'91 series was no classic

I've developed a new Sunday night tradition on my DVR -- going through the upcoming week's listings on the NHL Network to see what classic games are going to be shown. Starting Monday night at 9 and running several more times this week on "Classic Series" is the Sabres' six-game loss to the Canadiens in the opening round of the 1991 playoffs.

Now, frankly, that wasn't a classic series in my eyes (but it's all about what they have video from). Wouldn't we rather see the memorable 1973 first-rounder vs. the Habs? The '75 semifinals that got the Sabres to the brink of the Cup for the first time? I'd even take the '93 sweep at the hands of the eventual Cup champion Habs, all 4-3 losses and three in overtime. And the best memory against the Habs in the playoffs has to be the '98 sweep, including Michael Peca's double-OT goal in Game Three.

The '91 series that we'll see was a six-game defeat. The first five were all won by the home team with Russ Courtnall's OT goal in Game Five at the Forum turning out to be the backbreaker. The Habs wrapped things up with a 5-1 win in Game Six at the Aud.

Things degenerated late in that one with a skirmish that ended like most did back in the day -- with Rob Ray shirtless. Check it out below.

Comments

[Jim Boucokee]

There really is no current Sabres player who is the hockey equivalent to Bobby Murcer. I would think that Pat LaFontaine would be a past player.

Jim Boucokee
Queens, NY

[greg]

Hey little jimmie, the sabres don't qualify for your following statement.

"I often wonder if there is a current Sabre who is the hockey equivalent of Bobby Murcer"

They are still all alive.

Thankfully not from Queens

[Buffalo Excuses]

See Glenn! There's every reason in the world to have hope! Goal makes sort of, well almost, a reasonably credible case for it. He is as valid as I am I guess. You just have to have faith, and lot's of it!

BTW Goal, we just disagree on how much hope to have. My island is Bad Boy Island, yours is Fantasy Island.

Now I'm off for the weekend. See y'all Monday or Tuesday!

Can't resist a last thought on Pomminville:

I hope for ALL OUR sake that the trading deadline doesn't find us at the margin of the playoffs and NOT SQUARELY in the hunt. If so, watch out.

My guess is Pommenville will be off to GREENER pastures for the next crop of hopes prayers and promises...RFA or not!

[goal10der44]

I think the idea that you're putting out there that the Sabres, "Build a team that can make the playoffs, not a cup competitor," might be somewhat valid, but isn't getting to the playoffs BEING a Cup contender? If you don't get to the round of 16, then you certainly have no shot at the Cup.

To illustrate this point, look at the 98 & 99 teams that went to the ECF and SCF respectively. Yes, they had an all-universe goalie, but seriously, who expected Matt Barnaby to have a hat-trick in the 98 playoffs? In 99, how about the great trade to pick up Chris Gratton? Not much of a major improvement there from what we gave up (Cory Sarich, Brian Holzinger).Our D consisted of Zhitnik, Smehlik, Woolley, Warrener, James Patrick, (22 yr old) Jay McKee, & Doug Houda - there's a championship set of D if I ever saw one!

I think you underestimate the value of getting into the playoffs in the first place. Sure, the Cup has never been won by an 8 seed, but that doesn't mean it won't ever happen. The #1 seed doesn't always win it either. I think the Red Wings would trade a couple of those #1/2 seeds (and 1st/2nd round exits) and President's Trophies in the past 10 years for a couple more Cups, don't you?

This team is decidedly better than last years' team. Remember, at the beginning of last year, Drury/Briere were gone and the team had no identity, Vanek was under immense pressure to be a $10M player and this was the first time Miller would be the outright #1 goalie, on team that for the previous 2 seasons carried goalie 1a, 1b and 1c (Noranen in 05/06). Plus, there was the impending FA status of Campbell. None of these is an issue this season. Their biggest concerns are the contract status of Jason Pominville, which is not as big a deal as people are making it out to be (because he’s only going to be an RFA); if Lalime can play better and more games than Thibault to spell Miller (I think he will); and maybe finding another decent center for WHEN Connolly goes down.

I also have very little concern for this defense. They know they have something to prove. Rivet was a major defensive upgrade from Campbell. Spacek is in contract year, which usually means good things, but even if he plays as well as last year, he'll be fine. Tallinder/Lydman know they have to be better and I think not having the pressure to be the best D pairing will help them with that. Sekera, Weber, Numminen, Paetsch are all good supporting #5/6 D-men as well.

