...

This is true especially for the Sabres, since they're a young team, but younger folk have a hard time dealing with mental instability in others. I can imagine even the most "mature" young player still being affected over the long term because, again, these guys are stuck in close quarters together over prolonged periods of time. A way of life average people probably can't grasp. Their egos and emotions would still turn around on themselves. Middle aged adults would have a hard time in that atmosphere. So, I think that's the reason you see Pommenstein, Eichel, and others with big smiles going into this year, it's like a huge weight taken off the core of their being. It's going to be a different year. KO's issues are certainly far more manageable, from what I understand, but the key ingredient there is that he has a family to motivate him to stay "right". These changes, alone, should make a drastic difference in the play of the team. I guarantee this is part of the "rediscover" comment from ROR, and it actually applies to all on the roster to whatever degree. Once these guys figure out this all can be fun, like really fun, watch out.

Can't and won't say. Suffice it to say, holy moly, travel, the locker room, the games, all must have been not fun for the guys. This explains quite a bit.

If there's another one with mental health issues that they moved, and I know for sure there remains another one on the roster, there were at least three battling that on the team. No wonder this team couldn't get their locker-room straight.

I'm excited. I haven't looked forward to a season in a few years now. I hope to God they finally turn a corner this season because who knows how long I, or any other fan whose interest waned, may stay away after this season if they don't. They have everything they need in place to make this a great season. Just give me a race for a wildcard slot, some highlight reel plays once in a while, and it'll be a big improvement.

Couple posts back via TBPhD.

That would align with the Howard Simon theory, then, right?

Is the coming draft worth a tank?

Okay, I get where you're coming from. I think it's a fair place, too. The only thing I would say, though...and this isn't a defense of McDermott...is that everyone has something to which they refer internally. Rex Ryan's internal reference, or, dare I say process, seemed to have led him to evaluate players in the manner "as long as they can play football and are able to have fun on the field..." I would say Marv Levy's was "they have to be smart and disciplined" (although I'm really pushing my memory here). And these things, these words, while they have universal meaning, have a specific meaning to the individual making the call. "Smart" to Levy might have a slew of characteristics, personal insight, and memories that are summarized in the one word that he uses to communicate the larger notion in his head. Maybe that will help identify what McDermott might have going on. And as I said, I don't actually disagree...the concept of his "process" shows more holes as time goes on. At one point I thought I got it, but what I got and the actual evidence are not lining up.

What is it with the "consciously or otherwise" stuff? Dude, you're really pushing this particular narrative, so you need to be clear. Instead of dancing around the details, why not be brave and state exactly what it is you're talking about. Are you "wondering" *wink-wink* if he's a Southern White Baptist Racist and using whatever criteria comes with that to evaluate players, or are you "wondering" *wink-wink* if he's a Holy Roller using whatever criteria comes with that to evaluate players? If it's the former, I think you're on drugs. If it's the latter, unfortunately I think you might be on to something.

7! Damn, I haven't been paying attention to the game at all. Makin' bacon, you see.

So, you all seem to be saying this game has been fun to watch...?

You'd think McDermott would have figured out long ago that the NFL is probably not a wise career choice if the skin color of a person were going to affect his decision making. Are we not to give McDermott credit for that, or are we to believe he's that stupid?

Maybe I'm naive, but what where IS he headed? I don't follow the thinking here.

https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/3006709?hl=en

It's almost like after being on the property for 24 hours, the "Sabres-way" seeped into their DNA.

When I saw Dahlin get crossed checked near the end, I winced. When I saw he got poked in the face I yelled: "DON'T TOUCH THE MERCHANDISE!"

Interesting take. Not sure I see it yet.

MoG, mine crapped out for a few minutes. Better period, but still nothing spectacular. Lukkkkkonen is a giant! He looked more composed in the second.

Here we go!

For those asking, the official Sabres feed is working fine for me. In other news, i guess i need to catch up because i ain't heard of no Glotov before. I hope we find some goalie talent, or a talented goalie, to put in the farm, as I'm not impressed with what I've seen so far.

I had to refresh to get the Sabres' stream working. I thought perhaps Dunleavy would be replaced.

Who makes ice cream like that? I would avoid any place that does that like the plague. Ice cream is such an easy thing to make if one is so inclined.

I lived near a Duff's. The conversation over wings is no different than the coffee places. Timmy's vs. Starbucks. Timmy's coffee, to me, is flat out bad. Although not as bad as McDonald's or your average convenience mart. Why people will leave for work early to sit in a long-ass line for that stuff, I'll never understand. Same is true when Duff's comes up. Living near Duff's I had on several occasions received the most nasty order of wings possible. The first time I got sick. The following times I was able identify they were bad and took them back. After a few times I have never been back. Meanwhile, Anchor, to me, has always made their wings right. Always. Big wings, perfectly cooked, sauced correctly. Every time I see people crap on Anchor,. I simply don't understand how it's possible. I prefer Anchor over the other, high-profile locals. La Hacienda Brighton also makes a mean batch of wings.

IMHO the Bills made the playoffs last year because of the coaching staff. I think Brian Daboll is an upgrade and therefore expect the Bills to attempt another eeking into a playoff slot.

I get this joke. I laughed!