shrader Posted March 25, 2020 Posted March 25, 2020 13 hours ago, BillsFan4 said: It’s cool hearing a younger RJ call a game again. I miss the sounds of the old arenas, things so packed in with the low ceilings. Some can get loud today, but they'll never sound like that. 2
BillsFan4 Posted March 25, 2020 Author Posted March 25, 2020 1 hour ago, shrader said: I miss the sounds of the old arenas, things so packed in with the low ceilings. Some can get loud today, but they'll never sound like that. Yeah watching a game there was much different than the new arena. I miss the aud.
BillsFan4 Posted March 25, 2020 Author Posted March 25, 2020 https://theathletic.com/1700199/2020/03/25/nhl-and-team-executives-sharing-ideas-for-adjusting-the-draft-lottery/ (sub. req.) Quote According to an NHL source, at least one team has submitted a lottery proposal that would include a tournament in which lottery teams play for the first-overall pick. At its face, the idea sounds radical but structured the right way this has the potential to be a real asset for the league. Without knowing the exact details of the proposal, there would have to be some assurances for the teams at the bottom of the standings that their odds of winning a lottery tournament resemble their odds of winning the lottery drawing now. That would mean home games for Ottawa and Detroit, with a fairly easy path to the championship. And likewise, a bubble team would have to go on an all-time run of games to win the lottery. This proposal would accomplish a couple of things. It would get all players back playing, rather than just playoff teams, which would help level the playing field for next season in terms of rest and time off between games. It would also engage fans of both playoff teams and lottery teams alike if games return. Imagine for a moment a lottery tournament final between the Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks for the rights to draft Alexis Lafreniere. Or a final between the Senators and Montreal Canadiens for the same thing. The television ratings in those markets would be off the charts. The article says that a weighted draft lottery system is still probably the most likely scenario. But I thought this was an interesting idea (assuming that they’re even able to resume at some point before next season is set to start).
shrader Posted March 25, 2020 Posted March 25, 2020 35 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said: https://theathletic.com/1700199/2020/03/25/nhl-and-team-executives-sharing-ideas-for-adjusting-the-draft-lottery/ (sub. req.) The article says that a weighted draft lottery system is still probably the most likely scenario. But I thought this was an interesting idea (assuming that they’re even able to resume at some point before next season is set to start). They played most of the season. There's no reason to change the draft lottery procedures. They shouldn't completely alter their operation just because they want a temporary ratings spike. Sure, a couple teams here in there were going to move up or down a couple spots, but there's no way to account for that and they shouldn't just throw out 70 games worth of results. 1
JohnC Posted March 25, 2020 Posted March 25, 2020 1 hour ago, BillsFan4 said: https://theathletic.com/1700199/2020/03/25/nhl-and-team-executives-sharing-ideas-for-adjusting-the-draft-lottery/ (sub. req.) The article says that a weighted draft lottery system is still probably the most likely scenario. But I thought this was an interesting idea (assuming that they’re even able to resume at some point before next season is set to start). How do teams play when players have left and departed for locations all over the world? And when is it declared safe to play again for the players and fans? Another issue is if it is determined that in two months it is safe to play then how long will it take for players to practice as a team before the players are prepared to play games again? Before you it know the calendar is not only approaching but also blending into the next season. This season and the playoffs are for all intents and purposes are shot. That is a harsh reality but an obvious reality. Japan reluctantly had to face this stark reality with the postponement of the Olympics for a year or so. The bigger issue is whether people and countries respond intelligently enough so that this plague is not rekindled, which the medical experts say could happen. If this virus is subdued only to reemerge then all sports, amateur and pro, are facing a calamity. As Shrader and you indicated the weighted draft lottery system is the most likely scenario. 1
JohnC Posted March 25, 2020 Posted March 25, 2020 This link is a column by WGR's Brayton Wilson reporting that Western Michigan's defenseman Mattias Samuelsson signed a three year entry level deal. He is a big dude! https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/sabres-sign-samuelsson-to-entry-level-contract 1
BillsFan4 Posted March 25, 2020 Author Posted March 25, 2020 (edited) They are airing the 1st ever winter classic at Ralph Wilson stadium (Sabres vs. Penguins) on NBCS right now (it’s almost over though). Crazy seeing how young Crosby, Malkin, Miller, Vanek, Roy (etc) are. Edited March 25, 2020 by BillsFan4
JohnC Posted March 26, 2020 Posted March 26, 2020 (edited) This is a short link by a report by Paul Hamilton from WGR. It indicates that the NHL combine in Buffalo, the Draft lottery date and the draft have all been postponed. https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/the-nhl-is-postponing-events Edited March 26, 2020 by JohnC
JohnC Posted March 26, 2020 Posted March 26, 2020 The attached link is a long segment (28 mins) with Paul Hamilton on the Instigator Show talking about the Sabres. Some of thoughts of Paul H. were: he felt that if the Sabres were going to trade Risto for a second line forward that they would have to add more to the deal to get it done. He was asked by Rivet about the individual defensive players. Although he has been a consistent critic of Risto he thought that for much of the season he was our best defensemen. However, he still believes that because of his good play his value is higher than it has been. He also thought that Joki may have been one of our more consistent defensemen although he faltered toward the end of the season. He wants to see the Sabres re-sign Reinhart while being aware that the player has the leverage over the team because there is such a dearth of scorers on the roster. https://wgr550.radio.com/media/audio-channel/03-25-paul-hamilton
