Posted by: Ironsides
Last season's Sabres started 9-3-3 and had us all believing that they were a changed team that was committed to playing better defensively; they then proceeded to lose five straight games, all in regulation, got zero of 10 points, and plummeted to 9-8-3. That skid was a major reason why the Sabres missed the playoffs by a couple points.
This year, the Sabres are 10-4-1, good for 21 points (identical to last season). I think we're all too smart to buy into them just yet, though, as the 15-game mark is exactly when the collapse began in 2008-09.
With that in mind, I did some research of last year's team through 15 games to this season's. Here is what I found...
2008
Goals for: 47 (3.1 GPG)
Goals against: 36 (2.4 GAPG)
Shots for: 447 (29.8 SPG)
Shots against: 448 (29.9 SAPG)
Power play: 19 for 77 (25 percent)
Penalty kill: 56 for 63 (89 percent)
Key forwards' performance: Vanek - 15 GP, 12 goals, three assists; Connolly - Five GP, two goals, four assists; Roy - 15 GP, two goals, six assists; Pominville - 15 GP, five goals, six assists; Stafford - 13 GP, two goals, one assist.
2009
Goals for: 43 (2.9 GPG)
Goals against: 34 (2.3 GPG)
Shots for: 505 (34 SPG)
Shots against: 450 (30 SAPG)
Power play: 13 for 74 (17.6 percent)
Penalty kill: 43 for 54 (79.6 percent)
Key forwards' performance: Vanek - 13 GP, five goals, three assists; Connolly - 15 GP, four goals, 11 assists; Roy - 15 GP, three goals, nine assists; Pominville - 15 GP, four goals, seven assists; Stafford - 15 GP, five goals, three assists.
Pretty similar stats. The optimistic person would say this year's team has gotten off to a better start without Vanek tearing it up, though the counterpoint to that is the fact that Connolly, unlike last season, hasn't missed a game yet; also, it's clear the team is still giving up too many shots and has declined drastically on special teams. Again, the optimist would say they're 10-4-1 despite Vanek's disappearance and poor special teams.
I'm looking at tomorrow's game versus Calgary almost like the beginning of a new season. This is where last year's team's fade began, and the stats from the two seasons are fairly similar; let's see what this group of guys is made of as we approach the final 67 games.
Continue the discussion here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - This Is Where Last Year's Sabres collapsed...
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Jacques Lemaire comments and TBS.com members feedback...
New Jersey HC Jacques Lemaire:
Ironsides:
Ready? Against Jacques Lemaire, one of the most effective coaches in the NHL? But ... I thought Lindy Ruff was a terrible coach? Funny that these types of comments have trickled out after nearly every single Sabres win this season from the opposition. Hugely successful coaches like Babcock, Lemaire et al clearly respect their peer Ruff, which they obviously should.
BuffaloSportsFanInFlorida:
I might have to "rethink" my whole attitude towards Ruff still being the coach after 12 years. He's certainly got them motivated so far this year...time will tell, though. The real litmus test will be where the Sabs are come April.
Not Paying $60:
That is what I was referring to in a round about way. Having four lines that play the whole game. The results have been better without having some players switch lines and take up the slack during the game, because one certain player only was playing a few shifts a game.
Resident Tough Guy:
Wrong. The key to success is Mike Grier and how well the checking line has played, not the loss of Peters. Also, not having Mair play has helped...dumb penalties are a killer.
Thumper:
Grier is a huge part of all of this. One of the biggest for sure. But there's so many other factors.
Myers. Miller. 4 centermen. Ruff's new puck possession philosophy that he picked up from Babs. Youthful energy in Kennedy and Myers. The blossoming of Butler. Accountability from Grier and Montador; and like step and Slider pointed out, players like Hecht and Gaustad are playing with in their talents and are being asked to do what they're good at. Why this year and not last? The makeup of the team has changed. They don't have to be asked to play over and beyond what they're capable of. Regier's fixed his roster.
There's more chemistry developing on this team right now than there's been since '05-'06.
MauvaisSang:
Great posts in this thread. For them to be a contender, I still think they need to strengthen the wing on the scoring lines, and Derek Roy needs to wake the fuck up and play like a first line center.
buffalofan19:
Honestly, though, this is the third or 4th coach that has said after a game something along the lines of "they were just better than we were". This team is incredibly focused and down to business. The question is, can they maintain it throughout 82 games?
geokit:
He is tied for the lead in points with 7 and is a plus 3.
I think he has finally woken up and is taking care of his own end first. He has bought into the system and now everyone wants his head on a platter.
I don't care if they are secondary assists or not, they all count and it just means that he is getting the puck to the right person before it goes to the goal scorer.
The goals will come. He is on the top line, getting the most attention from other teams, which is allowing the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lines to generate the scoring opportunities against weaker lines.
Thumper:
He's piled up the assists, which is nice. But he's still got a bit of a Max-syndrome going on in the offensive zone. I'd like to see him stop trying to skate through multiple defenders, and I'd like to see him get the puck deep more often.
To continue the discussion - click the link below:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - Jacques Lemaire
"We faced a team that was ready," said head coach Jacques Lemaire. "You can tell why they're on top and have such a great record. They have four good lines and they all play the same way. They're a puck-control team; they can make great plays; they skate; and they're on the puck. There's no doubt we faced a better team tonight."
Ironsides:
Ready? Against Jacques Lemaire, one of the most effective coaches in the NHL? But ... I thought Lindy Ruff was a terrible coach? Funny that these types of comments have trickled out after nearly every single Sabres win this season from the opposition. Hugely successful coaches like Babcock, Lemaire et al clearly respect their peer Ruff, which they obviously should.
BuffaloSportsFanInFlorida:
I might have to "rethink" my whole attitude towards Ruff still being the coach after 12 years. He's certainly got them motivated so far this year...time will tell, though. The real litmus test will be where the Sabs are come April.
Not Paying $60:
That is what I was referring to in a round about way. Having four lines that play the whole game. The results have been better without having some players switch lines and take up the slack during the game, because one certain player only was playing a few shifts a game.
Resident Tough Guy:
Wrong. The key to success is Mike Grier and how well the checking line has played, not the loss of Peters. Also, not having Mair play has helped...dumb penalties are a killer.
Thumper:
Grier is a huge part of all of this. One of the biggest for sure. But there's so many other factors.
Myers. Miller. 4 centermen. Ruff's new puck possession philosophy that he picked up from Babs. Youthful energy in Kennedy and Myers. The blossoming of Butler. Accountability from Grier and Montador; and like step and Slider pointed out, players like Hecht and Gaustad are playing with in their talents and are being asked to do what they're good at. Why this year and not last? The makeup of the team has changed. They don't have to be asked to play over and beyond what they're capable of. Regier's fixed his roster.
There's more chemistry developing on this team right now than there's been since '05-'06.
MauvaisSang:
Great posts in this thread. For them to be a contender, I still think they need to strengthen the wing on the scoring lines, and Derek Roy needs to wake the fuck up and play like a first line center.
buffalofan19:
Honestly, though, this is the third or 4th coach that has said after a game something along the lines of "they were just better than we were". This team is incredibly focused and down to business. The question is, can they maintain it throughout 82 games?
geokit:
He is tied for the lead in points with 7 and is a plus 3.
I think he has finally woken up and is taking care of his own end first. He has bought into the system and now everyone wants his head on a platter.
I don't care if they are secondary assists or not, they all count and it just means that he is getting the puck to the right person before it goes to the goal scorer.
The goals will come. He is on the top line, getting the most attention from other teams, which is allowing the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lines to generate the scoring opportunities against weaker lines.
Thumper:
He's piled up the assists, which is nice. But he's still got a bit of a Max-syndrome going on in the offensive zone. I'd like to see him stop trying to skate through multiple defenders, and I'd like to see him get the puck deep more often.
To continue the discussion - click the link below:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - Jacques Lemaire
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sabres log jammed at forward...
Posted by: Thumper
For all intensive purposes, the top 9 forwards are set (considering Stafford will eventually sign....Although that front is strangely silent)....It's got me thinking of this roster minus Stafford.
Regier brought in Cody McCormick, a player that I personally would like to be a lock for the 4th line. If he can dress for 55 games or so, I really like the toughness he adds. He's listed as a center, however, he only won 35.5% of his faceoffs last season. He probably needs to play on the wing for that reason. That means Mair or Ellis is your 4th line center. Most likely Adam Mair. Fully healthy, he should physically be able to have a better season than last year. If he can't, it's really time for the Sabres to move on, and early in the season.
Are Mair and Kaleta the only 4th line locks? Will Ruff alternate between McCormick and Ellis throughout the season? What about Kennedy and Gerbe then? Do either one of them really have of a chance to make this team? With Regier bringing back Ellis and signing McCormick, it really log jammed the 4th line, and perhaps, strangely stunts the growth of Gerbe and Kennedy.
I was toying around with the idea of Kaleta skating with Vanek and Connolly on the first line. It'd be great if Ruff could just try it in preseason for a game or two. This Stafford situation is curious to say the least. The Sabres could potentially be light on the right wing. So yes, I'm actually serious. Think about it. He's got the legs to skate with them. He's defensively very sound. He backchecks. He makes opponents forget what they're doing while he's on the ice because they need to focus on him. Instead of players on the opposition plotting to run Connolly, they'd be more worried about getting run by Kaleta. Think of the space he creates on the forecheck. He creates time, forcing players to look over their shoulder. Letting him play his crash and bang style, as if he's on the 4th line, with the offensive talent and vision of Connolly and Vanek, it could be a lethal combination. He also brings a bit of protection to our star players, actully being on the ice while they are. Kaleta wins battles behind the net. All he's got to do is crash and bang, and dig pucks out down low, and let Connolly and Vanek do the rest.
