretty startling what happened yesterday," he said, "and I think I fell for it...about Mario Williams."
Hype is what doomed the 1992 Buffalo Bills Super Bowl hopes. They were supposed to win that one, because they came so close the previous year and had the great Jim Kelly vs. a journeyman.
That team, like this team in Week One, couldn't handle the expectations.
So, other than Fitzpatrick, Williams and the game-plan, what else?
WR TJ Graham was drafted to stretch the feild with his speed, he didn't dress. Why? Gailey said he didn't feel as if Graham was ready. Like someone on WGR pointed out, how ready do you need to be to run as fast and far as you can to stretch out the d?
The WR's couldn't get open. Stevie Johnson did very little (although he did catch a TD pass in "garbage time",) but ya gotta believe he's nursing a very sore groin. Donald Jones had five catches including a touchdown when the game was already determined. David Nelson had some catches, then caught a bad break when he tore his ACL and is now out for the season.
TE Scott Chandler had a TD reception late in the third quarter, but was never used properly until the game was out of reach. If receivers can't get open and you're QB's having a tough day, your TE can be the QB's best friend, just ask Tom Brady.
As mentioned Spiller was a bright spot, but Fred Jackson never got anything going before leaving with a sprained knee which will keep him out 3-4 weeks.
And the Bills' "Mr. Wildcat," Brad Smith, never entered the game. What a waste of a uniform.
On defense, the Bills secondary got torched, the linebackers looked lame, the pass rush was a complete dud and they couldn't manage to stop the Jets when it counted on third down as NY was 10-14 on third down conversions.
The punt team allowed a 68 yd. punt return for a TD that put the Jets up by 21-0 less than three minutes into the 2nd quarter.
F-ugly.
Defensive Coordinator Dave Wannstedt had a gameplan based upon a four-man rush and he barely wavered from that. Why? *shrugs* Who the hell knows.
F-ugly.
*************
There is tension in the air in Buffalo with many either hitting the panic button or cloaking their panic.
WGR's Mike Schopp is sure that a Harsh reality is looming concerning the Bills. He makes the case that the Bills have two-time castoffs at QB--Fitzpatrick, Tyler Thigpen and Tavaris Jackson. He states that the Bills have brought in dead end players and coaches--Shawn Merriman, TO, GM Buddy Nix, Gailey and former coach Dick Jauron.
In a typical Schoppian reach where he tries to make a point that rests on shaky ground and has inadequate tie-ins, he seems to yearn for the Tom Donohoe era Buffalo Bills stating that the 2002 and 2004 Bills teams are probably the best. "Donohoe didn't win here," he writes, "but at least in his five years [in Buffalo] the Bills availed themselves to top talent."
After a 3-13 season in Donohoe's first year as GM, Schopp seems to be alluding to the parade for Drew Bledsoe who was traded from the NE Patriots (thus opening the door for Tom Brady) to the Bills for a 2003 1st round pick.
I can't remember who else he brought in that year, but the team did go 8-8. Maybe that's what Schopp's alluding to.
But what ailed the Bills throughout the '00's was poor drafting, exemplified in the Tom Donohoe era.
First round picks Nate Clemens (#21, 2001,) and Lee Evans (#13, 2004) ended up with solid careers. But Donohoe is also responsible for one of the biggest busts ever in T Mike Williams (#4, 2002) while he took a gamble on an injured Willis McGahee (#23, 2003.)
His signature move, though, was trading away their first round pick in 2005 to Dallas to nab QB J.P. Losman. Losman would loose his starting job to journeyman Kelly Holcomb after only three games and was out of the league four years later.
While the two coaches under Donohoe have the best single season records for the Bills over their 13-year playoff drought, both proved nothing more than excellent coordinators.
Greg Williams spent three years in Buffalo, his only head coaching position. He went 3-13, 8-8 (2002) and 6-10 for a combined 17-31 record. Mike Mularkey went 9-7 in his first season yet followed it up with a 5-11 record.
Just after the 2005 season, Donohoe was fired, January 5, 2006 and it was that day, according to Schopp, "that the Bills stopped competing the way other teams do."
Sorry, Schopp, but a 31-49 record competing as "other teams do" is cause for a change.
Donohoe took the Bills for a ride after Ralph Wilson gave him complete control. After that debacle, is it any wonder that Wilson pulled back and started over by reaching back for someone he could trust? Marv Levy?
In the five years not doing business "as other teams do" post-Donohoe the Bills compiled a, lo and behold, 31-49 record.
Sorry, Schopp. Doesn't work. Try again.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Regier on WGR and what he really meant
Sabres GM Darcy Regier was on WGR yesterday evening filling some time during the dog days of summer.
It's been a pretty slow off-season, with the Sabres making two moves, signing big John Scott and trading center Derek Roy to Dallas for LW Steve Ott and D Adam Pardy, the latter actually being more of a significant move than one would think.
But the "big" thing going on right now for the team is their development camp. The annual gathering of youngins kicked off at HSBC Arena on Monday and will go through Thursday night.
Of significance in that area was the fact that it was moved from Niagara University and the fact that there will be a $10 admission for the blue and gold scrimmage on Thursday night.
Also of note is that the youngins have been getting an early moring wake up call by a group of Navy SEALS, who were putting them through their own workout designed to train these kids "from the neck up."
All of this subject matter could probably take up the whole 20 minute segment on Mike Schopp and the Bulldog. Maybe if Bulldog was in studio instead of on vacation, the focus of the following interview may have remained upon the specifics of what the team was doing at this moment, and not what seemed to be Schoppsie's thoughts and/or personal agenda(s.)
Although they did spend time on the youngins, there was not enough talk on the other subject because the host needed to talk about certain things, most notably his ill-conceived notion that, because free agent Alexander Semin has similar numbers to Sabres LW Thomas Vanek, Semin should garner serious consideration for the Sabres who are in need of scoring.
Another misguided notion is that because Brad Boyes gave a back-hand to Head Coach Lindy Ruff upon his leaving Buffalo, there is dissension in the locker room with Ruff and his methods being the root problem. Schoppsie has been on this kick for years now and seems to want him out the door.
So Regier is on the phone with Schoppsie, having earlier finished watching the youngins at camp, making and/or taking phone calls from other GM's and doing whatever GM's do at this time of year.
