(The question is; with the book out on some of our players, are they actually tradeable?)

Dec 19th 2011
Dear Buffalo Sabres, I’ve Had About Enough

AUTHOR: Chris Elardo

How much is enough?

I was told today, after the Buffalo Sabres were blown out of the building Saturday night by a score of 8-3 at the hands of the the Pittsburgh Penguins, that every team is allowed one “stinker”. Sure, that’s fine. But how many times is a team allowed to blow leads, lose on home ice, cough up the puck, miss countless scoring chances, or not even show up, for crying out loud? It’s not just the 8-3 embarrassment that was Saturday night viewing on my living room television. It’s not the 2 1/2 hours of my life I will never get back. No, it’s how this hockey team continuously finds different ways to lose, and piss away points. Some nights they look like they’ve never passed a puck to a teammate in their lives.

I am not going to mince words here.

I, for one, have had it with the supposed “core” of this “team”, and would like to see some of these heartless, gutless, disinterested players gone off this roster.

Sabres president Ted Black is preaching patience. He also states that he has not given thought to “getting rid of Darcy (Regier) or Lindy (Ruff). No. None”.

If that’s the truth, Mr. Black, then the only other changes you can make would be to the pitiful product on the ice. If some of these guys don’t want to play here, for coach Ruff (who “ain’t goin’ nowhere”), then it’s time to find them a plane ticket to another NHL city now.

There is accountability, pride and heart missing from that Sabres dressing room. All I hear are the same old, tired cliches out of the mouths of the supposed leaders on this team after each loss. “We have to be better…We have to come ready to play…We can’t keep digging ourselves into holes…We were outworked…”

There is no excuse in the world for being outworked. None. This shows a lack of commitment, a lack of heart, a lack of discipline. It’s one thing to lose a game for not burying scoring chances. Those things can happen. It’s another to show up to the rink unprepared to play a full sixty minutes, ever. I can count on one hand the times the Sabres have put in a full sixty minutes of work this season.

There are enough talented players on this team that, despite the non-commitment to give an honest days effort, they have managed a 16-13-3 record (good for seventh place in the Eastern Conference). There is enough depth in this organization as a whole that, despite the countless injuries, the Sabres have a slim hold on a playoff spot.

Guess what? If the season ended today, the Sabres would play the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins, holders of a dominant 21-9-1 record, in round one of the playoffs. The Bruins, plain and simple, know how to win. They are talented, big, strong, and determined. They also play one helluva team game. There are no passengers on that Bruins team. It takes a 100% commitment from the players to work their asses off every shift, to buy into the system, play as a team, and put their bodies on the line, and the B’s have it in spades. I, for one, am jealous.

I see none of this with regards to the 2011-12 version of the Buffalo Sabres.

All I hear are excuses and verbal diarrhea from the same mouths after every loss, every blown lead, every missed pass, every blown assignment, and every soft goal.

These mouths need to be silenced, in the form of a trade.

Let’s start with number 21, Drew Stafford and number 9, Derek Roy.

After a 31-goal season a year ago, Stafford was supposed to have finally put it all together. The former first round draft pick with the good size, and better hands, was a disappointment up until last year’s breakout season. The Sabres rewarded him with a new 4-year, $16 million contract, and were expecting him to carry the goal scoring load (along with Thomas Vanek who, for my money, gets a bad rap for supposedly being soft and lazy, of which he is neither) for the club. Stafford is on pace for 17 goals, but it’s not his lack of goal scoring that’s so maddening. It’s his lack of passion, shift-to-shift, that leaves the bad taste in your mouth. Power forwards are supposed to bring a physicality to the game, along with the scoring ability, and Stafford is bringing very little of either. When Stafford’s on, he’s dominant. You’d have better luck flipping a coin.

Roy’s act has grown tiresome. From the incessant diving, to the condescending sneer on his smug mug, to the fact that he gets pushed off the puck much too easily, it’s very easy to dislike Roy as a player. Roy was supposed to be the number one center for this hockey club going forward, especially after the team let Daniel Briere and Chris Drury (that’s right, I said their names) walk via free-agency, and has shown nothing to warrant that undeserving crown. Sources tell me that, for years, Roy has been a very unpopular player within the Sabres dressing room, whether it’s due to his legendary ego, or his propensity for tuning out his coach’s instructions, and that at least last year’s team felt as if they would be better off without him in the lineup. It’s very hard to question any of this, especially after watching the Sabres go on a 29-12-6 tear after he went out with a season ending injury last season.

The Philadelphia Flyers traded two of their top players in Mike Richards and Jeff Carter this past summer, and haven’t missed a beat. The Flyers are first in the conference, third in the league standings, have 20 wins in 31 games and own a 12-3-1 record away from home. They also have the second most goals in the league, even after trading away two perennial team scoring leaders. There was also much talk that these two players were problems from an organizational standpoint, and that it was as much addition by subtraction, as it was getting good return by trading them.

