Punch

I realize a team is generally a reflection of the HC, but isn't there a big difference between these two statements?

Columbus was credited with having outhit Detroit 33-2 earlier tonight. He's kind of leaning into guys and banging into the glass a bit but he's not exactly skating around with his hair on fire. He looks like a rookie adjusting to a new team, which is fine. I saw the same.

He played at least one shift with the Sedins with the lines shuffled following a PK and also filled in for David Booth on the 2nd line twice, possibly due to injury. He did have one nice scoring chance where he drove to the night but he couldn't lift the puck and just pushed into the goaltender's pads. Hasn't looked anymore physical tonight than he has so far, but what can really be expected in his first game.

My rambling comes from a place where fans like me have coveted a true power forward like Neely for so long that they've completely bought into the fantasy 'concept of Zack Kassian', as it's being discussed, rather than the reality and are feeling a sense of loss from feeling so close. It's entirely possible Kassian is Kyle Beach or Steve Bernier--- but even if Kass is Neely and Hodgson fulfills his potential, it's tough for a lot of us that the Sabres' have literally never had that guy. Particularly worse if it turns out we traded Neely for Pierre Turgeon, or worse, Tim Connolly. It's an emotional time after the rollercoaster this franchise has had since the lockout.

This same thought occurred to me--- particularly when Vigneault was quoted as saying Hodgson's leadership qualities played a major part in Vancouver's decision to draft him, and his history as captain of the Canadian WJ gold medal team. Of course, Hodgson's skill and on ice vision are miles ahead of Drury, but there are parallels in physicality and temperament.

He's 21 years old and has played 60 or so professional games. Are we all sure we know what he is yet? A rare combination of size and skill was sent out for a rare combination of vision and hockey smarts. Both brimming with potential but as of yet unproven (certainly, Hodgson has shown more to this point). I do, however, have a hard time with Darcy's caveat that since we have Foligno then we don't need Kassian because they're so similar. Why wouldn't having both be desirable? The mythology of Kassian is definitely greater than the reality right now, but that's often the case with 21 year old rookies. There are plenty of Vancouver fans saying the same about Hodgson.

In the post deadline presser, Darcy said something along the lines of "Foligno can do all the things and fulfill the same role as Kassian"... can we not have more than one power forward on the roster? Or is he only referring to the 4th line minutes Kass had been getting in recent call ups? Foligno's development over the past 2 months didn't convince me that Kassian was expendable--- the prospect of having them both in the lineup was positively exhilarating. I can't say I've been disappointed exactly over Kassian's stunted growth this season or with his time in Rochester because he's only 21 years old and still adjusting to the big leagues. I'm sincerely excited about the possibilities with Hodgson, but Jesus ###### Christ, if Darcy doesn't add some muscle to the top 6 this offseason with those draft picks and dump some dead weight... If Kass turns out to be Cam Neely it'll be utterly heartbreaking. Anyway, late night ramble and all.

My initial reaction is nausea and dizziness. I can't process getting a 6'0" 185 lber for Kassian, regardless of how talented he may be.

The Kings-Sharks game reminded me of this thread... "Howlin' For You" played briefly at The Staples Center. And it sounded great.

Does anyone else watch games via the online NHL Gamecenter live? If so, does anyone know why every single team but the Sabres have crystal clear home & away feeds? Honest to Knox, the Sabres feed is grainy and blurry and absolutely not worth my $20/month. Every other team's feed (that I've watched) is perfectly clear. What's the deal? Is this an OSP thing?

I just checked again, and although it doesn't include tonight's loss to Boston, the Bruins are at .553% and the Sabres at .552%. It's kind of interesting and kind of sad all at the same time. http://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/

Considering the middling efforts and relative mediocrity this organization has given us repeatedly it may surprise you that the Sabres have the 3rd highest winning percentage in NHL history behind only Montreal and Philadelphia (Boston was extremely close behind and may have surpassed them tonight, as a matter of fact). I know it surprised the hell out of me because as many fond memories I have of the Sabres I can think of more disappointing seasons than strings of excellence.

Golisano was announced as the new owner on March 19, 2003 and Drury was traded to Buffalo that offseason a few months later on July 3, 2003. Quinn was there with Golisano from the beginning of course but I have no idea if they had any specific input on the Drury trade aside from approving it.

I don't think he came back after taking a puck to the face.

The guy in the Thrashers' pajamas?

Could Connolly be effective on a wing? Ie, ship out Stafford and call up Luke Adam? Connolly is generally awful on draws and totally inconsistent when asked to direct play. Just a thought experiment.

Didn't you condescendingly snort that NHL and NFL players don't want to play in Buffalo due to message board activity? Yes, you did. :oops:

Be careful stepping down off of your pedestal. They usually have slippery slopes.

He's out tonight because he and his wife just had a baby. Luke Adam skating in his place.

That's usually how it goes regardless of the teams involved. Another example of Rivet's smart Captaincy.

That figures--- suffice it to say, you're not missing all that much. :death:

That app crashes constantly--- I don't know if you shut it all the way down or not but that's usually the only way to get it going again.

Mike Grier is struggling in all facets, but he's not even remotely close to being the main issue. That's my point.

Not discounting the validity of your observation but that's not even in my top 100 issues with this team.

They interview the coaches as well... I'm pretty sure Lindy's been interviewed before.