I think the leadership is there also. Pominville, after he is signed, is the next captain of this team. Rivet is a proven leader and if you doubt that, go back and read what the SJ fans were saying about his loss after the trade. Hecht leads by the example of his hard work on the ice. Roy is an outspoken, unquestionable leader in the locker room and is one of the faces of this team. That is the core we're all talking about that you question every time.

Is everything going to have to go just right for the Sabres to win the Cup? Yep. Isn't it the same for every other team in the NHL? If you don't think the Red Wings or Ducks fans worry about what will happen to their team if one of their major players is injured or for some reason is having a massive off-year, you're really living in a fantasy land.

[Buffalo Excuses]

It was in response to the last part of Chad's rant. In hindsight, I just may have confused myself!

It is hard (for me anyway) to cut up and edit others messages.

[Buffalo Excuses]

Glenn,

I do believe their luck last year was "worser" than the average team. So, they should make the playoffs.

I put out an optimistic viewpoint that has them in cup contention. Pretty much comes down to being luckier than the average team next year. Also, one of the studs (and there are a few) have to REALLY grab this team by the neck and will them forward. Leadership often emerges when it needs to.

Hard part to believe is that The Excuses will HAVE to make a move at the deadline. They "sort of" did this in the past without over committing (of course). But I can live with that too.

Stay hopeful. I am more skeptical than need be sometimes for comedic effect.

[greg]

Excuses. You ended your last post with "Not sure what this means".

Are you starting to confuse yourself?

As fot this year, their going to finish in the 5th seed and go out in the 2nd Round/

[Glenn W]

Btw Excuses - Teppo may not be the leadership solution for the team, but I really hope he can be the leadership the defense is looking for. Spacek is a great defensemen (IMO), but he definitely lacks the leadership to drive the rest of his buddies.

However when Spacek was wearing the "C" last year, he really seemed to become a bigger person on the ice. In that respect, here's to hoping that we have permanent captains this year and ditch this rotating cr@p.

Mostly I just want this season to start already!!!

And I'd still like to know what's going on with Pratt! I'd pick him over nervous-nelly Lydman any day.

[Glenn W]

Thanks for the response, Excuses!

I have to admit that I never accurately take into account (the potential for) injuries and the like, and therefore I can now see your point much more clearly.

Yes, we have a lot of promising starters, but if one or two of those get knocked out due to injury we don't have much left to fall back on. In fact one major stumbling block from last season was the long string of injuries we had that kept upsetting the cart. As far as that goes, we are just as suceptible this year to the same exact thing...damn.

Well, thanks for the smack upside the head! IF they all stay healthy and IF they bring their A game for the entire season, I think we have a pretty decent bunch of guys which I would consider above average.

However IF we have slow starters (Vanek) or non-starters (Afinogenov) or massive injuries (Connolly), we are in the exact same position we were last year.

Now I'm suddenly less optimistic about the season! Thanks a lot! I should've never asked!

D'oh!

[Buffalo Excuses]

"I wonder if Montreal fans sat around all last summer bemoaning the fact they had the "same average team" as the prior year. I bet not."

Way to go outlier.

***********

A little DITTY that you ignore, as well: the last time Buffalo lost this little from a prior season's team they went from 85 pts the year before the lockout to 110 pts the year after the lockout. Now, I recognize that some of that improvement can be attributed to the rule changes, but you can't tell me that continuity didn't contribute to that improvement.

Briere, Drury, Campbell, Kalinin. Rules unknowingly changed back. I digress.

******************

I'm completely mystified by your obsession with signing other team's FA's, though after seeing the type of personality you have, I have no doubt that you view it as some sort of power play. After all, that's what it comes down to with you: power. Why else would you declare yourself the winner of every real or perceived conflict you get into on this board. I digress.

This is fun, get off the power thing. BTW, I thought I heard someone ranting about owning me??? I digress.

*************

Why sign other team's FA's at a premium when the Sabres have had so much success drafting their own players (Roy, Vanek, Pominville, the list goes on), developing acquired players (Dumont, Connolly), or acquiring star players in extremely one-sided trades (Briere, Drury)?

This is a static argument and ignores the fact that spending $5.7 million (your number unchecked) can't hurt the team. Can only help.

******************

As much as you love to shrug it off, that strategy has made us a Cup contender in four of the last 10 years.

Drury, Briere, Campbell et all. They're history school boy. Argue it aint, but they are gone, and we didn't make the playoffs last year. Coincidence? Nope.

************

How many teams could say the same thing? You scream "why aren't we signing other teams' free agents," while most other people, in the event that the Sabres started doing so, would scream "why are you going away from what's worked?"

