I know a lot of my articles are about things going on around my Buffalo sports teams but this one is different. Instead of recapping the Bills season or trying to find something good to write about for the Sabres, I’m going to write this article as a diehard fan. I won’t do this often but I think it’s the right time to do so.
Let’s face it, the Buffalo Sabres are the laughing stock of the NHL. It’s tough saying that as a hardcore Sabres fan but unfortunately, it’s the cold hard truth. Yet again, it’s been another abysmal season for the Sabres. Currently sitting in last place and on a 12 game losing streak and it’s about to be ten long years without playoff hockey in Buffalo, like clockwork. On top of that, the team fired Ralph Krueger yesterday, a move that should’ve been done awhile ago. I’ll admit it, I couldn’t stand Krueger and some of his decisions are mind boggling to me. However, as much as I wanted him gone, and I do wish him well in his future endeavours, it’s not all his fault though.
Yes he makes some questionable decisions but he doesn’t play, the player do that. With that being said, the players need to be held accountable. It’s the same old story. A new coach is hired and after 1.5-2 years, that coach is fired and a new one is hired. Once again, it’s clockwork. As I mentioned earlier, the coaches set the system for the players and the players are paid big money to execute the game plan. Unfortunately for us Sabres fans, it’s pretty clear some of the players on this team have given up on their coach, again. As much as I wanted the previous coaches (including Krueger) fired, the players need to take ownership of the lack of success.
Why am I talking about this? Yesterday afternoon, general manager Kevyn Adams addressed the media after firing Krueger and assistant coach Steve Smith. Adams started out the press conference by saying he relieved both Krueger and Smith of their duties. After that, he announced that assistant coach Don Granato will be the interim head coach, while Matt Ellis and Dan Girardi, both former NHL players, will be the assistant coaches. He also mentioned that he will be looking for an assistant general manager and the search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
My message to Kevyn Adams, make sure you hire the right guy. I’m so sick and tired of coaches coming in and thinking they’re going to be the ones to turn this franchise around, only to get fired before the end of their second season. I will give credit to Adams because he said all of the things you want a general manager to say. Not only did he take accountability, but he said the team needs to be better in every phase. Coaching, managing, playing, scouting, you name it. They need to improve in all of those areas and I couldn’t agree more with what he said. I’m glad he’s taking this approach and I hope he takes his time selecting the next coach of the Buffalo Sabres.
Final thoughts
With all of this being said, this team needs a culture change. When people think of the Buffalo Sabres, I’m sure losing is the number one thing that comes to mind. It might require trading away some key pieces. I hate to say this, but it would make sense if they trade away a player like Jack Eichel or Sam Reinhart. If they do indeed do that and get some good players in return, then they can build around the young stars like Victor Olofsson and Dylan Cozens with those players you got in return. I don’t want them to trade Eichel or Reinhart, but if it means success in the near future then I’m all for it. It all starts with a good head coach and good management. It worked with the Bills, it can work for the Sabres. In conclusion, it’s time for change Buffalo, and it starts now.
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-Zach Jezioro (@ZachJezioro_13)
