Pegulaville26

Wow is all I can say. As much as I seen it coming, I'm still shocked.

Sabres called Cody McCormick off the ice today at practice and have waived him. Personally something seems fishy here. Who are they creating a roster spot for? Could be Leino, but last I heard he was likely out for the season. Maybe calling a player up, but could be a trade coming down. Could be nothing too, but has me digging.

Last night was the first time in his post game press conference that I have ever heard Ruff seem defeated. He had no answers and was not his usual defensive self. I think even Ruff knows that his time is up and it's not working anymore. I wouldn't mind if Regier stays however if he will not let Lindy go then he needs to go too. The Sabres downfall for years have ben falling in love with their own players and afraid to try new things. Enroth and Stafford could have been moved within the last 2 years for good pieces and both players have no value now. Hecht is another example of the organization not being able to move on. When his contract expired after last season it should have never been discussed to bring him back. At 35 he has not value and a concussion history. Hecht taking a roster spot slows the development of Grigorneko because he has to sit when all goes bad Ruff goes to what he knows best. Brayden McNabb, Luke Adam, and Brian Flynn all sit in Rochester and could be helpful to this team. Sabres need to put the for sale sign up on the front lawn and starting trading pieces to maximize on value (Pominville, Sulzer, Leopold, and Regher). I have no problem with any of those players I listed as far as performance, but all have value now. Regher likely will not be moved because I think Pegula promised him of that when they brought him over from the Flames, but the other three I have no problem seeing them moved to bring in pieces. Pommer can be used in perhaps a Ryan O' Reilly trade. New coach ideas: Ron Rolston, Dallas Eakins, Tony Granato

Accountability....I've tossed this word around a lot the past three years in reference to the Buffalo Sabres franchise. In my mind I know who I consider accountable to the Sabres play over the past three seasons, but I don't know who Terry Pegula holds accountable. Last year the Sabres missed the playoffs and Darcy Regier along with Lindy Ruff were handed contract extensions. The only real change made from last years team was trading of Derek Roy. So am I to assume it was Derek Roy's fault the Sabres missed expectations last year outside of a crazy month and a half run. Was it Milan Lucic's fault and bringing in John Scott would fix all the problems? I was embarrassed for the franchise when Regier decided it was a good idea to tell the media that Sabres players were scared and thats why they had to get tougher. When Pegula bought the Sabres he came in beating the drum of change and a new direction. Dropping the famous line "The Sabres sole existence is to win the Stanley Cup". Sure like most Sabres fans I ate up and ran with it. Two years later I ask someone to show me where things have changed. Where is the new Pegula run franchise going over and beyond to bring a cup to Buffalo? I give him credit for re doing the Locker Room, paint job to the First Niagara Center, Alumni Plaza, and now developing the Webster block in front of the FN Center with a hotel, shopping center, and ice rinks. I am more than thankful for that. However the product on the ice has got worse in the two years Pegula has run the show. What has been the constant this entire time and over the last 15 years? Lindy Ruff and Darcy Regier. I think Darcy has done a decent job in putting this team together however I think Ruff is running it into the ground. If Darcy can't take off the blinders and see that then he needs to go as well. Ruff is not a bad coach, but 15 years of no championships is enough. Player like Vanek, Pominville, Stafford, Miller, and Myers have heard the same voice their entire careers. I reflect back on a moment in Boston this year when the Sabres came away with a 7-4 victory, Ruff ripped the NHL leading scorer and player who single handedly led the Sabres to victory that night Thomas Vanek. On a commercial break Ruff layed into Vanek for a neutral zone turnover on his previous shift. At the end of the game Ruff came over to tap Vanek on the back and give him a "atta boy" smack and Vanek rolled his eyes and muttered a expletive to the player sitting next to him. That alone shows Ruff's style is wearing thin with this roster. Ruff continues to mishandle the youth on the Sabres roster as well. He ruined Luke Adam who now is no more than a AHL winger, Tyler Myers has never been the same since Ruff told him to focus on the defensive end after his Calder Trophy Year, and now he is mishandling Mikhail Grigorenko. Grigorenko is scheduled to be scratched for this 3rd game in the last 4. Ruff doesn't feel he is getting a lot of production from the 18 year old which is hard when he plays with Scott, McCormick, Kaleta, Hecht, and Ott. His best game this year in DC he played with Foligno and Stafford. Watching Grigorenko he looks like he is afraid to make a mistake and someone got in his ear and preached defense first. He leaves the offensive zone early and looks hesitant at times to get caught up ice. A much different style than I watched him play in Quebec. Lindy tells the media that he using the Seguin and Stamkos method with Grigorenko giving him little ice time and letting him come along slow. That style also got Barry Melrose fired. Also that is not the way it is done any more in the NHL. Look around the league Brodin, Granlund, Galchenyuk, Gallahager, Brunner, Tarasenko, Conacher, Yakupov, and Schultz are examples of rookies getting a lot of ice time and thriving. The Sabres franchise always seems one step behind. Tonight the Sabres look to rebound against the struggling Jets at home. Buffalo comes in with a 3-4-1 home record. A struggling Stafford is being put with McCormick and Scott to get his game going and Leopold is going to be a healthy scratch for and replaced by Tj Brennan. Ruff is going with his shut down line again that held Crosby to three points Sunday in Hecht-Gerbe-Ott and Grigorenko will sit. I hope you sensed the sarcasm in the above paragraph. When will someone be held accountable?

