Since this is my first chance to post today...first off - JFC finally this organization makes a proper move. Stunned they canned Granato before his extension kicked in, so that shows they might want to be serious again. The new HC will go a long way toward deciding how serious.
Like many others, I like RBM for how he has his team play with speed and tenacity all over the ice. This is how a young team like Buffalo can compete and steal wins with their young legs and hustle...allowing their offensive talent to show off TOs instead of being the team to look dumb and give it away all the time. So while RBM is probably a pipe dream, another HC with a similar style would be ideal, but also anyone that can bring structure and instruction, and make these guys technically better at both ends. They need to play cohesive defense and trust each other, so anyone that can do this, yes please.
Unfortunately it's still Adams making the moves and he can still insist on putting together the most talented and physically weak group of players possible, leave the C depth weak, trade away Joker for a pick and replace him with a prospect or #7 guy instead of a legit vet defensive rock...etc. But, the easiest and most expedient way to improve this team is with a competent coaching staff. I'm in the group that thinks the roster isn't great, but could easily be a playoff team that we wouldn't be crapping all over if somebody good was behind the bench.
Regardless of who ends up the new HC, a clear message has been sent that the slumber party is over and it's time for the kids to go do their homework and come back ready for class. Hopefully that makes a difference by itself. I still need to see more over the summer to get my hopes up though.
