MBHockey13

I get to the Gate every time I go home and they're still great. My ranking: 1. Duff's (though I prefer the new Duff's in Orchard Park because they sell Coke products and have cute girls) 2. Gabriel's Gate 3. Bar Bill 4. Shannon Pub on Niagara Falls Blvd. All the food is great but I was shocked at their wings. 5. Amherst Ale House

If we get Babcock, does it 100% guarantee we'll win a Stanley Cup? No, nothing does. Could there be an untested coach who could do a better job? It's possible. However, in a very short list of available coaches who have had long term successes at a high level with multiple teams, there is no one who can approach Babcock, and that makes him easily the best chance you have to start winning sooner than later. Plus, I'm sure GMTM has an idea of the type of hockey he wants the Sabres to play and has been working to build that team. You know he's going to hire a coach who shares the same philosophy. It seems to be Babcock is the perfect coach to coach that team.

People who think he's coasting don't know hockey.

I don't think it would have mattered who was the Fins running back because Marino would abandon the run by the middle of the second quarter. That was always one reason I thought Kelly was a better QB - he called his own plays and would call more run plays than pass plays if that is what it took to win. I know the Bills had Thurman but Kenny Davis or anyone else would get plays as well.

I thought the plan initially was that Strachan was going to play in Rochester and be an emergency call up if necessary. Then he was needed all year. I'm fine with another year on him if that is the plan.

Amen. That is me 100%. I think it's a happier way to live.

I don't think this is unreasonable. In a couple of years the Sabres couldbe the highest scoring team in the league. How much fun will that be?

I think Grigo is part of the fantastic amount of wealth we have in the system. He's a great player who's only 20 and still developing.

You might be the most reasonable person on this board.

I went to the Blackhawks playoff game here in Chicago after I went to the Cubs game earlier and it was more awesome than you can imagine. I can't wait for Sabres games to be like that.

I'm not sure but he always seemed like Rolston-lite to me.

I agree and I'm glad not everyone has given up on CoHo.

Yeah, that was the point I was trying to make. Good catch. Out of context it wouldn't make much sense. And guys like Gionta will hopefully help Kane as much as the young(er) guys.

The Oilers don't have a Kane or a Gionta, and their D hasn't been very good.

Gold Seats Zamboni Door Horsey Heaven The Horse-inator Taro Sez Pomminhorse (like pommel horse?)

Why do you think you can tell women what to do?

I wonder about this protecting young players thing. I don't think next year is about winning as much as development of young players and building a better team for the future. I am sure we'll win more games and if we can make a run to the playoffs that would be awesome. But I think helping the kids grow is most important. Maybe it depends on the player. Maybe someone like Reinhart and Grigo need time on the farm. Maybe someone like Eichel needs to be playing against the best night after night. I don't think you need to protect his psyche. I'm not sure if first line NHL centers are like rookie QBs who get slaughtered in their first few starts and never recover. If you were all about winning, you wouldn't want to have young guys make mistakes that can cost you games, but maybe next year you let guys make mistakes and coach them to not make them again. I just bet Eichel near the end of the year is heads about the Eichel that starts the year. I see him as a fast learner and a fast adapter who already has all the physical tools and skill for the NHL game.

That would be sweet! I bet the NBC Sports Network or the NHL Network could find room on their channels for some of that! I've been enjoying watching the sled hockey from the Harbor Center. It's very photogenic and they weren't lying when they said it was designed for camera angles. EDIT: I found this that discusses it and brings up the TV thing. http://twointhebox.com/2015/03/19/might-the-sabres-be-in-line-for-their-own-prospect-tournament/

Oh - I see the Sabres are looking to host their own tournament at Harbor Center (Harbour Centre?) though it might not be this year. Just another reason I think about moving back to Buffalo occasionally. http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabres-nhl/sabres-notebook-rising-cap-could-limit-murrays-dealing-20150318

I didn't hear that. Why aren't they going back? That's disappointing.

I wish they would figure out a way to air the Prospects Tournament. I'm not saying it will be on national TV, but if there was a reliable stream from the Red Wings or the league or whatever. I'd love to watch it but I'm not sure I can get to Michigan. I did enjoy attending the three-on-three Sabres prospects tournament in the Arena. It's definitely worth going to if you're in the area and can get out of work - or work anywhere there is internet like me. I'd love to see Eichel and Reinhart and the rest and see if they start developing chemistry with other future players.

I think he looked great, especially for his first game playing with and against mostly professionals. I wonder who is going to be the first person to call him a bust when he's not popping in a goal a game in his first 20 next year.

According to the News, they give gift cards to help offset the price increases. And the Sabres do seem to spend a lot of money. I'm always amazed on what their jersey (sweater) costs must be every year. They crank out customized jerseys for special occasions like it's nobody's business.

Yes, those wonderful Maple Leafs that haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1967 and were ranked by ESPN as the worst major league franchise in North America. http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs-are-the-worst-sports-franchise-in-north-america-according-to-espn