LTS

Well, it was the first WC. The setting was perfect but the ice was not great and the game was impacted. Barring catastrophic stupidity it was going to be successful. My point was, if they picked the Sabres based on their "stars" so they could showcase them it didn't work out so well because those stars were elsewhere the following season. Your point of showing off a few of the players on the Sabres roster today fits the same mold. Some of them may be gone by next Jan 1. As for being good for the Sabres, that depends. If you consider only the impact of national TV visibility then yes. If however, people are annoyed because they are paying increased rates for their season tickets for less games, and if people are somehow negatively impacted (as I am) by supporting this garbage concept that they are the HOME team in NYC then I think it could ultimately be a negative for them. You live in NYC.. not sure how long you have... but for me NYC should be part of NJ. I can't stand the place and it absolutely distorts NY politics and economics. So, I'm not a fan of giving the NYC people any more than they already have.

People beat me to it, but those oranges in the Aud were the worst. The best was trying not to step on someone's head as you walked by. You always felt like you were going to fall down 6 rows minimum if you took one bad step.

Nice. Although, I actually prefer to sit higher. Experiencing a game once against the glass is cool.. but then the novelty is gone, at least for me. I am one of the people that would be happiest in row 1, center ice, 300 level.

It's a contrary view, I'll give you that. The concept of showing of those players specifically is interesting. I am sure the NHL banked on showing off the Sabres 2006-2007 roster when they signed them up for the first Winter Classic and that didn't work out so well did it? However, your Ferrari analogy doesn't quite hold up to what i was saying. The businesses who make money from a game being played at FNC care. So, let's rearrange it to fit a bit better. I rent a Ferrari for $300/day to a guy who comes into town each Sabres home game. However, he won't be there for this one. So, I won't be getting my $300. Instead he rented from a guy in NYC. Do I care? Yes... yes I do. Then let's talk about how the owners of the Rangers still need their $42 million tax break. Because they are going to leave NYC? No way. They own the building, no way they give up the revenue that comes from ALL the events that get held in that building.

Well, I think it's subjective. You might think that a game that is played like basketball is the way to go. Others may think a game like soccer is the way to go. It's tough to sell it when they just put up a 5 spot. They are counter-punching and it's a good strategy. It's like people complaining about campers in FPS games. Camping is a strategy, it may not be glamorous but in the end if you get to claim victory what does it matter. So, you can look at the Sens style and not like it. What would your opinion be if the Sabres were doing that and were sitting in the ECF's right now? If you would accept that then you should accept what the Senators are doing. Movies are even more subjective nature and two movies can succeed at the same time where as on the ice only one team can win. I understand where the argument comes from. I don't have a problem with them playing a defensive game. It's a different story when we move into the obstruction, holding, etc. Those are penalties that aren't getting called, but if they play a clean defensive game I can't fault them for it.

Enjoyed reading this... http://reason.com/blog/2017/05/13/how-madison-square-gardens-42-million-ta In fact, I did not enjoy reading that. There are a million things wrong with this entire situation. And the Sabres fans, business partners, and surrounding community are getting hosed because of one less game... all so Richie Rich can get his tax break. Boycott the Classic. Buffalo is traditionally one of the highest rated TV markets for NHL events... what if no one watched (won't happen, but you know).

If you win you've done your job. Who cares how it happens? It's not illegal. The Sens put up 5 last night.. so I dunno, I would be a pretty happy Sens fan. Lord knows I was a pretty happy anti-Pens fan about it.

So, Bylsma is on NHL Network and they are going to talk about Botteril. Awkward?

Nice! Definitely interested in one or both games depending on schedules. During November it is likely to conflict with youth hockey season so I might have trouble there. later March is usually okay.

He's already an 'A'. :P

In so many cases it comes down not to skill and ability but effort and attitude. He seems to think the game should be handed to him. I have no doubt he's capable, but he just isn't willing to work for it.

Each of these guys has been in the league long enough to know who they'd want as a coach and in other positions they rely upon. I wouldn't worry about the time crunch. All of the Sabres scouting notes are available and the incoming guy (Botteril) will have the Pens notes as well. It's not like there are 250 new players they've never seen before that need to be evaluated.

Let me get the door and follow you out. True art form. As for the Rip hate? C'mon... this team can't make the playoffs and you are all worried about numbers. Here's the number that matters.. lack of W's. Perhaps Rip chooses a high number as his subtle way of saying they need to aim higher? You ever think about that? :)

I'd rather him be going forward than going backward. :P

The officiating in the playoffs is completely different. I really wonder how many of you will be able to survive it once the Sabres are involved. This place might have a mass funeral for all those who's heads explode. I don't like it.. I want to see hockey. It's clear to see the pace of the game is completely different. I'd like to see that pace without all the garbage.. that might be the best it could ever get.

You probably also wear #69 in that case.

Well, a GM should be able to put together a scouting department that can identify talent right? Plus, she played God once, so that satisfied the apparent Pegula criteria.

The Turdburger sweaters started the trend. Ted Black wins again! Not goalie interference. He's out of the crease and it's incidental contact during a shot on goal. The second may have been offsides but since the replay rule sucks and Edmonton wasted their challenge on the first goal it's TDB for them. And if Klefbom skated for the puck it might have been icing.. but he didn't.

You don't say?

Just can't get upset over it. Sorry. I don't like that he's out with a concussion but there are guys I feel bad for and there those who I don't. He's not exactly endearing himself to me with his antics. The image below pretty much sums it up for me.

Interesting... I guess it's just the thought of a distraction being added during the playoff run. I dunno.

Marc Methot's finger doesn't hurt as much today.

That fans know anything.

My assumption is that they would not announce a hiring of Fenton or Botterill while their teams are still playing right? So, the decision may be imminent, but the announcement may not be soon.

I think they should hire whomever Bettman suggests. But only if it moves us into MFT status... or at least significantly closer. :)