I think it's a pretty simple fix. Sabres need a change in direction, they have a few players they can sell high on now. One player for example is Jason Pominville. Don't get me wrong I'm a big supporter of Pommer, but his trade value is very high in a season going nowhere. He has one year left on his deal and would show a change in course. Also Ruff needs to go, not a bad coach but 15 years of 0 championships is enough. Regier needs to maximize his assets now and not let the chance fly by like with Stafford a few years ago.

Best player going in the NHL right now on the worst team in the NHL. Imagine if Buffalo didn't have Vanek they easily could be winless on the season.

Personally this just sounded like Boston whining. Julien knew what he was doing by putting McDermidt on the ice with 15 seconds left. Scott was brought to Buffalo to protect his teammates so that's what Ruff was doing.

Seven games into the young 2013 NHL half season you can see a trend developing for the Buffalo Sabres. Up and down play will likely be norm in Buffalo. To start the season the Sabres looked good beating Philly 5-2 and Toronto 2-1 to start the season. Then losing four in a row before beating the Bruins 7-4 last night in an up and down game. Sabres fans have to try to not get to low or to high this season. The Sabres are a team that will finish in that 6-10th place range in the Eastern Conference and will good at times and very bad at times. They are a tougher team than last season, but still do not have scoring outside of the Vanek, Pominville, and Hodgson line. Marcus Foligno has got better as the games have gone on, Drew Stafford is doing his usual disappearing act, Tyler Ennis is still trying to get used to being a top pivot man in the NHL, and Mikhail Grigorenko is 18 years old. Ville Leino is a question mark and yet to still play a game this year with his mystery hip injury. Leino was jelling well with Grigorenko and Ott in training camp, but he needs to get on the ice before the Sabres can decide what to do with him in the offseason. On defense the Sabres are also all over the place to start the season. Ehrhoff looks like the top d-man that Buffalo paid him to be last year and Sekera looks solid as well building off a strong end to last season. Weber has played well in his two games after sitting in the press box the first 5 games. Robyn Regher is out with a knee injury/old age right now. He has what I like to call Craig Rivet syndrome. He's really good if he can catch you, the problem is he can't catch anyone any more. Then that brings you to Tyler Myers and Jordan Leopold. Let's start with Leopold who is in the last year of his three year deal. To start the season Leo was playing well, but the last 3 games he has been a train wreck. Soft playing the body and wiffing on poke checks. I'll give Leo a pass for and blame it on the rust for now. Last and certainly the least so far is Tyler Myers. The Sabres 6'8 big man is now being paid like a top 2 d-man, but is playing like a rookie. Every time he touches the puck now he makes me nervous. He has been a give away machine to start the season and still will not use his big 6'8 frame to his advantage. I will say he looked outstanding in the first period last night, but after getting burned by Marchand on a play the house came crashing in on him the rest of the game. At 22 years old I am not ready to give up on him at any means, but someone needs to get in his ear. Quickly on Ryan Miller he has been the most consistent player so far this season outside of Vanek. Miller looks to be in the zone and stood on his head numerous times this season keeping the Sabres in the game or down right winning the game like in Toronto in the second game of the season. Even though he gave up 4 goals last night Miller was outstanding keeping the Sabres in it at 3-1 and holding the 5-4 lead until Vanek sealed the win. Lastly Thomas Vanek is really good right now and fun to watch. He single handedly has won two games this season with two 5 point nights and leads the NHL in points with 15 through six games (he actually only played in 5). Jump on the roller coaster Sabres fans and hold on tight. A fun and stressful season is headed our way.

Personally as a Sabres fan and I was at the game I'm fine with no suspension. Kaleta turned just before Brown hit him. Some responsibility is on the player who was hit. What I'm not ok with is Weber getting 2 min instigating 5 min fighting and a 10 min misconduct for standing up for his player. Took away a PP and the league won't suspend players then they should let players police themselves, but they won't let them do that either.