While listening to the interview, I couldn't help but think that there was a lot behind what he was saying while answering questions from the host.
So, this is my interpretation of what Regier really meant:
Schopp--"You've got the rookies in, who stands out?"
Regier--"Oh, I think the "rookies" is a fairly diverse group because it takes into account third-year pros and young guys who were drafted this year so it was a pretty good mix."
***What Regier really meant--Come on, Mike, "rookies?" Sh!t. OK. I'll explain. Sigh!
Schopp--"Thank you for expanding on that 'cause I keep calling it rookies. On [Mikhail] Grigorenko or any of the guys in the second group, right now watching them this week, are you thinking about this NHL season with that in mind? Are there things about Grigorenko, say, that you are looking for to better get a feel for, make a call on whether or not you think he'll be on the team?"
Regier--"You get a little further down the road on the reads on these players with this group. I mentioned [Joel] Armia, a year makes a big difference, they're more comfortable, more mature physically, more mature mentally. And so you kind of trend it. It's impossible not to think about your hockey club this fall.
***What Regier really meant--Ummmm...really? Mike? Of course we're seeing how this all fits in. Ugggh. Let me explain. We have players--youngin's--that we have in the organization. It's a process. We follow their progress and project where they'll fit in the organization. Do I want Grigorenko to come in and start the season with the Sabres? What team wouldn't want that from their first round selection? But, should you stock up on Grigorekno rookie cards? I can't say at this point.
Schopp--"Surely the vast majority of fans listening are wondering just where things stand with the off season be it free agents or trades. I might like to ask you about the Roy trade, it certainly was a big deal, but what does the future look like what can you tell us about how much more work you have to do?"
Regier--"Well I'm still speaking to teams about players. That's a process that's been moving slowly and it's very uncertain. I'll continue to do that as weighed against 'What's the price of making a move?' whether it's a player that might be available. There's very few free agents left out there on the marketplace that we're interested in."
***What Regier really said--I wish you'd ask me about Roy. Medialand has been pining for one of "the core" to be moved. Roy was always at the top of the list. How come you didn't ask me about that trade?
Schopp--"Can you tell us Darcy if Shane Doan is one of those players that you've reached out to?"
Regier--"I have reached out to his agent. That much I'm prepared to say. That's gonna play out with respect to the Phoenix situation, with respect to a lot of interest from a lot of other teams and it will come down to ultimately what Doan wants to do for him and his family."
***What Regier really said--Yeah, we're talking to teams. I appreciate you not wasting my time bringing up Bobby Ryan and/or Rick Nash and/or Paul Stastny. Wouldn't be able to say anything. And, yeah, I talked to Doan's agent. There's a lot of teams interested in him and we're probably way down the list and it'll cost a small fortune to bring him in. But, we're trying. Gee, Mike, bring up the Roy trade, will ya?
Schopp--"Well, there's dollars, of course, and we all know in every sport, any year, dollars are the biggest factor for any free agent. How is it going with trying to represent Buffalo as a destination? Do you feel you're on the right side of that, so to speak"
Regier--"I am. We are. It has changed and it's a lot better. I think especially over the last year, the recognition of our new ownership and what Terry [Pegula] is prepared to do with this hockey club and with the community, there's a much greater awareness in the marketplace. But we also see a lot of other factors coming into play.
***What Regier really meant--(Regier perks up) Awesome question, now i get the chance to do some PR work, which I really like...Uh, oh. What's next? That was a bit too easy. Hmmmm.
Schopp--"I know better than to ask you about Rick Nash, but I'd like to use him for a question. He reportedly had a list of teams and Buffalo's not on it. My attitude is, not that I really want him, but when I hear a list of teams that has all the teams around us, and not us, that's when I get--kinda how I was like with women a long time ago--that's when I get interested. Does that put you off at all, like what's wrong with us?"
Regier--(laughs) "I veiw it in the light that they don't know our community well enough. we have to figure out a way to help them get to know our community and not only our community, but our team, our ownership, our management, our coaching, our players. And once they understand that, Buffalo will be on their list."
***What Regier really meant--Yeah. How come we never get the "hottie?" Or are even noticed by her. I just don't understand. We're good guys, we've got all this stuff, and now as a team, we're rich. I just don't understand why they're not interested in us. We're just as good as anyone else. Wait a second. You really don't want Rick Nash as a hockey player?
Schopp--"Darcy, what about Alexander Semin, I've been talking a lot about him today, could you tell us if you have interest in him?"
Regier--"I have not spoken with his agent and at this time we have not shown interest in him."
***What Regier really meant--Hold it. Hold it. Where in the hell did that come from? Semin? Mike, you're not interested in Nash, but you're talking about Semin? Really? I really can't recall anyone "talking a lot about him." Hell, we talked about Ilya Kovalchuk a while back, but never talked "a lot about him."
Schopp--"OK. I'm working off of this idea that there's a bias against him because of him being Russian. It's something we've talked about a lot this off season. Can you speak at all about just how much credibility there is in the idea that there's an issue with Russian players. What's the real truth right now in the league with Russian players and their reputation?"
Regier--"No. I think to the extent that there is an aversion towards Russian players, it's largely based upon, what I often call 'the flight syndrome.' From the fear that they're going to go back to the KHL and if you're going to lose a great asset. We have a history of having great Russian players. I don't think the Alex Semin situation, with respect to us, isn't about him being Russian."
Schopp--"I must ask you, though, what is the reason against pursuing him?"
Regier--(chuckles) "Well. It's other issues. He obviously has tremendous skill and ability. I'm not going to get into it on this call, but there are reasons we're not interested"
***What Regier really meant--Semin? (snicker, snicker) Really? Haven't you been paying attention? Had you asked me about the Roy for [Steve] Ott trade, or if you'd read about it, you'd have your answer. Semin to Buffalo? In a word....uhhhhhhhhh...no. We're not interested, and it seems as if the entire league is not inerested. Why do you want to push it? Are we shunning Semin because he's Russian? Umm...no, we've had pretty good success with Russian-born players. Your idea is being shot down not because of the Russian factor, but because he's not a good fit for the type of team we're building. Is this a question the fans want answered? I don't think so. I think most fans would balk at Semin talk. Why you wanna press the issue? We're not interested in him. We just traded Roy so that the team, as a whole, is tougher to play against. It's not just about stats. Get it through your head, Semin in Buffalo is not a good idea no matter how much you, Mike, may think it is.