It didn't work last year andd it aint gonna work this year. History is just that, history.

Though you hate research, most likely because it undermines most of your decrees, I found that 9 of Buffalo's 19 players from 2005-06 are making $4 million or more (once Pominville signs his next contract). That number jumps to 10 of 20 when you account for Biron's next contract which will be coming within a year from now. The Market indicates that Buffalo is producing top flight players.

Okay, but even if you're right we are less talented regardless of who produced. Is EVERYONE else's bad a talent production? Your argument suggests so.
****************
Yet you suggest the team should overhaul their strategy. Sorry, but I'm not buying what you're selling here.

Never suggested an overhaul. Consistently argue to spend to the cap. But keep saying I say something else cause THATS THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN WIN AN ARGUMENT. Power this ranger.

You're selling, I aint buying. Let's keep that straight.

***********************

"Golisano makes a great politician, referring to the 1 year he spent to the cap and neglecting the fact he is $8 Million short this year."

First, Buffalo is roughly $5.7 mil below right now. Secondly, after Pominville signs, all of their key players are signed to long-term contracts.

Long term mediocrity...WOOOOOHOOO!

*****************

The only decisions the team will have to make next year are whether or not to bring back Kotalik and/or Connolly, and whether to re-sign Stafford during his RFA summer.

Afinigenov? These decisions are already made and only change if they "revert back to the mean". These guys are gone in favor of the "New Look Excuses" who will be priced at 80 cents on the dollar to the Cup contenders.

Contrast that with the Rangers who are at the Cap and have 13 of their top 24 players being either RFA's or UFA's after next season. I'd say Buffalo is in a pretty good position.

I know, last year The Penguins were the boogey man, this year, its the Rangers. Outliers. At least you're consistent.

"Elma, if you and Chad were to fall off of HSBC arena, you would look at each other half-way down and say "So far, so good!"
********
This is a microcosm of your most serious and consistent logical flaw: you make metaphors with certain outcomes and try to analogize the metaphor to something with uncertain outcomes (NHL season).

Dude, you are WAY too intellectual for debating sports. This is too boring for the average fan to care about. Marketing 101: Don't build an ugly, fast car. It won't sell. Was that a metaphor?

******************

I find it funny that you paint me as some sort of eternal optimist incapable of seeing the flaws in my favorite teams.

I find it funny that you think you are funny.

*****************

If you got me going about my other teams (NY Mets, NY Giants), you probably wouldn't think so. I simply think Buffalo goes about things the right way and does their best to consistently put a Stanley Cup contender on the ice.

Making the playoff when half the hockey world does so is not a cup contender.

**************

I don't see the same commitment to mediocrity or "excuses" as you do. I'm on record saying that I think they'll probably be the #4 or #5 seed this year. You say they'll be a #6 seed.

I said no higher than 6th. Big difference.
**********

That's the difference between being a homer/apologist (me) and one who takes the team to task for all the "excuses" and "acceptance of mediocrity" (you)? Really

Not sure what this means.

Bye.

[Buffalo Excuses]

Fair question Glenn,
Sure, there's reasons for optimism. But too many of them though are "turnaround" stories. The Excuses getting to The Cup is equivalent to parlaying 5 or 6 long shot bets at the track. (Had to throw in a metaphor for Chopstix to chew on….). Payoff is huge, but most bettors lose their dollars. Sure, a few of them will happen...but ALL 6? And nothing else goes wrong?

What are the 6?
Leadership
Goaltending
Powerplay
Connolly
Lydman
Tallinder
Kotalik
Afinigenov
Teppo
Unending stream of young talent

Is that 6? Never could count...

I guess what I am saying is that if Connolly gets through the season, (and I really don't expect this) someone else will get hurt.
If Lydman, Tallinder, Afinigenov and/or Kotalik return to form (imagine ALL 4???) will no one else underperform? Sorry, just don't like playing that many long shots in a row.
Teppo is NOT the leadership answer.
Goaltending will be better, but this won’t be enough.
Someone young will mature, someone old will fall off.

Just my thoughts… Some of these will come to pass, some will not. Other things are sure to go wrong. So all in, we probably break even and squeak into the playoffs.

I do believe this is by design. Build a team that can make the playoffs, not a cup competitor. Safer, easier and certainly cheaper and the basis of my bent against “The Excuses”. I still love this team and will cheer for them to prove me wrong.