With the NHL Lockout now in its 103rd day I have found myself following the Sabres AHL affiliate the Rochester Americans for my hockey fix. The Amerks roster has a lot of players that have/will be playing for the Sabres at some point this season or next year. For those fans that are interested I thought I would give another update how some prospects are doing so far this year. First off the Amerks themselves as a team are 14-11-2-1 through 28 games. They sit 10th in the Western Conference in the standings (Yes Western Conference AHL does it backwards). Now to the players the: Cody Hodgson- Hodgson playing as the #1 center for the team has 16 pts in 14 games (3G,13A). Hodgson missed about a month with a broken hand, but when he has played he looks like the best player on the ice most nights. Marcus Foligno- Foligno continues to grow after his strong end of the 2011-12 season. He has 25 points through 28 games (9G,16A). He contines to be a physical force along the boards and is meshing well on a line with Cody Hodgson since CoHo has returned from his injury. A lot for Sabres fans to be excited about with Foligno. The power forward Sabres fans have been waiting for. Luke Adam- Adam started off slow and was starting to make people wonder if he was more of a flash in the pan than a real prospect. However of the last three weeks Adam has again found his stride. He has 14 points through 25 games (7G,7A). He carried an AHL longest active 8 game point streak into last nights game (5+4). Adam is worth keeping an eye on if he can keep this up or if he is going to continue as a hot and cold player, in which the Sabres have enough of those players. Brian Flynn- Flynn is a personal favorite of mine that I have hyped up as a good prospect and so far he has made me look good. He has 19 points in 25 games (9G,10A). He is responding very well to more minutes playing with Foligno and Hodgson at times. Brayden McNabb- McNabb continues to excite me as a prospect. His offensive game has grown in the AHL and he continues to be a physical force. He is by far and away the #1 defenseman in Rochester and has 16 points in 28 games (2G,14A). He is playing big PP and PK minutes for coach Ron Rolston. TJ Brennan- Brennan has caught the most attention by far of any player on the roster. He is having a excellent season so far leading the Amerks in points with 28 in 28 games. He also leads the team in goals with 12 and assists with 16. He has grown as a PP QB for Rochester. He has 6 PPG on the season. He is also improving in his own end of the rink as well. Brennan was a force last night recording 5 points in a 7-6 win over Lake Erie. Brennan has added his name to the crowded Sabres blue line group when/if a season is played this year. Zemgus Girgensons- The 2012 first round pick has struggled at times in his first pro career, which is expected for a 18 year old. He has 6 points in 23 games (2G,4A). Girgensons will without a doubt spend the rest of this season in Rochester regardless of the lockout ending. In my opinion will also start next season in Rochester as well. Mark Pysyk- Pysyk has been up and down as well in his first pro season. As of late however he is starting to settle in playing with former junior teammate Brayden McNabb. He has 10 points in 26 games (2g,8A). He is also the only defenseman on the roster with a + at a +3 rating. Pysyk will also remain in Rochester the remainder of the season regardless. Quick World Juniors prospect update: Joel Armia- Armia recorded two assists in Finland's opening game 5-1 win over Latvia. Armia has excellent hands and vision. Vanek with more grit. Mikhail Grigorenko- Grigorenko recorded two assists in Russia's opening game 3-2 win over Slovakia. He also had a big face off win in OT to set up the game winning goal earning his second point. Grigorneko will remain in juniors the remainder of this season. Jake McCabe- The Sabres 2nd round pick in 2012 was selected as the captain for team USA. McCabe was solid in team USA's opening game 8-0 blowout over Germany. Andrey Makarov- Makarov was signed as a free agent this offseason. He is the back up to Lightning first round pick Andrei Vasilevslki.

