Don Granato’s Future, Top Prospects, and More: Sabres Mailbag Part 2
The Buffalo Sabres have had a tough time lately, especially in their recent game against the Edmonton Oilers. Despite being tied 3-3 entering the third period, the Sabres ended up losing 8-3 after the Oilers scored five goals in the final period. The Sabres struggled with turnovers and lacked consistent back-checking, allowing the Oilers to generate 10 high-danger chances in the third period alone. This disappointing performance came after a game against the Canucks where the Sabres had a significant disadvantage in high-danger chances.
Following this rough stretch, the Sabres have gone 1-3 in the first four games of a five-game road trip, putting them seven points behind the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With only 11 games left in the season, their playoff hopes are diminishing rapidly. Last season, the Sabres came within a point of making the playoffs, but without a similar run this year, they will take a step back from their 91-point season.
This raises questions about the coaching staff and roster. Don Granato, the current head coach, has been with the team for some time but has yet to reach the playoffs. While General Manager Kevyn Adams has expressed his support for Granato, there are valid reasons to consider a coaching change. The team has struggled this season, particularly on the power play, and star players have not performed up to their potential.
If Granato remains as head coach next season, Adams should consider bringing in more experienced assistants to help address any weaknesses that arise. It would also provide an interim option if a coaching change becomes necessary during the season.
Despite the team’s underperformance this year, some fans remain hopeful for next season. Adams and Granato have made progress in returning the franchise to respectability, and there have been encouraging signs. However, Adams cannot ignore the team’s flaws in the offseason. He needs to evaluate the forward group, address the lack of production from top scorers, and make contract decisions that will impact the team’s future spending flexibility.
Missing the playoffs would be considered a failure for the Sabres, given their goal at the beginning of the season. While it may not result in major ramifications, it should push Adams to be more aggressive in upgrading the roster and making tough decisions about the core players.
One player who has faced injury setbacks is Jack Quinn. The Sabres struggled without him in the lineup earlier this season, highlighting the need for better forward depth. While Quinn’s injuries have been unfortunate, his potential as an impact player outweighs concerns about his injury history.
In terms of prospects, there are several exciting players in Rochester. Viktor Neuchev, a Russian winger, has had a successful first season in North America with 10 goals and 16 assists for the Amerks. He possesses strong offensive skills that could translate well to the NHL. Another promising player is Nikita Novikov, a 6-foot-4 defenseman. Both Neuchev and Novikov have shown potential to develop into NHL players.
Overall, the Sabres are facing challenges both on and off the ice. With the playoffs slipping away, changes may be necessary in the coaching staff and roster. However, there are still reasons for hope as the team looks towards next season and continues to develop their young prospects.