Of course, there is always a "Montreal" like story every decade or so for guys like Chad to keep pumping about (ummm..they didn't win The Cup either). In statistics, Elma will tell you these are what are known as anomalies, or outliers. Strategies based on anomalies are more like pari-mutuel bets. The odds may be stacked against you, but some folks still throw down their bucks.

Entertainment is best left to the individual. I am entertained by this after all. And I will watch The Excuses either way.

[Glenn W]

Excuses,

Do you really feel that we have the "same" team as last year?

If you were to claim that the team we had at the end of last year is the same as the current team, then I would tend agree with you. There have been a few positive changes (IMO), but yes, we are looking at a very similar team to what we had at the END of last year.

However if you are comparing this years team to overall performance from last year, then I have to disagree. I don't feel the team we had at the beginning of last season was the same as the team we had at the end. It took a painfully long time, but we eventually started seeing some real improvement (again, just my opinion).

I was worried as heck at the beginning of last season - this year I'm looking forward to seeing the product on the ice. So I guess that means I am seeing the situation differently, but I'd like to get a clearer understanding of what you mean.

So for the sake of this discussion, could you please elaborate on what you feel is the same between this team and last years team and what you are using as a basis for that comparison?

Oh yeah - and as for the main point of your subject change (Pominville), I feel fairly certain that he is going to remain on the team, hopefully for long term. I understand that we don't really need to worry about next July since he's still under a current contract, but we definitely don't want a repeat of Campbell's situation so I would be much relieved to get him signed before the season starts. I THINK management learned something two years ago from the Drury/Briere/Vanek fiasco, so let's hope they learned something last year from the Campbell issue. As far as contract terms go - let's lock him up 5 for 25!!!

[Chad]

"Little dity you ignore. With Pommers, same team. Average."

I wonder if Montreal fans sat around all last summer bemoaning the fact they had the "same average team" as the prior year. I bet not. A little DITTY that you ignore, as well: the last time Buffalo lost this little from a prior season's team they went from 85 pts the year before the lockout to 110 pts the year after the lockout. Now, I recognize that some of that improvement can be attributed to the rule changes, but you can't tell me that continuity didn't contribute to that improvement.

"You missed the main objective/fear of my post...The fact That The Excuses can't/won't sign anyone elses A-1 free agents. You ignored this well, because it defeats your argument and supports mine. Same team, still average."

I'm completely mystified by your obsession with signing other team's FA's, though after seeing the type of personality you have, I have no doubt that you view it as some sort of power play. After all, that's what it comes down to with you: power. Why else would you declare yourself the winner of every real or perceived conflict you get into on this board. I digress. Why sign other team's FA's at a premium when the Sabres have had so much success drafting their own players (Roy, Vanek, Pominville, the list goes on), developing acquired players (Dumont, Connolly), or acquiring star players in extremely one-sided trades (Briere, Drury)? As much as you love to shrug it off, that strategy has made us a Cup contender in four of the last 10 years. How many teams could say the same thing? You scream "why aren't we signing other teams' free agents," while most other people, in the event that the Sabres started doing so, would scream "why are you going away from what's worked?"

Though you hate research, most likely because it undermines most of your decrees, I found that 9 of Buffalo's 19 players from 2005-06 are making $4 million or more (once Pominville signs his next contract). That number jumps to 10 of 20 when you account for Biron's next contract which will be coming within a year from now. The Market indicates that Buffalo is producing top flight players. Yet you suggest the team should overhaul their strategy. Sorry, but I'm not buying what you're selling here.

"Golisano makes a great politician, referring to the 1 year he spent to the cap and neglecting the fact he is $8 Million short this year."

First, Buffalo is roughly $5.7 mil below right now. Secondly, after Pominville signs, all of their key players are signed to long-term contracts. The only decisions the team will have to make next year are whether or not to bring back Kotalik and/or Connolly, and whether to re-sign Stafford during his RFA summer. Contrast that with the Rangers who are at the Cap and have 13 of their top 24 players being either RFA's or UFA's after next season. I'd say Buffalo is in a pretty good position.

"Elma, if you and Chad were to fall off of HSBC arena, you would look at each other half-way down and say "So far, so good!"

This is a microcosm of your most serious and consistent logical flaw: you make metaphors with certain outcomes and try to analogize the metaphor to something with uncertain outcomes (NHL season). I find it funny that you paint me as some sort of eternal optimist incapable of seeing the flaws in my favorite teams. If you got me going about my other teams (NY Mets, NY Giants), you probably wouldn't think so. I simply think Buffalo goes about things the right way and does their best to consistently put a Stanley Cup contender on the ice. I don't see the same commitment to mediocrity or "excuses" as you do. I'm on record saying that I think they'll probably be the #4 or #5 seed this year. You say they'll be a #6 seed. That's the difference between being a homer/apologist (me) and one who takes the team to task for all the "excuses" and "acceptance of mediocrity" (you)? Really?