Schopp--"How 'bout this, Darcy? Two things I've been talking about that I'd like to get your reaction to. One is, the conversation has been a lot about Lindy Ruff since the off season because of comments made by players or implications made by players. Derek Roy and public criticism, Thomas Vanek says, 'Ahhh, I'm used to it,' Brad Boyes wants coaches who will say hello to him as he arrives at work. Are you concerned at all about Ruff's image?
Regier--"We have an expression around here, when things go wrong, or don't go the way you want them to, you have to blame somebody. And I think there are few people more convenient to blame then head coaches. Most recently I saw an article in the Detroit paper about [a] free agent that didn't come to Detroit. And the writer asked Ken Holland who's the General Manager in Detroit if it was because Mike Babcock was too tough on the guys. Ken acknowledged that he had heard that. And I say that because I think there's a lot more of that now. I think the coaches take the brunt of it. I think it's unfair. And in this case I think it's unfair as well. Lindy is an elite coach and continues to get better. I think the expectations put on the club and individuals, the performance of the team and the individuals unfortunately reflects criticism."
***What Regier really meant--From what I've gathered, it's a subject you keep bringing up. It's your conversation, one you force feed to your listeners. Why do you think Ruff is an institution around here? To bring him down? He's a coach. And a damn good one. He's coach I like. A coach the owner likes. He's here, for now. Geezus, at least Bucky had the balls to come out and say that the team should move on from Ruff. If you think Lindy is the problem and think that he's a determent to team chemistry and ultimately a determent to winning, say so. But to answer your question. Some players are big wussies. They don't look at themselves for failures, they're always looking to blame someone else and the easiest guy to blame is the coach. Hell, even in Detroit that happens. Fact is, in Buffalo two of those type players are no longer on the team. Homie ain't playin' that anymore.
Schopp--"I'm just playing that out one step further. I might agree with you to, but at the same time, at a certain point, if that is the direction of the league I would think that at some point you'd have to face it. And I'm assuming you'd have to agree with that, although you might not agree with every trend in the league, but when they happen you gotta think about them."
Regier--"When things go well, I'll give you an example, when you win, there are way fewer bumps and bruises and way fewer players in the medical room then there are when you lose. If you're winning, players are much less likely to complain, coaches are less likely, general managers are less likely than if you lose. So part of it really does come from a season with high expectations and we came up short."
***What Regier really meant--Look, Mike if you want to call it a trend, fine. Whatever floats your boat. Ultimately it's up to the players. If you've noticed over the past few years, and I'll take the blame for it, everything's hunky dory when we're winning and things are easy. When we're losing, some of our players don't seem to take responsibility and start whining, although I'm surprised it took so long with some of them. It's the type of team I built with the types of players that made up our "core." When the going got tough on the ice, they left. Well, we made sure a couple of those players are no longer on the team. I mean, we traded Derek Roy for Steve Ott, two totally different players. For goddsakes, what do you want, Mike? Oh, that's right. You want Ruff gone, in so many words. By the way, I don't know who put that, "Darcy Regier on players being critical of Ruff and more" title for access to this interview, but that smacks of you and your mission.
Schopp--"The second one of these things that I've been talking a lot about, I think, with due respect, the way that the Sabres have changed, and that the image of the Sabres has changed, I like most fans, almost all fans, I'm sure, am appreciative and impressed. But I think, as I've said many times, there is still yet to be a signature move toward having the Stanley Cup as our sole reason for existence here. I think, in sports, when that's your mantra, at some point you trade futures for a guy in the present that can go win for you. Am I wrong with that? Does that hold water?
Regier--"I think it's part of what you need to consider and work on and I can tell you we are considering it and are working on it. But if I look at the most recent Stanley Cup champions, I think in terms of [Anze] Kopitar and Dustin Brown and to your point [Mike] Richards and [Jeff] Carter on the second line and [Drew] Doughty on defense is a draft [pick]...my point is Kopitar and Brown are draft picks, Doughty's a draft pick, Jonathan Quick's a draft pick. They did add with Carter and Richards, but in large part their go-to guys came to them via the draft. It's still going to be about drafting and developing your players and then adding to them and if it happens to be a signature player that gets you over, great, but it might be a Richards and Carter. I can tell you we're doing the work to do that. To the extent it hasn't happened it isn't due to lack of effort, the efforts will continue."
***What Regier really meant--The NY Yankees, who you are familiar with, have assets that they've drafted and continue to draft. If they cannot get what they need on the open market, they trade assets. But their cupboard is filled with talent. Many of their core is signed long-term so they're bringing in pieces. The Los Angeles Kings spent years near the bottom of the league and built their team through the draft. They acquired enough young talent to able to move a few of them for pieces like Richards and Carter. Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and Jack Johnson are all real good youngin's. But they were traded because the Kings already had a large, homegrown talent pool that they built with. Sekera, Adam and Ellis are not that attractive, ya dig? And the talent pool isn't as deep, save for our defensemen. You also need to look at the Richards/Carter thing as not so much the trade for a superstar(s) but a trade for players that will fill the void. You also need to find a team with a player that will fill the void and is willing to make a deal. Right now we have assets (but not as much as we'd like) and we have needs. We're looking into strengthening the team, but other things must fall into place. Y'all are fixated upon superstars as saviors, a "damsel in distress" syndrome that permeates the entire Buffalo fan base because of the lack of a championship. We're building and piecing things together and we're not gonna mortgage anything for a player that's not markedly more promising than what we already have. So hold on to your horses. Ummm...Do you want to hear about the Roy for Ott trade?
It's been a pretty slow off-season, with the Sabres making two moves, signing big John Scott and trading center Derek Roy to Dallas for LW Steve Ott and D Adam Pardy, the latter actually being more of a significant move than one would think.
But the "big" thing going on right now for the team is their development camp. The annual gathering of youngins kicked off at HSBC Arena on Monday and will go through Thursday night.
Of significance in that area was the fact that it was moved from Niagara University and the fact that there will be a $10 admission for the blue and gold scrimmage on Thursday night.
