Lindy likes what he has

LEWISTON – Folks in Sabreland have been worriedly and angrily wringing their hands the last couple of weeks. They’ve watched teams throughout the NHL make changes to their rosters and can’t figure out why the Buffalo Sabres are sticking with what they have.

Lindy Ruff, however, isn’t worried.

"I like what we have here as a team, and these guys can continue to grow," the coach said today.

Ruff closed the Sabres’ development camp at Niagara University with a steadfast endorsement of his players and the organization. The Sabres, as of now, are sticking with the core of players who failed to make the postseason the past two years, and Ruff has no problem with that.

"I’m OK going in," said Ruff, whose team finished two points out of a playoff spot. "We were pretty close to being where we wanted to be, and a couple disappointing things happened, and we ended up not getting there. The fact that we were able to put on a strong finish [7-2-1 in the final 10 games] was something that I really felt was important for our team."

Unlike a vocal portion of the fan base, Ruff doesn’t see the need for a roster shake-up. He feels the Sabres will return to the postseason if his players merely fulfill their potential and stay healthy.

"I expect more to come from within," he said. "I think that we have more there. We’ve got a [Jason] Pominville that can have a better year. We’ve got a [Drew] Stafford that can continue to grow, and I think with Timmy [Connolly] healthy he can make some players around him better. I think we’ve got some young guys that can step in and make a difference."

---John Vogl

Comments

[Dan D]

FORE!

[michael]

Chad,

Maybe you can tell us all what Lindy likes. You guys seem to have the same distored view of this team. Let me guess "this team will be fine" next year.

[michael]

Jesus Christ! Are you kidding me. Lindy likes what he sees? Is that what I just read? Please tell me this is a nightmare! Hey Sabres fans lets guess what Lindy "likes" about our team: Does he like our 6.5+ mil goalie consistantly letting in one soft one per game, does he like our swiss cheese, soft, not physical, unproductive defense, or could it be the over rated, undersized, not physical, timid at times, offense, maybe it's the speed at which we seem to get rid of all our "players" and replace them with under achieving second to third line back ups. O' wait I got it, I know what he likes, the price. They are cheep! Thats it, cheep. Now I feel better. Any one else have a guess at what Lindy likes?

[Ché Guevarra]

Hey, "Common Sense," what were YOU thinking?!?!

One more thing... Tell us, Vito, about YOUR "Dry Sack " adventures!

And Lloyd: I'll give you the roast pork, and some guano for kindling... and gladly take lou and guido.

[jan]

I agree-- Lindy's repeating the "party line" He's not in a poisition where he can really say what he thinks about management and the players. If mediocre play from this team continiues to happen, it may be time to break up the Regier-Ruff tandem. It would be nice if Larry Quinn would just go away. Golisano should sell this team to someone who enjoys hockey and is willing to do what it takes to put a cometitive team out on the ice. WE FANS KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS ORGANIZATION--MANAGEMENT AND COACHES NEED TO STOP TELLING US WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT AND JUST FIX IT !!

[Common Sense]

Dear Lloyd Marshall, Sr.

What were you thinking!!

Signed,
Society

[Vito]

"Truly... Chad hasn't seen his way through a paper sack."

Lloyd, we know you love sack. But tell us about the rest of us.

[B-Money]

I would like to point out that this whole thing is ridiculous. On that note, did everyone see that the Hawks fired GM Dale Tallon? They fired a guy who brought in the likes of Kane, Toews, Sharp, and Versteed, not to mention Huet, Havlat, and Campbell! They made it to the conference finals last year and clearly a team on the up and up. But why fire the guy?! Here's why: because the guy botched his offer sheets and the owner felt he almost let people (Versteeg) get away. Well he didn't, but it was still too close for comfort.

Does that send a message to every GM in the league? Ownership should not tolerate minor 'flubs' in character and lazy managing moves. Forget using Detroit or Pittsburgh as a model team... why not use Chicago as a model of how to operate the front office a team: NO B.S.! Do your job or find a new one! Well done Chicago.

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

"His plan is transparent and Chad has already seen through it."

Truly... Chad hasn't seen his way through a paper sack.

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

"They're not going to do anything this year."

So says guido on Chicago... just as some said about the Wings and Pens for 2008-09.

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

"an adolescent lunatic that has serious "in mom's basement" problem"

I know the above describes Chad, tim, and guido.

[tim]

I think Lloyd, Chad, BE, and Elma are the same person getting some strange perverted jollies with being the center of attention.

Just kidding. Although I agree with Elma and Chad more of the time I agree with BE they all make good points. Lloyd on the other hand is an adolescent lunatic that has serious "in mom's basement" problem.

BE, Chad, Elma keep up the debate it is entertaining sometimes but keep the debate about hockey not about each other's sexual preference or other personal traits.

