Is this the nadir?

by Philaster on Jan 11, 2012 11:20 AM EST

I can't remember the fanbase being more down on the Sabres since the bad old days of the Rigas bankruptcy, or perhaps right before the 05-06 season, when the loss of Zhitnik and Satan made people want to picket HSBC Arena.

Here are some quick stats:

The Sabres are:

-23rd in the league in wins, points, and goals per game

- 8th in the league in losses

- 19th in the league in goals against per game

- 18th in shots per game

- 26th in shots against per game

- The Sabres only have a .273 winning percentage when trailing after the first

During the past ten years, the Sabres have only ever made the playoffs when Mike Grier has been on the team. Mull that one over for a second. It could just be a coincidence, but when he played for the Sharks, it was the same core. I know that last year, Grier was a shadow of his former Goal scoring Colossus status, but almost everyone reporting on the team has said that this years team misses him in the locker room desperately.

In a way, it seems like we're all in an abusive relationship. In the past when we've had divorce papers in hand, the Sabres have shown up with Flowers and Champagne. Will that happen this year, or are both parties ready to move on for the time being.

Poll

Is this the worst that you've felt about the Sabres since the bankruptcy?

Yes

49 votes

No

13 votes

62 votes | Poll has closed

This is a fanpost written by a member of the community, it doesn't necessarily express the views or opinions of Die by the Blade

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Comments

Changing the coach or GM

Its to late for that, if we changed now who ever took over would probably be fired at the end of the year anyway. The group of core players that Darcy has assembled has to go, with the exception of Pommer and Vanek

by Winnie33 on Jan 11, 2012 11:33 AM EST reply actions

No, the first half of last year was worse

The difference now is how much higher expectations were. In light of Injurypocalypse, I can’t get too down on them till they’re playing with their actual roster for a few games running. That has to happen eventually – I just hope it’s not too late to save the season.

(And everything else is Ville Leino’s fault.)

by Katemc on Jan 11, 2012 11:40 AM EST reply actions

I remember being more optimistic last year. There were rough moments, but by this time, they were turning it around. This year it seems like they’ve gotten worse as the year has gone on.

by Philaster on Jan 11, 2012 12:25 PM EST up reply actions

By this time, sure. But till January, they were rough. The team started out fine this year, didn’t go off the rails till the injuries started piling up. So it’s hard for me not to believe that once everyone gets stitched up and used to each other again there will be a dramatic improvement. The only worry, as I said, is that it could be too late.

by Katemc on Jan 11, 2012 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

If it goes as you say and as soon as everyone is back, they start playing better, there’s some hope. I just think it goes deeper than that.

by Philaster on Jan 11, 2012 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

Last year at this time:
I demanded Drew Stafford be banished to Edmonton.
Advocated signing pylons at defense because at least they’d be in position some of the time.
Officially declared the season over the day after Christmas.
Calculated the record the Sabres best record to have a chance at a lottery pick (i also did that this year, it’s 15-27)
Andrej Sekera was healthy, but not awesome.
“The future” consisted of Luke Adam and some defensemen I’d never seen play.
Tyler Myers was -1042 and a bust.
We didn’t have any defensemen that could bodyslam Alex Ovechkin.

So in conclusion, the Sabres are still doomed(because they’ll never get healthy), but i felt even worse last year.

As long as 70 minutes of ice time is being doled out to AHLers and Matt Ellis, the Sabres are basically doomed

by Ubiquitous on Jan 11, 2012 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

What Do You See This Year?

I’d like your list for 2012 please!

by T McGee on Jan 11, 2012 10:12 PM EST up reply actions

I still hate like Drew Stafford but not enough to give him away for free.
Wish we had more robot defensemen because they probably wouldn’t need surgery.
Will probably declared the season over halfway through January.
Andrej Sekera is awesome, but not healthy.
"The future" consisted of OMG ALL OUR PROSPECTS ARE HUGE. (also ZACH ATTACK!)
Ryan Miller is busted, but will probably behead the next person that runs him over.
Only stopped hating Christian Ehrhoff because he’s a little better than AHLers.
We only have three players who are better even-strength goal scorers than Jochen Hecht (and two of them can’t play defense)
You may note, the above list of the five best scorers includes the only three players who haven’t missed games with injury this year. This is not a coincidence.

As long as 70 minutes of ice time is being doled out to AHLers and Matt Ellis, the Sabres are basically doomed

by Ubiquitous on Jan 12, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions

When you declare the season over, can you recalculate the chances at a lottery pick?

by Philaster on Jan 12, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions

trade

we shouls trade staff and roy for a washer and dryer. I hate this core

Buffalo/ Rochester 2011! Thanks TP!

by thenewhockeytown on Jan 11, 2012 11:59 AM EST reply actions

I feel sort of the opposite of how I did in ‘05-06 when I loved the core. They were all playing so well together. Part of me wonders if they’re just sick of each other.

by Philaster on Jan 11, 2012 12:23 PM EST up reply actions

7/1/2007 still takes the cake for worst day since the bankruptcy.

