tom webster

So then its not that Pyatt is a more aggressive player now that he's out of Lindy" system, just that he's paid less and less is expected of him? Way to keep twisting that argument.

So last year. Pyatt scores 9 goals and records 137 hits while Drew Stafford scored 20 goals with 102 hits so Pyatt has developed into this feared, aggressive checker who can score but Staffor dis a bum and Lindy can't develop anyone? One hit every two games. Amazing. I know, its the eye test now. Only an idiot would think it has something to do with growing into it. Any fool can see that Pyatt is just plain better, has more heart blah blah blah.

Pyatt had one year that was markedly better then any year he had in Buffalo. Paille is on a team with a better supporting class. Torres is a poster child for "most" teams deadline acqisitions. Who else you got? That being said, this team was hard to watch yesterday. I have always been a proponent of firing Darcy and I am moving in the direction of the "time to move on from Ruff" as well.

So in essence, you and another person run sportsbuff?

OK, isn't sportsbuff and dstebb the same?

No argument here, although I would have couched it with "probably" won't last forever. No one thought there was a Terry Pegulla before he emerged. There is a lot more money out there and for some reason, none of these teams seem to sell for a loss despite the picture management painted during the lock out.

But surely as an economics major you know there is a big difference between showing a $30 million loss and actually writing a check for $30 million. Even a drug induced Johnny Fever managed to figure out that profit and loss were merely theoretical terms. But that's an argument for another day. Your point about him one day growing tired or frustrated or even bored with owning the team is more plausible then him ever missing the money. It's why I firmly believe that new contract or not, DR and LR will at some point be held accountable. TP is not OSP or a punch drunk tool supplier spending someone else's money.

I think as I get older the one absolute truth I've learned is that there is no "right" way. Being successful is a combination of skill, timing, determination and a certain degree of luck. We can all rant and rave and provide our expert opinion of how it should be done or when it should be done and I think history has showed that every champion, every business icon and even those who mastered the art of parenthood all had their own unique path to success.

Actually, I think Adam, Kassian and Catenaci(sic?) should be the charter members of the Sabrespace wall of honor for their contributions to the post count in relation to their likely NHL careers. Oh wait, that's another thread. A skilled forward would be a welcome addition to the system if the price was right.

It is. Glad to discussing this as opposed to pension plans and when is 50/50 really an equal share!

Because in today's NHL he's a better hockey player. And for the record, I like Ennis, just think if you look at the top 6 in yestereday's line up he is easily the one I think could be upgraded.

I know some people don't want to hear this but Stafford is ten times more untouchable then Ennis.

I don't think that the Sabres look at Ennis as a long term answer at center and I also don't believe that Catenacci is considered a prospect by anyone that isn't a poster on this board.

Assuming O'Reilly isn't asking for crazy money, Ennis is defintely in the mix and I believe Buffalo would have no problem including him in a deal. With Hodgson, O'Reilly and Grigorenko on your roster, where would Ennis fit anyway unless he was able to adapt to wing?

Actually John Elway was before Lindros but there have been countless other examples that just weren't as publicized in the pre-cable days. Yes, believe it or not, I remember having 3 channels and 1 phone that was actually a party line!

I was just going to say "no team is five years away but you probably said it better and definitely nicer....

Why would Montreal trade him and assume half his cap and half his salary when they can buy him out next year? On top of that, what motivation is there to potentially help a division rival? On top of that, he woould limit the Sabres flexibilty this year with regard to the cap.

For what it's worth it will be opening afternoon. Still interested?

Burke is a lot like Bill Polian. Has a great reputation as a team builder although some would argue how much was being in the right place at the right time. Unfortunately for both men, they either don't care or don't quite understand the politics of it all. You can call it being a kiss ass or you can call it being prudent, but he men/ women in charge want to feel like you know they are in charge. They are only going to put up with the arrogance or disdain you show them for so long.

Think you mean 13 and 14.

That's the only scenario where they would need to use a second buy out. After this season the only players signed for more then an extra year will be Myers and Ehrhoff.

I hear they are trading Ellis straight up for Getzlaff.

Completely disagree and Ott's words were part of a much bigger quote as well. You and others can continue to read more into what Miller says but his team looks at him as a leader and his words and actions do carry much weight. Is he sometimes condescending and arrogant, of course but then again thats about the nicest thing most people say about me as well. But hey, I'll never convince you that your wrong about him and besides, I have much respect for your passion and most of your opinions and even when I don't, I understand how you reached your conclusions.

So if they play two extra weeks of 3 games per week they would be only adding 4 games over 12 weeks of play and eliminating all out of conference travel. Don't think an extra game per month is going to have anywhere near the impact that you anticipate. Good thing you have a two week training camp to get your posts sharpened. Good to be back. I'm sorry gone for awhile and forgot which of you like your players grunting and which like them actually saying something that shows a little thought. Once again, glad to be back.

Miller wasn't wringing any hands. He apologized for the embarassment that the lockout was and that the relationship between players and owners still is.