A.O.O. you are climbing into Lloyd's bandwagon let that lunatic go. He has completely lost his mind.

Please fellas, talk about hockey or go away all of you.

[Guido]

Chad, I've got to agree with ElmaGolf. Just ignore Excuses and all of his personalities. It'll save you the headache.

Lloyd, You can be a Blackhawks fan all you want. They're not going to do anything this year. After they lose horribly, they're going to have to give up all of their young stars, due to the cap. So have fun with possibly making the playoffs this year and then spending the next 10 years in last place.

[Another Objective Observer]

ElmaGolf, as Excuses has accused you of being Chad, isn't ironic that you accuse him of the same? Don't answer please, I don't really want to get drawn into your web.

Chad is playing mouse to BEs Cat. Not a pretty sight either. Now roll over and play dead stupid!

If you ask me, you all look pathetic.

[Greg]

Gee, could the Objective Observe be Buffalo Excuses? One of life's great mysteries like did OJ kill Nicole and Ron. His plan is transparent and Chad has already seen through it. This is all so pathetic.

[ElmaGolf]

Chad,

Let it go! Ignore the "O.O."

Whoever it is is coming across pretty pathetic - no need to comment or engage.

[Another Objective Observer]

Chad,

"I’d say good riddance, but I know that’s just wishful. You’ll be back to respond to this because you crave the last word."

He is making you look like a fool. I am an objective observer and you look stupid.

[Chad]

Excuses, we're enjoying your cover as Objective Observers #1, #2 and #3. See, where you messed up was using the word "noogied." You've used that word in the same context before. I know because I remember saying "who still uses the word 'noogie'?" Big whoops on your part.

Predictably, you came back to declare yourself the winner...only you did it under a different name. Do you know no shame?!

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

"let the Real Sabres Fans to talk about the Sabres"

1: Let "real dummies" drink the Sabre kool-aid... that I believe.

2: It's called "freedom of speech." So, anytime ANYONE(even myself) has something that needs to be said around here, it'll be said. Thanks so much.

"root for whatever loser team your going to root for"

Trasnlated: Rooting for a team that shows it wants to WIN. That's the Black Hawks for me.

[Third Objective Observer]

Chad,

You got pounded and you came across as looney tunes. I think that excuses is the one in your head, not the other way around.

[Guido]

Thank you Excuses for never leaving. Oops I'm sorry, I meant Lloyd. Or is it Excuses? No, no, its definitely Lloyd. Will the real Excuses please stand up. Either way, just go ahead and leave for good to go root for whatever loser team your going to root for, and let the Real Sabres Fans to talk about the Sabres.

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

"you're so lame it's entertaining"

I know that you, lou, are so lame. What about me?

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

"they is two when is two one was three if one is one was when three if why? get it guy?"

I don't think you get it either, lou.

[lounotinafghanistananymore]

hey lloyd. they is two when is two one was three if one is one was when three if why? get it guy?

[lounotinafghanistananymore]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH VOGL! GLEASON! HARRINGTON!!!! GIVE US SOMETHING! THIS IS RIDIC! ABSENCE OF HOCKEY OR NEWS OF SOME SORT TURNS THIS BOARD INTO INSANITY.

lloyd. 1)way to steal my material. 2)you're so lame it's entertaining. i got some things to do tonight but i'm looking forward to being entertained when i get back.

[ElmaGolf]

Wow!

Another Objective Observer breaking out the "you disagree with my point of view = you must be homosexual" logic.

No need to rebut - that clearly demonstrates ALL that needs to be said.

Thank you, AOO, for tidying that up so succinctly!

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

Greg, I wonder if guido cringes when lou acts like they two are one?

[ElmaGolf]

Amy -

I don't think the standings are a coincidence - just typical of Previews.

They take last year's finishing standings, move a few teams +/- 1 spot, call it a preview.

These rankings always miss several big rises / falls (For example, last year the preseason THN predictions showed Bruins 10th / Montreal 1st / Ottawa 5th).

Nonetheless, I can't argue that the Sabres have done anything this offseason to give anyone reason to believe they'll magically ascend. I hope this weekend's extra D-Man signing is a prelude to some trade to change the character of the team.

[Another Objective Observer]

Chad,

If I am also BE in disguise, then he anonymously came back and noogied you twice before leaving again.

It is also nice to know you have found a "special friend" in Vandy Adam. Was he at the "wedding" in LA with you?

Crazy how you have to go all the way across the country to make it "legal" isn't it?

[Greg]

I wonder if Buffalo Excuses cringes when Lloyd Marshall acts like the two of them are a team?

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

"You’ll probably declare yourself the 'winner' of something..."

...because Buff-Excuses speaks the TRUTH.

"What a waste you are."

We know that you, Chad, are such a waste.

