What if the Sabres Rebuild Has no End?

[@philly_sports1558]

The Sabres are the main reason why I tell so many Flyers fans who want a full-on tear down to be careful what they wish for. It may result in a never-ending rebuild like Buffalo or Ottawa.

[@kaiuche8640]

At least the flyers rebuild is going, decently

[@wainber1]

@@kaiuche8640 The Flyers and Flames are still in the mix for playoff spots so far this season.

[@giff74]

@philly_sports Totally agree with you! NEVER burn a team all the way to the ground. If has a negative affect on the entire org.

[@DirtyMoneyHipHop]

Ottawa is not in a never-ending rebuild. They were in the conference finals in 2017 and are going to win the cup this year ;)

[@MachoWrestling101]

@@philly_sports1558 the flyers and sabres aren’t too far apart

[@sirekumasutra7022]

13:40 Even their captain Kyle Okposo won a cup after leaving.

[@zeeshawnali4078]

Eichel...

[@domb45]

Buffalo is a precup warmup

[@RichardDeBruyn-i3p]

Along with Brandon Montour & Evan Rodriguez.

[@LegionOfPablo]

Dont forget Sam Reinhart! Who is a top 5-10 goal scorer in the league now lol

[@nickfenton2334]

@@LegionOfPablo And Zach Bogosian. Anyone who gets traded out of Buffalo should expect to win the cup fairly soon.

[@poejavelski148]

Last time the Sabres won a round, Ovi, Crosby, and Lundqvist were in their sophomore seasons 😳

[@Dr-Alexander-The-Great]

2007. Sad

[@drumitar]

the sabres would then tank for Eichel 5 years later lol

[@tehbeernerd]

Last time they were in the playoffs, the Atlanta Thrashers were still around

[@aidensarrazin8001]

For a different reference next year’s draft class will have that weren’t even born the last time that happened

[@HYP3DSNIP3R]

​@@drumitar🤔

[@nfa80]

During this entire period of time there has been one constant: Terry Pegula

[@Buffalosabskis]

He took over when the team was in last place in the NHL and then after that night the teams record was the best in the league to get in. That was 2010-2011. He has deep pockets and without those the Sabres do not have the possibility to go to the cap. Tom said he could not make money or break even if the cap went much above 55mil like it was in 2008. They would not be in Buffalo if not for Pegula and he is now a bit more hands off. The signings this summer made perfect sense and they have not been the issue. There was no deal to be made with our players or draft picks to get a first line guy.

[@grahamdamberger7130]

Know what the worst part is? Pegula also owns the Buffalo Bills, and the Bills have had a lot of regular season success over the past few years. Playoff success is a different story, but the Bills are winning games because the Pegulas aren't interfering with the Bills' system. Meanwhile Terry gave his spouse Kim the reigns of the Sabres, and what did it lead to? One of the longest losing streaks in the history of the league. 18 games during the 2020-21 shortened season. And unfortunately there are other owners who own two franchises and try to control one with an iron grip while letting the other do what it wants. The Rangers shared an owner with the Knicks of the NBA and it's shown the two going in opposite directions.

[@Buffalosabskis]

@@grahamdamberger7130 Kim is not making decisions for the team now. Pegula bought the Bills to not leave Buffalo. He is not passionate about the Bills. If he stays hand off with the Sabres and keeps his wallet open to going to the cap he is the best option for the Sabres

[@TheHawk686]

He is doing the exact opposite of what you say he should, that's the problem. The Sabres have yet to spend anywhere near the cap the entire time he has owned the team. There is a clear internal salary cap. Add in the fact that he meddles with the team constantly, GMKA just said in the presser that he talks to Terry every day. That is NOT a good thing. Terry is 100000% the problem with this team

[@beenis9842]

Very fitting that he's an oil executive. He mines the earth for oil, and he mines buffalo for their love of sports by raking in money even when the team is horrible

[@jahimjauh-hey5653]

Where the f*** is Taro Tsujimoto when you need him?!?!

[@Matthew-uy6lc]

@@jahimjauh-hey5653 the curse of Tsujimoto continues.

[@GoodMenstruationAttitude]

Every other commentator wants you to forget perspective on this issue - THG reminds us exactly how great a sports town Buffalo is, and how the Sabres got here.

[@SMC01ful]

Yeah, I have a lot of respect for Buffalo. Amazing support considering all of the blunders.

[@richardthacker6]

As a Panther fan, I really do feel their pain. We were in a rebuild from 1996 up to 2021.

[@TheRiverweasel09]

This is my fifteenth season cheering for them (Panthers) so I know this pain so very well.