[Buffalo Excuses]

On to your "debate":

"let's stay focussed on Pommers please".

"Yeah, because that's easier than focusing on our crappy signings like Roy, Vanek, Miller. Two months ago, you said "let's focus on Miller please" or "let's focus on getting a veteran D-Man" - I can see why you want to only look at Pommers."

Little dity you ignore. With Pommers, same team. Average. Still love them though, just not willing to sit on my hands until I need them to clap, at nothing....
************

"But, with respect to Pommers, still not in the worried camp yet - not sure why you are. He's an RFA, just like Marc Andre-Fleury was. You love talking about how the Pens "get things done" but it took Pitts all the way until early July to get him signed (that's the equivalent of next July for Pommer)."

I wouldn't call myself "worried" cause I STILL think this is another marketing gimmick. You pols will relate to the fact that John McCain is stealing the show this morning from Obama's speech with a nothing story...the selection of a VP!?! Yawn!

You missed the main objective/fear of my post...The fact That The Excuses can't/won't sign anyone elses A-1 free agents. You ignored this well, because it defeats your argument and supports mine. Same team, still average.

Then again, can The Excuses afford another RFA DISASTER ala Vanek? Just a thought relating to history, future...

(Here's where I take a risk, setting up a future argument at the "risk" of your dredging it up in the future. I can almost here you cutting and pasting...)

****************

***********
'"Golisano makes a great politician, referring to the 1 year he spent to the cap and neglecting the fact he is $8 Million short this year."

He told me to say "thank-you." Besides that, I'm done with that debate - you can look back at the Rivet Posts.'

Fair enough, but I think this story grows over time.

**************
'"Sabres are doomed to being average."

Well, then, you'd better start looking for another team. I see some hope, so I have a reason to keep cheering and investing my emotion." But if that's your belief, then you can move on. I'm not really a huge fan of cynicism - it's the "easy way out" in my opinion.'

Elma, if you and Chad were to fall off of HSBC arena, you would look at each other half-way down and say "So far, so good!

************
Let me just edit this part of your posts and show how silly it is

"There's always certain people that will make dire/WILDLY OPTIMISTIC predictions. Sometimes they are correct, sometimes they are wrong. These people bathE (sorry, I couldn't resist correcting you cause, well, it's funny) in some self-absorbed "I told you so glory" when things go wrong/RIGHT. But when things go well/WRONG, no one really "calls them out" because at that point, no one really cares what some cynic OPTIMIST was predicting."

Spoken like a true politician. (Read my lips...) While the SAME could be said for optimists, you want us to believe your Horsehockey. Please, tell me that you won't be a told you so guy if The Excuses shock the world.

"I'm willing to bet you were making the same "doomed to be average" statements before the lockout and also coming out of the lockout, when teams were making huge splashes on free agents. And no one really cared about their dire predictions then, either."

Actually, no. While I was not here, I was arguing that this is the best thing for Buffalo. Still think it is. But we can go back to the bankruptcy argument if you want.

[ElmaGolf]

Excuses -
RE: West Wing - Agree, let it pass. If you don't watch the show, there's too much back history to try & explain for the reference to be meaningful.

On to your "debate":

"let's stay focussed on Pommers please".

Yeah, because that's easier than focusing on our crappy signings like Roy, Vanek, Miller. Two months ago, you said "let's focus on Miller please" or "let's focus on getting a veteran D-Man" - I can see why you want to only look at Pommers.

But, with respect to Pommers, still not in the worried camp yet - not sure why you are. He's an RFA, just like Marc Andre-Fleury was. You love talking about how the Pens "get things done" but it took Pitts all the way until early July to get him signed (that's the equivalent of next July for Pommer).

***********
"Golisano makes a great politician, referring to the 1 year he spent to the cap and neglecting the fact he is $8 Million short this year."

He told me to say "thank-you." Besides that, I'm done with that debate - you can look back at the Rivet Posts.
**************
"Sabres are doomed to being average."

Well, then, you'd better start looking for another team. I see some hope, so I have a reason to keep cheering and investing my emotion. But if that's your belief, then you can move on. I'm not really a huge fan of cynicism - it's the "easy way out" in my opinion.