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

"I’m so in your head that you’ve convinced yourself that every single person who disagrees with you is me! I love it!"

What Buff-Excuses would say about you, Chad.

"You have an inferiority complex the size of Texas. If I’ve ever read the writing of someone with a Napoleon complex, it’s yours."

Again, what Buff-Excuses, or anyone with an objective worldview, would say about Chad.

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

Hey, Ché Guevarra... here's a deal for you: guido AND louie for a bag of plantain chips, a bottle Corona, and a half rack roast pork. how's that sound for a good deal?

[Amy]

I know ESPN doesnt cover much for hockey, but I find it funny where they place the sabres next season..Coincidence? I think not...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=frei_terry&id=4323473

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

"That’d never work for you in real life because your physical stature is undoubtedly a little more Nathan Gerbe, a little less Craig Rivet if you catch my drift. If you ever ran your mouth like you do on these boards, you’d probably be picking up the chicklets off the bar room floor."

The above holds true about you, Chad; we know. What about me? Or Buff-Excuses?

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

"Dumb & Dumber"

In this case, starring Chad and Elma Golf.

[David,Amherst]

The latest (and lame) mouthings from Lindy are pretty clear. He must actually see missing the playoffs by two points, and the end-of-season run, as being able to make the playoffs next season. Uh-uh.
It's the players who decide, and it was clear they "voted" thumbs down on Larry Quinn. This is history that will repeat itself. Now, if Rene Robert writes a column and explains differently, I will listen. Until then, it's Penguins time.

[Common Sense]

What's worse:

(a) the inactivity of the Sabres

(b) the catfight between Excuses and Chad

Can you two Einsteins IM each other instead of subjecting everyone else to your BS?? The act got old about a hundred blogs ago!!

[Vandy Adam]

Chad,

Why do you have to make it personal with this guy? I can understand why Buffalo Excuses goes that route because once you get by his two or three paper-thin talking points, he really doesn't have that much to say, but you're no fool. I don't get it.

[Davey]

Oh good, another Buffalo Excuses and Chad slapfight. I can hardly contain myself. I sure hope they'll subject the rest of board to 500 word posts about the other's lameness because we have never seen this before. Give it a rest. I wish there was some way that both of you would leave. You both make fair points but the bickering is insufferable.

[Chad]

"Why did you wait til after he walked out of the bar before throwing this against the wall?

Says more about you than him..."

What? Did you miss the entire theme of my post? He's not gone at all! He already said he'll be back to respond to me (among his other 40 loopholes to come back and post). HE'S NEVER LEAVING! HE CARES WAY TOO MUCH!

And if I were Buffalo Excuses, I'd accuse you of being him posting under another name.

But, to answer your question, while Excuses was logging on every 30 minutes to see if I replied yet, I was out in LA for a wedding. I know, crazy that I didn't log on to see what nonsense he was spewing this weekend.

[Objective Observer]

Why did you wait til after he walked out of the bar before throwing this against the wall?

Says more about you than him...

[Chris]

I was actually happier during the lock out.

[DTF]

Wow, two signings and neither of them appear in the blog?

[Chad]

Please, if anyone thinks Excuses is actually leaving this board, they’re crazy. I’ve said all along, he cares WAY too much. Back in the day when he promised his exit, there were no strings attached. He was leaving for good. Now, already, he’s carving out exceptions (he calls them “cameos”). Oooh, a “cameo,” kind of like a movie star! That should tell you something about his swollen sense of self-importance. I’m sure we’ll all be waiting with baited breath for your cameos, Excuses. And let me add a few more situations to your “cameos” list that I just know you won’t be able to let slide:

-The first time an opposing player so much as looks at Ryan Miller cross-eyed and the Sabres don’t respond.

-The first time Miller allows a goal that can even tangentially be attributed to an opposing player making contact with Miller.

-The first time a Sabres top-six forward takes a good, clean hit and the Sabres don’t respond.

The funniest part of your pathetic existence, Excuses, and it’s really the irony of ironies, is that the premise of 90% of your posts—that the Sabres can’t succeed because they don’t spend as much as other teams—is none other than…an EXCUSE. It’s not how much you spend, it’s who you spend it on. Kind of like how your wife tells you it’s not the size…ah, nevermind.

You fancy yourself some type of business expert, yet concepts like “budgets” and “cost certainty” are so utterly incomprehensible and unfathomable to you speaks volumes about your business acumen. Let me guess, you must have missed those days when you were getting your MBA at Landscape State, right?

Haven’t you noticed that nobody is upset to see you leave? Well, maybe Lloyd is, but he promised us he would be a Blackhawks fan, so he probably won’t be long for the boards, either, if he keeps his word. You two should hang out together and build championship teams on PS2, and then write summaries together for Sabres Edge. It’d be the modern day Dumb & Dumber, right down to the fact that there’d be a “Lloyd.”