Also of note is that the youngins have been getting an early moring wake up call by a group of Navy SEALS, who were putting them through their own workout designed to train these kids "from the neck up."
All of this subject matter could probably take up the whole 20 minute segment on Mike Schopp and the Bulldog. Maybe if Bulldog was in studio instead of on vacation, the focus of the following interview may have remained upon the specifics of what the team was doing at this moment, and not what seemed to be Schoppsie's thoughts and/or personal agenda(s.)
Although they did spend time on the youngins, there was not enough talk on the other subject because the host needed to talk about certain things, most notably his ill-conceived notion that, because free agent Alexander Semin has similar numbers to Sabres LW Thomas Vanek, Semin should garner serious consideration for the Sabres who are in need of scoring.
Another misguided notion is that because Brad Boyes gave a back-hand to Head Coach Lindy Ruff upon his leaving Buffalo, there is dissension in the locker room with Ruff and his methods being the root problem. Schoppsie has been on this kick for years now and seems to want him out the door.
So Regier is on the phone with Schoppsie, having earlier finished watching the youngins at camp, making and/or taking phone calls from other GM's and doing whatever GM's do at this time of year.
While listening to the interview, I couldn't help but think that there was a lot behind what he was saying while answering questions from the host.
So, this is my interpretation of what Regier really meant:
Schopp--"You've got the rookies in, who stands out?"
Regier--"Oh, I think the "rookies" is a fairly diverse group because it takes into account third-year pros and young guys who were drafted this year so it was a pretty good mix."
***What Regier really meant--Come on, Mike, "rookies?" Sh!t. OK. I'll explain. Sigh!
Schopp--"Thank you for expanding on that 'cause I keep calling it rookies. On [Mikhail] Grigorenko or any of the guys in the second group, right now watching them this week, are you thinking about this NHL season with that in mind? Are there things about Grigorenko, say, that you are looking for to better get a feel for, make a call on whether or not you think he'll be on the team?"
Regier--"You get a little further down the road on the reads on these players with this group. I mentioned [Joel] Armia, a year makes a big difference, they're more comfortable, more mature physically, more mature mentally. And so you kind of trend it. It's impossible not to think about your hockey club this fall.
***What Regier really meant--Ummmm...really? Mike? Of course we're seeing how this all fits in. Ugggh. Let me explain. We have players--youngin's--that we have in the organization. It's a process. We follow their progress and project where they'll fit in the organization. Do I want Grigorenko to come in and start the season with the Sabres? What team wouldn't want that from their first round selection? But, should you stock up on Grigorekno rookie cards? I can't say at this point.
Schopp--"Surely the vast majority of fans listening are wondering just where things stand with the off season be it free agents or trades. I might like to ask you about the Roy trade, it certainly was a big deal, but what does the future look like what can you tell us about how much more work you have to do?"
Regier--"Well I'm still speaking to teams about players. That's a process that's been moving slowly and it's very uncertain. I'll continue to do that as weighed against 'What's the price of making a move?' whether it's a player that might be available. There's very few free agents left out there on the marketplace that we're interested in."
***What Regier really said--I wish you'd ask me about Roy. Medialand has been pining for one of "the core" to be moved. Roy was always at the top of the list. How come you didn't ask me about that trade?
Schopp--"Can you tell us Darcy if Shane Doan is one of those players that you've reached out to?"
Regier--"I have reached out to his agent. That much I'm prepared to say. That's gonna play out with respect to the Phoenix situation, with respect to a lot of interest from a lot of other teams and it will come down to ultimately what Doan wants to do for him and his family."
***What Regier really said--Yeah, we're talking to teams. I appreciate you not wasting my time bringing up Bobby Ryan and/or Rick Nash and/or Paul Stastny. Wouldn't be able to say anything. And, yeah, I talked to Doan's agent. There's a lot of teams interested in him and we're probably way down the list and it'll cost a small fortune to bring him in. But, we're trying. Gee, Mike, bring up the Roy trade, will ya?
Schopp--"Well, there's dollars, of course, and we all know in every sport, any year, dollars are the biggest factor for any free agent. How is it going with trying to represent Buffalo as a destination? Do you feel you're on the right side of that, so to speak"
Regier--"I am. We are. It has changed and it's a lot better. I think especially over the last year, the recognition of our new ownership and what Terry [Pegula] is prepared to do with this hockey club and with the community, there's a much greater awareness in the marketplace. But we also see a lot of other factors coming into play.
***What Regier really meant--(Regier perks up) Awesome question, now i get the chance to do some PR work, which I really like...Uh, oh. What's next? That was a bit too easy. Hmmmm.
Schopp--"I know better than to ask you about Rick Nash, but I'd like to use him for a question. He reportedly had a list of teams and Buffalo's not on it. My attitude is, not that I really want him, but when I hear a list of teams that has all the teams around us, and not us, that's when I get--kinda how I was like with women a long time ago--that's when I get interested. Does that put you off at all, like what's wrong with us?"
Regier--(laughs) "I veiw it in the light that they don't know our community well enough. we have to figure out a way to help them get to know our community and not only our community, but our team, our ownership, our management, our coaching, our players. And once they understand that, Buffalo will be on their list."
***What Regier really meant--Yeah. How come we never get the "hottie?" Or are even noticed by her. I just don't understand. We're good guys, we've got all this stuff, and now as a team, we're rich. I just don't understand why they're not interested in us. We're just as good as anyone else. Wait a second. You really don't want Rick Nash as a hockey player?
Schopp--"Darcy, what about Alexander Semin, I've been talking a lot about him today, could you tell us if you have interest in him?"
Regier--"I have not spoken with his agent and at this time we have not shown interest in him."
***What Regier really meant--Hold it. Hold it. Where in the hell did that come from? Semin? Mike, you're not interested in Nash, but you're talking about Semin? Really? I really can't recall anyone "talking a lot about him." Hell, we talked about Ilya Kovalchuk a while back, but never talked "a lot about him."
Schopp--"OK. I'm working off of this idea that there's a bias against him because of him being Russian. It's something we've talked about a lot this off season. Can you speak at all about just how much credibility there is in the idea that there's an issue with Russian players. What's the real truth right now in the league with Russian players and their reputation?"
