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Buffalo Sabres: 4 takeaways from Jason Botterill’s first press conference

By Paul Taylor

Oct 18, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Buffalo Bills owners Kim Pegula (left) and Terry Pegula on the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Buffalo Bills owners Kim Pegula (left) and Terry Pegula on the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2017; Rochester, NY, USA; Wind and snow sweep across Main St. in downtown Rochester during Winter Storm Stella. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle-USA TODAY NETWORK /

3) Rochester won’t be ignored

If you take nothing else away from the press conference, be reassured that Botterill will leave no stone unturned as he looks to return the Sabres to contender status. This means improving the franchise in all areas.

This includes forging a winning culture in Rochester. Fair or not, Tim Murray was often perceived as not paying enough attention to the Amerks.

However, consider that Botterill is coming from an organization which puts a premium on fielding a competitive AHL team. Thursday’s press conference was notable for several references to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

And for anyone thinking Botterill is just paying lip service, consider that the Penguins’ AHL affiliate has the longest current streak in the AHL of qualifying for the Calder Cup playoffs. (15 consecutive seasons.) He will take the Amerks’ importance seriously, which will include hiring their own GM.

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