Formerly Allan in MD

What was there to like about Stafford? Perhaps it was his "grit," lackadaisacal attitude, "hustle;" should I go on? What drove me crazy is that Lindy continually used him in shootouts. He appeared clueless, lazily floated in toward the net, made no moves on the goalie, and got off a weak shot that never went in. When the Sabres drafted him, it was said he was a tough two-way player. I'm from Missouri on that one. Perhaps money soothed his dynamic soul.

Overpaying is in the eye of the beholder. If you have a critical need and obtaining it will give you a signifiant boost, overpaying to satisfy that need may be your only option. But it can pay off in spades and no one will complain that you pulled the trigger so long as it works.

Hope is a four letter word for Buffalo sports fans. Pleeeeeease prove me wrong

The GM and the coach have to get along. This apparently wasn't the case. We know who's in charge, unless the owner has his druthers. In any case, I'd take Babcock in a second all things considered.

Babcock is a tremendous coach. Would love it.

Weber is consistently mediocre. What else can you say?

Yes, at 28 he's clearly a fading old timer.

As bad as the Sabres may be next year, Kane could come home, become a "god," and be the biggest thing that's happened bo Sabres hockey since Myers (not sure I meant that). So Islanders should do whatever they want. It won't hurt us appreciably either way.

He does need to work on his skating but isn't as slow as he appeared since he was playing against a super fast bunch of skaters. It was a tremendous game in any case. Has the Gophers goalie been drafted? He made some incredible saves, especially one in the first period.

What's with Stafford; he's actually hustling.

You clearly didn't watch him closely enough.

Trade Stafford NOW unless it's felt Nolan has truly worked some magic with him. I wouldn't hold my breath on the latter.

Yes, Stafford needs to go. But it's not easily accomplished in view of his contract, unless of course you merely cut him. Who would want to take that contract on for this serial underachiever? What's really puzzling is that before Stafford was drafted, he had the reputation with scouts as a hard driving two-way player. Hope that scout is no longer around. And please Ted, do not use DS in shootouts; he remains totally clueless.

Bottom line is Regier didn't really want him because of his reputation in dealings with Muckler. But R. for, PR purposes if nothing else since you're the new guy, couldn't just say "get lost." So though Nolan was not actually fired by Muckler, in effect he was.

Nolan was fired because he stood up to Muckler. You're generally not supposed to do that when you're only the coach, even if you're a winning one. This sent a message to other GMs to stay away from him. As a fan, I'd like to have a coach that wins and that players enjoy playing for, be he "poison" or not. The learning experience here is find a GM that won't Muck with this coach (and will still bring in some decent talent).

Stafford has always given the impression that he plays when he feels like it, which is not necessarily often. The fact that he now says he has to step it up indicates his awareness that he's not often maxed out. Indicative is his performance in shootouts. I've never seen a player as nonchalant as he is in a shootout. I also don't recall seeing him do anything other than shoot right into the goalie's pads. It drives me nuts when he's picked for shootouts. I'm not sure I've ever seen Stafford throw a check or look that interested in being a force. Perhaps it's just his nature. What's puzzling is that when he was drafted the reports were that he was a tough, two way player. Strange!

The reality is that there are only so many nights Ovie could spend on Chippewa St. Also, the Caps don't need a goalie and why would they want two players near the end of their respective contracts? Finally, Ovie plays best when paired with Backstrom. Do the Caps really want Drew Stafford? Who's starting the Patrick Kane thread?

Missed the game but find it impossible to believe Stafford did something in a shootout. He always appears to be asleep or taking a break, even more noticeably than he is during the game.

If he doesn't turn the puck over in our own end he'll clearly be out of place on this team.

Absolutely agree.

Teams over the years have learned to shoot long on Miller. He either has poor judgement, poor concentration, bad eyesight, or a combination thereof.

Buffalo sports fans. But the law of averages has to be in our favor by now. However, nothing is predictable when it comes to Buffalo sports.

When Hecht becomes a primary scorer, you know you're awful.

Not much of a "bit." From hat tricks to no tricks.

Kaleta deserves to be suspended. The hit on Gerbe was suspensionable as well but he got right back up, which was probably a mistake. Kaleta costs the Sabres more than whatever benefits he may bring to the team. If he had any kind of an offensive game to compensate for his trips to the box and bench, he might be worth retaining; but it's time.