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

By Paul Taylor

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Jason Botterill of the Buffalo Sabres works the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Jason Botterill of the Buffalo Sabres works the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 01: Phil Housley of the Buffalo Sabres handles bench duties against the New York Rangers during the 2018 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Citi Field on January 1, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Rangers defeated the Sabres 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

1) Phil Housley will return

No one could have predicted the Sabres would finish with the worst record heading into the 2017-18 campaign. And yet there they were on the final day of the regular season, sitting five points adrift of everyone else.

As a result, there have been some calls for Phil Housley to be fired. Unfortunately for his critics, this isn’t going to happen.

Botterill confirmed Housley will return next season. As reported by Paul Hamilton of WGR 550, the Sabres’ GM said:

"“Yes, 100 percent, Phil Housley will be our coach next year. I’ve certainly enjoyed working with Phil. I think the way that I want to put the team together and the way he wants to play is a good mix and he’ll certainly be here as our coach next year.”"

We actually agree with this decision. You shouldn’t fire someone after just one season, especially when it’s their first coaching gig in the NHL.

In addition, you have to wonder how much of what transpired is down to Housley? Consider that a majority of the roster — which is still in Buffalo — hated playing for Dan Bylsma.

And yet, they were even worse this season with a new coach. This speaks volumes about an underlying issue regarding the collective attitude and quality of the players.

While Housley is safe, the same can’t be said for his staff. We predict a couple of assistant coaches will be fired in the coming days or weeks.

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