Fixed^^^

The Buffalo Sabres entered the NHL in the 1970 expansion with the Vancouver Canucks. Throughout franchise history Buffalo has always been the team that has just missed. In 1975 the Sabres lost to the Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals in six games. Buffalo wouldn't again reach the Finals until 1999 against Dallas and would again lose in six this time on a controversial goal known in Buffalo as "No Goal". In 2005-06 season Buffalo had arguably the best team in hockey, but would end up losing to the Hurricanes in 7 in the ECF due to an injury to 5 of the 6 regular defenseman. After 06-07 season the Sabres have since fell into the mediocre stages again as the cycle repeats itself. Sabres are still trying to recover from July 1 2007 when they lost Briere and Drury to UFA. Through it all the Sabres fan base has remained loyal. Hockey continues to grow in the city of Buffalo becoming one of the strongest hockey markets in the NHL. Through the years a lot of great hockey players have worn the Blue and Gold (and Red and Black for a few years). Here are some of the best players to wear Sabres sweater in franchise history: 1. Gilbert Perrault- When you think of Sabres hockey in Buffalo two names come to mind. One is Gilbert Perrault. Perrault was selected first overall in the 1970 NHL Draft by the Sabres. In 1971 he won the Calder trophy as Rookie of the Year. For years Perrault headlined the French Connection line with Rene Robert and Rick Martin. That line lead the Sabres to it's first Stanley Cup appearance in 1975. Perrault had 512 career goals and was a 9 time NHL All-Star. He played in Buffalo from 1970 to 1987. 2. Dominik Hasek- Here is the other name that comes to mind when thinking of Sabres hockey. The Dominator ruled the blue paint in Buffalo from 1992 to 2001. He was acquired in 1992 in a trade with Chicago. Hasek is one of the best goalies to ever play the game in the NHL and unfortunatley the Sabres were never able to capitalize with a Championship. Hasek won the MVP aware in 1997 and 1998. He won the Vezina six times with Buffalo; 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, and 2001. He has a career GAA of 2.13 and NHL career best save % of .922. Hasek was a six time all star and in my opinion the best player to wear a Sabres jersey. 3. Rick Martin- The late Rick Martin was drafted 5th overall in 1971 by the Sabres. He would join Robert and Perrault forming the French Connection line in 1971. Martin had one of the best shots in the game during his career. He had 384 career goals and was a 7 time all star. He scored 44 goals or more 5 times in his career with Buffalo from 1971-1981. 4. Rene Robert- Robert played in Buffalo from 1971-79. He had 284 career goals and was a two time All Star. Like Martin and Perrault, Robert's jersey was retired with the Sabres. 5. Alexander Mogilny- The Russian Rocket defected from the USSR in 1989 to join the Sabres. He is most known in Buffalo for one of the most exciting seasons in team history when he scored 76 goals in the 1992-93 tying with Teemu Selanne for the NHL lead. Mogilny was a six time All Star and had 473 career goals. 6. Pat Lafontaine- Lafontaine was a true fan favorite in his time with Buffalo from 1991-1997. He was the Sabres captain from 92-97. His number was retired with the Sabres in 2006. He had 468 goals in his NHL career. Most Sabres fans can hear RJ now...La la la la la la la la Lafontaine! 7. Dale Hawerchuk- Hawerchuk joined the Sabres in 1990 and played in Buffalo until 1995. He is mostly known for his time in Winnipeg. He had 518 career goals and was a 5 time NHL All-Star. 8. Dave Andreychuk- Andreychuk was another huge fan favorite in Buffalo. He was drafted 16th overall by Buffalo in 1982 and played with the Sabres until 1993, then returning for one more season in 2001. Andreychuk was the defination of a Power Forward. He had 640 career goals and has the most PP goals in NHL history with 274. 9. Danny Gare- Gare was drafted by Buffalo in 1974 and was also a big part of the 75 cup run. He has the record for the fastest goal scored in your first NHL game scoring 18 seconds into his career debut against Boston. Gare scored 50 twice with Buffalo and had 354 career goals. 10. Phil Housley- Housley was drafted in 1982 by Buffalo and played with the Sabres from 1982 to 1990. He was a 7 time NHL All Star and was a rock on the Sabres blue line for years. He had 338 career goals and 1232 career points. Honorable Mentions: Mike Ramsey and Craig Ramsay

