LabattBlue

Was at the game...mainly because I grew up with the Sabres in the 70's and wanted to see them honored. What a train wreck of a presentation. - The twenty or so players that were there from the 70's were rushed out on the ice. - The camera that showed the players on the scoreboard either couldn't keep up or didn't know who was who. - At a few points, they were showing the crowd while the players were being introduced. - Several of the players almost tripped or slipped on the carpet because it wasn't layed down right. - Between the 1st and 2nd periods they interviewed Schony. Between the 2nd and 3rd, Rip. I believe that was it, but I did step out for part of the 2nd intermission. That being said, I did get a healthy dose of the same boring arena crap that goes on during commercials and intermissions. - To the former players who were there, thank you. After they were introduced haphazardly, they played "you know we're goin' to win that cup...", and all of a sudden the air got a little dusty around me, and I was tearing up. Truly, the golden era of Sabres hockey. - I'm not sure why I am surprised at any of this as the pre-game/in-game arena presentations has been garbage for many years now. I could have put together a better program with about 5 minutes of thought. ...and oh by the way, the game confirmed that my decision to give up STH after almost 20 years, was a correct one.

Some suggestions to add to the next poll(not in any particular order)... Hecht Lorentz Tallinder Ruuttu Savard Seiling Playfair Audette Biron

I voted for Hajt, Turgeon, Zhitnik and Pominville. Still trying to favor longevity. Lot of good players and I expect much more balanced voting among the choices.

Makes me sad knowing that the Sabres haven't even come close to sniffing the playoffs in Eichel's first four seasons. ? Hopefully season # 5 changes all that.

This is the end of a 4 game northeast roadie for the desert dogs who want to get back home quickly. The Sabres will make them pay... Sabres 5 Coyotes 2 Eichel, Skinner, Reinhart, Girgensons and Dahlin

Buffalo 3 Rangers 1 The great early season start continues Dahlin, Olafsson & Girgensons

My new campaign is for Mike Foligno. He was a heart and soul guy on the 80's teams that unfortunately could not get out of their own way come playoff time. Foligno could score, skate, hit and fight. One of my all-time favorite Sabres.

The Sabres are glad to be home. Hutton remains hot. Offense explodes... Buffalo 7 San Jose 2 Eichel(2), Dahlin, Skinner, Miller, Vesey & Oloffson

Oh how I’ve missed you my friend(this thread). ? It’s only October and already enduring a hacking cough that I usually battle throughout the winter. Way to early for this crap. ?

Everytime over the last few years when I think Erod is going to have a break thru, he disappears again.

Along with many other factors, longevity has to play a big role in forming a list such as this, and this is why there is no way Lala deserves to have his jersey retired, and ranked #3 on this list, despite only playing basically the equivalent of 3-1/2 years as a Sabre..and in no way am I disrespecting him, those were some exciting seasons while he wore the blue and gold. Sneaky Pete and Ducky aren't much different(except for lesser impact than Lala) in that they were only Sabres for roughly ~4 seasons. I'm assuming this poll is about the time spent as a player only while wearing the blue and gold, and not their entire careers?

Good guys come back in a big way... Sabres 6 Kings 2 Reinhart(2), Eichel, Mitts, Dahlin, and Skinner.

Didn’t see or hear the game but a little disappointing to look at the box score, see that the Sabres jumped out to a 2-0 lead and then give up a goal at the end of the 1st period, and another at the start of the 2nd period.

Rob Ray if anything should be 3rd man in the group(from ice level). I've always thought it strange, not to have your primary analyst up in the press box where the view of the entire rink is so much better. That being said, Ray's butchering of the English language isn't going to be any better no matter where he is sitting. LOL

As long as they aren't hurting the team defensively in a really bad way, I'd continue to leave them as is. Reevaluate after 10-15 games.

Girgs & Larry are right where they belong salary wise(maybe even a bit high). They are good bottom 6 guys, but I'd continue to go at them with one or two year contracts as long as possible. I don't want Botts to start handing out 3 and 4 year deals to bottom 6 forwards who have pretty much peaked(grinders who put up 10-15 points per year).

Sabres continue to roll... Sabres 3 Ducks 1 Skinner, Eichel & Dahlin for the good guys

I know many did not see him play, but Craig Ramsay and his 14 year career as a Sabre is being undervalued in this poll. Great checking forward, fixture on the PK, Selke award winner, 8 straight 20 goal seasons. Maybe my allegiance to the 70's teams have clouded my judgement, but he was a really good player for a very long time...and he played his entire career with the Sabres.

The little bit we saw of Montour last season, he seemed to be quite the freelancer when it came to jumping up in the play and I don’t have a good feel for his play in his own end. I’m anxious to see his play under a new HC and system.

If you find you have abandoned teams in either blue or gold, and are looking for new ownership, please let me know. I'd be glad to take over a team.

Blowing two goal 3rd period leads the past two games has me a little nervous about today. Over the last two games, they've also really come out of the gates slow(first 10 minutes or so). I'd like to see a more solid 60 minute game. Dallas is a really good team with above average goaltending despite what their record might indicate. Buffalo 4 Dallas 2 Skinner, Oloffson, Joker & Middelstadt

Saw the opener. Missed the last two because I was in Nashville(excuse me for being distracted). ? Good guys in a big way tonight... Buffalo 5 Montreal 2 Eichel(2), Reinhart, Joker and Girgensons with the goals.

Ralph has the boys ready to go! Sabres 4 Pens 2 Eichel, Vesey, Skinner & Miller

This is the kind of banter I never realized I would miss. LOL

I've lurked here from time to time, and also visited other boards over the last few years. I know this may sound corney, but the other places always seem cold. The Aud Club always had a warm friendlier feel to it...at least most of the time. :) Good to be home.