Regier--"No. I think to the extent that there is an aversion towards Russian players, it's largely based upon, what I often call 'the flight syndrome.' From the fear that they're going to go back to the KHL and if you're going to lose a great asset. We have a history of having great Russian players. I don't think the Alex Semin situation, with respect to us, isn't about him being Russian."
Schopp--"I must ask you, though, what is the reason against pursuing him?"
Regier--(chuckles) "Well. It's other issues. He obviously has tremendous skill and ability. I'm not going to get into it on this call, but there are reasons we're not interested"
***What Regier really meant--Semin? (snicker, snicker) Really? Haven't you been paying attention? Had you asked me about the Roy for [Steve] Ott trade, or if you'd read about it, you'd have your answer. Semin to Buffalo? In a word....uhhhhhhhhh...no. We're not interested, and it seems as if the entire league is not inerested. Why do you want to push it? Are we shunning Semin because he's Russian? Umm...no, we've had pretty good success with Russian-born players. Your idea is being shot down not because of the Russian factor, but because he's not a good fit for the type of team we're building. Is this a question the fans want answered? I don't think so. I think most fans would balk at Semin talk. Why you wanna press the issue? We're not interested in him. We just traded Roy so that the team, as a whole, is tougher to play against. It's not just about stats. Get it through your head, Semin in Buffalo is not a good idea no matter how much you, Mike, may think it is.
Schopp--"How 'bout this, Darcy? Two things I've been talking about that I'd like to get your reaction to. One is, the conversation has been a lot about Lindy Ruff since the off season because of comments made by players or implications made by players. Derek Roy and public criticism, Thomas Vanek says, 'Ahhh, I'm used to it,' Brad Boyes wants coaches who will say hello to him as he arrives at work. Are you concerned at all about Ruff's image?
Regier--"We have an expression around here, when things go wrong, or don't go the way you want them to, you have to blame somebody. And I think there are few people more convenient to blame then head coaches. Most recently I saw an article in the Detroit paper about [a] free agent that didn't come to Detroit. And the writer asked Ken Holland who's the General Manager in Detroit if it was because Mike Babcock was too tough on the guys. Ken acknowledged that he had heard that. And I say that because I think there's a lot more of that now. I think the coaches take the brunt of it. I think it's unfair. And in this case I think it's unfair as well. Lindy is an elite coach and continues to get better. I think the expectations put on the club and individuals, the performance of the team and the individuals unfortunately reflects criticism."
***What Regier really meant--From what I've gathered, it's a subject you keep bringing up. It's your conversation, one you force feed to your listeners. Why do you think Ruff is an institution around here? To bring him down? He's a coach. And a damn good one. He's coach I like. A coach the owner likes. He's here, for now. Geezus, at least Bucky had the balls to come out and say that the team should move on from Ruff. If you think Lindy is the problem and think that he's a determent to team chemistry and ultimately a determent to winning, say so. But to answer your question. Some players are big wussies. They don't look at themselves for failures, they're always looking to blame someone else and the easiest guy to blame is the coach. Hell, even in Detroit that happens. Fact is, in Buffalo two of those type players are no longer on the team. Homie ain't playin' that anymore.
Schopp--"I'm just playing that out one step further. I might agree with you to, but at the same time, at a certain point, if that is the direction of the league I would think that at some point you'd have to face it. And I'm assuming you'd have to agree with that, although you might not agree with every trend in the league, but when they happen you gotta think about them."
Regier--"When things go well, I'll give you an example, when you win, there are way fewer bumps and bruises and way fewer players in the medical room then there are when you lose. If you're winning, players are much less likely to complain, coaches are less likely, general managers are less likely than if you lose. So part of it really does come from a season with high expectations and we came up short."
***What Regier really meant--Look, Mike if you want to call it a trend, fine. Whatever floats your boat. Ultimately it's up to the players. If you've noticed over the past few years, and I'll take the blame for it, everything's hunky dory when we're winning and things are easy. When we're losing, some of our players don't seem to take responsibility and start whining, although I'm surprised it took so long with some of them. It's the type of team I built with the types of players that made up our "core." When the going got tough on the ice, they left. Well, we made sure a couple of those players are no longer on the team. I mean, we traded Derek Roy for Steve Ott, two totally different players. For goddsakes, what do you want, Mike? Oh, that's right. You want Ruff gone, in so many words. By the way, I don't know who put that, "Darcy Regier on players being critical of Ruff and more" title for access to this interview, but that smacks of you and your mission.
Schopp--"The second one of these things that I've been talking a lot about, I think, with due respect, the way that the Sabres have changed, and that the image of the Sabres has changed, I like most fans, almost all fans, I'm sure, am appreciative and impressed. But I think, as I've said many times, there is still yet to be a signature move toward having the Stanley Cup as our sole reason for existence here. I think, in sports, when that's your mantra, at some point you trade futures for a guy in the present that can go win for you. Am I wrong with that? Does that hold water?
Regier--"I think it's part of what you need to consider and work on and I can tell you we are considering it and are working on it. But if I look at the most recent Stanley Cup champions, I think in terms of [Anze] Kopitar and Dustin Brown and to your point [Mike] Richards and [Jeff] Carter on the second line and [Drew] Doughty on defense is a draft [pick]...my point is Kopitar and Brown are draft picks, Doughty's a draft pick, Jonathan Quick's a draft pick. They did add with Carter and Richards, but in large part their go-to guys came to them via the draft. It's still going to be about drafting and developing your players and then adding to them and if it happens to be a signature player that gets you over, great, but it might be a Richards and Carter. I can tell you we're doing the work to do that. To the extent it hasn't happened it isn't due to lack of effort, the efforts will continue."
