Yes to all your points. Boston runs a very sound defensive system and they have total buy in from their defense and forwards. Buffalo essentially has no defined defensive scheme or structure. He played sheltered minutes in Boston that could diminish his shortcomings, but eventually his mistakes were so glaring that he was a healthy scratch in the playoffs. Should have been the red flag to warn the Sabres that this guy can’t be counted on to be dependable. He was a hitting machine in Boston, a player that loved playing the physical, gritty game that Buffalo so desperately needed. He has shown his true potential and it’s nothing more than the reason why Boston made no effort to resign him. Another horrible signing by GMKA
- Cory1

So in your eyes he didn't regress, he sucked all along? I can't really argue as I'm just perplexed, but wanted to ask.

It's amazing to me he doesn't really hit anymore. As you say, that was a big part of his game before.

So in your eyes he didn't regress, he sucked all along? I can't really argue as I'm just perplexed, but wanted to ask.

It's amazing to me he doesn't really hit anymore. As you say, that was a big part of his game before.
- QuinnFan

Tagging along with your response, but he didn't suck all along. He was a fine defensemen during his time in Boston. He stepped up when they needed him.

He sucks here and he was overpaid here.

So in your eyes he didn't regress, he sucked all along? I can't really argue as I'm just perplexed, but wanted to ask.

It's amazing to me he doesn't really hit anymore. As you say, that was a big part of his game before.
- QuinnFan

I feel it’s a combination of many things. When you look at the roster Boston currently has versus ours… you might wonder how Boston wins and stays at the top of the standings. Yes- goaltending is excellent, their defense is solid, but outside of McAvoy, no one has star potential. Their forwards outside of Marchand, Pasta, and to a lesser degree, Coyle is blah. What separates them with a team like Buffalo is solid coaching and structure. They play as a team, unlike the Sabres. I see it every game- guys trying to stick handle through the entire opposing team. A overmatched head coach, inept assistant coaches, a GM who is equally inept, a losing culture, no true leadership among the players, often times a complete lack of effort and zero pride in what they do. With that said- Clifton is no more than a situational defender who will be prone to mistakes. We need a new GM, an entirely new coaching staff and leadership in the locker room

Tagging along with your response, but he didn't suck all along. He was a fine defensemen during his time in Boston. He stepped up when they needed him.

He sucks here and he was overpaid here.
- TheSabresTaco

He was serviceable. Nothing more. With their season on the line- he wasn’t playing

Tagging along with your response, but he didn't suck all along. He was a fine defensemen during his time in Boston. He stepped up when they needed him.

He sucks here and he was overpaid here.
- TheSabresTaco

I thought he was good too but Cory isn't wrong either, Boston can cover up for some lackluster traits too.

Wish there was a definitive answer, at least to the cause.

I feel it’s a combination of many things. When you look at the roster Boston currently has versus ours… you might wonder how Boston wins and stays at the top of the standings. Yes- goaltending is excellent, their defense is solid, but outside of McAvoy, no one has star potential. Their forwards outside of Marchand, Pasta, and to a lesser degree, Coyle is blah. What separates them with a team like Buffalo is solid coaching and structure. They play as a team, unlike the Sabres. I see it every game- guys trying to stick handle through the entire opposing team. A overmatched head coach, inept assistant coaches, a GM who is equally inept, a losing culture, no true leadership among the players, often times a complete lack of effort and zero pride in what they do. With that said- Clifton is no more than a situational defender who will be prone to mistakes. We need a new GM, an entirely new coaching staff and leadership in the locker room
- Cory1

If I had to pick one, this is it and agreed on Boston. Hopefully Meatballs gets some new assistants at least, as the talking heads are all squawking that his job is safe.

Wish there was a definitive answer, at least to the cause.
- QuinnFan

there is

trade 2 or 3 pieces for a difference maker on the back end


a zillion prospects and crickets from the front office

If I had to pick one, this is it and agreed on Boston. Hopefully Meatballs gets some new assistants at least, as the talking heads are all squawking that his job is safe.
- QuinnFan

has any coaches been upgraded since meathead took over?

a few ahl assistants got promoted elsewhere

Winnipeg coach throws some criticism around after a bad game and oh look the players respond correctly... Grow some fvckin nuts Don

Winnipeg coach throws some criticism around after a bad game and oh look the players respond correctly... Grow some fvckin nuts Don
- DirtyDan

there is

trade 2 or 3 pieces for a difference maker on the back end


a zillion prospects and crickets from the front office
- homiedclown

Are we sure that those difference makers won't have a similar fall from grace?

Agreed with the bolded. It's time to flip a couple guys.

has any coaches been upgraded since meathead took over?

a few ahl assistants got promoted elsewhere
- homiedclown

None of our guys are even on the radar. Peca got scooped up and that left us barren. We really should've given him his shot, IMO he'd be the guy who could get this team to run through a walls for the crest.

