andydrmm

Canandaigua, NY • United States • 29 Years Old • Male

What Should Buffalo Do?

I’ve written about this debacle in Buffalo for many weeks now. The Sabres are spiraling out of control, and nothing seems to be happening to fix the situation.

I loved Jerry Sullivan’s article in the Buffalo News from today, tearing into Terry Pegula and the Sabres. He points out how Buffalo is 5 points out of 8th place, but also 5 points out of last place...

Let’s be honest, right now I think last place is more realistic, and it pains me to say that.

I’ve be very outspoken about my feelings in the direction that this team needs to go in. Buffalo’s currently losing, badly to Detroit (3-0). It’s not really a big surprise. Buffalo looks listless and is allowing Detroit to do what they want when they want to.

Buffalo has had a rash of injuries this season. I’m not going to take that from anyone here. However, injuries are not an excuse for losing hockey games. If my count is correct, Buffalo is missing 4 players from the opening day game tonight, Regher, Ehrhoff, Ennis, and McCormick. Teams don’t just curl up and die because someone is hurt. You need to fight that much harder. Do you see the Penguins complaining because Crosby’s hurt? NO, they keep fighting and trying to win. Every team in the NHL keeps fighting, no matter who is hurt, and don’t make excuses. Except Buffalo... for some reason, writers on hockeybuzz, the coach, the players, the GM, and now, the owner, seem to think that it’s a viable excuse for this disastrous stretch of play.

Buffalo has a pretty healthy roster at the moment, and are still getting eaten alive. They were outshot 40-25 against the Islanders on Saturday. Other teams have their way with the Sabres non-stop. Buffalo is the laughing stock of the NHL right now. They are considered to be an easy 2 points.

Like every Buffalo fan, I’m hopeful that Buffalo will turn it around every night that they play. I know, like everyone else, that Buffalo could make a run for the playoffs. Unfortunately, right now Buffalo isn’t playing like they really want to make it to the playoffs.

By getting a new coach, you’re going to see an immediate response. Things are going to change pretty quickly with a new coach behind the bench. Buffalo’s had new players coming and going all season with injuries, hasn’t helped. A new coach is a more permanent change, and can hopeful illicit change quickly. Then, shortly after a new coach comes in, you start assessing what players stay and what ones go.

Right now, Buffalo is currently being destroyed by Detroit (5-0). I’ve been waiting for this for quite a while. Buffalo’s goaltending has kept Buffalo from getting beaten this badly. Tonight, even the goaltending can’t do anything. I’d say at least 3-4 for of the goals, Miller didn’t stand a chance. There’s no reason to think Enroth is going to fair any better, but time will tell. Remember, a goalie is as good as the players in front of him.

I think everyone is in agreement that something needs to happen. I personally think that something will happen around January 25. That’s the day after Buffalo plays New Jersey, and has a week off for the All-Star break. That’s the time to shake things up, and come out after the All-Star break ready to play serious hockey, and get back into playoff contention.

However, I really want to open this up to everyone. I’ve made my thoughts known, I’m curious as to what you think. Post what you think Buffalo needs to do in order to get back to playing good hockey. I’ll respond when I get the chance to...

I do think that we’re all in agreement, that something needs to happen soon, or this season will be lost.

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