There's always certain people that will make dire predictions. Sometimes they are correct, sometimes they are wrong. These people bath in some self-absorbed "I told you so glory" when things go wrong. But when things go well, no one really "calls them out" because at that point, no one really cares what some cynic was predicting.

I'm willing to bet you were making the same "doomed to be average" statements before the lockout and also coming out of the lockout, when teams were making huge splashes on free agents. And no one really cared about their dire predictions then, either.

[Buffalo Excuses]

Let's start the Pommers debate off with some facts. This is from Mar 2 John Vogl comment on a HNIC interview Golisano quote. This is probably old news to some, but you have to go back to history to get a sense of the future. I know, I know...4 ECFs...let's stay focussed on Pommers please.

The owner told Elliotte the Sabres are willing to sign and keep their A-1 players, including Ryan Miller next year. "The proof will be in the pudding," Golisano said.

Keep that quote in your mind.

---John Vogl

This tells says a few things:

Golisano said we will keep our A-1 Players and we aint done yet. Unless Pomminville is not A-1. But I listened to the interview and he said Pomminville too. Let's see if this is a typical political promise.

Golisano never had any intention of signing anyone elses A-1 players. Probably more telling (ellipsis).

Golisano makes a great politician, referring to the 1 year he spent to the cap and neglecting the fact he is $8 Million short this year.

Sabres are doomed to being average. Even IF we sign Pommers, we're still the same average team as last year only we can ballyhoo our way to believing we aint.

[Tom]

I would gladly say anything to the face of anyone if I felt it relevant. The bottom line is that this is a game. But it is a game that I used to spend big money on. When I am on the hook for a season, I expect some effort and courage.

Once again I will say, it is a team culture of sacklessness. The GM runs the team like he's buying CD's at 3.2% for his retirement account. The Managing Partner thinks the fans of the team are a bunch of Rubes (he is proving to be correct), and laughs every time he cashes a check from Golisano. The coach is all about a system instead of trusting his players to perform, and that system is geared to extended sacklessness. The defense plays about as physical as the Buffalo Stallions defense used to. The goalie is 5 lbs or one nervous breakdown away from being hospitalized. The skill players all get together at Roy's house to watch Entourage on HBO, then spend the next 2 hours reliving the episode...and to top it off, the "tough" guys either refuse to fight after acting like a 12 year old (Kaleta), only drop the gloves when they can catch the other guy by surprise (Mair), and put on the Armbar of Stalemate as he and his opponent slowdance and take their best shot at giving each other a charliehorse.

If any Sabre has a problem with that, I would gladly meet them face to face to discuss the issue. I don't think at this point anyone honest on the team can deny what this team has become. All I'm doing is calling a spade a spade. I'm sure there are plenty of fine human beings off of the ice, but they are inefficient on the ice.

There is one guy I wouldn't mind meeting for a chat, if he didn't have a kid...and that is Tallinder. The media let him off easy because of the lockout.

Here is my breakdown of what I think about these guys...

Roy- Pretty boy that has the mind and the skill to be a leader in this league, but needs to grow up and focus. There is hope, but it's probably 3-5 years away before the light of life goes on

Vanek- He will try for you and will have a shot of being that top level player if he is allowed to freelance more with someone on his line with enough size to divert physical attention

Afinogenov- The guy is a pure athlete and is frustrated from having to deal with the same show for his entire career. A coach that trusts his players more will be rewarded with better return. Max is one of the few on the team I feel does his part on a basis of courage

Hecht- NO SACK! I've seen multiple altercations where he participates in a less than lackluster fashion. Sure, he's a solid 2 way player that is a top 9 forward, but with his size and power, he could do much more

Connolly - NO SACK! Leodis McKelvin and James Hardy have nothing to worry about, Connolly is the king of the 8th grade interview skills. I have no respect for him at all, and to this day I am convinced that Quinn did his family a favor by giving him the contract. You run a Hall of Famer like LaFontaine out of town because he had the same condition, but you triple the salary of Connolly

Kotalik - I like this kid. He wants to try hard and play physical. He would be a better player on another team. A team that has some grit and experience. Ruff handcuffs this guy, because coach knows best.

Stafford - This kid has a stand up attitude if he is willing to not be scared of displeasing the coach.

Paille - For someone that had a rep as a bodychecker, I am confused to watch him play. I do think he has the potential to be a nice player with some heart, but once again we have a young guy with nobody on th eroster to teach him how it's done

Gaustad - Lindy Ruff set this kid's career back 5 years. Gaustad was ready to be the captain of this team last year, then Lindy got to him. I can see the conversation....