[@orangecounty2033]

if the Panthers had kept all those Top-5 Top-10 draft picks together for a few years they would've been a playoff team. But he-who-shall-not-be-named ran the thing as a corporate shell game tax loss ponzi scheme

[@shanearnold7781]

They did accidentally win the division in 2011-12 only to be immediately upset by the Devils on that crazy run to the final

[@LilSnoup]

And proceed to win the cup over my oilers 😢

[@WaltProbably1394]

Oilers fan here and a Sabres fan in the East. Really feel and share the Sabres pain after enduring the Oilers "Decade of Darkness". Buffalo became my Eastern team after their 06 run where they eventually fell to the Cup Champs, the Canes. As an Oiler fan, I really wanted them to face the GOAT-Head instead of the Canes in the 2006 SCF. I would have been OK with the Cup going to them either way.

[@kenmartin5009]

I cursed the Sabres when they booed their goalie for making saves and cheered goals against during the “tank for McDavid” season. They have never recovered, I’m so sorry.

[@Paul_Halicki]

You went to the Coyotes game, didn't you?

[@1bert719]

Losing deliberately alters the mind set. Bars are lowered and suddenly aspirations are equally as low. It's hard to change an entire psychology in a team unit. 😕

[@fubartotale3389]

The fact that they sent Brandon Hagel to Chicago without offering him a contract, and Chicago got two first round picks for him later, should tell you something about Buffalo.

[@JoshDragRace0688]

You could list off an entire team of players that still play in the NHL the Sabres let go for pittance, Pegula doesn't know hockey and has been GM of the team for 14 years now.

[@SabresGuy87]

​@@JoshDragRace0688Pegula has never been the GM 😂 Botterill should have never been GM

[@TheRiverweasel09]

@@JoshDragRace0688 Sam Reinhart, Evan Rodriguez, and Brandon Montour are all former sabres as well, all with the cup winning team last year.

[@fubartotale3389]

​@@JoshDragRace0688 In Chicago we can relate, we had Scotty Bowman and Bob Pulford, who both thought they were the smartest guys in the room and were clearly not.

[@mattthom8499]

Vegas made a Stanley cup final with a roster of guys that needed a change of scenery or were considered castoffs. Fringe Players going elsewhere and thriving happens to every team.

[@father042]

At this point Sharks will make the play offs again before the sabres

[@JOHNWLOUCKS]

Utah too.

[@FischerFan]

As will the Disneyland Ducks.

[@michaelharrison5725]

Maybe my Jackets too

[@kennysdead500]

The Sabres make the playoffs before the Rangers commit to a full 5-7 year rebuild

[@1bert719]

It feels like the Barracudas might win a Stanley cup before Buffalo. 😕

[@exeter1985]

I can remember the Buffalo Sabres in the playoffs... Yes, I'm old! Like we old people say, "Back in my day, the Buffalo Sabres used to make the playoffs fairly often. Yes, in the good ol' days the Sabres were regularly in contention for a playoff spot."

[@Dr-Alexander-The-Great]

Tell us the story again, Grandpa

[@teddyrobinson813]

I remember the last time the Sabres made the playoffs-man,have i aged a lot since then.

[@borisvandruff7532]

There are three Sabres from the 05-07 conference final teams that are GMs of other organizations: Briere, Drury, and Grier. And we don’t have anyone.

[@ronpeacock9939]

Of course in the good old days.. back prior to our last cup run.. most of the years you can count on one hand the number of teams that missed. Prior to the Merger.. 12 out of 18 teams made it.. until 79 when cleveland was gone and it was 12 of 17.. then after the WHA merger, 16 of 21 teams made it. So back then missing took work.. now, you have to work to get in. Though I will say.. under adams.. we're knocking on the door (all but his first season.. but the team got leveled by covid itself and created a huge losing streak...).. I think he wanted to make a few moves this offseason, but couldn't find a partner to make the BIG move with. Outside of Laine (who was out most if not all of last year and has off the ice issues).. no other big names really moved. Which sucked. I can't blame the GM for not shopping when the shops are all closed.

[@danieldosso2455]

Wasn't that just in 2010? How old are THG's average viewers?

[@nickfenton2334]

At this point I'm not convinced their rebuild is going to have an end.

[@dixonhill1108]

They need to start trading full lines of players. I.e. Thompson for the Jets 3rd line.

[@aidanfrew7517]

I'm so glad you decided to add the attendance in the yearly stats. We all love this team and we want to show up to games. But as it was said, we just have so much else to do that doesn't involve buying a ticket, driving in lake effect snow, and blowing money on mediocre food just to watch the team we're all so passionate about lose a game we should be winning. We all want to go back to games, we're just so tired of misery.

[@1bert719]

As a Brit who worked in Ontario I regularly went to Sabres games around the Marty Biron era, Sabres fans are easily amongst the best I've encountered in any sport. This decade has certainly tested that steely loyalty. Here's hoping it's coming to an end.