***What Regier really meant--The NY Yankees, who you are familiar with, have assets that they've drafted and continue to draft. If they cannot get what they need on the open market, they trade assets. But their cupboard is filled with talent. Many of their core is signed long-term so they're bringing in pieces. The Los Angeles Kings spent years near the bottom of the league and built their team through the draft. They acquired enough young talent to able to move a few of them for pieces like Richards and Carter. Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and Jack Johnson are all real good youngin's. But they were traded because the Kings already had a large, homegrown talent pool that they built with. Sekera, Adam and Ellis are not that attractive, ya dig? And the talent pool isn't as deep, save for our defensemen. You also need to look at the Richards/Carter thing as not so much the trade for a superstar(s) but a trade for players that will fill the void. You also need to find a team with a player that will fill the void and is willing to make a deal. Right now we have assets (but not as much as we'd like) and we have needs. We're looking into strengthening the team, but other things must fall into place. Y'all are fixated upon superstars as saviors, a "damsel in distress" syndrome that permeates the entire Buffalo fan base because of the lack of a championship. We're building and piecing things together and we're not gonna mortgage anything for a player that's not markedly more promising than what we already have. So hold on to your horses. Ummm...Do you want to hear about the Roy for Ott trade?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Ryan Miller Steals One In Montreal
This is not to discount what Jhonas Enroth did in the previous game by holding the fort in a 3-2 win at Pittsburgh either.
The Buffalo News' John Vogl didn't mince any words when he said that the Sabres got off to a "putrid start" versus the Habs, and Thomas Vanek put it plainly afterwards, "Millsie stole us this one, there's no other way of putting it."
The Sabres are now 4-1 on the season, ranked 8th in goals against average for the season at 2.00. And it's a tribute to their goaltending tandem.
Enroth has been playing so well in the back-up role that the calls for him to be the #1 goalie have started already, especially in light of the home loss that Buffalo suffered vs. Carolina. The stat-sheet said that Miller was average in that game, yet no one mentions how he kept the team in the game foiling a Eric Staal short-handed breakaway and a 4-on-1 deep into the third period a mere minute and thirty seconds apart.
It's all fodder for blogs and water cooler conversation. Miller is one of the best in the game who will have clunkers throughout the long NHL season. Enroth instills a sense of confidence as the team's back-up the likes of which we haven't seen since Marty Biron was in Buffalo over four years ago. Miller/Enroth could end up being the best goaltending tandem in the league this season. And after years of inadequacy (that's being very kind) from the Sabres back-ups, it's a real good feeling.
Perhaps Paul Hamilton put it best when he was on WGR's Howard Simon Show two days ago (click here, 15:50-mark,) "Why can't people just enjoy having two good goaltenders on your team and use them correctly to help you have a really good season?"
Maybe people really don't know how to enjoy themselves? Maybe they can't enjoy the fact that this is a really good hockey team that has a really good chance of not only making the playoffs, but have the goaltending, defense and overall depth to make a deep run this season.
'Nuff said.
***
One more point.
Last December, Hamilton was on WGR's Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.
The discussion was, in essence, the worth of Paul Gaustad outside his faceoff prowess. The Sabres were struggling to get to .500 hockey at the time and Gaustad's salary/production lead to the topic of faceoffs and the value of winning them.
Schopp said, "I just think it's really, dramatically overstated how important they are, very few goals are scored from the draw, that's a fact...there are a handful of goals a season that come from the faceoff."
Ironically, the next game vs. the San Jose' Sharks, two Sabres goals were a direct result of a faceoff win, Gaustad being credited with one of them. (here's a link to a full blog on this "conversation.")
Last night, with the Sabres playing "putrid" for the better part of two periods, the Sabres were looking to escape the malaise with a 1-1 tie heading into the third period thanx to Miller and a goal by Jordan Leopold. The Candians were called for icing with six seconds left and this is what happened (pay attention, it happens really fast):
'Nuff said.
***
Last thing, I promise, Vogl also did an article on Jason Pomiville and how he's working on faceoffs. Said Gaustad, ""We want to be a puck-possession team, and it starts with faceoffs."
Here's the link to the full article: http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/article599244.ece
 |
| Ryan Miller snares one out of the air in his 40-save performance versus the Habs last night. |
The Sabres are now 4-1 on the season, ranked 8th in goals against average for the season at 2.00. And it's a tribute to their goaltending tandem.
Enroth has been playing so well in the back-up role that the calls for him to be the #1 goalie have started already, especially in light of the home loss that Buffalo suffered vs. Carolina. The stat-sheet said that Miller was average in that game, yet no one mentions how he kept the team in the game foiling a Eric Staal short-handed breakaway and a 4-on-1 deep into the third period a mere minute and thirty seconds apart.
It's all fodder for blogs and water cooler conversation. Miller is one of the best in the game who will have clunkers throughout the long NHL season. Enroth instills a sense of confidence as the team's back-up the likes of which we haven't seen since Marty Biron was in Buffalo over four years ago. Miller/Enroth could end up being the best goaltending tandem in the league this season. And after years of inadequacy (that's being very kind) from the Sabres back-ups, it's a real good feeling.
Perhaps Paul Hamilton put it best when he was on WGR's Howard Simon Show two days ago (click here, 15:50-mark,) "Why can't people just enjoy having two good goaltenders on your team and use them correctly to help you have a really good season?"
Maybe people really don't know how to enjoy themselves? Maybe they can't enjoy the fact that this is a really good hockey team that has a really good chance of not only making the playoffs, but have the goaltending, defense and overall depth to make a deep run this season.
'Nuff said.
***
One more point.
Last December, Hamilton was on WGR's Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.
The discussion was, in essence, the worth of Paul Gaustad outside his faceoff prowess. The Sabres were struggling to get to .500 hockey at the time and Gaustad's salary/production lead to the topic of faceoffs and the value of winning them.
Schopp said, "I just think it's really, dramatically overstated how important they are, very few goals are scored from the draw, that's a fact...there are a handful of goals a season that come from the faceoff."
Ironically, the next game vs. the San Jose' Sharks, two Sabres goals were a direct result of a faceoff win, Gaustad being credited with one of them. (here's a link to a full blog on this "conversation.")
Last night, with the Sabres playing "putrid" for the better part of two periods, the Sabres were looking to escape the malaise with a 1-1 tie heading into the third period thanx to Miller and a goal by Jordan Leopold. The Candians were called for icing with six seconds left and this is what happened (pay attention, it happens really fast):
'Nuff said.
***
Last thing, I promise, Vogl also did an article on Jason Pomiville and how he's working on faceoffs. Said Gaustad, ""We want to be a puck-possession team, and it starts with faceoffs."