Lindy: "Goose, we really want you to be a big part of this team next year. I need you to take a regular shift and do some special teams work. I think you should work on your skating and conditioning. Maybe drop a few pounds. We need you out there for 82 games."

What we got was a Gaustad that checked his sack at the door for most of the season. Instead of embracing the skill set of a guy that has some size and nastiness, the team overcoaches and turns this guy into another Sabredrone. It was pathetic. I still have hope for Gaustad, and he is one of the few guys I respect in full. He was most likely being a good soldier by administering his self-gelding

Mair - He can play above board, but lowers himself all too often. I have seen 15 borderline to obvious boarding and crosschecking moves by Mair. He's another one that there is hope for, and if he played on a veteran playoff team, he could be a huge asset as an agitator. On this team though, he is borderline punk at times. He knows better though, and that's what ticks me off

Peters - I give him credit for admitting to being on the juice, but he isn't the same since. Just drop the f'n gloves and throw some punches. He has to be 230lbs and have almost a 7 foot wingspan. You look like a fool out there at times and Peters should know better as well

Kaleta - Matt Barnaby without the mansack. I truly predict that unless he drops the gloves, someone is going to really hurt that guy when they get him in the right position. He isn't a rat, he is a punk. HE WILL GET SERIOUSLY INJURED AND SOON. He seems like a decent guy, and I hope he is another one listening to Ruff too much, trying to draw penalties

Pominville - I was wrong about this kid. While the city has him overrated, he still gives an honest effort. He was the one guy that really stepped up when the C was put on him. I have respect

Lydman - Jeckyll and Hyde. I like him overall, but he needs to play angry more often

Tallinder - NO SACK! No respect for him. Would have cut him.

Spacek - 50/50 Lindy gave him his way last year and he responded. He could show a little more heart at times, but he isn't a disaster

Teppo - For the love of the baby Jesua, hang it up. Teppo is calm, collected, and doesn't make many mistakes. He has very little sack though. He would be a better coach at this point in life.

Rivet - One man does not change the sacklessness of this team. The city has a jackfest for the 2nd coming of Craig Muni. Better than another flamer, but not nearly enough

Miller - Someone do some research on his childhood. I am guessing he had multiple medical conditions. He is much too skitchy....Ryan has a secret, and it isn't the obvious one. You don't let in almost twice as many floaters from the point as the average goalie without raising a red flag. I like the kid, he has heart, tries to be a leader, and is a tireless worker. He just can't see correctly. Someone needs to do some digging. Trust me, it's worth the effort...Ryan has his contract now. Remember, this is the same medical staff that has mis-diagnosed 4 sports hernias in 4 years, played patty-cake with Connolly, and lets Miller play 70+ games while looking like someone that was liberated at the end of WWII

There you have it. My honest opinion that I would be willing to share with any of them in person. If you read the whole thing, you are either a real fan or bored out of your mind. There are enough philosophers on this team that would actually sit down and talk to me about this. That in itself is the problem. On the ice, dump the smoking jacket and pipe and pick up a machette.

[greg]

Re-running from other post for the following daily bloggers, Chad & Excuses. Have no need to rattle any cages on this subject of an old series. I remember the days of Lacombe, Creighton & Cyr. Back when they couldn't get out of the 1st round.

Whoa!! Chad & Excuses.

With all your entertaining banter on Teppo you missed out on the Darche signing. It may not have made the Blog, but they had an interesting article about him when he signed. Technically he is signed to a Sabres contract which counts towards the cap. But he was primarily brought in to go to Portland & work with all the young kids we are going to have there. If needed up here, he would be a desperation call up. He's more on the lines of a player, coach in Portland. He has been with Portland as part of the Anaheim system over the last couple of years and is a fan favorite there.

[Buffalo Excuses]

Of course being able to handle the guys who you are paid to is another story.

Let's face it, if ANY OF US were taunting guys like Donald Brachiere and he ever came over the boards, we would fare about as well as those two drunk teenagers who taunted the Tiger at The San Francisco Zoo....

That being said, if another tiger came along and slapped old Tony around, stole his meat, and took other certain liberties on his tigress, we would be COMPLETELY justified in calling lame Tony out.

Mind you we would be doing it walking in the other direction, but we aint stupid!

[Chad]

Elma, you're giving Tom too much credit. For all of his talk about testicles (getting real awkward) or the Sabres perceived lack of, you know he'd grovel if ever encountered a Sabre. You know he's a guy who stuffs his sharpie and Sabres jersey in front of any player who comes within spitting distance. "Timmy, Timmy, I love you, so does my kid, sign my chest for me. Make it out to 'Tom!!'"