Sabres owner Terry Pegula has put his money where his mouth is. He has given his players a dream of an organization to work for. He has given his management team free reign to spend whatever is necessary. If Regier and/or Ruff, as Ted Black has us believing, are not going to fall on the sword for this team’s underachieving ways and unwillingness to play hard, then it’s time to make changes in the only other place that’s left. If Regier can’t find that one trade to knock his knickers off, then perhaps a trade for the sake of a trade is in order. Something to wake the Sleeping Beauties on this team up from their 32-game slumber.

As far as I’m concerned, the only untouchables on this team, as it stands right now, are Vanek, Zack Kassian, Brayden McNabb, Robyn Regehr, Christian Ehrhoff and Tyler Myers (unless the Nashville Predators want to part with Shea Weber). While it’s not to say that players like Nathan Gerbe, Jordan Leopold and Cody McCormick aren’t important pieces or don’t play hard, these guys aren’t the impact players that the team needs to lead the charge towards the Stanley Cup.

Kassian and McNabb should at least give Regier confidence enough that, if he has to part with 2 or 3 players off his roster in order to acquire a big time centerman, he has the organizational depth to withstand a 3-for-1 deal.

Unfortunately, the NHL’s Christmas roster freeze starts today, December 19th, and is in effect until midnight on December 27th. That means that no trades can be completed during that time.

The Buffalo Sabres cap payroll stands at $66,878,195. Their actual payroll is closer to $76 million. For that kind of scratch, if Terry Pegula wanted a .500 hockey team, apathetic players, and an increasingly ticked-off fan base, then he’s all set.

Somehow, I think he had other things in mind here.

Let’s see if his management team shares those same visions.

_________________
"I'll rap you with my cane; you pencil necked geek!!"

-Bowler, imitating Freddy Blassie, at the very first M & G.

Thank god someone agrees. Ship both of the douchers for all I care. His point about Cody, Gerbe, and Leopold is spot on. At least they play like they give a fuck. Roy pisses me off to no end.

And depsite the book being out on these players they are entirely tradeable. We have hoped they would turn into role players and they have not. They can put up points but lack the testicular fortitude to be leaders for this organization. There are plenty of teams that have players with balls but lack the skilled point getters. In these organizations Roy's attitude would be squashed by those who lead by example. He would be called out immediately and made to look like a fool unless his prickish ways are stopped.

Damned F-ing straight.

Roy and Stafford can go for all I care. Roy I thought would be much better this year after his injury but has proven to be a major disappointment. Both of these players just don't seem to care and step up their game. Neither have a strong work ethic.

Another good article from Sully....


It's time for Pegula to act

By Jerry Sullivan

News Senior Sports Columinst

Published:December 19, 2011, 11:21 PM



Updated: December 19, 2011, 11:21 PM

On his first day as Sabres owner, Terry Pegula made it clear he was a fan at heart. My problem was he seemed too much of one. He defended his underachieving players. He said Lindy Ruff wasn't going anywhere. He scoffed at the notion that he should bring in an outside personnel man to help Darcy Regier.

I thought Pegula needed to change the team's competitive culture. Instead, he changed the locker room. Oh, he allowed Regier to spend in free agency. But the entrenched leadership of the team remained in place, along with a core of players who are going on five years without a playoff series win.

As the Sabres stumbled through the first third of the season, embarrassing themselves on home ice, I wondered when the smiling, genial owner might finally show some displeasure with his precious team.

It happened Saturday night, when the Penguins smoked the visiting Sabres, 8-3. He was leaning against the wall outside the visiting locker room when reporters arrived. "We saw some great goaltending tonight, didn't we?" Pegula said.

Pegula said his daughter, a pro tennis player, couldn't have done much worse in goal. Cliff Benson, the Sabres' chief development officer, suggested the comments be off the record. Pegula wouldn't hear of it. "If they [as a team] think they played well, we've got more problems," he said.

Maybe Pegula was upset at seeing his team unravel in his native Pennsylvania. But it could be a sign that he has a breaking point, that he's not such a soft touch. Pegula didn't become a billionaire by standing by and failing to make his employees accountable.

Pegula ought to be mad. It's time he did something about it. He needs to shake things up. There's no culture of accountability in that operation. This is the 15th year of Regier and Ruff. It's a culture of contentment, in which people become too comfortable, and it trickles down to the players.

Do something. I would have fired Regier at the start. He could get rid of Ruff. Coaches get fired in the NHL all the time. Or make a big trade, something that will get the attention of the locker room and let the players know that inconsistent work ethic and spotty production won't be tolerated.

I don't want to hear about injuries. Everyone has injuries. The core of this team is stale. Derek Roy has one goal in 15 games. Drew Stafford, who took his job seriously in time for a contract push, has regressed. Paul Gaustad is overpaid. They've all been passengers for too long.

