News Article: Upstart Leafs used Sabres' abandoned philosophies

[Sabretip]

Talk about pouring salt in the wound - Bill Hoppe has some valid points that can't be easy to ponder with Sabres and Leafs heading in opposite directions:

Think about it, Buffalo Sabres fans, a couple of years ago, your team switched identities with the hated, mega-market Maple Leafs.

As the small-market Sabres morphed into a free-spending, win-at-all-costs club under new owner Terry Pegula, the Leafs began embracing development and patience, the Sabres’ old and successful philosophies.

The Leafs’ major volte-face has quickly paid off. They finished fifth this season, their highest spot since 2003-04.

Meanwhile, the Sabres, having just missed the playoffs a second consecutive season, are rebuilding and attempting to implement their old practices. General manager Darcy Regier has warned his team’s rabid fan base to brace for some “suffering.”

Incredibly, now the Sabres want to replicate the Leafs’ plan.

Six or seven years ago, as the heavyweight Sabres contended for the Stanley Cup while pummeling the hapless Leafs, who would’ve believed that?

The Leafs built this exciting group like the Sabres constructed their rollicking post-lockout clubs. Their roster is filled with homegrown young talent, some minor free agents and a few stars they’ve acquired through trades.

They’ve stopped indulging during free agency – something the Sabres have also vowed to do – and jettisoned some ill-advised additions from summers past.

http://www.buffalohockeybeat.com/up...andoned-philosophies-as-blueprint-to-success/

Click to read more...

 

[Clock]

We've switched places once we miss the playoffs nine years in a row.

What a troll article.

 

[captaincrunch89]

I like Hoppe usually but this is obnoxious and moronic.

 

[Myllz]

Amusingly, this is the first Leafs team I actually like in a real long time.

 

[Mergus merganser]

Is that why our top 3 centers next season will likely all be 24 or younger?

So, because we spend 4.5 on a 3rd line winger and a top 2 dman signed for a $4 million cap hit, we are building through free agency?

Also, how were the sabres old philosophies successful? If you consider finishing 6th-8th, then yes, they were successful.

 

[enthusiast]

I thought this would be an article about how their system plays to their players' strengths whereas ours is round pegs and square holes

guess not

 

[rsg87]

The Leafs gave up prospects and 1st round picks to obtain players...we have done neither. We spent money on a couple free agents, but not nearly to the extent the Leafs did. This is poorly written article based on false premise.

 

[aceface33]

Does anyone get the feeling that if the season were a full 82 these teams might have switched places in the standings?

 

[jBuds]

I thought this would be an article about how their system plays to their players' strengths whereas ours is round pegs and square holes

guess not

A round peg could fit in a square hole.... Just saying....

 

[sabresfan65]

A round peg could fit in a square hole.... Just saying....

Especially with the size of some of the Sabres round pegs!

 

[RazielMoshman]

Does anyone get the feeling that if the season were a full 82 these teams might have switched places in the standings?

History indicates that might have happened, Leafs have started strong and plummeted late.

I also think no training camp has impacted some teams more than others. Teams like ours, Florida, Colorado have really struggled but teams like Chicago have made the most of it, and used this season as a chance to an 'easy' cup. This is just a musing, not a proper theory but be interested to see what everyone thinks.

 

[HockeyH3aven]

Why do people assume giving out big contracts in FA to veterans some-how means you're neglecting "development and patience"?

Signing Leino affected the development of exactly zero of their younger players. It's not like they made those moves and then stopped scouting for the drafts and paying any attention to their prospects.

 

[cardiffgiant]

Their roster is filled with homegrown young talent, some minor free agents and a few stars they’ve acquired through trades.

Wow, what specific formula for success. That description reminds me of about 29 other teams in the league.

 

[Jame]

I usually like Hoppe... but that article was painfully stupid