God knows what he'd do if he saw Bernier on the street.

[ElmaGolf]

"But we still would have had a chance if Muckler would have thrown the Dominator in there instead of sticking with his favourite Grant (never played in an 8 - 6 game that I didn't win with my great goaltending) Fuhr."

PE - didn't Hasek play the Montreal series (seriously asking)? I knew he finished Game 4 of the Boston Sweep, but I can't recall if Fuhr was put back in after that. But I agree with your assessment of Fuhr's abilities when not aided by the Edmonton scoring machine.

PS - I see your time spent in Calgary has led to the extraneous "u" in favourite. ;)

[ElmaGolf]

I'll buy all the "sackless" talk as soon as Tom says any of this face to face to Patrick Kaleta, Peters or Mair.

Heck, I bet he wouldn't even be able to muster up enough to say in Vanek's face, or even Connolly's for that matter.

Until I see that day, I'll file Tom's "manliness" critiques under "Irrelevant."

[P.E. Carr in Calgary]

I'd like to see that 1993 series. I think that was actually our best chance to win the Cup (all one goal games and 3 in overtime). If memory serves, though, both Lafontaine and Mogilny got injured in the playoffs. But we still would have had a chance if Muckler would have thrown the Dominator in there instead of sticking with his favourite Grant (never played in an 8 - 6 game that I didn't win with my great goaltending) Fuhr.

[eric]

Man, I miss those old uniforms...too bad we couldn't keep that old logo, one of the best in the league and instead Larry Quinn traded it in for a banana slug, which is the equivalent of Rayzor's mullet in the video.

[Tom]

Come on now Excuses....that was not a cruel comment. The laws of comedy make it valid. Teppo relinquished any sympathy by resigning with a team that gave it to him good last year. Here's a guy worth $5-10 million, with a profitable business, in his 40's, coming off his 2nd heart surgery in less than a decade....to resign with a team that abandoned him as soon as his talent was useless to them as he was left to confront a possible life-threatening illness all alone.

They are both A-holes and worthy of ripping on in this scenario.

Since you seem to think it was crossing the line, I will offer up 3 alternate versions. Tell me which one you can live with.

1) The only time we are going to see a Sabre with his shirt off like that is when Roy and Connolly break out the baby oil and rub each other down with it so they can then stare at themselves in the mirror for 60 minutes

2)Wow, Rob Ray and Mike Hartman playing on a playoff team. I guess they must skate fast. (See Bernier Blog)

3)If anyone is going to the Aud Auction, somebody do me a favor and bid on the set of 20 mansacks boxed up in the trainers room. If we are lucky, they still may be fresh enough to sew back on, and it's only a half mile walk to get them to where they need to be

[Roby]

Excuses, schmexcuses.

I'm going to Mint's for a little R'n'R...I'll be back in time to see the puck drop!

[Buffalo Excuses]

Tom,

While I believe that comment was tasteless and cruel, I got the message. I don't know why you think this board is an appropriate place for such bawdy (I borrowed that word from a smart friend).

Passion WAS a rare commodity on The Excuses. Don't you read these boards??? All of that was solved by trading for Rivet!!! (Never mind the team that shipped him acquired other D men in the offseason that made him "exSPENDable"...)

So that's all we need!!!

Well...THAT and Afinigenov, Connolly, Kotalik, Miller, Lydman and Tallinder returning to form. Keep in mind that is only 6 players out of 24...ONLY 25%!!!

Sooo....THAT'S all we need!!!

Okay, okay, Roy, Pommenville and Vanek are going to have to perform as All Stars. That's only 12.5% (Less than 13). And That would be many times more than what we had last year!!! (what happened to him?)

So THAT'S IT! That's all we need!

pssst.....Teppo (and the rest of the team) staying healthy will surely help in the leadership department. (Now, don't tell anyone cause someone may complain this is a LONG SHOT!)

So let's see:

Passion - check!
Leadership - check!
Goaltending - check!
Solid Defense - check!
Top Tier Powerplay - check!
Commitment to winning - check!
Three Tiered Ticket Prices - CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!

I BELIEVE!

Now let's all sign our famous victory tune...

You know we're gonna win that ummm....last game to squeak into the playoffs!

Can't you just FEEL the excitement!

[Tom]

What were they doing in that video? I do not understand why someone would make physical contact with a member of the opposing team on the ice.

The only time we are going to see a Sabre with his shirt off like that is when they break out the paddles for poor Teppo.