As we continue on this path known as the NHL Lockout, I figured I would give an update on the status of Sabres players and prospects playing around the world. I was able to pull myself into the mood of writing about hockey for the first time in three months today. I went to the Rochester Americans vs Hamilton Bulldogs game a couple weeks ago in downtown Buffalo to get my hockey fix. Seeing some current and future Sabres players play made me wonder about the other Sabres players playing around the globe. So let's see how they are doing. AHL Let's start in the AHL where some current and future Sabres are currently playing. The Rochester Americans are off to a 5-2-1 record so far this season with NHL caliber players Cody Hodgson, Marcus Foligno, Brayden McNabb, Kevin Porter, Zemgus Girgensons, TJ Brennan, Luke Adam, Mark Pysk, and Corey Tropp on the farm. Here is a quick player break down of each player so far: Cody Hodgson- CoHo has looked like a man amongst boys so far, which is good news for Sabres fans. Hodgson has 10 points in 8 games for the Amerks and is living up to the playmaker hype. He has 9 assists playing on a line with Amerks leading scorer last season Phil Varone and Marcus Foligno. Hodgson has played well at both ends of the ice and is becoming a force on the PP with his playmaking ability. Hopefully he can continue the playmaking ability at the NHL level if the season does get going this year. Marcus Foligno- Foligno like Hodgson obviously does not belong in the minors and he's showing it. Foligno has 10 points in 8 games (5 goals 5 assists) playing a first line power forward role. Foligno continues to progress at a rapid pace for the Sabres after his excellent end to the season last year in Buffalo. Brayden McNabb- McNabb was going to be one of the players fighting for a roster spot with the Sabres on a crowded blue line. McNabb has six points so far this season and is a +3. McNabb and Pysk are playing # 1 pairing minutes and both have thrived. Zemgus Girgensons- Big Z is having a tough go of it so far to start the season. He has two points in 10 games and is looking for his first pro goal of his career. He is playing on a line with team captain Kevin Porter and Brian Flynn. At 18 years old Girgensons is still learning the pro game and has a bright future ahead. TJ Brennan- Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season so far Brennan has played extremly well down in Rochester perhaps earning consideration for a position on the Sabres blue line if the season was to start. Brennan has 10 points in 8 games from the blue line (4 goals 6 assists). He is excelling in his role as a power play QB something the Sabres have been looking for since Brian Campbell left. Mark Pysk- Like Girgensons, Pysk is trying to learn the pro game. He has shown flashes and has 3 points so far on the season. However he is still making mistakes in his own zone which is the reason for the team low -3 rating. When playing with McNabb seems to excel, however when put out with another partner he struggles at times. Pysk will have some more ups and downs however I think he will be a good 3 or 4 defender in the NHL. Luke Adam- Now we get the to the poor performers so far. Adam continues to regress after his hot start with the Sabres last year. He is now playing the wing and continues to just disappear in games. He has 5 points in 8 games, but is having a hard time back that jump to the next level. Kevin Porter- Porter was supposed to challenge for a 4th line role with the Sabres however he struggled early in the season in Rochester. He was lost at times in his own zone and out of position. As of late he has picked up now have 7 points in the 8 games so far and has brought his +/- to a -1. Porter was given the honor of being the Amerks captain this year and after a slow start he seems to be turning it around. Corey Tropp- Only poor luck can be used to describe Tropp's season which is already over. He started off extremley well in his first two games, but a knee injury will sideline Tropp for the remainder of the 2012-13 season. QMJHL Mikhail Grigorenko- Grigorenko looks to be steal of the 2012 draft still in my opinion. He has 26 points (11 goals 15 assists) in 14 games for Quebec. Grigorenko's head coach Patrick Roy says that he is learning to be the guy this year. Grigorenko's growth continues to be a good sign for Sabres fans to look forward to. Europe Thomas Vanek- Playing for the Graz 99ers in his hometown country of Austria, Vanek has played well. He has 11 points in 9 games and has been the leader of the 99ers so far this season in not only scoring, but team leadership as well. Tyler Ennis- Ennis is playing with his childhood friend in Switzerland for the SC Langnau Tigers. Ennis has only played a few games for the Tigers recording only one point. He missed the last few games with an undisclosed injury, however he did return back to the lineup last night. Christian Ehrhoff/Alexander Sulzer- Ehrhoff went home to play for the German team Krefeld Pinguine in the German elite league. He has played well with 7 points in 8 games. Although D partner Alexander Sulzer playing with ERC Ingolstadt did beat Ehrhoff's team 3-2 last week. Sulzer would earn his first two points in that game. Tyler Myers- Myers decided to go play in Austria at teammates Thomas Vanek's request. Myers has only played in a few games for EC KAC recording two points. Andrej Sekera- Sekera is playing in the KHL for Slovan Bratislava in his native Slovakia. Sekera has 3 points in only a handfull of games with Bratislava. He continues to play well at both ends of the ice growing his defensive game which was much improved last year. A few other Sabres players Jason Pominville and Ryan Miller are now looking at options of playing somewhere else this year after CBA talks have stalled. With no end in sight for the NHL lockout more Amerks and European blogs may pop up throughout the season.

10.5 months of winter I love it. As if Buffalo is the North Pole. I really enjoy calling people for my job and they ask where I'm located and I say Buffalo and they respond with "Oh Buffalo! Is it snowing?!" and its July 12th. Happens at least once a week and I usually don't even respond to it anymore. However reading your post actually made me laugh, so I guess it still is a little funny. By the way for anyone really wondering it snows like 4 months (November, December, January, Feburary, and sometimes March).

It's baby steps, but the City is starting to head in the right direction of being rebuilt. What they have done to waterfront so far is really nice. This new plan helps the possibility of getting an All-Star game in Buffalo, and also more of a destination for people looking to spend money on Friday and Saturday nights. Once the Bills get a new owner one day they can put a new stadium where the old Aud was and the city will really be on its way back (wishful thinking probably).