[@Bulletisred]

Buffalo needs 2 to 3 more Alex Tuchs. Thanks for your videos. This Sabres fan appreciates a good thorough listing of good and bad points on this team as you have done. Kudos 😎👍

[@michaelsholtz6913]

Don't forget Zucker

[@RichardDeBruyn-i3p]

And a few more Zack Bensons.

[@mercywilliams2698]

Others moving on to win Cups also included Brandon Montour and Zach Bogosian..I remember when both were not getting a ton of ice time during Sabres time.

[@nickmanganaro13]

Montour was a primary reason of Florida’s 23 cup run to the final and was a major piece in the 24 run. I get Reinhart is now a flashy name with the scoring but it is extremely difficult to find a defenseman as good as Montour that will play that many minutes every night.

[@goalhornfanatic9449]

Bogo was hurt like every season, pretty much with Buffalo. Wouldn't be surprised if Samuelsson gets traded, stops being made of glass and wins a cup.

[@nickholmes5610]

@@goalhornfanatic9449If that’s the case then Buffalos entire conditioning department needs to be fired and reevaluated

[@BurnedRetinas]

November 12, 2011 - when Milan Lucic steamrolled Ryan Miller and no Sabre player jumped in his face to defend their netminder and best player, THAT obliterated the franchise, and they never recovered from that since.

[@aegis7843]

That's on Regier for not adding ANY tough players

[@BurnedRetinas]

@aegis7843 yup. The closest they had on that roster was Kaleta, who was more an instigator than enforcer

[@JudeSturman]

I blame Miller. When it was happening I was waiting for him to submarine Lucic like Hasek. Never know what he was thinking…

[@DirtyMoneyHipHop]

Yes, one play. That must be it.

[@BurnedRetinas]

@@JudeSturman he just kinda stood there. Granted, Ryan was never a fiery guy,

[@Atis.Irbe1214]

Tough season back in 2014-15. At least dad got to gear up as an emergency backup in one of the games :D

[@seanpoulton2446]

He was a legend. Never played for a team I rooted for but this Duck’s fan has the utmost respect for him. I hope he is doing well

[@nickholmes5610]

So cool your dad was one of my favourite goalies growing up!

[@booradley6832]

He was amazing, and an anomaly too. The last "small" goaltender to succeed.

[@seanragsdale5636]

When I look at the Sabres I don’t see a rebuilding team, I see a poorly run business. It’s only going to get better if Pegulas sell. All they’ve done is run this team into the ground

[@Buffalosabskis]

Not a single person keeps them in Buffalo if Pegula sells

[@kennysdead500]

And Dolan is the opposite end where he wants to sell playoff tickets instead of properly rebuild

[@borisvandruff7532]

Lindy Ruff was the right hire and I stand by this. The players are not responding to his coaching style and he doesn’t put up lazy, soft, easy to play against players who make mental mistakes. If this team bends to his will, they’ll crush it. But if they don’t, it’s their fault, not his. Keep Lindy, and fix management. EDIT: Also Terry should sell the team.

[@SabresGuy87]

That's cause they panic the moment something goes wrong and they can't get out of their heads, they are mentally soft. Ever notice that guys like Benson, NAK, Zucker, McLeod, Kozak, Greenway, Krebs, Dahlin, UPL, Byram, Johnson, Clifton, etc. don't ever change their game no matter what? Cause they know their game, they know it works and won't let it get to them like guys like Cozens, Quinn, Power, etc. They need to stop dwelling on bad plays and losses, put down the tablet and watch what's going on, what's working and do what they do best

[@Tommerslappers]

@@SabresGuy87 maybe we gotta sell off anyone who dose t wanna play like they give a shit then

[@TT-rt9vv]

At this point I just feel bad for sabres fans. They deserve better than this.

[@spencerabdo5144]

The ride never ends.

[@BHenz1006]

Here’s the thing. Its all on the Pegulas. “From this day forward the reason for the Buffalo Sabres existence is to win a Stanley Cup” -Terry. No playoffs since he bought the team. He turned a historically solid franchise and turned them into losers. Losing culture has taken over since the “Tank for McDavid” year and will never be shaken no matter who you bring in as GM or coach. He has an internal cap because he loves money. He won’t let us spend. Its all on Terry. I hatw that fans chant Fire Kevyn because they should be chanting “Sell the team.” I get free tickets to games sometimes (I’m a vet and they give them out sometimes) and I go just to boo them off the ice. I don’t know how much more we can take. Certainly myself anyway. I’ve turned my attention to the PWHL because its way more fun to watch than the Sabres. All I dream of is someday getting to watch the Sabres become what they used to be. But sadly, I’ve lost all hope because of Terry…

[@thekingof8]

Agreed. The fish is usually rotten from the head down.

