Penguins firing Therrien Affects Sabres in Big Way

by Zachary Zielonka on Feb 16, 2009 4:28 PM EST

The Penguins firing of Therrien can affect the Sabres in the fact that if the Sabres continue the bipolar efforts as of late, they will be out of the playoff hunt. The Penguins will most likely turn things around for Dan Bylsma and at least make the playoff race more interesting. They are only 5 points out of the 8th spot with 25 games left in the season. 25 games left is a long time to be able to make up 5 points on a pair of teams.

The Sabres need to turn things around and start winning to take advantage of the misfortunes of the Canadiens and the Rangers. If we start to overtake them, then the pressure that the Penguins put on in the next few weeks won't be directed at the Sabres but the teams below them.

This team has three crucial games against either rivals or playoff teams. We head to Toronto on Tuesday and Philly on Thursday and then head back home for the Rangers on Saturday. Taking two of three or possibly 5 out of 6 points would make up for losing to the Canes last night. This team needs an influx of something and they need it quickly.

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So let me understand this.

The Pens fire their coach of three season – a guy who led them to within two games of winning it all. They replace him with a minor league coach who has no MHL coaching experience. He’s to take over this team of superstars – and you say the Pens will “most likely” turn it around?

(Just checked – they lost on the road this afternoon to the worst team in the league 3-2.)

I’m just guessing here – but were you also thinking that Lindy needed to be canned back in mid-December?

I mean we all know much mid-season coaching changes always make a difference in the standings.

That said, yes… Sunday sucked and the next three games are BIG.

But to look at a fast fading 10th place team who clearly hit the panic button by firing a scapegoat? Not needed. It’s close to becoming a 9 team race in the East. It should have been just as close to being an 8 team battle with the 4-8 slots being the big push, but we screwed a big chance yesterday.

by dfderie on Feb 16, 2009 7:09 PM EST reply actions

The situation in Pittsburgh was by all indications a volatile one. I don’t normally think that a mid-season coaching change will work but that team is too talented to be in 10th place. For whatever reason they were not responding to Therrian and maybe they will respond for Bylsma. I’ll stop short of saying they will “most likeley” turn things around but I won’t be surprised if they do.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Feb 16, 2009 10:26 PM EST up reply actions

I think that they will at least make life difficult for the 7th and 8th teams in the conference. Yesterday’s loss can be explained by a handful of things, least of which their coach being canned less than 24 hours earlier. The Senators have turned things around for Clouston, winners of 5 of their last 6. This team is too talented as D.O said to be in the 10th spot in the conference.

by Zachary Zielonka on Feb 17, 2009 7:48 AM EST up reply actions