A group led by Terry Pegula was given control of rebuilding the Webster Block in the City of Buffalo. Early reports is that is a 123 million dollar plan. The Pegula team would build two twin indoor rinks, hotel, resturant, a 965 space parking lot, and other property for lease. It is nice to see that Pegula not only cares about making the Sabres a winner, but about the city as well. Also helping rebuild a better city helps attract FA. See the story here...http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/City-picks-Pegulas-Webster-Block-plan

True Yotes are toast without him. 6 mil is tough, depends on the team. Buffalo no way because thats not what they need right now, they need a center and more scoring. If i was say Vancouver or Philly or Pitt or Detroit, I would probably do it, but not like it. I'd be ok with 2 years 6 million to 6.5, but at 4 to 5 years 6 million thats a bit much. However that's how contracts are done now he will get 4 years and 6+ somewhere.

Can he really carry a team though?? Don't get me wrong he's a great player, but not carry the team type player. He's had 30 goals twice and averages around 20 goals a season for his career. He has great leadership skills, but that puts a team over the top when they already have a solid team. Crosby, Malkin, Datsyuk, Toews, and Stamkos those guys carry teams. I personally wouldn't pay Doan more than 5 million esp at 36. I agree with you on the money point, these player contracts are way out of hand.

This has bad new written all over it! I'm not overly concerned because he isn't leaving Phoenix anyways, but not a good sign the Sabres have not learned their lesson (Leino). If by some miracle Doan does come here then the Sabres just slapped the handcuffs on themselves for the next four years. I know Doan is an excellent leader, but I don't see what paying a 35 year old winger who will score around 20 goals 7.5 million dollars, when center is the major need.

As another work stoppage seems to be more and more likely I have people ask me what side do I favor? My answer always is neither, I'm on the fans side. I'm on the side of the people that are responsible for the growth of the game. The group that is truly affected by this lockout. When are the fans going to matter again in sports is the real questions? The fans put the dollars into the owners pockets and allow them to pay the players. Without the fans the NHL would not be in exsistence or seen in a growth in revenue over the last 7 or 8 years. Now as owners and players sit here argue over the splitting of millions of dollars, I'm supposed to favor one side? The owners are complaining on how much money they are losing when the game is at an all time high in revenue. They complain about player salaries and yet they offer max contracts to players. Owners are are feverishly trying to lock up their young talent to large deals before the end of the CBA on September 15th. It's all hypocritical from the owners side if you ask me. They are making money at an all time great rate when the game is arguably at an all-time low in entertainment value. On the players side, they do have an argument of not wanting to be taken to wood shed like the last CBA however their salaries are at an all time high as well. Let me give you a few examples. Paul Gaustad had 6 goals last season, is a good PK player, and is good on face offs. He makes 3.25 million dollars for the next 3 years. Mike Fisher 24 goals last season and 51 points makes 4.2 million for the next 3 years. David Jones 20 goals and 37 points last year makes 4 million dollars for the next four years. Tim Connolly who cannot play more than 60 games a season or put up points makes 4.5 million dollars. Shea Weber gets 26 million dollars over the next two seasons, Parise and Suter 20 million. I could go on, but I think I've made my point. When does the common fan ever get a say in these negotiations. The person who works 40+ hours week 5 or more days a week, that fills these millionaires pockets. Look at the venues like the Air Canada Center, MSG, and the Mad House to name a few. They are filled by wealthy people now who don't care about the game while the die hard fans have to sit at home because ticket prices are to expensive. It dulls down the fan interaction in the arena's and make the games seem less interesting. Winnipeg is a working class city that has affordable ticket prices for it's fans and it shows during games. The MTS Centre is filled with die hard fans every night. The HSBC Arena (now First Niagara Center) used to be like that. However as the on ice product has declined the ticket prices continue to rise. The common fan is no longer able to go to 20 plus games a season now it's maybe 5. The atmosphere in the FN Center has suffered and I'm sure it has happened all over the league. We might not have hockey until Christmas, but the NHL and NHLPA don't care they will get their money anyways. It's the fans who lost out in the end.

At this point I think the Sabres roster is set as is (still have to sign Ennis) or it will look waaay different. Point and case: Current Lineup: Vanek-Hodgson-Pommer Stafford-Ennis-Foligno Gerbe-Leino-Ott Kaleta-McCormick-Tropp/Scott Ehrhoff-Sulzer Myers-Regher Leopold-Sekera Big Trade/s Lineup (Go big or go home version): Vanek-Hodgson-Pommer Ryan-Gagner-Foligno Gerbe-Grigorenko-Leino Kaleta-McCormick-Tropp/Scott Ehrhoff-Sulzer Myers-McNabb Leopold-Regher The next week will be very interesting. If Ennis signs I think that will be a sign that the Sabres will go into camp with the current lineup. The roster as is I think puts the Sabres in a 7-12 spot in the East. A tougher lineup, but still lacks scoring which was a big issue last season.