[@mercywilliams2698]

Right. Pegula isn’t interested in this franchise.

[@andrescardonaarias1090]

it's odd because the Pegulas own the Bills and they've returned to being a powerhouse since that purchase

[@robertfrontuto7362]

@@andrescardonaarias1090 The Bills transformation wasn't without some missteps. I've seen commentary on him that he doesn't really hire well when it comes to people running the teams (He was responsible for hiring Rex Ryan for the Bills early on in his ownership of them). I've also seen that he doesn't really make appearances for the Sabres at all. Earlier on in this season, he attended a game and a local report had said he hadn't even stepped foot in the arena since around covid time. Oddly enough, that same game was attended by the Sabres previous owner.

[@davidwozniak1846]

@@andrescardonaarias1090I think he may have simply lucked into McBeane and JA17

[@joshuaguste6883]

No sooner when I asked for a video about the Sabres, you deliver. Thanks THG! Edit* The Pegulas are great owners, for the Bills yes, just not the Sabres.

[@SabresGuy87]

That's cause Terry is too much of a fan and wanted to do what every single Sabres wanted to do: be involved and all over it. Any Sabres fan who says different is lying. He was a kid who grew up to buy a candy shop

[@nladuca28]

Imo Terry got lucky by the Bills accidentally drafting Josh Allen. Without him the Bills are likely in a similar spot to the Sabres

[@JPMadden]

If the Sabres are actually considering trading Dylan Cozens, a 23-year-old 7th overall pick, then that pretty much explains why this rebuild is never-ending. They should watch THG's videos about the Golden Seals and the Scouts/Rockies.

[@robc1961]

His 2 way play is abysmal. Tuch and yoki need to go also. Clifton needs to stop with the stupid penalties. The GM doesn't deserve the job. Granato wasn't the problem.

[@anordman9659]

@@JPMadden Cozens was awarded a huge contract after a lucky season. It is more or less impossible to trade Cozens at this moment. However, I would trade Cozens for a bag of pucks and a third round draft pick.

[@anordman9659]

@@robc1961 agree but I would take it further than that. Cozens is a defensive liability every time he steps on the ice. Never in the right position, often losing pucks close to offensive blue.

[@JPMadden]

@@anordman9659 You say he's difficult to trade because of his contract. Then don't try to, because the Sabres will lose whatever trade they can make. Keep him and coach him to play better defensively. It's not uncommon for a top draft pick who played major juniors to have never been expected to play a 2-way game until reaching the NHL.

[@anordman9659]

@@JPMadden well, I don't have any say regarding trading Cozens or not. However, Cozens is starting to lose games for Buffalo. His limited offense is not the key factor, but his abysmal D. The patience with his progression is at its end. I hope coach Ruff can help him because at this moment he is untradeable regardless of our thoughts.

[@Van-qy5eb]

I was hoping they were going to make the playoffs this year and the year before and the year before and the year before

[@chrisv384]

last year the were good.. this year.. not trending that way.

[@ethanparker7900]

@@chrisv384 or in 2023 like as the 7th seed even though i am not a sabres fan

[@mortaljorma69]

Just like you are waiting for the cup year after year but it's just not going to happen.

[@BrokenHaloTheory]

Why the Sabres will still be out of the playoffs for years to come. 1. Awful culture 2. No integrity from management 3. Tone deaf ownership 4. Rotations of coaches and GM’s 5. Terrible weather 6. Horrible Taxes

[@BrokenHaloTheory]

@@timdawson6187 How could I forget the palm tress. 🤣

[@rileyholden-zc9ip]

Toxic fans too

[@ethanparker7900]

@@rileyholden-zc9ip fans def aren't as toxic as toronto or pittsburgh fans though

[@brAnd7onX87]

What a missed opportunity to be dressed like a palm tree...

[@bradgerthoffer2803]

This video just solidified how scared I am of any other teams I like going into a rebuild. We've watched the Sabres do this for almost half my life

[@85blutch]

As a Sharks fan that's my fear for a few years now. Hopefully the team seems to be having a good rebuild and trending in the right direction with a good vision from GMMG, but I hate the part of the fanbase that want to tank every year to get the new shiny 1st overall pick. We got our 1st, now it's time to get better and win.

[@LSA30]

In my mind, there is one clear reason for the Sabres to be in the hellhole they have been for over a decade: The Thrashers move to Winnipeg. Hear me out. Hockey in Atlanta is key to the Sabres’ success. The team was great in the 70s, when the Flames were in Atlanta; made the Finals, the French Connection, we all know the story. But after the Flames moved to Calgary in 1980, the Sabres struggled to win in the playoffs. They won the division once, in 1981, but failed to do so again until 1997, which, you guessed it, is when Atlanta was awarded a new expansion team. Sabres are elite again, make the Finals in ‘99, and are even considered one of the top franchises in the NHL. The Thrashers are sold and move to Winnipeg, and guess what happens, the Sabres struggle again. Coincidence? I think not. Put an NHL team in Atlanta, the Sabres will be good again. Simple as that.