"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula

by bgred105 on Jan 11, 2012 12:08 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I had more of a wait and see attitude on that day.

by Philaster on Jan 11, 2012 12:25 PM EST up reply actions

I remember getting sick to my stomach at work when I heard the results after 12 PM. Losing two players at that time was devastating for me.

"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula

by bgred105 on Jan 11, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions

I remember being more mad about that and WTFing around.

Right now feels bad, the build up to the season, the early performance then this outright tailspin combined with the TWC issue, I can’t even focus on one thing that is going wrong before I get distracted and think about the next thing. Now we have people in Toronto trying to poison Vanek and RR… It just feels bad.

by VFN FTW on Jan 11, 2012 1:15 PM EST up reply actions

I hate talking about that day...

but youre right. Even tho, looking back, Drury never panned out in NY, but Briere has still been pretty good, especially when not being The Guy.

That day sucked.

I hate that I love Buffalo.

by bflo on Jan 11, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions

This.

Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place

by Ogre39666 on Jan 11, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t know why but it seems like none of the players like playing with each other or really seem to be able to have any connection with each other. I think Ruff Terry and Darcy needs some day when there’s an off day and have a huge team building activity. Or Terry needs to tell these guys that they need to play like their jobs are on the line or they’re all going to be bought out or traded. No one forechecks consistently, no one hits consistently, and no one will stick up for anyone else or take the team on their shoulders except Vanek. Vanek is the only player that seems like he cares when we lose or when he misses a good opportunity. I’m honestly glad right now that I can’t watch the games because it’d make me even more mad than I am about this team. The effort every night is just sad to watch and listen to.

by billsfan26 on Jan 11, 2012 12:36 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Maybe this road trip will help. At this point I would even welcome reports of arguments in the locker room, fights at practice, something, anything.

by Frank Reich Revolution on Jan 11, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

That’s one of the difficult things. As was mentioned previously, I know all the Sabres care tremendously. They just look lost. I’d rather they look angry.

by Philaster on Jan 11, 2012 5:58 PM EST up reply actions

I don't care how they look.

It’s the production drop that I care about.

Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place

by Ogre39666 on Jan 11, 2012 7:16 PM EST up reply actions

Loseing Drury and Briere welt WAY WAY worse.

This sucks but it’s hard to be good with a third of your team always hurt. Call it an excuse or whatever but it impacts the team no matter what you call it.

Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place

by Ogre39666 on Jan 11, 2012 2:49 PM EST reply actions

*felt

Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place

by Ogre39666 on Jan 11, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

KALETA

I am a big fan of his because of hard hitting and the energy he brings each and every shift. Unfortunately, he has become a marked man in the NHL. If he hits anyone, he is either getting a penalty or going to be suspended while others can do whatever they want. Maybe he should switch jersey numbers so refs won`t be looking out for him. Why the league doesn`t like him then they should give him a lifetime suspension for cripes sake!!!

by BUBLSRM on Jan 11, 2012 3:26 PM EST reply actions

7/1/07

Die By The Blade - Your home for the best Buffalo Sabres talk online.
@andyboron

by Andy Boron on Jan 11, 2012 5:14 PM EST reply actions

Grier

You bring up interesting points about Grier. Maybe it’s coincidence, maybe not. But I would love to see him hired by the team as either an assistant coach (could start in Rochester, even) or some lesser role.

by lassathrax on Jan 11, 2012 6:18 PM EST reply actions

In retrospect, I kind of view Drury and Grier as Mom and Dad of the “core.” They kept them in line while they were here with Uncle Danny helping out a little bit. The Core is like the 37 year old kid who can’t hold a job and has to keep moving back to their parents basement.

by Philaster on Jan 11, 2012 7:10 PM EST up reply actions

Hell just pay him to sit in the locker room if it’s that important.

by Frank Reich Revolution on Jan 11, 2012 9:18 PM EST up reply actions

Its a Shame, Really...

…I had such high hopes after the first few games. Watching those games in Europe, tape to tape passes, Miller looking great, skating circles around people, I thought ‘Man, these guys might be the best Sabres team I’ve ever seen!’

Now, I just shake my head toward the TV and say, ‘Those f’in guys.’ Meh.

I was more down when Drury left, b/c I was such a huge fan. I remember thinking ‘Who is going to be their leader now? They’ve got nobody!’ I kind of feel that way now. I don’t get the feeling there is anyone in the room who can grab someone by the sweater and call them out, get them to play hard and with some heart for the entire game. Love Pommer, Vanek, but I just don’t see those guys as vocal leaders. By example, sure. But not someone who demands accountability, can fire up the team. Maybe Regehr, but he’s still too new. There is no one on this team that I look at and say, “Now that guy’s a winner” like I did with Drury.

I’m not too down, b/c mostly I’ve liked what I’ve seen out of the young guys. I just wonder if they would scrap the whole thing, go real young, and see what they get for the rest of the season. But that kind of flies in the face of the Three Year Plan.

by T McGee on Jan 11, 2012 10:11 PM EST reply actions

Well

I feel bitterly disappointed after the start we had. Such high hopes. I really don’t have much add, just that this season I don’t have much faith in the sabres ability to turn it around.

Ryan Miller was the true MVP. See my profile for rant.

by Jsz on Jan 18, 2012 9:45 PM EST reply actions