Pominville might have the offensive talent to play on the first line, but his style and size doesn't compliment Connolly and Vanek really at all. He's a perimeter shooter, and he's pretty weak on the puck. Paille and MacArthur don't consistantly bring it every night, and both play left wing.
With this Stafford cloud just hanging there, it's forcing me to think of other alternatives.
The other option would be to play Paille up there. Although the fire in his belly is what worries me. But if he were to go out and crash and bang like he used to in Juniors, he's got way more offensive talent than Kaleta. Perhaps that makes more sense. But he needs to grow up a bit, and he's not nearly physical enough game in, game out. That's why the Kaleta idea intrigues me. At least enough to give it a try before the season starts.
Have at it.
Join in on the discussion!
TalkBuffaloSports.com - "Sabres log jammed at forward..."
For all intensive purposes, the top 9 forwards are set (considering Stafford will eventually sign....Although that front is strangely silent)....It's got me thinking of this roster minus Stafford.
Regier brought in Cody McCormick, a player that I personally would like to be a lock for the 4th line. If he can dress for 55 games or so, I really like the toughness he adds. He's listed as a center, however, he only won 35.5% of his faceoffs last season. He probably needs to play on the wing for that reason. That means Mair or Ellis is your 4th line center. Most likely Adam Mair. Fully healthy, he should physically be able to have a better season than last year. If he can't, it's really time for the Sabres to move on, and early in the season.
Are Mair and Kaleta the only 4th line locks? Will Ruff alternate between McCormick and Ellis throughout the season? What about Kennedy and Gerbe then? Do either one of them really have of a chance to make this team? With Regier bringing back Ellis and signing McCormick, it really log jammed the 4th line, and perhaps, strangely stunts the growth of Gerbe and Kennedy.
I was toying around with the idea of Kaleta skating with Vanek and Connolly on the first line. It'd be great if Ruff could just try it in preseason for a game or two. This Stafford situation is curious to say the least. The Sabres could potentially be light on the right wing. So yes, I'm actually serious. Think about it. He's got the legs to skate with them. He's defensively very sound. He backchecks. He makes opponents forget what they're doing while he's on the ice because they need to focus on him. Instead of players on the opposition plotting to run Connolly, they'd be more worried about getting run by Kaleta. Think of the space he creates on the forecheck. He creates time, forcing players to look over their shoulder. Letting him play his crash and bang style, as if he's on the 4th line, with the offensive talent and vision of Connolly and Vanek, it could be a lethal combination. He also brings a bit of protection to our star players, actully being on the ice while they are. Kaleta wins battles behind the net. All he's got to do is crash and bang, and dig pucks out down low, and let Connolly and Vanek do the rest.
Pominville might have the offensive talent to play on the first line, but his style and size doesn't compliment Connolly and Vanek really at all. He's a perimeter shooter, and he's pretty weak on the puck. Paille and MacArthur don't consistantly bring it every night, and both play left wing.
With this Stafford cloud just hanging there, it's forcing me to think of other alternatives.
The other option would be to play Paille up there. Although the fire in his belly is what worries me. But if he were to go out and crash and bang like he used to in Juniors, he's got way more offensive talent than Kaleta. Perhaps that makes more sense. But he needs to grow up a bit, and he's not nearly physical enough game in, game out. That's why the Kaleta idea intrigues me. At least enough to give it a try before the season starts.
Have at it.
Join in on the discussion!
TalkBuffaloSports.com - "Sabres log jammed at forward..."
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Jauron's miserable history in Chicago...
Originally Posted by: ALL D
First, even though I was not a 'Jauron Hater' before this research, I began to question his fortunes after all the negative information out there...
I wanted to analyze how a career 7-9 Coach (.429 pct somehow consistent record) seems to be given opportunity time and time again... Let's start on how Jauron was given a Head Coaching job in the first place...
In 1999, Dave McGinnis was announced as the head coach of the Chicago Bears before they even came to contract terms with him. Embarassment immediately led them scrambling to their immediate second option, D. Jauron. The Bears passed on coaches, Brian Billick, Jim Haslett and the Jets defensive co-ordinator Bill Belichick. ( I wonder if Belichick had any hard feelings over that) Jauron must of had a great interview because his subpar defense with Jacksonville averaging from 2nd - 9th worst in total yards allowed in a 4 year span... Coughlin did bring success to the Jags but that had little to do with Jauron..
On to Chicago, The Bears had little success with Dave Wannstedt and the Bears team suffered (2) straight 4-12 seasons in 97-98... They needed their team to develop winning ways, hence, Coach Jauron... The 1999 Bears went 6-10. They had almost reached jaurons full potential with only one more win in his first year as H.C... The 1999 Draft wasn't very successful for the Bears. Mark Hatley and D.J. chose a huge letdown with their 12th overall pick, Cade McNown, along with Russell Davis, Rex Tucker and D'Wayne Bates. Not a solid draft. The Bears seemed better then with Wannstedt though...
During the 2000 season the Bears ended up with a 5-11 record. The Bears now had to trade up to get the much wanted Plaxico Burress but instead, they chose Brian Urlacher who was named rookie of the year in 2000... DJ named McNown starting QB for 2000 and it ended up being McNowns final season...The decision to bring back DJ was a similiar situation to what we are going through right now... At the end of a dismal season, Bears Team President Ted Phillips stated that 'Coach Jauron has all the intangibles to lead this team, and does a good job in motivating the players to keep playing for him.'
Finally a Winning Season with Playoff Aspirations- 2001
On September 9th, 2001 (two days before our Nation's tragedy) Jauron's Bears fought the Superbowl champion Raven's valiantly. They lost but now they didn't have to deal with McNown anymore. A new man in charge Their defense was stellar.
The 2001 draft brought David Terrell to the team and A-Train. A.T would amass 1,163 yds and the team would go on to get crushed in their 1st playoff game
Urlacher 6 sacks, 90 takles
Rosevelt Colvin 10.5 sacks
Phillip Daniels 9 sacks
The team finished 1st in the league with only giving up 203 points...
I would love to figure out how Jauron stepped outside his consistent coaching ways and took this Bears team to a 13-3 record... After this season, the Bears had high expectations and slipped back to their 4-12 record. which caused the firing of our now Head Coach, D.J. in 2003... What was his record at the end of '03'?? you got it, 7-9
Some facts about Jauron that you might or might not know...
Jauron started in the NFL under Hank Bullough, while in Buffalo before getting replaced by Marv and crew...
Coughlin and Jauron were together on the Packers' coaching staff for the 1986 and '87 seasons
In his nine years with the Packers, Jauron worked under three different head coaches. He joined the organization in 1986 under Forrest Gregg, and was retained when Lindy Infante took over in 1988 and in 1992 when Mike Holmgren was named Green Bay's head coach. The Packers reached the playoffs each of Jauron's last two years, and in his nine seasons in Green Bay, the defense made 168 interceptions in 143 games.
Continue the discussion here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - "Jauron's miserable history in Chicago..."
First, even though I was not a 'Jauron Hater' before this research, I began to question his fortunes after all the negative information out there...
I wanted to analyze how a career 7-9 Coach (.429 pct somehow consistent record) seems to be given opportunity time and time again... Let's start on how Jauron was given a Head Coaching job in the first place...
In 1999, Dave McGinnis was announced as the head coach of the Chicago Bears before they even came to contract terms with him. Embarassment immediately led them scrambling to their immediate second option, D. Jauron. The Bears passed on coaches, Brian Billick, Jim Haslett and the Jets defensive co-ordinator Bill Belichick. ( I wonder if Belichick had any hard feelings over that) Jauron must of had a great interview because his subpar defense with Jacksonville averaging from 2nd - 9th worst in total yards allowed in a 4 year span... Coughlin did bring success to the Jags but that had little to do with Jauron..
On to Chicago, The Bears had little success with Dave Wannstedt and the Bears team suffered (2) straight 4-12 seasons in 97-98... They needed their team to develop winning ways, hence, Coach Jauron... The 1999 Bears went 6-10. They had almost reached jaurons full potential with only one more win in his first year as H.C... The 1999 Draft wasn't very successful for the Bears. Mark Hatley and D.J. chose a huge letdown with their 12th overall pick, Cade McNown, along with Russell Davis, Rex Tucker and D'Wayne Bates. Not a solid draft. The Bears seemed better then with Wannstedt though...
During the 2000 season the Bears ended up with a 5-11 record. The Bears now had to trade up to get the much wanted Plaxico Burress but instead, they chose Brian Urlacher who was named rookie of the year in 2000... DJ named McNown starting QB for 2000 and it ended up being McNowns final season...The decision to bring back DJ was a similiar situation to what we are going through right now... At the end of a dismal season, Bears Team President Ted Phillips stated that 'Coach Jauron has all the intangibles to lead this team, and does a good job in motivating the players to keep playing for him.'
Finally a Winning Season with Playoff Aspirations- 2001
On September 9th, 2001 (two days before our Nation's tragedy) Jauron's Bears fought the Superbowl champion Raven's valiantly. They lost but now they didn't have to deal with McNown anymore. A new man in charge Their defense was stellar.