[@jacobdill4499]

I love that coincidence. That being said, I don't want Atlanta back.

[@at2at]

The more things change, the more they stay the same - General Shepard and Shannon THG

[@Tommerslappers]

Right now, a fan Revolution is slowly building there surrounding the infamous “palm tree” line, it’s becoming a symbol of fans showing they’ve had enough

[@comicbookcountdown9252]

To the contrary, the palm tree quips are already getting old. Adams could have made his point in a more elegant manner, but he wasn't wrong.

[@Tommerslappers]

@ but, we’re using it symbolically at this point as sort of a fan rebellion, if that makes sense

[@tehbeernerd]

The problem with the Sabres is the same one as every other perma-rebuild team: they don’t have an identity. Or at least, not one that isn’t “total failure.” When Tom Fitzgerald took over in New Jersey, he stated he wanted to build around Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Four years later, it’s safe to say they are out of that rebuild, and they play like the team he’s wanted. Yes, rebuilds take time. But more importantly, they take a vision. Not only do the Sabres not have one, their owner is so meddlesome that they may never have one as long as he’s around.

[@kennysdead500]

It's probably more difficult to get out of it if no one wants to live in Buffalo

[@MarkCMG]

Thanks for the video! Used to be there were teams where players go to wind down their career, whether they like it or not. Sabres is a layover location for players heading to places where there are potential Cup winners. If a team won't fully pay a player nor put a full team around a pricey player, that team is going to stay in a holding pattern no matter the market they are in. Blackhawks are almost in that but they've had three Cups this millennia (one of only two teams with the Pens with that distinction) and it's barely been a decade since the third one, so there's two sides to that coin: fans are fairly happy with the history but also feel entitled. We'll see what the Blackhawks manage to put on the ice next year.

[@kennysdead500]

Blackhawks are still smart to rebuild, unlike the Rangers who get nothing out of wasting time in the playoffs

[@CJK57]

Scotty Bowman couldn’t even do anything with the Sabres.

[@sdgakatbk]

Yeah, hockey fans can have fun. It reminds me of Gretzky's Mickey Mouse remark about the Devils in the 80s after a game where the Oilers destroyed New Jersey. When they played later that season in New Jersey, fans showed up with Mickey Mouse ears. The Sabres fans do deserve better.

[@anordman9659]

The Sabres is built around a group of nice, talented guys. No grit, no pride, no sense of urgency, no commitment and accountability. Unless Terry Pegula sells the team, NOTHING will change. They badly need a bad, mean big guy to stand up for the youngsters, also show them what commitment is.

[@-margot1457]

they didn't allow fans to bring palm trees anymore.

[@brendanl9715]

Sabres fan here. Until Terry is gone, nothing will ever change. I’d be surprised in 10 years if the team is either still here or a cup contender. I expect to be in this puddle of misery until I’m dead

[@cjkavy2299]

Important to note: Eichel wanted out the off-season before his injury. He was a selfish prick.

[@Billsfan2012]

Shannon, I really like hearing your perspective on teams, especially my team. It's been hard rooting for the Sabres all these years. I no longer live in Western New York, so I don't go to games. I must admit it's getting harder to plan to watch the Sabres on TV. Thanks for being a great NHL fan and contributor on KZbin.

[@FischerFan]

The Sabres' prolonged playoff drought only gives the NHL more justification to refrain from putting a team in Hamilton or even a 2nd team in Toronto. If the Buffalo market was not geographically situated directly across the border from the largest hockey fan base on the planet, Southern Ontario, what would those attendance figures be like? Right now, the Bills are the hot ticket in the market. They also enjoy a solid following and support from Southern Ontario. You posted a similar video about several teams, including the Sabres, who seem to be in a constant 'rebuild' mode a few days ago. Having said that, is further expansion by the NHL a good idea where its fan bases are concerned? We have seen what becomes of teams in Atlanta and Phoenix when they miss the playoffs year after year.

[@davidrmouck5608]

They fill the stands because of the visiting fans of opposing teams😅

[@xbreachedthetosx7591]

The Sabres hired Kevyn Adams… dude was in charge of running a recreation rink… then became an NHL GM… dudes an asshole.

[@AdamSandoval-yi8zm]

I'm a die-hard Colorado AVS fan. It's hard not to feel bad for Buffalo.