Now in the middle of August the Sabres continue their search for a top Center/Playmaker. Bobby Ryan's name continues to be connected with Sabres, as well as other players like Sam Gagner and Paul Stastny. Let's take a look what each player could bring to Buffalo along with what it may cost to acquire each player. Sam Gagner The 23 year old center really made a name for himself last season with his 8 point game. Gagner was one of the hottest players in the NHL for about a two week span last year. The former 6th overall pick in 2007 has struggled to live up to expectations so far in his NHL career. He has struggled with injury problems and production. Last year Gagner had a career high in points with 47 in 75 games. The two years prior Gagner put up 42 and 41 in 68 games. At only 23, Gagner still has a lot of potential. He has become expendable in Edmonton with Eberle, Nugent-Hopkins, Hall, and Yakupov expected to lead the young Oilers squad. Gagner just recently signed a 1 year extension with Edmonton and would be a RFA again next season. The Oil are in desperate need of help on their blue line and the Sabres have a crowded blue line. Buffalo has a glaring need up the middle still, so this seems like a perfect match. The Oilers are said to be very interested in Jordan Leopold and have had prior interest in Drew Stafford. A potential deal that has been mentioned is Leo and Adam for Gagner and a pick. Personally I am a huge fan of Gagner and would love to see the Sabres make that deal. Paul Stastny Stastny's name has been on the block for a while. He may have lost his role as a top 6 center in Colorado with Ryan O'Reilly and Matt Duchene now occupying those roles. Also Stastny's contract of two more seasons at 6.6 million makes him expendable to the Avs. They do no want to pay their third line center, first line center money. Stastny started his career on fire with 70+ points in three of his first four seasons (injury short season in third year). However the last two seasons he has been a disappointment with 53 points in 2011-12 and 57 in 2010-11. A change of scenery could do a lot of a good for Stastny. The issue with this match is the Avs do not need defense, it would likely cost the Sabres a top 6 winger, a pick, and a prospect. The Avs have set the price for Stastny high. Some players that would need to be involved in any deal could be Vanek, Stafford, or Foligno to name a few. To me Foligno is a conversation ender, trading Vanek defeats the point of getting him a true # 1 center, and Stafford may not be the type of player that the Avs want in return. I think Stastny is long shot of the group. Bobby Ryan Ryan is now the top dog that could be available with Doan likely headed back to the Desert. Ryan has been on and off the trade block since the beginning of last season. Buffalo has been racking up the long distance phone bill trying to work a deal with the Ducks for the young power forward. Ryan voiced his displeasure with the Ducks in the beginning of the offseason. He has grown annoyed with the constant trade chatter. However I think the Ducks still look at it as they don't have to trade Ryan. Which is the reason the price is so high. However on the other side of the coin the Ducks may have to unload Ryan and his favorable cap hit to resign Getzlaf and Perry who are UFA's after this season. It's hard to read the exact plan the Ducks may have for their three star forwards. Getzlaf's name has been floated out in the rumor mill as well as Perry's around the deadline last season. Right now Murray is in a position to be patient and as the summer comes closer to an end I think it is very likely Ryan starts the season with the Ducks. However Murray's power position starts to decrease as the season wears on because teams know he has to make a decision. So now may be the prime time to get the highest value for Ryan. The Sabres would likely have to include Ennis, Sekera, and a pick for Ryan. The rumored idea around Buffalo is that Regier is first trying to acquire a center to replace Ennis and then he will flip Ennis to Anaheim for Ryan. Also this could be the reason why Ennis has yet to sign a new deal with the Sabres. There's still a chance we could see some fireworks before August ends.