The 2001 draft brought David Terrell to the team and A-Train. A.T would amass 1,163 yds and the team would go on to get crushed in their 1st playoff game
Urlacher 6 sacks, 90 takles
Rosevelt Colvin 10.5 sacks
Phillip Daniels 9 sacks
The team finished 1st in the league with only giving up 203 points...
I would love to figure out how Jauron stepped outside his consistent coaching ways and took this Bears team to a 13-3 record... After this season, the Bears had high expectations and slipped back to their 4-12 record. which caused the firing of our now Head Coach, D.J. in 2003... What was his record at the end of '03'?? you got it, 7-9
Some facts about Jauron that you might or might not know...
Jauron started in the NFL under Hank Bullough, while in Buffalo before getting replaced by Marv and crew...
Coughlin and Jauron were together on the Packers' coaching staff for the 1986 and '87 seasons
In his nine years with the Packers, Jauron worked under three different head coaches. He joined the organization in 1986 under Forrest Gregg, and was retained when Lindy Infante took over in 1988 and in 1992 when Mike Holmgren was named Green Bay's head coach. The Packers reached the playoffs each of Jauron's last two years, and in his nine seasons in Green Bay, the defense made 168 interceptions in 143 games.
Continue the discussion here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - "Jauron's miserable history in Chicago..."
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Pondslider's take on Regier's WGR 550 Radio Appearance...
Originally Posted by Pondslider in response to this thread "Regier on WGR 550 Now!":
This front office is a mess. They say they want to be like the Red Wings, but they don't want to put any of the work into it. Good teams should be constantly looking to improve themselves by identifying weaknesses and trying to correct them not just "Weeeeeeeeell, we think we have a good young team, we'll see where we are and we'll keep an open eye on the market and you have to understand that the prices teams are paying down the road are going to...." No. Fuck you. Everyone is dealing with the same market and yet someone always wins the Stanley Cup every year and it isn't you! There's apparently no accountability from ownership. When the season ended didn't Quinn say that there would be a thorough evaluation of the team from the top to the bottom and then like two days later he said that there wouldn't be any changes? That must have been pretty thorough. "Well the players all said..." No. Fuck you. That was your first mistake. Don't ask the players. This isn't some fucking commune. Everyone is not equal. Someone smarter than the players is supposed to be making these decisions. So now they're a little over a week away from the start of Free Agency and they are already trying to lower the fans' already low expectations. Fuck.
/rant
Continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com "Regier on WGR 550 Now!"
This front office is a mess. They say they want to be like the Red Wings, but they don't want to put any of the work into it. Good teams should be constantly looking to improve themselves by identifying weaknesses and trying to correct them not just "Weeeeeeeeell, we think we have a good young team, we'll see where we are and we'll keep an open eye on the market and you have to understand that the prices teams are paying down the road are going to...." No. Fuck you. Everyone is dealing with the same market and yet someone always wins the Stanley Cup every year and it isn't you! There's apparently no accountability from ownership. When the season ended didn't Quinn say that there would be a thorough evaluation of the team from the top to the bottom and then like two days later he said that there wouldn't be any changes? That must have been pretty thorough. "Well the players all said..." No. Fuck you. That was your first mistake. Don't ask the players. This isn't some fucking commune. Everyone is not equal. Someone smarter than the players is supposed to be making these decisions. So now they're a little over a week away from the start of Free Agency and they are already trying to lower the fans' already low expectations. Fuck.
/rant
Continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com "Regier on WGR 550 Now!"
Thursday, June 18, 2009
My tentative offseason plan...
Posted by Carl J. Ironsides:
Trades:
To Philadelphia - Jochen Hecht
To Buffalo - Daniel Briere
In terms of a player-for-player swap, Buffalo wins this hands down. However, the Flyers are desperate to get rid of Briere's six-year, $34 million contract. To do so, they'll likely need to lose the trade because Briere's contract really brings his value down. If they got rid of Briere and took Hecht's three-year deal for just over $10 mill, they might be able to pursue Jay Bouwmeester, whom they covet.
To Vancouver - Derek Roy
To Buffalo - Kevin Bieksa
The re-acquisition of Briere makes Roy redundant, although the latter is a better two-way center; however, Connolly is no slouch in that department. Plus, Roy embodies everything that's wrong with these Sabres. I'm tired of his on- and off-ice fggtry, and if the rumor that he's uncoachable is true, the Sabres should hastily get rid of Roy. Given his production and good contract (four years, $17M), he would probably have a lot of value on the trade market. And if Vancouver can't retain Henrik Sedin, Roy would be a solid replacement. In addition, the Sabres would get the top-pairing, tough, two-way D-man they've coveted for a while. Bieksa is signed for two years and $7 million.
To Whomever - Henrik Tallinder
To Buffalo - Draft pick
Hank needs a change of scenery, and the Sabres would need to even out their budget if they dealt Hecht for Briere. Moving Tallinder's one-year, $3.25 deal for a mid-round pick would enable them to revamp their team without spending much more cash, if any.
Re-signings (too lazy to provide hypothetical contracts): Ellis, Kaleta, MacArthur, Peters, Stafford, Mancari, Sekera.
2009-10 Buffalo Sabres Forwards:
Vanek-Connolly-Stafford
Paille-Briere-Pominville (Note: The second line seems high for Paille after his horrible season, but Briere and Pominville would need a gritty player to accompany them, as neither is exactly tough. Paille would provide this line some sandpaper and just might surprise offensively. Two years ago, he had 19 goals; there's no reason he couldn't be a 20-goal, 40-point guy playing with these two offensive talents. He would need to work his ass off, though, and not loaf like last season.)
MacArthur-Gaustad-Kaleta
Peters/Ellis-Mair-Mancari. Thirteenth forward - Peters/Ellis.
Defense & Goalies:
Lydman-Bieksa
Butler-Rivet
Sekera-Myers (Note: Sekera with Myers isn't ideal, obviously, as Ty should be paired with a vet; however, it was the only option I saw.)
Miller-Lalime
Continue the discusion here!
talkbuffalosports.com - My tentative offseason plan...
Trades:
To Philadelphia - Jochen Hecht
To Buffalo - Daniel Briere
In terms of a player-for-player swap, Buffalo wins this hands down. However, the Flyers are desperate to get rid of Briere's six-year, $34 million contract. To do so, they'll likely need to lose the trade because Briere's contract really brings his value down. If they got rid of Briere and took Hecht's three-year deal for just over $10 mill, they might be able to pursue Jay Bouwmeester, whom they covet.
To Vancouver - Derek Roy
To Buffalo - Kevin Bieksa
The re-acquisition of Briere makes Roy redundant, although the latter is a better two-way center; however, Connolly is no slouch in that department. Plus, Roy embodies everything that's wrong with these Sabres. I'm tired of his on- and off-ice fggtry, and if the rumor that he's uncoachable is true, the Sabres should hastily get rid of Roy. Given his production and good contract (four years, $17M), he would probably have a lot of value on the trade market. And if Vancouver can't retain Henrik Sedin, Roy would be a solid replacement. In addition, the Sabres would get the top-pairing, tough, two-way D-man they've coveted for a while. Bieksa is signed for two years and $7 million.
To Whomever - Henrik Tallinder
To Buffalo - Draft pick
Hank needs a change of scenery, and the Sabres would need to even out their budget if they dealt Hecht for Briere. Moving Tallinder's one-year, $3.25 deal for a mid-round pick would enable them to revamp their team without spending much more cash, if any.
Re-signings (too lazy to provide hypothetical contracts): Ellis, Kaleta, MacArthur, Peters, Stafford, Mancari, Sekera.
2009-10 Buffalo Sabres Forwards:
Vanek-Connolly-Stafford
Paille-Briere-Pominville (Note: The second line seems high for Paille after his horrible season, but Briere and Pominville would need a gritty player to accompany them, as neither is exactly tough. Paille would provide this line some sandpaper and just might surprise offensively. Two years ago, he had 19 goals; there's no reason he couldn't be a 20-goal, 40-point guy playing with these two offensive talents. He would need to work his ass off, though, and not loaf like last season.)
MacArthur-Gaustad-Kaleta
Peters/Ellis-Mair-Mancari. Thirteenth forward - Peters/Ellis.
Defense & Goalies:
Lydman-Bieksa
Butler-Rivet
Sekera-Myers (Note: Sekera with Myers isn't ideal, obviously, as Ty should be paired with a vet; however, it was the only option I saw.)
Miller-Lalime
Continue the discusion here!
talkbuffalosports.com - My tentative offseason plan...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Posted by: Uncle Jesse
So I was thinking about this today, and could barely come up with any names without looking some up to check on, but how many good coach's in sports (any pro sport MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA etc.) never really played the game before?
There has to be some great sports minds, who never played that sport at the pro or minor league level, but were successful coach's.
Any names? I'm pretty interested to see who would be on such a list.
Posted by: Emocoremakesmecry
...of the 14 hall of fame head coaches in the nfl only ditka has ever won a super bowl.
Continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - "Coach's who never played the game."
So I was thinking about this today, and could barely come up with any names without looking some up to check on, but how many good coach's in sports (any pro sport MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA etc.) never really played the game before?
There has to be some great sports minds, who never played that sport at the pro or minor league level, but were successful coach's.
Any names? I'm pretty interested to see who would be on such a list.
Posted by: Emocoremakesmecry
...of the 14 hall of fame head coaches in the nfl only ditka has ever won a super bowl.
Continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - "Coach's who never played the game."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Random thoughts about the Sabres and parallels...