JohnC Posted March 27, 2020 Posted March 27, 2020 (edited) The below link is a 13 min interview of Mattias Samuelsson on WGR's Instigator Show. https://wgr550.radio.com/media/audio-channel/03-26-sabres-defenseman-mattias-samuelsson This WGR 8 min second link is Andy Murray, the college coach of Samuelsson and Depietro (sic), talking about them as players and their prospects. Murray believes that Samuelsson has a chance to make the team but most likely will end up in Rochester. https://wgr550.radio.com/media/audio-channel/03-27-western-michigan-hockey-head-coach-andy-murray-on-mattias-samuelsson Edited March 27, 2020 by JohnC 1
K-9 Posted March 27, 2020 Posted March 27, 2020 On 3/25/2020 at 10:46 AM, shrader said: I miss the sounds of the old arenas, things so packed in with the low ceilings. Some can get loud today, but they'll never sound like that. I love the Winnipeg barn for this very reason. That place is loud on tv, I can imagine how loud it gets in person. 1
BillsFan4 Posted March 28, 2020 Author Posted March 28, 2020 (edited) I forgot how exciting this game was. Enjoying this one. Those 06-07 teams were so damn close. Has they kept Drury & Briere and added 1 more piece and they could have been a cup favorite for years. Instead they both left and it all slowly fell apart until we ended up where were at now. Edited March 28, 2020 by BillsFan4
BillsFan4 Posted March 28, 2020 Author Posted March 28, 2020 You know, I was thinking... If Botterill’s job was truly on the line, I have to believe that he is safe for next season now. This is such a unique circumstance. It would be tougher to do a GM search and tougher for a new GM to take over. He would face so many unique challenges. I also think they probably wanted to give him 1 more year anyway, but there was a lot of pressure coming from fans and media. Now I would think the fan/media backlash will be minimal. People will understand. And when a time comes that we can all safely go back to the arena and watch a game, I’m sure fans will be flooding in, just out of celebration. I know I will. As much as the Sabres pissed me off I sure do miss watching them (and the NHL in general). 1
4merper4mer Posted March 28, 2020 Posted March 28, 2020 11 hours ago, BillsFan4 said: You know, I was thinking... If Botterill’s job was truly on the line, I have to believe that he is safe for next season now. This is such a unique circumstance. It would be tougher to do a GM search and tougher for a new GM to take over. He would face so many unique challenges. I also think they probably wanted to give him 1 more year anyway, but there was a lot of pressure coming from fans and media. Now I would think the fan/media backlash will be minimal. People will understand. And when a time comes that we can all safely go back to the arena and watch a game, I’m sure fans will be flooding in, just out of celebration. I know I will. As much as the Sabres pissed me off I sure do miss watching them (and the NHL in general). He's probably safe now and probably should be based on the virus and how hard it would be to organize a brand new management team. If Krueger was willing to take on the role for now, that might work but is probably too much for one guy. Free agency may end up being tough in a way similar to football. With less information about players maybe Botts will accidentally pick up a good forward or two. 1 1
JohnC Posted March 28, 2020 Posted March 28, 2020 16 hours ago, BillsFan4 said: You know, I was thinking... If Botterill’s job was truly on the line, I have to believe that he is safe for next season now. This is such a unique circumstance. It would be tougher to do a GM search and tougher for a new GM to take over. He would face so many unique challenges. I also think they probably wanted to give him 1 more year anyway, but there was a lot of pressure coming from fans and media. Now I would think the fan/media backlash will be minimal. People will understand. And when a time comes that we can all safely go back to the arena and watch a game, I’m sure fans will be flooding in, just out of celebration. I know I will. As much as the Sabres pissed me off I sure do miss watching them (and the NHL in general). The below attached link is a column by Ryan Kennedy from the Hockey News about how to fix the Sabres. It is overly generic but it does offer some suggestions that are apparent to most of us. My sense is that Botterill is a strong believer in internal development in order to build a roster. So I don't see any drastic moves that will mortgage the future for short term benefits. However, I do see Risto or another defenseman with additional assets moved to enhance the second line and scoring potential. If one reviews this disappointing season it is not unreasonable to believe that with a better PK and better goal tending this team could have earned an additional 8 to 10 points. That in itself would have led to a more positive perspective and outlook on the season and near future. https://www.si.com/nhl/2020/03/03/how-to-fix-the-buffalo-sabres 1
JohnC Posted March 28, 2020 Posted March 28, 2020 (edited) This clip on Dawson Dipietro was taken from Sabres.com. If you watch the short clip (7 seconds) from the last development camp you can see that he can turn on the jets. He is 24 yrs old so I expect that he will directly go to Rochester. His college coach (a former NHL coach) believes that he has a chance to make the big club. I doubt it unless a number of players will be moved. https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-sign-dawson-dipietro-western-michigan/c-316256530 Edited March 28, 2020 by JohnC 1
\GoBillsInDallas/ Posted March 29, 2020 Posted March 29, 2020 3 Hours of Sabres brawls: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 1
JohnC Posted March 30, 2020 Posted March 30, 2020 The attached link is a column by Bill Hoppe writing for Buffalo Hockey Beat. It's about Dominik Kahun. Included in the link are highlights of Kahun when he was with the Penguins. Botterill made a good deal to get Joki. Just maybe this deal will work out as well. In the games he played for Buffalo he demonstrated that he can skate and has good offensive skills. The line he was on with Johansson-Olofsson was a very active line that created a lot of chances. I thought Johansson was rejuvenated playing on this fast and skilled line. http://www.buffalohockeybeat.com/sabres-might-possess-special-talent-in-newcomer-dominik-kahun/?view=getnewpost
BillsFan4 Posted March 30, 2020 Author Posted March 30, 2020 (edited) https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/sabres-eichel-is-in-buffalo-self-quarantining article from a conference call Eichel did with the media. I’ll post the full interview as soon as it’s up. He is a smart young man! Edited March 30, 2020 by BillsFan4
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