[@MutedKills]

No it’s pretty easy to not feel bad for them. The way the fans talk online, the way their management mismanage’s assets, the way they treat their star players (that they didn’t even want anyway), the way they throw every young promising player right into the fire and barley develop. It’s very obvious that they lack success. Very obvious

[@MarkelScott100]

No they all did their best players dirty this entire decade from ullmark to reinhart and eichel i dont feel sorry for them

[@archiecharles3000]

I think the problem with the Sabres is nutrition. Pizza, Wings, Beef on Weck. The food in Western New York is just too darn good!

[@jayvardy]

Probably shouldn't have fired Bylsma when they did... Probably shouldn't have fired Granato before this year.

[@MrBradican]

Rebuilding is difficult and not a guarantee of future success. Study case: Edmonton. Year after year of number one draft picks and rebuilding until they drafted the second coming of Gretzky. They still have no Cup to show for it.

[@drbjr8223]

i knew this was coming, bah it hurts every year, but you tell it like it is, respect. man i really thought this year would be the year. we just arent there yet. we need a top 6 forward, pref a REAL 2C, a stud vet RHD to babysit owen power til he makes the turn. keep out bottom 6, i really like them.

[@bronzeandsteel3344]

That difference between 2012-13 and 2013-14 is one of the most unbelievable things ive ever seen. They lost THIRTY MORE GAMES only ONE season later.

[@gamingintrospection]

...There were only 48 games played in 2012-13. Tack on 20 extra losses and the difference is only 10 more games lost the next year.

[@PigeonholePrinciple]

This would have been forgivable if there was any progression at all. I remember when I used to watch Miller, Pominville, Vanek, and even Eichel and being genuinely excited about the games. Nowadays, there is no reason to get excited about anything. The on-ice production is consistently awful and ownership either doesn’t care or doesn’t know what they’re doing. I’ve been a Sabres fan since 2008 and always had hope things would turn around. This is the year they broke me. Truthfully, the rebuild will never end until Pegula sells the team. I’ve been a Buffalonian all my life, but if this team is going to get former fans like me back, they need sweeping changes and make the damn playoffs.

[@steverobinson8771]

Not a Sabres fan, but I always love their jersey designs 😎 I've been quietly rooting for Buffalo for years, hope it gets better 🤷‍♀

[@Remmy0930]

It's got me in a mood today... seeing absolutely nothing but "why do the Sabres keep losing" videos today. I feel like the entire league and every other fanbase is sad for us at this point.

[@deltagolavista1]

Said this before, but this is completely on the Pegula's for firing Tim Murray and bringing in Botterill to undo everything that Murray did AND, tin foil hat, I believe they did it on the advice from the league because Murray was the first to actually say publicly an organization needs to get worse before it gets better. Yes, it has been 13 years, but it has only been four years for Kevyn Adams who seems to be building this franchise correctly. He isn't big name hunting and over spending on players like Jeff Skinner. The core is coming together. The backend and goaltending seems to primed to break out and this team is an elite forward away from really exploding IMO. i know Buffalo fans don't want to hear this word, but patience is needed. The team shouldn't do any drastic moves, but they should make the right move if the opportunity comes along. It just hasn't come yet.

[@seanpoulton2446]

I don’t think the owners need any advice. They are just impatient and inept

[@moongate31]

Patience? No playoffs for over a decade? Only 2 appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals since their inception (the last one in 1999)? Actually, Sabres fans have been TOO patient. Other NHL fan bases expect a certain level of compete, even if the team loses. Sabres fans have been lulled to sleep over the past decade and have mostly given up on the team. They need a heart transplant or perhaps at least a defibrillator on the bench.

[@Sdoyle94]

Tim Murray?! Really? You mean the guy that gave a 1st round pick for Lehner. Lmfao

[@deltagolavista1]

@ Lehner the Vezina candidate the year after Botterill let him walk for nothing even though he was the team’s starting goalie and was still a RFA? Lehner, the goalie who had a .924, .920 and .908 s% on those bottom dwelling Sabres? Pretty sure he would have been worth a late round first round pick (even in the ‘15 draft) if the Sabres just stuck with him.

[@Sdoyle94]

@deltagolavista1 what was botterill supposed to do? He became a depressed drunk in Buffalo. Dude couldn't even stop a shot in the shootout and even got smoked by Kucherov in the shootout. You're clueless

[@nerinamak3298]

Buffalo passed on Bill Zito twice before Florida hired him in 2020. Four years later they’re cup champions

[@EdwinMaturski-cc9is]

There is no "what if" about it, Shannon... For all of us in the Sabres Mafia, it has already been never-ending... The utter despair runs very deep

[@jeffcnc9]

Outstanding breakdown, Shannon. (long rant coming) It is tough to be a Sabres fan, but there always seems to be hope around the bend. It is tough to watch Dylan Cozens play well in 22-23 and fall off in 23-24 and now 24-25, while he is one of the best players on the ice for the Canadian World's team. I don't know how I would feel about losing Cozens, because I know he would thrive elsewhere. It feels like they are one solid veteran away from making a difference or one player's ascension from being a successful team. I believe so much of their low play right now is mental. They need a big event to align their psyche and tilt the universe in their favor. I don't know what that is, but I hope they find it soon.