Posted by Patrick!:
The Sabres are eerily similar to the Phoenix Suns, I was thinking about this today.
Both teams took advantage of a new era in their sport to put up obscene offensive numbers, somewhat at the expense of defense. They were led by players who were good but not great in other markets, but were able to flourish in an offensive scheme(Nash-Danny B). The scheme worked great in the regular season, but were denied of a title because of fluky things like officiating/injuries. Then they got cheap and dumped their glue guys (McKee, Grier/Joe Johnson). This didn't affect them in the regular season, where they both went to unparalled success, but pretty much everyone knew they weren't gonna win the whole thing. Then they both completely gutted their teams of some of their stars(Druere, Campbell/Marion, Diaw) and returned to mediocrity.
Both are notable because free agents from these teams have gotten huge contracts, then proven that the system does the work, not them. I was looking at a list of 10 worst contracts in each sport, and 4 of the NBA ones played under Mike D'Antoni at some point, coupled with Drury, Briere, McKee, and Campbell all being on the NHL list.
I just thought the situations were really similar, and decided to share these thoughts with y'all.
Continue the discussion here:
http://talkbuffalosports.com - "Random thoughts about the Sabres and Parallels..."
The Sabres are eerily similar to the Phoenix Suns, I was thinking about this today.
Both teams took advantage of a new era in their sport to put up obscene offensive numbers, somewhat at the expense of defense. They were led by players who were good but not great in other markets, but were able to flourish in an offensive scheme(Nash-Danny B). The scheme worked great in the regular season, but were denied of a title because of fluky things like officiating/injuries. Then they got cheap and dumped their glue guys (McKee, Grier/Joe Johnson). This didn't affect them in the regular season, where they both went to unparalled success, but pretty much everyone knew they weren't gonna win the whole thing. Then they both completely gutted their teams of some of their stars(Druere, Campbell/Marion, Diaw) and returned to mediocrity.
Both are notable because free agents from these teams have gotten huge contracts, then proven that the system does the work, not them. I was looking at a list of 10 worst contracts in each sport, and 4 of the NBA ones played under Mike D'Antoni at some point, coupled with Drury, Briere, McKee, and Campbell all being on the NHL list.
I just thought the situations were really similar, and decided to share these thoughts with y'all.
Continue the discussion here:
http://talkbuffalosports.com - "Random thoughts about the Sabres and Parallels..."
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Rumor: Souray requests trade...
Posted by: Carl J. Ironsides:
I absolutely love Souray. He's mean, great offensively and is a leader; sure, he's not that good defensively, but I think he'd be a huge asset to this team. Reunite the Souray-Rivet pairing
.
He's on a three-year, $14.5 million contract, which is solid.
http://www.oilersnation.com/2009/04/tuned-out/
Continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - "Rumor: Souray requests trade..."
I absolutely love Souray. He's mean, great offensively and is a leader; sure, he's not that good defensively, but I think he'd be a huge asset to this team. Reunite the Souray-Rivet pairing
.He's on a three-year, $14.5 million contract, which is solid.
http://www.oilersnation.com/2009/04/tuned-out/
Quote:
Rumours Souray has asked to be dealt began several weeks ago and they’ve persisted since. To this point, neither Souray or anybody in the Oilers front office has gone on the record to put the talk to rest. Until thatContinue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - "Rumor: Souray requests trade..."
Friday, March 27, 2009
The day I decided that Ruff was neutered...
Posted by Thumper:
3.20.2009
Lalime was Gomez'd by Carcillo....Considering what happend to Miller, you'd think that this situation would be like a ticking time bomb that just finally went off. But on the contrary, not one player on the ice did anything. Not one player that saw it happen from the bench did anything. Lindy Ruff didn't instruct any of his players to do anything, much like he didn't instruct any of his players to do anything to Gomez. He may have even instructed his player to not do anything in retailiation.
Thomas Vanek, this teams proverbial star player, comes to the defense of Tim Connolly in front of the Flyers net. Thomas Vanek, fresh off of a broken jaw injury, while still wearing his protective cage gets put into a fucking head lock for coming to the defense of Connolly. Tell me, fellow fans...You tell me what collection of players on any NHL team would watch their superstar get put into a head lock (even without a recent broken jaw injury) and not even react to it in the slightest. I didn't even know that was possible in hockey. I don't care how good or bad any team is...When your star player gets harrassed, someone always goes ape shit, as they should. But not on this team.
There was a time when Ruff and his team would stick up for their star players and stick up for their goalies. It doesn't matter if there aren't enough players with the balls to do the dirty work. There are still players that would, if their coach told them too. Kaleta and Gaustad weren't on the ice when any of these situations happend. Perhaps if they were, retailition may have taken place. But considering they weren't on the ice, no one can tell me that if Ruff had told Kaleta or Gaustad to take a run at Lundqvist or Biron, or to put Carter into a head lock, or to challenge Carcillo, that the players wouldn't have done it. They would have done it because it's in their characture to, if their coach instructed them to do it. Its very possible that he instructed the opposite. Whether he did or not, the fact that it didn't happen at all, to me, I look at the head coach and blame him for that.
This roster is made up of mostly soft players. But there are a couple of players that have in their chemical make up to respond. When they don't respond, there's a reason.
Posted by budman90:
I agree fully with thumper on this topic. And it wasn't just that philly game that showed me that the sabres are a bunch of pussies. During the Ranger game Avery grabbed Vanek by his cage and jerked his head down after the play. And what happened after that? Absolutely nothing. Vanek didn't even push Avery off of himself. What a bunch of fucking pussies.
Posted by MauvaisSang:
There are countless examples of this throughout the season. Ruff shouldn't have to tell his players, it should be a damned reflex to stand up for your teammates (the way Stafford did for Drury.) I've seen that from this group very rarely this year - Rivet is about the only person I can think of who has immediately come to the aid of a teammate more than 3 or 4 times.
Posted by The Common Man:
Ruff shouldn't have to tell them. Buf if they're not doing it on their own, he needs to encourage it.
But Ruff is on the record as saying NOT to retaliate when Miller got ran...isn't he?
Something about playing 5 on 5?
Lotta good that did.
Posted by LALALALALALAFONTAINE:
He also said don't retaliate against Philly after Campbell's destruction of Umberger.
The problem is that people don't think Briere and Drury and even Campbell weren't tough. They were. Being tough doesn't mean being big (like Gratton), but having the toughness to go in front of the net, in the corners and so on. And when you have a small guy like Briere, he can call anyone out. Paille was one guy who AVOIDED contact. How can you get someone who's afraid of getting checked to be tough? Simple. Replace the pussies with guys like Briere and Drury who are tough. It ain't the size of the dog in the fight, yada yada yada...
Posted by Thumper:
Briere and Drury had a level of grit that very few players on this team have. Grit in a way that they'd do whatever it takes to score goals from being in or very close to the blue paint of the goal crease.
Vanek has the intangible. Stafford did for a little while when Vanek was out....But Vanek is probably the only one that is consistantly willing to stand in there and take the beating.
Read up and continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - "The day I decided that Ruff was neutered"
3.20.2009
Lalime was Gomez'd by Carcillo....Considering what happend to Miller, you'd think that this situation would be like a ticking time bomb that just finally went off. But on the contrary, not one player on the ice did anything. Not one player that saw it happen from the bench did anything. Lindy Ruff didn't instruct any of his players to do anything, much like he didn't instruct any of his players to do anything to Gomez. He may have even instructed his player to not do anything in retailiation.
Thomas Vanek, this teams proverbial star player, comes to the defense of Tim Connolly in front of the Flyers net. Thomas Vanek, fresh off of a broken jaw injury, while still wearing his protective cage gets put into a fucking head lock for coming to the defense of Connolly. Tell me, fellow fans...You tell me what collection of players on any NHL team would watch their superstar get put into a head lock (even without a recent broken jaw injury) and not even react to it in the slightest. I didn't even know that was possible in hockey. I don't care how good or bad any team is...When your star player gets harrassed, someone always goes ape shit, as they should. But not on this team.
There was a time when Ruff and his team would stick up for their star players and stick up for their goalies. It doesn't matter if there aren't enough players with the balls to do the dirty work. There are still players that would, if their coach told them too. Kaleta and Gaustad weren't on the ice when any of these situations happend. Perhaps if they were, retailition may have taken place. But considering they weren't on the ice, no one can tell me that if Ruff had told Kaleta or Gaustad to take a run at Lundqvist or Biron, or to put Carter into a head lock, or to challenge Carcillo, that the players wouldn't have done it. They would have done it because it's in their characture to, if their coach instructed them to do it. Its very possible that he instructed the opposite. Whether he did or not, the fact that it didn't happen at all, to me, I look at the head coach and blame him for that.
This roster is made up of mostly soft players. But there are a couple of players that have in their chemical make up to respond. When they don't respond, there's a reason.
Posted by budman90:
I agree fully with thumper on this topic. And it wasn't just that philly game that showed me that the sabres are a bunch of pussies. During the Ranger game Avery grabbed Vanek by his cage and jerked his head down after the play. And what happened after that? Absolutely nothing. Vanek didn't even push Avery off of himself. What a bunch of fucking pussies.
Posted by MauvaisSang:
There are countless examples of this throughout the season. Ruff shouldn't have to tell his players, it should be a damned reflex to stand up for your teammates (the way Stafford did for Drury.) I've seen that from this group very rarely this year - Rivet is about the only person I can think of who has immediately come to the aid of a teammate more than 3 or 4 times.