Then there's Ryan Miller. Something tells me the owner's remarks were directed at his franchise goalie, who hasn't been right all year. I can't imagine Pegula was thrilled with Miller's petulant, condescending act early in the year.

Miller is the $6 million face of the franchise, but you wonder if his head is elsewhere, maybe with his wife out in Los Angeles. The Sabres should give serious thought to trading him, before the memory of his 2010 Vezina Trophy and Olympic heroics fade from memory altogether.

The numbers say Miller is an average goalie. His career goals-against (2.59) and save percentage (.914) would rank below average in the NHL right now. His stats this year (3.12 GAA, .902 save pct.) are near the bottom of the league. He had one great season. That doesn't make him elite.

There's no longer any justification for treating Miller like a franchise goalie, an untouchable. The longer they wait, the more Miller's value could diminish. But it's hard to see Regier making such a bold move, especially now that Jhonas Enroth has come back to earth.

They can always hide behind injuries, wait for Miller to get hot, and hope some of the surging teams in the East fall away. But we're getting close to the midway point. If the Sabres don't hit their stride soon, they might find themselves out of the playoffs in April.

If that happens, Pegula's little spiel in Pittsburgh the other night might seem tame by comparison.

_________________
"I'll rap you with my cane; you pencil necked geek!!"

-Bowler, imitating Freddy Blassie, at the very first M & G.

So because of 32 games you're saying Terry needs to trade and get rid of the core players, fire Darcy and Lindy, or he's a terrible owner?

I'm sorry, this is what I'm taking out of all this senseless bitching.

_________________
"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

I have never been an avid supporter of Roy. He's a slightly more useful verision of Maxim Afinegenov. Razzle, dazzle, caugh up the puck. Won't check for shit. Shows no heart at all and from what I have heard he is a selfindulgent weiner. I have only liked Stafford for one season and that was because he was playing for a contract. I'm not saying break up the whole"core" but these two could leave no problem.

I agree with changes being needed. But all the hate on Terry for not changing the whole team 32 games into the season is sickening. He did not see this coming, nobody did. There's little Terry can do in 32 games especially when he had no idea our guys would not try at all. Give him the rest of this year and I'm sure he'll make a lot of changes.

_________________
"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

Roy is worth more now then at seasons end, this I promise you. Ship him now if you want any solid return on the trade. Grags, Roy, and Stafford. That looks appealing to a layperson...no? We could see a decent return on that trio.

How often do you see huge trades happen mid season, like around here? Especially for an underachieving player from an underachieving team. It's hard to find these deals. Trade deadline is probably where it's going to happen.

_________________
"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

I'll explain what they're saying here. They're saying that Pegula put blind faith in a formula that wasn't working.

They're saying he cares about his team; but that his blind faith has allowed the team and organization to remain performing at a level that is less than expected.

They're saying he now needs to correct his mistake by changing the dynamics of the organization.

They're saying he has some options on what he can do; but he can't just do nothing.

I happen to agree with both of the writers.

I don't see anywhere where someone is saying that a condition of Terry Pegula being regarded as a good owner is do a complete overhaul of the team and organization.

I don't see any of this as senseless bitching. It is relevant regarding the recent, and current direction of the team and organization.

If you are happy with the teams performance the past five seasons, then just ignore this.

If it upsets you, please ignore this.

You seem to be happy with this teams direction, and I am pleased someone is.

You are in the minority, however.

_________________
"I'll rap you with my cane; you pencil necked geek!!"

-Bowler, imitating Freddy Blassie, at the very first M & G.

I'm NOT happy with this team's direction. But I'm also not happy with the fact people think Terry has the ability to trade the core players for great players, fire the GM and coaching staff all for a bad 32 games while in mid season. GIVE HIM TIME. He doesn't need 5 years, but he can't do it in a day. He'll do SOMETHING. Be a little more patient.

_________________
"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

How often do teams have an influx of useless talent that is completely expendable due to AHL development? We have a deep and talented farm system. We need to exploit this.

Many teams have underachieving talent. It's mid season. We're not trading our whole team away and firing our coaching staff and GM mid season.

_________________
"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

Get a decent return for two players and ship the third for draft picks to fill the AHL back up.

Stafford, Roy, and Grags-completely expendable if we get a quality center and draft picks in return. I'm not saying clean house.

So getting a decent player or draft pick for two of our core players will make our season better? Or is it better to wait for the trade deadline for better deals?

_________________
"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

And Stafford just signed a new contract. We're not trading him.

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

Our season could be shot to shit by then

We've been patient 15 years. Mr. Pegula doesn't/didn't need to turn everything upside down when he purchased the team. He did however/does however need to do something.

Nothing will change until he does.

The sooner something happens, the sooner the current situation can start to change.

The longer he waits; the longer it will take to change things.

Simple concept.

_________________
"I'll rap you with my cane; you pencil necked geek!!"

-Bowler, imitating Freddy Blassie, at the very first M & G.