Obviously Buffalo has the talent to compete. It simply comes down to leadership, and here are our options:
-Hope someone from within steps up. There were a few who did so: Hecht, Roy, Spacek and Pominville, but overall we need that ONE person and a few others who can "A" well with him.
-Teppo comes back. This would be HUGE on the leadership front.
-We try to bring someone in. I don't like this option as I think we have the answer here in Buffalo, but we just need to find it.
Simply put, we had one of the highest scoring teams in the league, and a good (but erratic) goalie. We need to solidify this team and set the leadership for next year. I have NEVER seen such a streaky Buffalo team in my life, and if we get consistent we will do well.
Also, we had an obvious problem with shootouts. The biggest problem was Miller, who started to correct himself at the end and looked great in the last few weeks.
So, with the coaching staff we have in place, I see no reason why this team will not move forward next season. Comments?
Well , JCJanko , if , and that's a BIG IF , Ruff would stop playing with the " c " , and put in one player , not , " a new month , a new captain " . That would help . I don't see the problem with Miller . His AAG was the same as last year . I think it was defense . Last year , the team lead the league with block shots and this year , near the bottom . Plus , in the shoot outs , the players missed the net , THE NET , more than they hit . They were trying to be cute . Finally , fire QUINN and RUFF . That's the big problem of the team right there .
OK, let me make sure I got this right: you said "fire Ruff"??????
You meant, "fire Regier," right? You can't seriously be saying that Buffalo should fire Ruff. I agree with your assessment of the captaincy, which is EXACTLY what my post was about (remember, "leadership?"). But the fact that we had no true leader makes it awfully tough to just choose anyone on the team as captain.
But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and ask: Who should we hire after firing Ruff?
Ruff is one of the best guys in the game both from a class and ability stand-point. He is safe. We were one of the youngest teams in the league and will only improve. There is no doubt Miller will be signed this year and a back-up goalie is priority one. The young'uns (Funk, Sekera and Weber) looked very good down the stretch on the blue line all things considered. This remaiains a team that doesn't need to mess with too much. I'd like an older guy that could add some confidence to the young guys, but otherwise we remain a very good young team. Don't overlook the college guys we have either. I know 5"5" is dinky, but Gerbe is going to be a special goal scorer. I expect him on our squad next year.
JCJanko .YES FIRE RUFF ! His PP , OR LACK OF IT ,is a better word to call it . He have never tried to FIX IT . Defense ? Ask Ruff what that means . He knows about offense , but , that ALONE & nbsp; won't win a CUP . The player's weren't playing for him . Ruff and Quinn , what a pair . FIRE BOTH ! The World's Championship's start next month , and , Burn's is a coach for CANADA . He wants to be in hockey again , and GOLINANO might &nb sp; asked him to coach the Sabres , AND the ex coach and soon ex G.M. of the Panthers , IS looking for a job , maybe hire him for HOCKEY MANGEMENT of the SABRES . Regier is going a danm good job and you get to remmember , it's QUINN who holds the purse in the office . Quinn holds the last word , not Regier .
GBuck18 , Ability ? Ruff's PP sits in the bottom of the heap . That been that way isn't Ruff became the head coach . He can't even spell defense . Granted , the team is young . But , they have experience . I took say what you're saying about the team , but , there a only a handful of players who are rookies . The rest have at least , 2 season's under their belts . So , that wouldn't wash to me . If you believe Quinn on what he says , you're sadly in a dream world .
PP was streaky this year. As I see it our biggest need is some consitency on the blue line. When Jaro and Campbell were healthy and out there, it was okay. We have the talent up front to be successful, we just need some stability in the back. I'm not sure who fills that need next year, but I expect Jaro and Sekara as one unit and Paetsch along with Tallinder or Lydman on the other.
As far as coaching philosophy and ability, Ruff pushes an offensive game which results in odd man rushes with the D jumping into plays. When the rule changes came into effect this worked well as were faster than everyone. The game and talent levels of other teams has improved over this period. Teams have figured out effective center ice traps in the new world. To this point, Ruff needs to change his stance but I don't think he is needed to be fired.
GBuck18 , I do understand that , the team needs defense , but , like I said before , Ruff can't spell it , get it alone , try it . The team knew about the change and started one year before the league said it . Again , Ruff never had a defense . I think that Ruff , where the team is right now , that's as far as they will go with him . A new , good , experience coach will push the team over the edge .
GBuck18 , Read my posts . I said before , Burns is one of CANADA 'S coach's . He wants to be in to hockey again . GOLISANO should talk to him , before somebody esle will .
Shehe on the surface I like what your saying but i dont think firing Ruff is the answer. especially on a team devoid of leadership on the ice. i agree our power play has been miserable but i dont think firing our head coach is the answer. with montreals playoff surge resting so heavily on their power play i think it has become apperent even to ruff that it has to improve. the biggest issue is keeping talent. Conklin and Biron both gone, left Miller playing way to many games. the loss of our two captains left the team devoid of leadership. none of this can be blamed on Ruff. You cite our miserable power play and horriable defence. yet Ruff took the Sabres to the conference finals without these the last two years. Ruff has his flaws but i must respectfully disagree with you that he should be fired.
Steelersabres , I can see what you're saying , but , look at Ruff . 13 YEARS ! Yes , he guided the Sabres to the SEMI's and the FINALS . THEY NEVER WON THE BIG ONE . Ruff is do be the leader . I NEVER SEEN IT , NEVER . There is leadership on this team , look at POMMER , Miller , and Roy . Ruff is his own worst enemy . He says , that the team needs to tighten the "D" , but , all practice , works on " O " . He never , I mean never , leads a practice . Only for the TV . When the tv people stop camera's , he leaves . I seen a few practices , so , I know about that . About the captain's ? Look at Ruf . A NEW MONTH , A NEW CAPTAIN . COME ON ! That's for kids rabbit ! It's time to open your eyes , and REALLY look . 13 YEARS and NOTHING HAVE HAPPENED !!