Here's the link to the full article: http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/article599244.ece
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Why Ryan Miller Is Disliked By Some Sabres Fans
Nothing earth-shattering, but in a classic, "what have you done for me lately/the grass is greener"-scenario, the play of Sabres back-up, Jhonas Enroth, has given fuel to the ever-present, "Ryan Miller is average and not worth his salary" contingency.
Sabres fans and the media tend to get a little overzealous, at times, and there's talk of Enroth supplanting Miller. WGR's, Mike Schopp, tried to get Sabres beat-reporter Paul Hamilton to commit to the concept, but Hamilton shot him down (the same thing happened when Schopp wanted Lindy Ruff to be held accountable [read: fired] earlier in the year) without giving the matter a second thought.
The internet's where the fun is as fans chime in on everything. The Enroth/Miller "debate" is interesting, if not amusing at this point, at least in my opinion.
Sports fans usually have a short memory. Before the Toronto game, Miller had two shutouts--both 1-0--at Montreal and vs. New Jersey. Sandwiched in between was a 4-2 victory against Florida. But it was the loss to Toronto that pulled out the pitch-forks and torches.
Meh, whatever. So we delve into the morass with a composite of posts concerning Ryan Miller taken from a hockey-rumor site Wednesday, March 31:
Again.....Miller is so way overrated by many on here Indy......... You know Pairo...For 6.3 million I expect Hasek like performances every night and Vezina trophies every year...
i have hasek/Roy expectations for a goalie making over 6 mil a year.. i don't expect him to save them all (i am realistic) but for what he is supposed to be valued as i don't feel he fills his end of the bargain... All that being said at this point if i had to chose i would probably pick him over Ewok (Enroth).. for now
And I would too but I only base that on Ewok's limited body of work. God forbid Miller DID get hurt for the better part of a full season and Ewok put up a 2.5 GAA and a .910 save percentage while he played, If I'm GM I seriously consider making the change permanent and taking what I can in trade for Miller.
I actually have that mindset now. If Darcy could get a couple top 6 forwards and a pick/prospect (obviously it would depend on which top 6's are coming back) I think long and hard on that deal...
my reason for keeping miller at this point is also based upon the body of work only.. However if you can move miller for a top 6 forward or top 2 D i would do it... go get another back up goalie or young up and comer at a low cost (maybe JSG or Lindback) split the time in goal. As you said solid D and timely scoring seems to mean more..
(out come the stats):
Year GP W L GAA SV%
2002-03 15 6 8 2.63 .902
2003-04 3 0 3 5.06 .795
2005-06 48 30 14 2.60 .914
2006-07 63 40 16 2.73 .911
2007-08 76 36 27 2.64 .906
2008-09 59 34 18 2.53 .918
2009-10 47 29 12 2.10 .932
2010-11 32 21 8 2.62 .914
Which one is least like the rest? when will people start to understand last year was the OFF year.. the Stats do not LIE..
aside from the start of last season til the all star break, every year for miller is an off year
i do not understand how so many people are blind to the truth.. him looking good before was smoke and mirrors because they were scoring at will and winning when they had briere and drury.. then last year he stood on his head and now he is back to what he was before but our offense is not.. He has always been a slightly above average goalie that some how is the face of the american hockey.
I don't know how easy it would be to get rid of him, so i think we will have to get used to seeing him back there
Conspiracy Theory Alert!
Ryan Miller faked the injury against the Rangers because he is afraid of making this year his worst loss percentage of his career.
http://sports.yahoo.com/n...K_D8vtqAvHNomVFI3UHVivLYF
A loss last night would have put him on par with his record during the 2007-08 season - the worst of is career and the year the Sabres finished 10th in the conference.
He opted to play against TO to play for the "easy" win. He played poorly, realized he wouldn't be able to play his best against the Rangers, and instead of taking a likely loss, let Enroth play to not make this the worst season of his career.
My take on Ryan Miller:
http://buffalosabresnow.blogspot.com/2011/01/trade-ryan-miller.html
http://buffalosabresnow.blogspot.com/2011/02/despite-trend-ryan-miller-stays.html
Big thanx to my buzzard friends, though...Solid!!!
 |
| Ryan Miller |
This is nothing new, it's been going on all year. The Miller-hate/dislike always peaks after a Sabres loss. This time it grew after Enroth shut out the NY Rangers 1-0 Wednesday night while Miller was out with an injury (or if you go to the end, a "fake injury").
 |
| Jhonas Enroth |
All the talk is about Enroth, and it should be, because of him the Sabres are presently in a playoff position and could end up as high as 6th in the conference. He's been playing very well.
Sabres fans and the media tend to get a little overzealous, at times, and there's talk of Enroth supplanting Miller. WGR's, Mike Schopp, tried to get Sabres beat-reporter Paul Hamilton to commit to the concept, but Hamilton shot him down (the same thing happened when Schopp wanted Lindy Ruff to be held accountable [read: fired] earlier in the year) without giving the matter a second thought.
The internet's where the fun is as fans chime in on everything. The Enroth/Miller "debate" is interesting, if not amusing at this point, at least in my opinion.
Sports fans usually have a short memory. Before the Toronto game, Miller had two shutouts--both 1-0--at Montreal and vs. New Jersey. Sandwiched in between was a 4-2 victory against Florida. But it was the loss to Toronto that pulled out the pitch-forks and torches.
Meh, whatever. So we delve into the morass with a composite of posts concerning Ryan Miller taken from a hockey-rumor site Wednesday, March 31:
Again.....Miller is so way overrated by many on here Indy......... You know Pairo...For 6.3 million I expect Hasek like performances every night and Vezina trophies every year...
i have hasek/Roy expectations for a goalie making over 6 mil a year.. i don't expect him to save them all (i am realistic) but for what he is supposed to be valued as i don't feel he fills his end of the bargain... All that being said at this point if i had to chose i would probably pick him over Ewok (Enroth).. for now
And I would too but I only base that on Ewok's limited body of work. God forbid Miller DID get hurt for the better part of a full season and Ewok put up a 2.5 GAA and a .910 save percentage while he played, If I'm GM I seriously consider making the change permanent and taking what I can in trade for Miller.
I actually have that mindset now. If Darcy could get a couple top 6 forwards and a pick/prospect (obviously it would depend on which top 6's are coming back) I think long and hard on that deal...
my reason for keeping miller at this point is also based upon the body of work only.. However if you can move miller for a top 6 forward or top 2 D i would do it... go get another back up goalie or young up and comer at a low cost (maybe JSG or Lindback) split the time in goal. As you said solid D and timely scoring seems to mean more..
