Q and A with Buffalo Sabres Beat Reporter Bill Hoppe
I had a chance to preview the upcoming Buffalo Sabres season with my good friend and one-time St. Bonaventure roommate Bill Hoppe. It’s playoffs or bust in Western New York and Lindy Ruff is back as head coach. Let’s get into it.
ML: Playoffs. We know that’s what’s needed. Buffalo has not made it since 2011. Will they make it, and if so, what will be the reason they do?
BH: I think they can make it. Of course, I believe I said the same thing last season. They’re close. They’ve augmented a talented roster with some much-needed additions to play on their third and fourth lines. Ryan McLeod, Beck Malenstyn, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Sam Lafferty are upgrades. They needed some grit and oomph, and those guys should provide it.
If they can adjust to the demands of new coach Lindy Ruff, they can certainly make a push. For as “bad” as they often performed last season, they only needed about four or five more wins to end their playoff drought.
ML: Biggest offseason storyline?
BH: Ruff’s return. His presence is easy to market and gives a frustrated fan base hope. But his hire was about more than nostalgia. He’s an accomplished coach who was in the second round of the playoffs 18 months ago.
ML: Best/worst part about covering the team?
BH: It’s a privilege to cover hockey. Being at the rink and writing stories is a dream come true. Sure, it can be stressful, but to me, there’s no real downside.
ML: The arena looks better. What changes were made?
BH: Well, there’s a new roof and a state-of-the-art scoreboard that will make attending a game a much different experience.
ML: Alex Tuch. CNY guy, everyone loves him here. He always talks about cheering Buffalo on from Baldwinsville as a kid and wearing all the goat head gear, which is pretty cool now that he actually wears the uniform. What is needed for him to take the next step as a player?
BH: Honestly, I think he took that big step when he scored 36 goals and 79 points in 2022-23. Maybe that was his career season. Still, I think he could at least approach those numbers again. He got off to a slow start last season and never seemed to fully be himself. I think if the team as a whole improves, his production will elevate.
ML: Most underrated Sabre going into this season?
BH: I don’t know if he’s “underrated,” but if Jack Quinn stays healthy, I believe he can have a breakout season. The Sabres are a different team with him.
ML: Thanks Bill, keep doing your thing.
BH: Thanks, Mike!
Follow Bill Hoppe on X @BillHoppeNHL. You can read his work here: www.buffalohockeybeat.com.
For roster, standings, stats and other Buffalo Sabres information click here: www.sabres.com.
Mike Lindsley has been in sports media for over 25 years and is the host of the ML Sports Platter Podcast. Subscribe to his YouTube page @mlsportsplatter.
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