In the middle of a boring offseason that has been on "pause" since Parise and Suter signed in the State of Hockey, I figured I would write about a fun topic today. From time to time I find myself bored surfing youtube looking for old hockey clips. I often land on the the Drury tying goal in Game 5 of the 2007 ECQF against the Rangers, Pominville's 2006 series clincher against Ottawa, Briere's game one winner against the Flyers in 06, Parise's tying goal in the olympics, and Patrick Kane's nasty shootout goal this year against Minnesota to name a few. By the way am I the only one who laughs and says "wow" when I watch that Kaner shootout move every time? Anyways the point of this blog is to rack up the comments, because I am turning this blog to you the reader. I want to know you favorite NHL game/moment/memory. I'll share my two: As a Buffalo sports fan I have certainly had my ups and downs. I landed on two moments, the first was game 5 of the 2007-08 ECQF against the Rangers. I remember this game like it was yesterday. I was in the building in section 313 row 13 seat 2, my usual season ticket spot for that season. The entire game Miller and Lundqvist stood on their heads. Then with less then 10 minutes left in the thrid Martin Straka came down and beat Miller with a shot high glove that when out of the net as fast as it went in. The Rangers were on their way to a 3-2 series lead going back to MSG until the Rangers iced it with 13.7 seconds left. The Rangers couldn't change and were stuck with Jagr's line on the ice. Buffalo wins the draw it goes behind the net and gets to Connolly at the point he takes a shot and it is blocked. The puck then finds Chris "Big Game" Drury off of the deflection and he puts the puck past an out of position Lundqvist and a defender attempting to play goal. That probably was the loudest I have ever heard a sports arean/stadium in my life. I instinctivley started to jump up and down and scream like a little 14 year old girl and almost throw my then girlfriend now fiance over my head. After the fastest intermission of my life where I finally just got my breathe back Max Afinogenov beat Lundqvist 5 hole from a point shot. Again the place explodes and I again almost throw the girlfriend over my head. To this day I still get goosebumps/shivers seeing this video.... My second favorite moment was Pominville's Game 5 shorthanded winner against Ottawa in the 06-07 ECQF. Pommer went right after Alfie and blew by him on the rush and again made Ray Emery look foolish burrying the series clincher and allowing RJ to drop the best line in Sabres history "Now do you believe?! Now do you believe?! These guys are good! Scary good!!". What a series that was! The 7-6 game one win and the game three OT win by Dumont. I miss that team!.... So now I turn it over to you share your favorite moments/games/memories.

Couldn't be farther from the truth, you have to live here first instead of listening to everything people say. NHL Players who still live in Buffalo and will when their career is over: Patrick Kane, Marty Biron, Michael Peca, Robyn Regher, Andrew Peters, Craig Rivet (hated he was traded to Buffalo at first), Jordan Leopold, Pat LaFontaine, Jay McKee, Teppo Numminen (before he was coaching), Ryan Miller (bought a house last year and spends 90% of the year in Buffalo w/ wife), Steve Ott (heard bad things before coming here and loves the city now) I can keep going but I think I made the point. Great people, great food, and great place to raise a family.

The Flyers awoke the boring NHL offseason with a loud boom last night. Flyers signed Weber to basically a max contract offer sheet of 14 years and 110 million dollars. Flyers set up this contract with about 26 million in the first year with bonuses paid to Weber and with about 68 million paid out within the first few years depending on which reports you read. Salary cap circumvention? If I was the NJ Devils and the NHL approves this deal I would want a real good reason why I have to give up a 1st round pick next year. I don't know where I come down on all this I am very torn. It was fair game for the Flyers to give Weber the offer sheet, but at the same time it is kicking someone when they are down. As a Sabres fan this brings back awful memories of the 2007 offseason in which the Sabres lost Briere and Drury. The Oilers then came in and offered Vanek an outrageous offer sheet trying to steal him out of Buffalo. Now if you look at the cap hit and market Weber isn't being way overpaid for the player he is. With the loss of Suter I think the Flyers saw blood in the water in Nashville and attacked. In a way Nashville did this to themselves by playing games last season with Weber and taking him to arbitration. I respect the Flyers for their desire to win and they are not afraid to go all in on anything. However this is where I find myself today; this is exhibit A,B, and C of why we will not have hockey until Christmas next season. Owners led heavily by Ed Snider himself are claiming they are losing money. Yet they go throw a max contract at a player and drive up the cap again. With the CBA talks Ed Snider just added another gun to Donald Fehr's holster on top of the insulting first CBA offer by the owners. Also what if in the new CBA their is a rollback of salaries like the last CBA, the Flyers are then stuck in big time cap jail with the Bryzgalov contract already on the books for the next 8 years. From the Nashville standpoint as a small market fan with a big market owner I feel bad for what is occuring right now. If Nashville does not match the offer it could only be a matter of time before they are in danger of being moved out of Nashville. If Weber and Suter are gone, how long until Rinnie wants out? How do you explain losing two of your teams superstars to your new fan base that has started to grow of the last few years? On the other side of the coin if the Preds match they are going to be handcuffed in the future with signing their promising young players. Those people saying that they can trade Weber after one year are not using their brains. Why would Nashville pay him 26 million dollars for one year and then ship him out? Doesn't make sense from a business standpoint. As your reading this you can probably tell my struggle to pick a side on this. In the end I think I am more on the side of the Flyers went into a grey area with this offer sheet. Sure it is not illegal, but at the same time it's a big market bullying a small market. This is not done around the league because GM's have almost an unwritten rule to not pouch on other team's young talent. The reason why perhaps the best player in the game Steven Stamkos was not given an offer sheet last season. It's frowned upon I guess be the best phrase I can use here. For example it isn't illegal to hit in the all star game, but you just don't do it. I also think this move will effect not only the Flyers and Predators, but the other 28 NHL teams as well.