[@Kingpin6100]

It's Pegula sell the team, terry.

[@RRaquello]

Not being able to attract free agents is a pretty lame excuse since I've seen very few prime free agents who have made a big difference for their teams, even when they've put up good numbers for their new team, thinking of John Tavares & Artemi Panarin. Nashville attracted prime free agents this year and look where they are. It ALWAYS comes down to the owners. Always. The Florida Panthers are pointed out as an example. In another sport, the NE Patriots were a league doormat for 40 years and became a dynasty when they got an owner who wanted to win and was willing to make the moves it took to win.

[@maxrates]

After how the organization treated Eicher, and how the fans turned on him, the Sabres are right where they deserve to be!

[@dramamoon6656]

Attendance numbers would probably be significantly lower this season if they weren't running some sort of gimmick seemingly every night. I'd say at least half of their home games have been boosted by promotions for Bandits season ticket holders.

[@nickalfidi3285]

As a Sabres fan born in 02’, it’s become increasingly difficult to care or want to care about this team, to the degree it’s an abusive relationship. You want to care, you want to buy back in, but you know no matter what, that the they will always hurt you. It’s really saddening to see what, once a proud organization, has come into. I really truly hope the Sabres can get back on track again. The city is incredible in their support when they are good. But, it seems that we’ve had generations of Sabres fans alienated at the rate. The last time I saw a Sabres playoff game was when I was in 3rd grade. I’m a now 22. It’s really difficult to see this happen to them.

[@drumitar]

Some Say they are still rebuilding to this day.

[@Memories18]

Are they rebuilding or are they not even at the building phase, and instead stuck on the "redrawing the blueprint" part?

[@mgm8799]

Ahh the annual THG video on my Sabres. This team just pains me so much man, year after year since I was 12 years old. I’m turning 26 soon and there is no end to the drought in sight. It’s baffling a team can suck this long. A lot of it has to do with the Pegulas, it takes a lot to take hockey enthusiasm out of our city and they’ve somehow managed to do it.

[@kicksave1191]

You’re not sure how much blame to put on the Pegulas? I’ll help. ALL OF IT!! They have run this team into the ground. At his sad press conference, Kevyn said he talks to Terry everyday. EVERY DAY! Why?? So Terry is making hockey decisions and he’s just a fan. That gives you the results we have and there’s no end in sight.

[@jackmakackov7077]

If they just had 25 or 30 games go their way those two years we wouldn't be talking about this......lol An insane fact about this is the Sabres have missed the playoffs more times in a row than the Blues have missed the playoffs in their entire existence.

[@neilkennington2397]

As a Sabres fan for 52 years i think Adams needs to be FIRED asap! Yes he made some good moves this summer with the bottom 6 forward group but once again he didnt find a veteran stay at home D partner for Owen Power and he didnt let Lindy Ruff hire his own assistant coaches. Promote assistant GM Jason Karmanos to GM who has over 20 yrs experience and won 3 Stanley Cups with Carolina & Pittsburgh. His first job is to trade for a veteran D man and then to Fire D coach Marty Wilford and replace him with ex Chicago head coach Luke Richardson .Make these moves and the Sabres can make the playoffs. Sadly though I think Pegula will stick with Adams until the end of the season which will result in the Sabres missing the playoffs for a 14th year in a row!

[@the6ig6adwolf]

1. Would things be different if Buffalo had drafted McDavid? 2. Canucks got their season of success and will return to a decade of mediocrity.

[@nulling8401]

They also cut Zach Bogosian through unconditional waivers in February of 2020, who then went and signed with Tampa and won with them that summer. I genuinely feel bad for Sabres fans at this point, they are very passionate and deserve better.

[@thewavepilots]

My father and I went to their games during the rebuild when they would get absolutely destroyed. We would sit on our phones scouting possible players that the Sabres could draft. He always promised to take me to their first playoff game after the rebuild. I believe that we won’t be seeing that game for years. He passed away in May of 2019 and he would be disgusted with this organization.

[@josephwirtz8352]

I didn’t realize Power was getting paid that much!😳

[@booradley6832]

Malenstine and Aube-Kubel was a great pickup. The line of Dowd-Malen-Kubel was the best shutdown line probably in NHL history last year, at the very least since the start of advanced metrics. Pinholes Graham does a fantastic video about it. They are both exceptionally fast skaters.

