nfreeman

I don't think he's a troll, full stop, but I do think (as I mentioned upthread) that he from time to time engages in trolling. Abso-freaking-lutely.

I agree. What are these questionable actions? Well, you're assuming away the issue here, innit? SDS (and I, FWIW) thought the OP wasn't a real opinion -- just trolling. Now, you and others may disagree with this assessment, and I think it's perfectly fine to discuss whether or not the OP's concerns are justified, but I don't agree with characterizing SDS' or chz's responses to the OP as any kind of stifling of dissent. As to the first bolded part: what are these actions? Please be specific. As to the 2nd: getting rid of trolls is, by definition, a good thing. Also: I don't see how anyone could read any thread on this board and infer a push towards conformity. The last paragraph is nonsense.

OK, thanks. If that's the implication -- it's been 5 years of the Pegulas throwing money at the franchise. I don't see how anyone could question their support.

The notion that the Sabres have not been "supported" by the Pegulas is ridiculous on its face. Please cite a single example of the Pegulas' lack of support.

You're both right. IMHO, PAFan is a great poster here who is very funny, has a strong sense of history and generally adds a lot of value. I missed him greatly when he went into exile a few years ago. However, notwithstanding Aud Smell's dead-on observation as to the utility of provacateurs in forums like this one, I think PAFan from time to time not only treads the fine line between interesting provocation and trolling, but smashes through it entirely. He seems to be afflicted by the fear and loathing of the wealthy, and broader ignorance of and hostility toward the private sector, that has led WNY's economy to ruin in the last few generations -- and it leads to a relentless campaign against Golisano/Pegula/Lindy/Miller/whoever the latest rich dude in the spotlight is that is often based on thin air and frequently tiresome. This thread was baseless trolling, IMHO, and SDS was 100% right to describe as such.

Nonsense. I think what this actually represents is another bad side effect of the tank. The team has been freaking awful for what seems like forever, despite signs of life and 3 highly promising new players (4 if Lehner is included), they are still flirting with last place and attending to a game still costs a lot of money in a crappy economy. It is entirely natural for demand to be reduced -- frankly it's a freaking miracle that they've sold as many tickets as they have -- and it's just as natural for the team to try to sell tickets in Ontario. It's not a sinister plot by a nefarious, meddling billionaire taking a break from raping the earth in order to steal from you and/or pimp out your birthright. It's a sports team trying to sell tickets. You'd rather TP just take the loss than sell to Leafs fans because, hey, it's not your money! Let us know when your outrage reaches the point where you reach into your pocket -- not someone else's -- and, say, buy 2 season tickets and give them to charity to keep them out of the hands of Leafs fans.

Dude -- you cannot talk like this here.

Ah yes. A familiar refrain: "I want XYZ, and I want someone else to pay for it, because he can afford it. And I want to criticize him endlessly for not giving me what I want, right now."

I've heard that, due to orders coming from "up high," the bacon served in the breakfast buffet has been changed from hearty thick cut to applewood smoked slab. That blasted meddler TP! When will it end?

There were a few seasons where Max was just a thrilling player to watch.

fixed it for ya, hoser.

Here's a question: my wife and I are considering starting "Lost" as our new Netflix binge-watch. I've never seen a single episode. Does anyone have any opinions on it? Thanks.

Is it possible the 93.5 was kilometers per hour and not mph?

http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/BernieVHS.jpg

I agree that it's way too early. However: why would you not have any regrets if the Sabres look like the Oilers in 3 years? The bolded is awfully generous.

Exactly. Taylor Hall has scored a ton of goals too.

Awesome. Welcome! And to Neo Senior: good work, sir. Thanks Shrader. Since that spreadsheet supports my position, I will assume it is correct. Here is a link to the spreadsheet, btw: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_WuBgKs0Wxsb2Sqv12H6rtm7P3bGijBHoTtYH-xM6GI/edit#gid=0 In particular, the DFL team has a 52.5% chance of falling to #4, and 2nd-last has a 61% chance of falling to #4. As for how the lottery works, here is the NHL's official word: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=728795 I'll say it again: tanking is a loser's play.

First of all, everyone needs to remember that, just like last year, it is 80% likely that the team finishing DFL will NOT get the #1 pick. Second, unlike last year, the team finishing DFL can fall as low as 4th. A more skilled number-cruncher than I am will hopefully figure out the odds of that happening, but on a quick view it looks to me to be about 50% likely. Third, I think this season thus far has borne out the concerns of those of us who were always anti-tank: it's not that easy to flip the switch from losing to winning. Despite huge turnover, the Sabres, while substantially more competitive than last year, are much closer to DFL than to a playoff spot, let alone contender status. There are many miles to go before the Sabres get there, and it's at least as likely that they don't get there than it is that they do. Bottom line: IMHO no one should hope, consciously or subconsciously, for more losses this season -- because more losses this season means more losses next season and the season after that.

Remember when getting Pysyk back was going to reignite the offense?

Right on, and glad to see you back here, sir.

The rhythm is gonna get you...

And it's pretty obnoxious to refer to those who disagree with you as "foolish."

IIRC, it was Gaustad plus a 4th for a 1st. I could see something like that with McGinn, although it might have to be McGinn plus a 3rd. Still worth doing.

If memory serves, post-playing-career, Barnaby also had a number of DWIs, one of which included a high-speed car chase with him fleeing from the cops on just his rims after his tires had blown out.

Not tea. It was whisky mixed with turpentine. And missing out on the ROR/Bogo avatar opportunities and falling back on Sabretooth is like missing out on Hannibal Lechter and falling back on Elmer Fudd.