A current 12-game road losing streak + a 3-10-2 record in their last fifteen + failure to win back to back games since November 11th + the all-star break staring you in the face + the trade deadline less than five weeks away = The perfect time to fire your coach and general manager
Unfortunately this is all hypothetical. If Pegula was set on making a change, one would think it would have happened long before now. Instead, he decided it would be a better option to preach patience and lean heavily on the injury excuse.
Overall, we're stuck with the decisions he's made (or failed to make) up until this point, but according to my simple math problem, now is as good a time as ever to move forward and change the culture of this franchise.
It's taken some of us more time than others, but the consensus now seems to be simply, "Fire Ruff and Regier."
So assuming a firing could actually occur, this is my logic:
The all-star break will give the Sabres an entire week off. A week that could be used to clean up a mess that was once a slow simmer, but has recently compiled into a rolling boil. We have witnessed a full collapse, it's not going to get any better without some kind of action.
This is ideal. This week off could give a new GM the time he needs to settle in and assess his new team (and coach) fairly. After a couple weeks of evaluation, the trade deadline will be upon us. Presuming the Sabres will be sellers, it would give this new GM an opportunity to immediately start building this team for the future.
Forget about acquiring players in trades. As much as I hate to say it, this season is beyond salvageable, so the new GM should be going after draft picks and prospects. The Sabres are well on their way to getting a top 5 draft pick already, bulking up with more picks wouldn't hurt at all. Plus, trading for picks would jump start the next important move: dumping salary.
The overpaid talent on this team needs to go; preferably by trade. I know Regier hasn't been able to make any (Brian Burke's comments on Darcy have spread like wildfire in recent weeks, they're obviously valid), maybe a new guy can. If not, waiving is the only option. As we look forward to another year of free agency, cap space is a necessity. Let's not forget that Tyler Myers will be making a lot more money next year, too.
A fresh face in the GM chair would be able to judge Lindy's performance accurately as well. He would be able to point out his shortcomings without a friendship getting in the way. He would be able to see how much his coach's soft attitude has negatively affected his team. He would be able to pull the trigger on him, a thing Regier isn't capable of.
***
What are the odds of this happening? I'm afraid to answer that. We'll know in two days whether or not this is just another one of my fantasies.
If I'm wrong (which I probably am), we'll get a real good look at where ownership stands by deadline day. If Pegula trusts Regier enough to make trade deadline moves, we'll have our answer to who will be the Sabres GM next year too.
Honestly, I don't know if I can make it through another season of this much frustration and despair.
Mr. Pegula claimed he was primarily a fan; therefore he thinks like us.
Evidence that he does: He fired Larry Quinn within minutes of taking control; he banished "the slug" to hockey hell. He reconciled the French Connection.
My opinion, and my opinion only: after he was embarrassed in front of his Pittsburgh friends, and told the press his daughter Jessie could play better goal than Miller, he has discreetly hired someone outside the organization who has been evaluating everything. That would explain the total lackluster play (they AREN'T this bad), and Lindy Ruff often staring vacantly into space on the bench, and making weird comments about goalies having to steal games.
Posted by: JD | January 23, 2012 at 04:33 PM
I'm not doubting that he's a fan, but two of those examples you used don't help the team. If the Sabres would've won the Cup with the slug logo, would you actually give a shit? That's not my point though.
He needs to take action now before he lets Regier destroy this team ever further. The last couple years were simply the tail end of a pretty good run for this team. This season, it all came to a head and they're showing their true colors. You're right, they aren't bad hockey players, but they might be bad for each other.
Changes must be made, and like I said, there isn't a better time than now. A whole week off could do wonders for the front office.
I hope you're right about Pegula having someone else evaluate the situation, it means he realizes something is wrong. But what's the point of having someone on the outside looking in if the inside still has the control?
Posted by: Erik | January 23, 2012 at 05:32 PM