[@Ratzy1614]

when shannon said 41 point out, i honestly thought he misspoke on 4 points

[@aegis7843]

GAWD you are too nice discussing their apathetic approach to hitting 😂

[@christopherkelly879]

As a 50 year sabres fan it helps to go to OHL...ahl..and local college games. I only go to sabres games when they play the best like AVS and oilers. Win or lose...I never leave disappointed. If we lose I still witnessed greatness.

[@nic38211]

we could've made 3 or 4 more white boards if you go all the way back to Brett Hull in the crease

[@johnreesor1450]

Palm trees not allowed anymore btw

[@trevorcostello2057]

Shannon are you sure this isn't the New York Jets?

[@Sdoyle94]

We've been rebuilding since we let Briere and Drury walk for nothing

[@SabresGuy87]

The problem is being mentally soft. They dwell on losses too long and can't move on. Doesn't even matter that the vets around them are literally telling them to move on and not dwell. They may have NHL games, but they just dont have the mental fortitude to be consistent NHL players, at least not right now. They need to learn to keep doing what they are doing, that is working, and keep doing it instead of changing thinking what they were doing was wrong, which is making it worse. They need to learn to be vets and not still kids. The reason the AHL callups work is cause they arent poisoned by the playoff less drought of 13 years and kust play their game that they know works and they do it consistently. They need to wake up cause this is their best opportunity to make the playoffs cause the East is trash mostly. Go Sabres!

[@85blutch]

Aren't the 'vets' also like 25? I think the Sharks having older guys like Toffoli or Granlund really helps them when the going was tough this year.

[@leinbajr]

Zucker is a good veteran to have brought in, but who else is a veteran that's going to teach these young guys how to win and be a professional? Their young guys are excellent, but they're still not winning. I don't think you solve that just with a coach, there needs to be some veteran players who have had some success that can help grow the young guys.

[@heliumtrophy]

Dante's Inferno's probably got nothing on being a Sabres fan. Would it hurt the team to try and get a couple of players that play aggressively. Not saying an enforcer type but just somebody that has some kind of inner bastard within him. It sucks seeing this as an annual debate really where it gets ever more difficult to get back into the playoffs.

[@Mike_Stramaglio]

I recall a number of Buffalo fans years ago make fun of Carolina’s attendance during our dark years and pounding their chest about filling their barn. Lots of empty blue seats there I see in Buffalo. 😂

[@Fatazz]

The pic in the thumbnail reminds me. The cheek Wilson took the puck to is his fighting cheek.

[@davidwozniak1846]

Cap isn’t a problem unless we’re on an internal cap…

[@memeaste7820]

Gotta feel bad for Sabres fans, sometimes

[@AbrahamdeLacy-xm8sb]

It's going to be long, it's going to be cold, it's going to be dark … and it's never going to end ever. Cheers 🍺

[@zachroberts1988]

All those palm trees in manitoba and minnesota sure do help the Jets and Wild...

[@carlnelson697]

To me rebuild is the same as give up.

[@suzukininja24]

As a Sharks fan, currently super grateful for Mike Grier

[@LancePuns]

The last year they got into the playoffs is when I first started following hockey. I'm not a Sabres fan, but I always feel for Buffalo because they just never seem to get anywhere meaningful.

[@vipeholmskolan6052]

A GM usually gets one coaching change before he is the problem hlmself. How many GM changes does an owner get...?

[@louscannon7493]

Buffalo's arena, which opened in 96 was built on an ancient Indian burial ground. I don't know what Vancouver's excuse is...

[@sportingpage]

Pat Lafontaine is not walking through that door..

[@yoholmes273]

Its tough when no legitimate big time free agents never want to get traded to nor sign with Buffalo.

[@Jeff_Ayo]

Canucks fan here in upstate NY I can for sure tell you the Pegulas are very hated here.

[@itsrickus3582]

Last time they even made it to tbe postseason, I was a senior in high school. I'm 32 now. It's crazy to think about.

[@aegis7843]

Great summary

[@JeffNelsonBuffalo]

Buffalo lifer here. Love the attendance figures

[@michaelandrew8493]

I think it's because every year we get the first overall it's not a star player. Like dahlin and power are good but I'd rather have mcdavid or bedard

[@aaronbrenker1054]

You forgot Brandon Montour. For former Sabre cup winners

[@TheHockeyGuy]

Didn't forget. I just wanted to talk about those three. There are others, for sure.

[@user-gg1gb8pr9djrkscbsnotabot]

Kulikov, Bogozion, Rodrigues, Oreilly, Hagel, and more

[@aaronbrenker1054]

@@TheHockeyGuy I should know better by now lol.

[@TheChronicFiend]

​@@user-gg1gb8pr9djrkscbsnotabotHagel never won the cup