You see, people are tired of your stale act. You try to brow-beat anyone who engages you. This board is a refuge for you, an escape from the real world where nobody listens to the landscaper, a place where you can try to intimidate people by personally attacking them because their views differ from yours. That’d never work for you in real life because your physical stature is undoubtedly a little more Nathan Gerbe, a little less Craig Rivet if you catch my drift. If you ever ran your mouth like you do on these boards, you’d probably be picking up the chicklets off the bar room floor.

Your sociopathic tendencies shine through in all of your posts. You’re constantly branding those with white-collar jobs as “spoiled” or reliant upon their families for their successes. You’re unable to engage someone who consistently disagrees with your flawed, oversimplified ideologies without making it personal. I’m so in your head that you’ve convinced yourself that every single person who disagrees with you is me! I love it! You have an inferiority complex the size of Texas. If I’ve ever read the writing of someone with a Napoleon complex, it’s yours.

I’d say good riddance, but I know that’s just wishful. You’ll be back to respond to this because you crave the last word. And because I suggested your small. You’ve spent too much time trying to portray yourself as a tough guy to let that slide. I understand. You’ll probably declare yourself the “winner” of something, as you always do, because that makes you feel better about your sorry life. Then, once the season starts, you’ll be back making your weekly/monthly “cameos.” You couldn’t even stay true to your word when you said you’d leave. Pathetic. You’re not gone, you’re just lurking…and you’ll be back. Often. What a waste you are.

[Mike F]

Whether people want to realize it or not... this team's management have taken the stance of being in a slow rebuild ever since Drury & Briere walked. No question about it.

You can gripe about it till the cows come home, but those are the facts. That's their stance. Slow rebuild back into real contention. Don't pay attention to any of the comments they make to the media, because that is simple postering they must do to save face and fans from being outraged over false promises. So they don't make any. They simply stay relatively quiet... and over time... their actions speak volumes about what they have been doing and are doing. Slow rebuild. It's (to them anyway) the best "economin" plan.

Now I am sure to hear from some about how 'crazy" this is and they "should tell us they are rebuiling."

And you tell me what good that will do... or how different that will make you feel. I mean come on. Look at what is happening. It's pretty clear. They have drafted a host of young defensemen with Tyler Myers leading the way... and they are on a 2 to 4 year plan to get back into real cup contention.

This is how the Sabres organization operates. Whether you like it or not.

[lounotinafghanistananymore]

interesting guido. and although i am a guido ( or daigo if you prefer) i'm not that guido. guido.

here's a deal for you: lloyd marshall, jr AND buffaloexcuses for a bag of stale potato chips, a half drank PBR, and a dirty sock. how's that sound for a good deal?

[Lloyd Marshall, Jr.]

I know that guido and lou are the same guy; what about me and Buff-Excuses?

-------

Going back to John Frigus now: My 3RD piece of business as the new Sabres GM is to ditch the slug logo, and bring back the "angry goat" one. While they wore that logo, they were hell on ice.

Next, after we got the other trades/signings, and the return of the 1996-2006 logo, item #4: Trade Jochen Hecht and Toni Lydman to Colorado for one of their minor-league forwards and a draft pick. After that, #5 is to use available cap room to sign Mats Sundin if he hasn't signed on with anyone as of yet.

Now, there will be six post-season players who have signed with the Sabres(McKee will be returning), so that gives this team leadership to look up to.

-Chelios
-McKee
-Guerin
-Malkin
-Montador
-Sundin

Disperse these guys among the different lines of the Sabres, and you'll start seeing this team playing like the Sabres of old, when the PASSION was there!

Next on my agenda: A new head coach... Either Ted Nolan or Peter LaViolette.

Nolan had a chance to make the Sabres a Stanley Cup champion a year or two after their improbable 1997 playoff run, but got shafted out of that chance by arrogant administrators in the Sabres office.

LaViolette took the Carolina Panthers to a 2006 Stanley Cup win... a win that could've easily been realized by the Sabres.

LaViolette, or Nolan? If you ask me, I would have to flip a coin.

And lastly: I would buy Rob Ray's contract from off the Sabres' broadcasting team, and recommend him for a post in the Sabres' coaching staff. He would make these guys know what passion and intensity mean.

Here you are, folks. Is that a good set of moves, or is that a good set of moves?

[Guido]

lounotinafghanistananymore,
The problem with Lloyd leaving is then we wouldn't be able to hear from Excuses anymore. Haven't you noticed that everytime anything is said to Excuses, Lloyd answers. They're the same person.

[lounotinafghanistananymore]

i got an idea lloyd marshall. why don't you just become a pen's fan. instead of trading for their whole team, it would make it alot easier on both parties involved, and all of us on this board, if you just became a penguins fan
Lame Idea