Neo

MJD ... Thank you for the effort. I'll not go toe to toe with the players, but I certainly like rivalries around great players. Kelly vs Marino, Bird Vs Johnson, and so on. It was one of the reasons I hoped the Leafs would get #1 if we did not. One of the more interesting aspects of the rivalry you describe is the high end flash seems west, and the accountable two way seems east. I simplify. Could be great fun.

....yeah, you're right. Forget I said it.

You know, the cool Russian names, the awesome avatars ..... If we're, say, 10 points out of the playoffs before Christmas, what with that Matthews kid in Juniors, what would you all say if the Sabres decided to .....

I just stirred up a few other threads by posting: 1). The difference between McDavid and Eichel is like the difference between Bossy and Seiling, and; 2). GMTM believes the difference etc., etc.

Just, too, awesome. I was ten. Must've been a weekend game. I was with family visiting cousins in South Buffalo. I spent a good part of the evening hanging out and walking the neighborhood. We went back to my cousin's room to listen to the game. Of course, we all remember the goal. Philadelphia would get its revenge, soon. And how about the dulcet Milt Ellis in the background ... as always. Him: "It's alright, officer, I'm Pastor Fuzz! Get it, Pastor Fuzz ?!!?" Me: "Huh?" Rest in peace, Mark ....

THAT ... is a first impression. Welcome.

Informed whimsy, another reason this place is like no other.

Oh, all right ..... I sorta liked the Russian era at Sabrespace. It was consistent with "they've all come undone".

Gotta say I heard it the same way you did. His style is his style. I'm fine with it.

Interesting to me: I attended the Tampa - Detroit game this afternoon. As is usually the case, thousands of Red Wing fans. I asked a few about Mike Babcock. I was surprised that few knew that he was unsigned and the topic of Toronto/Buffalo speculation. Generally, these are rabid fans. Kind of a ... "well, he's not signed yet, but it's no issue" kind of vibe.

No to Milan. His game excites me less than it does others. You can be team tough without a thug. You can minimize the value of a thug by ignoring him. I believe that other teams not bothering to respond to him played a role in his decline in effectiveness this year. EDIT: I acknowledge he's more than just a thug.

OT: Anne Murray and Avril Levigne.

I had to stay up late for those games and did so gladly.

I dig this insight.

Let's hear it for small markets. Welcome to Buffalo, Jack.

And that you can't have a franchise if you have four in six.

Well, I'm very happy with two. But, man, Edmonton. If you're picking first 4 out of 6, there's something wrong. McDavid looked less than thrilled.

What fascinating theater ....

I generally admire your strong opinions and stands, while not always sharing them. I believe this price would be whacky. I can create Lucic's contribution in a number of ways. I can't create Reinhart's without the talent. Perhaps I'm naive, and I'd welcome opinions, but I'd not trade Reinhart for Lucic straight up. Contract length ignored for this.

Our tastes continue to be similar.

From my perspective: The tank was successful, regardless of your taste for it. The rebuild will be if we contend in two seasons and sustain that for seven or eight more. Cups require good fortune. Here's to good fortune.

Much obliged.

To the learned ... when can we talk to Babcock?

Well, you wouldn't for very long.

Spectacular, once again .... Antoine Rockaryan.