(out come the stats):
Year GP W L GAA SV%
2002-03 15 6 8 2.63 .902
2003-04 3 0 3 5.06 .795
2005-06 48 30 14 2.60 .914
2006-07 63 40 16 2.73 .911
2007-08 76 36 27 2.64 .906
2008-09 59 34 18 2.53 .918
2009-10 47 29 12 2.10 .932
2010-11 32 21 8 2.62 .914
Which one is least like the rest? when will people start to understand last year was the OFF year.. the Stats do not LIE..
aside from the start of last season til the all star break, every year for miller is an off year
i do not understand how so many people are blind to the truth.. him looking good before was smoke and mirrors because they were scoring at will and winning when they had briere and drury.. then last year he stood on his head and now he is back to what he was before but our offense is not.. He has always been a slightly above average goalie that some how is the face of the american hockey.
I don't know how easy it would be to get rid of him, so i think we will have to get used to seeing him back there
Conspiracy Theory Alert!
Ryan Miller faked the injury against the Rangers because he is afraid of making this year his worst loss percentage of his career.
http://sports.yahoo.com/n...K_D8vtqAvHNomVFI3UHVivLYF
A loss last night would have put him on par with his record during the 2007-08 season - the worst of is career and the year the Sabres finished 10th in the conference.
He opted to play against TO to play for the "easy" win. He played poorly, realized he wouldn't be able to play his best against the Rangers, and instead of taking a likely loss, let Enroth play to not make this the worst season of his career.
My take on Ryan Miller:
http://buffalosabresnow.blogspot.com/2011/01/trade-ryan-miller.html
http://buffalosabresnow.blogspot.com/2011/02/despite-trend-ryan-miller-stays.html
Big thanx to my buzzard friends, though...Solid!!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
zack kassian, the sabres' chris neil
or maybe the sabres' daniel carcillo or sean avery...yesterday on wgr, host mike schoopsie was just gaga over kassian--an unadulterated, johnson-throbbing man-crush...
i say whoa...the kids got issues, whether or not they can be resolved is a different story...
lets start with this cheapshot that warranted a 20-game suspension from the ohl last january:
youthful over-zealousness?...yeah, absolutely...could he refine his game while still retaining the edge?...on the ice he could, as he helped harness his aggressiveness while the spits won the memorial cup, but the mental midget came out last may as he was arrested and charged with assaulting a man in a peterborough, ontario bar at 1:50am...
ok, sure, most of us have been in that situation, and because we're not "celebrities," not much happened except for the scrapes, bumps and bruises incurred on both sides...but for kassian, it furthered his reputation as hot-headed and easily provoked into aggression...in addition, it also meant customs troubles at the border, “If an individual has an assault charge on their record, they’d be found inadmissible into the United States,” said Chief Ron Smith of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “There are ways to mitigate that, primarily through the Department of State which issues visas.“But under normal circumstances, initially, the individual would be inadmissible in the United States for the assault charge.”
that's why the sabres couldn't/wouldn't sign him to his first pro contract...they were forced to wait until the issue was resolved with kassian doing community service as a prelude to the charge being dropped, which it was in october...shortly afteward, he was signed by the sabres...
all of this meant that kassian would need to spend another year in juniors, and he's been doing well, especially on the offensive side of the game...he still remains one tough s.o.b. for the spits, but he hadn't done anything too stupid...until...this at the world juniors playing for team canada in front of a raucous canadian crowd at hsbc arena in buffalo, the team who drafted him:
he lines the unsuspecting czech up and unloads on him catching a shoulder and a chin and whiplashing the guy into a neck brace...was it clean?...borderline...but for a guy with his reputation (see above,) is it any wonder why the iihf added an extra game?...
before anyone blurts out, "it's hockey! ya pantywaist," try and recall what you were thinking when chris neil nailed chris drury in the very same fashion:
pretty similar, eh?
Friday, December 10, 2010
the inanity of mike schopp concerning faceoffs
a day after the sabres lost to the bruins in boston, in overtime, paul hamilton made his usual appearance on wgr's mike schoppsie and the bulldog...the subject was faceoffs and their importance in games with the underlying theme of paul gaustad, his lack of production and his value being inflated and overstated because of his ability to win draws...
schoppsie, who was on his heels defending his inanity, came up with this: "one thing i will not do...is ask hockey coaches to tell you"...ummm, you mean the guys who are ice-level and responsible for wins and losses on a team?...the guys who's career depends upon knowing the intricacies of the game?
yes, schoppsie, "lets actually watch games and count just how many times goals are scored from faceoffs."
hubris
(schoppsie on faceoffs) "it's dramatically overstated...there are a handful of goals a season that come from the faceoff...i hear constant references to statistics and there's this sense that it's all important, well, show me, let's see how many goals are actually scored from draws"...
 |
| goose provides an "in your face" moment for schoppsie |
goose honks at schoppsie
ironic that the gaustad won a draw in the sharks zone last night, cody mccormick snagged the puck and sent a shot that pinballed off of gaustad's skate and the face-shield of san jose's dan boyld before floating over the shoulder of sharks goalie antti niemi for the first goal of the game which was credited to gaustad...
sabres take a 2-0 lead
the second sabres goal was a series of events that was caused by the sabres winning a faceoff in the sharks zone:
derek roy wins the draw from jamal mayers which goes directly to thomas vanek who sends a slapshot far-side forcing niemi to kick the rebound to an open wing...in a matter of one second, the sharks are on their heels...defensman chris butler pinches from the point and sends the puck to nathan gerbe in the slot who fires it wide...roy corrales the puck behind the net and sends it to a wide open vanek in the slot...vanek rifles a slapshot five-hole past niemi...that sequence took seven seconds...
diggin himself deeper
if sharks coach todd mclellan didn't realize the importance of winning faceoffs in his own zone before this game (having blown the gaustad goal off as a fluke,) i'm pretty sure he understood the importance afterwards, "I had the wrong guys out for a faceoff in our zone," the coach said, "and it ended up costing us."
big hands?
i count two in this game alone...hope you got some big hands
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