Posted by The Common Man:
Ruff shouldn't have to tell them. Buf if they're not doing it on their own, he needs to encourage it.
But Ruff is on the record as saying NOT to retaliate when Miller got ran...isn't he?
Something about playing 5 on 5?
Lotta good that did.
Posted by LALALALALALAFONTAINE:
He also said don't retaliate against Philly after Campbell's destruction of Umberger.
The problem is that people don't think Briere and Drury and even Campbell weren't tough. They were. Being tough doesn't mean being big (like Gratton), but having the toughness to go in front of the net, in the corners and so on. And when you have a small guy like Briere, he can call anyone out. Paille was one guy who AVOIDED contact. How can you get someone who's afraid of getting checked to be tough? Simple. Replace the pussies with guys like Briere and Drury who are tough. It ain't the size of the dog in the fight, yada yada yada...
Posted by Thumper:
Briere and Drury had a level of grit that very few players on this team have. Grit in a way that they'd do whatever it takes to score goals from being in or very close to the blue paint of the goal crease.
Vanek has the intangible. Stafford did for a little while when Vanek was out....But Vanek is probably the only one that is consistantly willing to stand in there and take the beating.
Read up and continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - "The day I decided that Ruff was neutered"
Monday, March 23, 2009
Why the [Sabres] aren't in the playoffs '09...
Posted by:DJNIK
(DJNIK is a Sabres fan from Belgium)
Look at the Canes ans the Pens, they were on a play off push and they moved their asses! You see where they are now..
Here's what i think about some gheybres players now:
- VANEK: incredible misses since his return, less explosivity than at the start of the season where he was all over the ice.
- STAFFORD: since the VANEK CONNOLY STAFFORD line has been broken, he's a ghost.
-CONNOLLY: play where and when he wants...
- POMMINVILLE: what can we say anymore?
- HECHT: look at pomminville comment..
- MAC: 10 GOALS at the first half, how many in the second...
- OUR D: too soft, too many lose pucks, no Goltending protection...
- OUR STAFF: deadline moves were awfull, and they will be the same next summer. You will see regier resign the majority of the team like last year and there will be no changes to this unexplosive team.
My only satisfactions in this team:
- ROY: after a bad season beginnning, he's first in points and regular.
- BUTLER: good young D.
- KALETA: if all the sabres were skating like him, we will get a dynamic team.
I think now we will end behind toronto and ottawa...
Continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - "Why the Geybres are'nt in play offs 09..."
(DJNIK is a Sabres fan from Belgium)
Look at the Canes ans the Pens, they were on a play off push and they moved their asses! You see where they are now..
Here's what i think about some gheybres players now:
- VANEK: incredible misses since his return, less explosivity than at the start of the season where he was all over the ice.
- STAFFORD: since the VANEK CONNOLY STAFFORD line has been broken, he's a ghost.
-CONNOLLY: play where and when he wants...
- POMMINVILLE: what can we say anymore?
- HECHT: look at pomminville comment..
- MAC: 10 GOALS at the first half, how many in the second...
- OUR D: too soft, too many lose pucks, no Goltending protection...
- OUR STAFF: deadline moves were awfull, and they will be the same next summer. You will see regier resign the majority of the team like last year and there will be no changes to this unexplosive team.
My only satisfactions in this team:
- ROY: after a bad season beginnning, he's first in points and regular.
- BUTLER: good young D.
- KALETA: if all the sabres were skating like him, we will get a dynamic team.
I think now we will end behind toronto and ottawa...
Continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - "Why the Geybres are'nt in play offs 09..."
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Denver in a Corner...
Posted by Hayden Fox:
Post #1:
OK, the Broncos are going to have to trade Cutler eventually. And it's assumed they'd want a decent quarterback in return. Is Edwards the best they could possibly get? Think about it...
Jets: Without question, Kellen Clemens is not as good as Edwards.
Browns: Brady Quinn might prove to be better than Edwards, so I could see him to Denver as a realistic possibility.
49ers: Shaun Hill came on late last year, but who the hell wants to replace Cutler with him? He's 29 years old and has proven next to nothing.
Rams: Crickets.
Lions: Drew Stanton? :puke2:
Bears: Kyle Orton?
Panthers: Crickets.
Buccaneers: Crickets.
If the Bills want to do this -- maybe they do, but maybe not -- I think they'd have a great chance to land Cutler. Denver has to move him, it seems, and I think the Bills and Browns could make the best case for him IF Denver wants a good QB prospect in return. The Broncos could always sign a guy like Garcia and draft a QB in the first round, but I've read that they want a QB in return for Cutler. Plus, why replace Cutler with another first-rounder? I'd rather have Edwards or Quinn, who have shown flashes, and a couple of picks than a completely unproven commodity such as Mark Sanchez or Josh Freeman and a couple of picks.
Post #4:
I'm down with Trent, but Cutler here is an exciting prospect. The beef with Trent with me is twofold: 1. Durability. He has gotten consistently hurt for significant stretches year in and year out since college. And as I've said about 400 times, the idea of Rory Fitzpatrick (fuck calling him Ryan) throwing the ball to Terrell Owens is enough to make me...
.
Cutler, on the other hand, hasn't missed a start in his two full years. 2. The arm. I think Edwards' arm is better than his detractors say; with that being said, though, Cutler has an elite arm. No matter the conditions, whether it's wind, rain, snow or a combo of all three, he can get the ball to his WRs for big plays. He has an exceptional arm.
If the Cutler trade doesn't go down, OK. As I said, I support Trent 100 percent. But Cutler on this team would be incredible, not to mention it would keep him away from the Jets (which is just as big a victory as acquiring him).
Come read more and continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - Denver in a corner
Post #1:
OK, the Broncos are going to have to trade Cutler eventually. And it's assumed they'd want a decent quarterback in return. Is Edwards the best they could possibly get? Think about it...
Jets: Without question, Kellen Clemens is not as good as Edwards.
Browns: Brady Quinn might prove to be better than Edwards, so I could see him to Denver as a realistic possibility.
49ers: Shaun Hill came on late last year, but who the hell wants to replace Cutler with him? He's 29 years old and has proven next to nothing.
Rams: Crickets.
Lions: Drew Stanton? :puke2:
Bears: Kyle Orton?
Panthers: Crickets.
Buccaneers: Crickets.
If the Bills want to do this -- maybe they do, but maybe not -- I think they'd have a great chance to land Cutler. Denver has to move him, it seems, and I think the Bills and Browns could make the best case for him IF Denver wants a good QB prospect in return. The Broncos could always sign a guy like Garcia and draft a QB in the first round, but I've read that they want a QB in return for Cutler. Plus, why replace Cutler with another first-rounder? I'd rather have Edwards or Quinn, who have shown flashes, and a couple of picks than a completely unproven commodity such as Mark Sanchez or Josh Freeman and a couple of picks.
Post #4:
I'm down with Trent, but Cutler here is an exciting prospect. The beef with Trent with me is twofold: 1. Durability. He has gotten consistently hurt for significant stretches year in and year out since college. And as I've said about 400 times, the idea of Rory Fitzpatrick (fuck calling him Ryan) throwing the ball to Terrell Owens is enough to make me...
.Cutler, on the other hand, hasn't missed a start in his two full years. 2. The arm. I think Edwards' arm is better than his detractors say; with that being said, though, Cutler has an elite arm. No matter the conditions, whether it's wind, rain, snow or a combo of all three, he can get the ball to his WRs for big plays. He has an exceptional arm.
If the Cutler trade doesn't go down, OK. As I said, I support Trent 100 percent. But Cutler on this team would be incredible, not to mention it would keep him away from the Jets (which is just as big a victory as acquiring him).
Come read more and continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - Denver in a corner
Monday, March 16, 2009
Lindy Ruff - "Doing more with Less..."
Posted by LALALALALALAFONTAINE:
Sabres Playoff History Under Ruff
1998
Sabres (89) beat Flyers (95) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (89) sweep Habs (87) BEAT WORSE TEAM
Sabres (89) lose* to Caps (92) LOST TO BETTER TEAM
1999
Sabres (91) sweep Sens (103) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (91) beat Bruins (91) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (91) beat Queefs (97) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (91) lose* to St*rs (114) LOST TO BETTER TEAM
2000
Sabres (85) lose to Flyers (105) LOST TO BETTER TEAM
2001
Sabres (98) beat Flyers (100) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (98) lose to Pens (96) LOST TO WORSE TEAM
2006
Sabres (110) beat Flyers (101) BEAT WORSE TEAM
Sabres (110) beat Sens (113) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (110) lose to Canes (112) LOST TO BETTER TEAM
2007
Sabres (113) beat Isles (92) BEAT WORSE TEAM
Sabres (113) beat Rangers (94) BEAT WORSE TEAM
Sabres (113) lose to Sens (105) LOST TO WORSE TEAM.
So in Ruff's coaching history, we've
Beaten a better team: 4
Beaten a worse team: 6
Lost to a better team: 4
Lost to a worse team: 2
So, overall, we've won much, much more than we were supposed to in the playoffs, beating teams with better records.
But look at the losses.
4 times we lost to a better team. 1 of those was due to the Brett Hull skate in the crease. 1 was due to other NHL reffing fuckups that they actually did apologize for (Caps).
And if you look at the teams we were supposed to beat, the 2001 Pens and 2007 Caps.
