We have reached the Sabres' third canceled game of the preseason, a total that will hit seven with Thursday's announcement that the exhibition slate is history. The Toronto Maple Leafs were supposed to visit the Sabres and First Niagara Center tonight, but it's not going to happen because a bunch of rich guys can't figure out how to split $3.3 billion annually.
As we have done with the first two games, we will think of some of the real victims of the lockout.
*It's the people behind Benchwarmers on Mississippi Street, folks who invested in the Cobblestone District with the belief they'd have at least 40 to 50 good nights a year. Customers will be few and far between if they even open. (NOTE: Since writing this, I've been informed the bar has gone out of business, as has neighboring Morrissey's. If I were covering any Sabres events at the arena, I'd have already known this.)
*It's the arena usher who needs the income from his second job, a part-time position that is nearly non-existent now.
*It's Larry, the guy who sells peanuts with a smile so he can earn a tip or two.
*It's the men and women who cook hot dogs at the carts on the corners so they can feed their families and the fans.
Once again, it's not the NHL owners and players.
---John Vogl