What do you think of Appert? I'm not a huge fan tbh but he's a natural choice I suppose.

None of our guys are even on the radar. Peca got scooped up and that left us barren. We really should've given him his shot, IMO he'd be the guy who could get this team to run through a walls for the crest.

What do you think of Appert? I'm not a huge fan tbh but he's a natural choice I suppose.
- QuinnFan

When Lindy ruff gets fired from Nj and we hire him back, peca will follow him back to Buffalo

Here's something to ponder:

UPL is doing great, I assume he's going to be resigned to a 3-4 year deal

Levi is back to his old ways down on the farm, getting awarded the eagle head a couple times

If Levi continues to grow and surpasses UPL next year, do you trade UPL and try to sign Levi long term? Or do you just have more money tied up in goaltending to have the assurity of two starting caliber guys in the fold.

What do you think of Appert? I'm not a huge fan tbh but he's a natural choice I suppose.
- QuinnFan

Taylor had rochester playing really well, and got canned for Appert


my guess is Ralph did not like looking over his shoulder and seeing Taylor doing well in rochester

Taylor had rochester playing really well, and got canned for Appert


my guess is Ralph did not like looking over his shoulder and seeing Taylor doing well in rochester
- homiedclown

Is he still with the Devils do you know? Tried to look online and seems so, but don't see him on their website.

Ralph really was a cowardly p.o.s. if that was the case. Especially given the fact that GM was his hoped for, ending position.

Is he still with the Devils do you know? Tried to look online and seems so, but don't see him on their website.

Ralph really was a cowardly p.o.s. if that was the case. Especially given the fact that GM was his hoped for, ending position.
- QuinnFan

https://www.nhl.com/devils/team/coaching-staff


looks like he is still there

https://www.nhl.com/devils/team/coaching-staff


looks like he is still there
- homiedclown

Don't know how I missed that. Thanks homes.

Here's something to ponder:

UPL is doing great, I assume he's going to be resigned to a 3-4 year deal

Levi is back to his old ways down on the farm, getting awarded the eagle head a couple times

If Levi continues to grow and surpasses UPL next year, do you trade UPL and try to sign Levi long term? Or do you just have more money tied up in goaltending to have the assurity of two starting caliber guys in the fold.
- QuinnFan

Keep both till you cant anymore.

I see a 50-32 split next year ATM. Could be closer depending on goalie play.

UPL shouldn't cost much at 3-4 years term. Gives you quite a bit till you have to worry about to much money at the goalie position.

Keep both till you cant anymore.

I see a 50-32 split next year ATM. Could be closer depending on goalie play.

UPL shouldn't cost much at 3-4 years term. Gives you quite a bit till you have to worry about to much money at the goalie position.
- DirtyDan

Say UPL is 4x4, if Levi really takes over afterwards and looks like the clear cut starter by year's end...are you okay paying $10-11M for goaltending long term? Or do you mean you'd sign them, then move one when things get tight?

Winnipeg coach throws some criticism around after a bad game and oh look the players respond correctly... Grow some fvckin nuts Don
- DirtyDan

Lol, I like it though.

Taylor had rochester playing really well, and got canned for Appert


my guess is Ralph did not like looking over his shoulder and seeing Taylor doing well in rochester
- homiedclown

well, i can tell you for certain that guess is wrong.

Is he still with the Devils do you know? Tried to look online and seems so, but don't see him on their website.

Ralph really was a cowardly p.o.s. if that was the case. Especially given the fact that GM was his hoped for, ending position.
- QuinnFan

This idea is not true.

Say UPL is 4x4, if Levi really takes over afterwards and looks like the clear cut starter by year's end...are you okay paying $10-11M for goaltending long term? Or do you mean you'd sign them, then move one when things get tight?
- QuinnFan

I'd let things play out next year, before giving UPL term. Seems unnecessary to make that commitment now. If they think Levi is ready for the NHL, let them battle for time.

I feel it’s a combination of many things. When you look at the roster Boston currently has versus ours… you might wonder how Boston wins and stays at the top of the standings. Yes- goaltending is excellent, their defense is solid, but outside of McAvoy, no one has star potential. Their forwards outside of Marchand, Pasta, and to a lesser degree, Coyle is blah. What separates them with a team like Buffalo is solid coaching and structure. They play as a team, unlike the Sabres. I see it every game- guys trying to stick handle through the entire opposing team. A overmatched head coach, inept assistant coaches, a GM who is equally inept, a losing culture, no true leadership among the players, often times a complete lack of effort and zero pride in what they do. With that said- Clifton is no more than a situational defender who will be prone to mistakes. We need a new GM, an entirely new coaching staff and leadership in the locker room
- Cory1

With the addition of their Proprietary Analytics system developed by Ventura, I would have thought they would be able to highlight scenarios like you pointed out with the Bruins/Cliffy.

So WTF is that team doing? Why, for example isn't Ventura banging the sh!t out the the table with objections to Donnie's player usage/line combinations.