2001 Pens. The Pens trailed us by 2 points in the standings, so we were the better team, officially. However, Lemieux only played 43 games during the season, scoring 76 points in those games. If he plays a full season, like he played a full series against us in the playoffs, the Pens would have wound up higher in the standings.
2007 Sens. We had the Sens by 8 points, 113-105. However, there are no ties or SOL in the playoffs, which explains this difference. We were 10-4 in SO, Ottawa was 2-6, which is more than that difference. We really didn't lose to a worse team.
So Ruff has consistently beaten teams that he's supposed to beat in the playoffs and teams that he's not supposed to beat, but hasn't really lost to anyone except those we're supposed to lose to - and we still beat them more than they beat us.
That's a telltale sign of a good coach.
The other is special teams (especially PK), where the Sabres always have ranked high under Ruff.
Read more and join the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - Doing More with Less...
Sabres Playoff History Under Ruff
1998
Sabres (89) beat Flyers (95) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (89) sweep Habs (87) BEAT WORSE TEAM
Sabres (89) lose* to Caps (92) LOST TO BETTER TEAM
1999
Sabres (91) sweep Sens (103) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (91) beat Bruins (91) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (91) beat Queefs (97) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (91) lose* to St*rs (114) LOST TO BETTER TEAM
2000
Sabres (85) lose to Flyers (105) LOST TO BETTER TEAM
2001
Sabres (98) beat Flyers (100) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (98) lose to Pens (96) LOST TO WORSE TEAM
2006
Sabres (110) beat Flyers (101) BEAT WORSE TEAM
Sabres (110) beat Sens (113) BEAT BETTER TEAM
Sabres (110) lose to Canes (112) LOST TO BETTER TEAM
2007
Sabres (113) beat Isles (92) BEAT WORSE TEAM
Sabres (113) beat Rangers (94) BEAT WORSE TEAM
Sabres (113) lose to Sens (105) LOST TO WORSE TEAM.
So in Ruff's coaching history, we've
Beaten a better team: 4
Beaten a worse team: 6
Lost to a better team: 4
Lost to a worse team: 2
So, overall, we've won much, much more than we were supposed to in the playoffs, beating teams with better records.
But look at the losses.
4 times we lost to a better team. 1 of those was due to the Brett Hull skate in the crease. 1 was due to other NHL reffing fuckups that they actually did apologize for (Caps).
And if you look at the teams we were supposed to beat, the 2001 Pens and 2007 Caps.
2001 Pens. The Pens trailed us by 2 points in the standings, so we were the better team, officially. However, Lemieux only played 43 games during the season, scoring 76 points in those games. If he plays a full season, like he played a full series against us in the playoffs, the Pens would have wound up higher in the standings.
2007 Sens. We had the Sens by 8 points, 113-105. However, there are no ties or SOL in the playoffs, which explains this difference. We were 10-4 in SO, Ottawa was 2-6, which is more than that difference. We really didn't lose to a worse team.
So Ruff has consistently beaten teams that he's supposed to beat in the playoffs and teams that he's not supposed to beat, but hasn't really lost to anyone except those we're supposed to lose to - and we still beat them more than they beat us.
That's a telltale sign of a good coach.
The other is special teams (especially PK), where the Sabres always have ranked high under Ruff.
Read more and join the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - Doing More with Less...
Friday, March 13, 2009
Spacek/Lalime/Lydman...
Posted by Thumper:
Those 3 were the biggest reason the Sabres won the most important game of the season last night.
Spacek: Just huge on the penalty kill. Tremendous shot blocking. Scored his 8th of the season. Seriously, can we find a way to sign him?
Lalime: When he's on, he's really on. The top end of his play may not last for much more than a week at a time before he comes back down to reality, but I really believe that when he's on his game, he slams the door shut just as well as Miller. Miller is just capable of doing it for much longer stretches.
Lydman: He played very physical, blocked shots as well, and was very intelligent with the puck in the Sabres zone.
Without the excellent play of those 3, the Sabres lose last night.
Honorable mention to Dan Paille for scoring in the biggest game of the season.
Side note: Harry Neale sucks at his job. If I want stats during every break in the play, I'd use my lap top and find the stats myself. Break down the play on the ice. Break down the periods of hockey we're all watching. Break down a certain player from either team and explain how certain things happend. You have to be capable considering you were a fucking head coach some how. Realize that Thomas Vanek has already scored since coming back from his broken jaw injury. He scored versus the Sens. So even the extra information you attempt to give is wrong half the time. Pull your freaking head out of your ass and understand that the fans listening to you could probably read stats just as well as you and be wrong just as often as you. Change that.
Continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - Spacek/Lalime/Lydman
Those 3 were the biggest reason the Sabres won the most important game of the season last night.
Spacek: Just huge on the penalty kill. Tremendous shot blocking. Scored his 8th of the season. Seriously, can we find a way to sign him?
Lalime: When he's on, he's really on. The top end of his play may not last for much more than a week at a time before he comes back down to reality, but I really believe that when he's on his game, he slams the door shut just as well as Miller. Miller is just capable of doing it for much longer stretches.
Lydman: He played very physical, blocked shots as well, and was very intelligent with the puck in the Sabres zone.
Without the excellent play of those 3, the Sabres lose last night.
Honorable mention to Dan Paille for scoring in the biggest game of the season.
Side note: Harry Neale sucks at his job. If I want stats during every break in the play, I'd use my lap top and find the stats myself. Break down the play on the ice. Break down the periods of hockey we're all watching. Break down a certain player from either team and explain how certain things happend. You have to be capable considering you were a fucking head coach some how. Realize that Thomas Vanek has already scored since coming back from his broken jaw injury. He scored versus the Sens. So even the extra information you attempt to give is wrong half the time. Pull your freaking head out of your ass and understand that the fans listening to you could probably read stats just as well as you and be wrong just as often as you. Change that.
Continue the discussion here:
talkbuffalosports.com - Spacek/Lalime/Lydman
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Ruff has to be on the hot seat...
Posted by Thumper:
Absolutely, dasaybz. Ruff is on the hot seat. When you're teatering on missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year, the head coach's performance is always going to be questioned.
But I look higher. Let's look at what the GM has done since putting together one hell of a team post lockout.
He made poor decisions on who to spend money on in the off season, prior to the 2006-7 season. Spending on players like Kotalik and Kalinin over Dumont was a mistake.
Fast forward through that season, and what happend? We lost our top two centerman at the free agency period. I'm not even blaming Regier for that, although some around here would. But I still blame Regier for what has happend since then.....And what that is, is failing to address the losses of your first and second line centermen.
How many centermen has Regier acquired since Drury and Briere left? The answer, pathetically, is 1. Dominic Moore. And that's 2 full years after losing his organizations top 2 centermen. How can you ignore the pressing need up the middle of this organization for that long? Even with Connolly being available and then getting hurt, he never addressed the center position. This team went through most of last year with wingers playing center. Softer type wingers at that.
Those are my first complaints about Regier. There are other apsects of his job that he's been reactionary too, instead of proactive as well.
About 90% of his time here, he's waited until players have played well enough to cash out big time before signing them. Now I know that in some cases, players will wait to sign on purpose, knowing full well that they'll bank bigger if they wait. But not every case has been like that. I look at the Tim Connolly situation first and foremost. Based on less than 30 games of a healthy Connolly, Regier decided to spend 9 million dollars on him in order to keep him. There were people on local message boards that were screaming for Connolly to be resigned before he came back. I thought these people were crazy and/or stupid. But they were 100% correct. They had the foresight in which an NHL GM should have. Are you going to tell me that Connolly wouldn't have signed another deal while he was out? He would have been crazy not too.
I look at Daniel Paille, Andrej Sekera, and Drew Stafford. Now perhaps 1, 2, or all 3 of them wouldn't sign a semi-long term/cheaper deal. But if you take a young defenseman like Sekera and recognize his potential early on, like many of us have, who's to say that he wouldn't accept that kind of deal? Who's to say that Drew Stafford, coming off of last season in which he struggled pretty hard at times wouldn't sign a 5 or 6 year deal worth 12 million in guaranteed money during last years off season? Hey, if you miss on a young guy like that, you're only spending 2 to 2.5 million per year on an average player. If you hit on a young guy like that, then your roster is constructed very similarly to the '05-'06 roster. Cheaper players that are still developing and performing beyond their years.
I also look at how the league has changed and which players Regier has decided to invest the most money in. I admit, you couldn't predict that a player like Hecht, who's usually good for around 50 points, would just fall off the train like he has. A player like Pominville, another guy that Regier waited too long to extend. He waited for Pominville to score nearly a point per game before inking him long term. That's a bad buisness decision that he's repeated. Once or twice, maybe you let it go. But now it's Regier's routine.
Now I look at Regier's recent trade deadline acquisitions. This year, on a team that is completely filled with 3rd line players that are defensively reliable, he just added another one.
Really? That's your guy? That's your playoff push acquisiton? Nothing against Dominic Moore, but what's he really supposed to be doing to help this team make the playoffs again? I like that he added a centerman, because it's the first fucking time he's done that since Briere and Drury walked. But the center position should have been addressed in the same off season that we lost 2 centermen.
I look at last seasons trade deadline acquisition. He acquired a player that really didn't help much at all to gain 4 points to make the playoffs. It was a player that wasn't even wanted by the organization when all is said and done. Another botched move.
I see many, many, many more reasons to hold Regier responsible for this teams troubles than the head coach that is also dealing with the mistakes and gross overpayments, as well as his failure to address the pressing needs on this roster that his GM has made.
Read more and continue the discussion here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - "Ruff has to be on the hot seat"
Absolutely, dasaybz. Ruff is on the hot seat. When you're teatering on missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year, the head coach's performance is always going to be questioned.
But I look higher. Let's look at what the GM has done since putting together one hell of a team post lockout.
He made poor decisions on who to spend money on in the off season, prior to the 2006-7 season. Spending on players like Kotalik and Kalinin over Dumont was a mistake.
Fast forward through that season, and what happend? We lost our top two centerman at the free agency period. I'm not even blaming Regier for that, although some around here would. But I still blame Regier for what has happend since then.....And what that is, is failing to address the losses of your first and second line centermen.
How many centermen has Regier acquired since Drury and Briere left? The answer, pathetically, is 1. Dominic Moore. And that's 2 full years after losing his organizations top 2 centermen. How can you ignore the pressing need up the middle of this organization for that long? Even with Connolly being available and then getting hurt, he never addressed the center position. This team went through most of last year with wingers playing center. Softer type wingers at that.
Those are my first complaints about Regier. There are other apsects of his job that he's been reactionary too, instead of proactive as well.
About 90% of his time here, he's waited until players have played well enough to cash out big time before signing them. Now I know that in some cases, players will wait to sign on purpose, knowing full well that they'll bank bigger if they wait. But not every case has been like that. I look at the Tim Connolly situation first and foremost. Based on less than 30 games of a healthy Connolly, Regier decided to spend 9 million dollars on him in order to keep him. There were people on local message boards that were screaming for Connolly to be resigned before he came back. I thought these people were crazy and/or stupid. But they were 100% correct. They had the foresight in which an NHL GM should have. Are you going to tell me that Connolly wouldn't have signed another deal while he was out? He would have been crazy not too.
I look at Daniel Paille, Andrej Sekera, and Drew Stafford. Now perhaps 1, 2, or all 3 of them wouldn't sign a semi-long term/cheaper deal. But if you take a young defenseman like Sekera and recognize his potential early on, like many of us have, who's to say that he wouldn't accept that kind of deal? Who's to say that Drew Stafford, coming off of last season in which he struggled pretty hard at times wouldn't sign a 5 or 6 year deal worth 12 million in guaranteed money during last years off season? Hey, if you miss on a young guy like that, you're only spending 2 to 2.5 million per year on an average player. If you hit on a young guy like that, then your roster is constructed very similarly to the '05-'06 roster. Cheaper players that are still developing and performing beyond their years.
I also look at how the league has changed and which players Regier has decided to invest the most money in. I admit, you couldn't predict that a player like Hecht, who's usually good for around 50 points, would just fall off the train like he has. A player like Pominville, another guy that Regier waited too long to extend. He waited for Pominville to score nearly a point per game before inking him long term. That's a bad buisness decision that he's repeated. Once or twice, maybe you let it go. But now it's Regier's routine.
Now I look at Regier's recent trade deadline acquisitions. This year, on a team that is completely filled with 3rd line players that are defensively reliable, he just added another one.
Really? That's your guy? That's your playoff push acquisiton? Nothing against Dominic Moore, but what's he really supposed to be doing to help this team make the playoffs again? I like that he added a centerman, because it's the first fucking time he's done that since Briere and Drury walked. But the center position should have been addressed in the same off season that we lost 2 centermen.
I look at last seasons trade deadline acquisition. He acquired a player that really didn't help much at all to gain 4 points to make the playoffs. It was a player that wasn't even wanted by the organization when all is said and done. Another botched move.
I see many, many, many more reasons to hold Regier responsible for this teams troubles than the head coach that is also dealing with the mistakes and gross overpayments, as well as his failure to address the pressing needs on this roster that his GM has made.
Read more and continue the discussion here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - "Ruff has to be on the hot seat"
"I'm on board with Lindy"
Posted by treYdaWg:
So we shitcan Lindy, who do we replace him with? Do we honestly think we're going to replace him with a better coach?
The thing is, no one really agrees with what Darcy has been doing. Darcy is the problem here. Did anyone honestly think Dominic Fucking Moore was going to make this team a playoff contender? Darcy has to go.
Posted by The Common Man:
Somebody has to go. I don't care if its Darcy, or Lindy and Darcy or whoever.
It has to include Darcy though.
And if Darcy scapegoats Ruff I think I'll be done with hockey for a while.
Posted by JMNY83:
I agree Trey. Don't we always hear that Darcy puts people on the team that Lindy doesn't want? How do you expect to win when the GM and coach are on 2 different pages?
Posted by MauvaisSang:
I've wanted Regier gone all year. I simply don't believe he's going to implement the changes they need to be a real contender.
Posted by Acoustic-Fury:
If the past two seasons are any indication...this mostly falls on Darcy for not getting this team the tools it needs to succeed. I really believe that Ruff is doing the best with the garbage he has...
Continue the discussion here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - I'm on board with Lindy
So we shitcan Lindy, who do we replace him with? Do we honestly think we're going to replace him with a better coach?
The thing is, no one really agrees with what Darcy has been doing. Darcy is the problem here. Did anyone honestly think Dominic Fucking Moore was going to make this team a playoff contender? Darcy has to go.
Posted by The Common Man:
Somebody has to go. I don't care if its Darcy, or Lindy and Darcy or whoever.
It has to include Darcy though.
And if Darcy scapegoats Ruff I think I'll be done with hockey for a while.
Posted by JMNY83:
I agree Trey. Don't we always hear that Darcy puts people on the team that Lindy doesn't want? How do you expect to win when the GM and coach are on 2 different pages?
Posted by MauvaisSang:
I've wanted Regier gone all year. I simply don't believe he's going to implement the changes they need to be a real contender.
Posted by Acoustic-Fury:
If the past two seasons are any indication...this mostly falls on Darcy for not getting this team the tools it needs to succeed. I really believe that Ruff is doing the best with the garbage he has...
Continue the discussion here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - I'm on board with Lindy
Monday, March 2, 2009
Amazing (stuff)...
Posted by DJNIK:
You know i m a hot fan from belgium since 1 or 2 years now. But i just noticed that the organisation had the possibilty to offer Briere and Drury new contracts and it failed because of one or more millions...
And when i see the contracts of Hecht, Pominville or Connoly (when he's hurt), i really think that Darcy is a piece of shit. You know, i watch all the games of the last two play offs session from 2006 and 2007 and dudes, this team was fuckin damn good.
This team was in harmony with the Buffalo's fan enthusiasm? And now? The majority of the players don't kick their ass for this great city.
Send me back three years ago please!
If Darcy doesn't make some decent(s) move(s) in those two days, i think i'm gonna be nostalgic of 06 and 07 for such a long time....
Posted by Thumper:
Darcy Regier absolutely needs to admit to himself a few mistakes he's made, and cut ties with a few players before the trade deadline. If that means he sells players off for less of a return, just to rid the organization of a few bad contracts, so be it.
Comment or continue reading...here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - Amazing (stuff)
You know i m a hot fan from belgium since 1 or 2 years now. But i just noticed that the organisation had the possibilty to offer Briere and Drury new contracts and it failed because of one or more millions...
And when i see the contracts of Hecht, Pominville or Connoly (when he's hurt), i really think that Darcy is a piece of shit. You know, i watch all the games of the last two play offs session from 2006 and 2007 and dudes, this team was fuckin damn good.
This team was in harmony with the Buffalo's fan enthusiasm? And now? The majority of the players don't kick their ass for this great city.
Send me back three years ago please!
If Darcy doesn't make some decent(s) move(s) in those two days, i think i'm gonna be nostalgic of 06 and 07 for such a long time....
Posted by Thumper:
Darcy Regier absolutely needs to admit to himself a few mistakes he's made, and cut ties with a few players before the trade deadline. If that means he sells players off for less of a return, just to rid the organization of a few bad contracts, so be it.
Comment or continue reading...here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - Amazing (stuff)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Connolly? Trade him March 4 if he's contract-less?
Posted by Hayden Fox:
If he doesn't re-sign by March 4, do you trade him? I do.
Posted by Healthy Scratch:
Why not? If a good d-man, or big winger is available. He's been meh for 5 games now.
Posted by JD Sabrefan
This team is 1 gritty dman and 1 gritty scorer from being a cup contender. But I don't expect us to do a damn thing before the deadline.
Posted by Uncle Jesse:
You'd almost have to, rather than losing him for nothing. Unless of course the plans are to resign him in the offseason, before July 1st. His price could be way up from now, or barring another injury, way down. It's quite the gamble. I'd trade him,unless a deal is done before Wednesday.
Posted by Bullet:
Trade him while the trading is good!! Package him Max and /or Tallinder or perhaps Pommers and grab someones #1 draft and a scrapy grinder good on draws and has scoring upside. Or as I mentioned before Columbus is very interested in Timmy, so see if we can pry away Brassard (currently injured) and someone else like a d-man or try to get thier #1 draft pick. It would be nice to see Darcy make a blockbuster deal. He is due. ah, maybe its just wishful thinking. Lots of options really. we'll probably end up with a second rounder as usual!
Posted by SmashingT:
I'm kinda split on this one, on one hand if we could get something pretty good for him, i say do it, but to me personally making the playoffs this year is a must, and with connolly i like our chances a lot more. So i voted no.
Posted by Buffalofan19:
Considering we don't know what the market is for a guy like that, since he's kind of a unique situation, I honestly don't know. You can't pass up a good deal, but I don't want picks and/or a prospect. I would need a roster player at least, and a good one at that.
Posted by The Toughster:
Posted by treyDawg:
It's got to be for more offense. This team cannot score without Vanek.
Posted by Thumper:
This is a no-brainer.
If he's not signed by the 4th, it means he's playing hardball with the organization that gambled on him, and lost out in a very big way.
With the playoffs on the line, and without Thomas Vanek, he's been just shy of invisible.
Get what you can for him.
Continue the discussion here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - Connolly? Trade him March 4 if he's contract-less?
If he doesn't re-sign by March 4, do you trade him? I do.
Posted by Healthy Scratch:
Why not? If a good d-man, or big winger is available. He's been meh for 5 games now.
Posted by JD Sabrefan
This team is 1 gritty dman and 1 gritty scorer from being a cup contender. But I don't expect us to do a damn thing before the deadline.
Posted by Uncle Jesse:
You'd almost have to, rather than losing him for nothing. Unless of course the plans are to resign him in the offseason, before July 1st. His price could be way up from now, or barring another injury, way down. It's quite the gamble. I'd trade him,unless a deal is done before Wednesday.
Posted by Bullet:
Trade him while the trading is good!! Package him Max and /or Tallinder or perhaps Pommers and grab someones #1 draft and a scrapy grinder good on draws and has scoring upside. Or as I mentioned before Columbus is very interested in Timmy, so see if we can pry away Brassard (currently injured) and someone else like a d-man or try to get thier #1 draft pick. It would be nice to see Darcy make a blockbuster deal. He is due. ah, maybe its just wishful thinking. Lots of options really. we'll probably end up with a second rounder as usual!
Posted by SmashingT:
I'm kinda split on this one, on one hand if we could get something pretty good for him, i say do it, but to me personally making the playoffs this year is a must, and with connolly i like our chances a lot more. So i voted no.
Posted by Buffalofan19:
Considering we don't know what the market is for a guy like that, since he's kind of a unique situation, I honestly don't know. You can't pass up a good deal, but I don't want picks and/or a prospect. I would need a roster player at least, and a good one at that.
Posted by The Toughster:
Agree with the roster player, but if you can get a first round pick for Connolly you take it and use it to get that roster player, especially if he goes to Columbus who doesn't have very many exciting roster players.
Posted by treyDawg:
It's got to be for more offense. This team cannot score without Vanek.
Posted by Thumper:
This is a no-brainer.
If he's not signed by the 4th, it means he's playing hardball with the organization that gambled on him, and lost out in a very big way.
With the playoffs on the line, and without Thomas Vanek, he's been just shy of invisible.
Get what you can for him.
Continue the discussion here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - Connolly? Trade him March 4 if he's contract-less?
Carolina Game...
Posted by Shane.Goodenough:
Even though we lost tonight I thought it was an alright game. I'm not sure if you could here it on the TV broadcast but there were a couple of times when "Lets go Sabres" was louder than "Lets go Canes" in the arena. I thought pretty much the entire third period was uninspired by us and what cost us the extra point ultimately. On a side note what the fuck happened to Jaro? He didn't move for the entire commercial break and its bullshit the refs took so long to blow the whistle. Anyway sorry for the long post but this team needs to get its head out of its ass if we're going to make the playoffs.
PS: Campbell's clear that went over the boards was fucking deflected, too.
Posted by Sabres244:
Poorly officiated hockey game....well for us
Posted by Shane.Goodenough:
It's obvious that we need to make some changes. I didn't notice Pomminville at all last night. I forgot he was even on the team until he took that shoot out attempt. The Kaleta hit was sick. It happened right in front of me.
Continue reading the discussion here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - Carolina Game
Even though we lost tonight I thought it was an alright game. I'm not sure if you could here it on the TV broadcast but there were a couple of times when "Lets go Sabres" was louder than "Lets go Canes" in the arena. I thought pretty much the entire third period was uninspired by us and what cost us the extra point ultimately. On a side note what the fuck happened to Jaro? He didn't move for the entire commercial break and its bullshit the refs took so long to blow the whistle. Anyway sorry for the long post but this team needs to get its head out of its ass if we're going to make the playoffs.
Posted by LALALALALALAFONTAINE:
That series of reffing around that time was bullshit. Kaleta gets a penalty for bodychecking? Fucking bullshit. It's not a charge if you glide into your target. And Neale was lucid for once when he noted Gaustad had a one handed hook. The faggot pirouhette that Cane did caused him to fall down, not Gaustad's stick. And then Spacek gets high sticked and no fucking call?
That series of reffing around that time was bullshit. Kaleta gets a penalty for bodychecking? Fucking bullshit. It's not a charge if you glide into your target. And Neale was lucid for once when he noted Gaustad had a one handed hook. The faggot pirouhette that Cane did caused him to fall down, not Gaustad's stick. And then Spacek gets high sticked and no fucking call?
PS: Campbell's clear that went over the boards was fucking deflected, too.
Posted by Sabres244:
Poorly officiated hockey game....well for us
Posted by Shane.Goodenough:
It's obvious that we need to make some changes. I didn't notice Pomminville at all last night. I forgot he was even on the team until he took that shoot out attempt. The Kaleta hit was sick. It happened right in front of me.
Continue reading the discussion here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com - Carolina Game
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Guards Available in Free Agency...
Posted by Treydawg:
1. SD - Mike Goff
2. Washington - Pete Kendall
3. Pittsburgh - Chris Kemoeatu
4. Seattle - Floyd Womack
5. Oakland Cooper Carlisle
6. JAX - Milford Brown
7. KC - Adrian Jones
8. Cleveland - Seth McKinney
9. Carolina - Geoff Hangartner
10. Carolina - Jeremy Bridges
11. STL - Adam Goldberg
12. NE - Russ Hochstein
13. NO - Matt Lehr
14. Washington - Jason Fabini
15. Detroit - Edwin Mulitalo
15. Detroit - Damion Cook
16. Dallas - Joe Berger
Lalalafontaine says:
I've always like Womack too.
Kemoeatu is inconsistent. He had problems with DE/DT twists in pass pro, but at times looked good.
Hayden Fox says:
Is Kendall over the hill now? He was good as a Jet, but IDK how he fared as a Redskin. That is an unimpressive list.
Uncle Jesse says:
Looks like we'll be O-Line heavy in the draft, which is outstanding.
See where this all leads...here:
Talkbuffalosports.com "Guards Available in Free Agency"
1. SD - Mike Goff
2. Washington - Pete Kendall
3. Pittsburgh - Chris Kemoeatu
4. Seattle - Floyd Womack
5. Oakland Cooper Carlisle
6. JAX - Milford Brown
7. KC - Adrian Jones
8. Cleveland - Seth McKinney
9. Carolina - Geoff Hangartner
10. Carolina - Jeremy Bridges
11. STL - Adam Goldberg
12. NE - Russ Hochstein
13. NO - Matt Lehr
14. Washington - Jason Fabini
15. Detroit - Edwin Mulitalo
15. Detroit - Damion Cook
16. Dallas - Joe Berger
Lalalafontaine says:
I've always like Womack too.
Kemoeatu is inconsistent. He had problems with DE/DT twists in pass pro, but at times looked good.
Hayden Fox says:
Is Kendall over the hill now? He was good as a Jet, but IDK how he fared as a Redskin. That is an unimpressive list.
Uncle Jesse says:
Looks like we'll be O-Line heavy in the draft, which is outstanding.
See where this all leads...here:
Talkbuffalosports.com "Guards Available in Free Agency"
Bills Free up Cap space...cut Dockery...and Royal
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3936197
Offensive guard Derrick Dockery, who was signed to a seven-year, $49 million deal two years ago by the Buffalo Bills, was informed Thursday he is being released.
Veteran tight end Robert Royal, who had two years left on his contract, also will be released, according to his agent, Rick Smith.
Dockery was one of the key prizes in the free-agent class of 2007. His agent, Todd France, was able to get him a Steve Hutchinson-type package to leave the Washington Redskins for Buffalo. His seven-year, $49 million deal was the highest salary for a guard at the time.
During the first two years of the contract, Dockery was guaranteed $18.5 million. A change in offensive line coaches may have affected his status. His agent, Todd France, told The Associated Press that Dockery was being cut because the Bills wanted to go "in another direction."
Dockery, who will go on the waiver wire at 4 p.m. ET, could go to the top of the list of guards in free agency.
The 28-year-old Dockery, who played in college at Texas, entered the league as the third-round pick with the Redskins and has 77 career starts.
Talk about it here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com
Offensive guard Derrick Dockery, who was signed to a seven-year, $49 million deal two years ago by the Buffalo Bills, was informed Thursday he is being released.
Veteran tight end Robert Royal, who had two years left on his contract, also will be released, according to his agent, Rick Smith.
Dockery was one of the key prizes in the free-agent class of 2007. His agent, Todd France, was able to get him a Steve Hutchinson-type package to leave the Washington Redskins for Buffalo. His seven-year, $49 million deal was the highest salary for a guard at the time.
During the first two years of the contract, Dockery was guaranteed $18.5 million. A change in offensive line coaches may have affected his status. His agent, Todd France, told The Associated Press that Dockery was being cut because the Bills wanted to go "in another direction."
Dockery, who will go on the waiver wire at 4 p.m. ET, could go to the top of the list of guards in free agency.
The 28-year-old Dockery, who played in college at Texas, entered the league as the third-round pick with the Redskins and has 77 career starts.
Talk about it here:
TalkBuffaloSports.com
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