SabresFanInRochester

I clearly remember that game. I enjoyed the game within the game between Foligno and Komisarek. The two are clearly going at it. Komisarek looked like a fool after the faceoff when he tried to take Foligno's body and whiffed. He was so "embarrassed" that instead of worrying about the play, he focused on working Foligno over. Sure, maybe it was a good hockey play to take a body and keep his man tied up, but what he did is beyond that. Foligno got into his head and you can see Komisarek's mind was elsewhere. I loved that turn of events.

Let's pull up all the threads/posts about how he sucks and should traded. I love reminiscing about adamant fans being wrong.

G) Because ownership sucks and since nothing has changed with ownership the team must still suck. Nothing but sarcasm above, but it kills me that so many fans thought the team was horrible because of Kim Pegula; now their myopic mind and silly rants just ride off into the sunset without accountability of how absurd their claim was. AND, some will even double down and Kim is still to blame and that it took to long to build the right culture. And then point to their reckless decision to lay off Harbor Center employees at the start of Covid in 2020. The remainder will say Kim must not be involving herself day-to-day anymore and that explains the sudden surge in team performance.

Agreed - Sam Darnold was horrible in NY, but he gets shipped to Carolina and they put coaches and pieces around him and he suddenly looks more than serviceable. On a related note, I always wonder what Grigorenko or another rushed player would have developed into had the organization not mismanaged them or had they simply gone elsewhere.

Because that's what they did in the movie Major League. The meddling owners talk is fatiguing. Do people think Pegulas are football experts but morons when it comes to hockey? Reality check... they don't know ***** about either sport. To the best of my knowledge, for both sports, they listen to advice and consultants, then they try to bring in someone to run the operations. They are not meddling in hockey more than football -- it's just that they haven't found the right hire in hockey. Football fans love the Pegulas because the team is winning. It wasn't overnight that this happened. They went through many GMs and coaches for the Bills until they found the right fit. They have a GM, a coach with a great culture mindset, and a key player -- Josh Allen -- to represent that message with a great skillset. Compared to hockey, they haven't found the right mix. Moving on from Eichel is their realization that he's not the person to build around, like they did with Allen. Problem is, you don't find many players with Eichel-like talent and so you better be damn sure. We saw that with a mix of GMs and coaches while Eichel was here perhaps hoping they could salvage Eichel's character deficiencies. And when I say deficiencies, I simply mean having the intangibles found with Josh Allen. I'm not saying Eichel is a dick, or a train wreck, or a masochist -- I'm saying he is not an ingredient in the formula that worked when building the Bills. I don't understand the mindset of "the owners are screwing everything up." They're making moves to build the right culture. Once it they have the winning formula, the team will have success. Relate their process to your own life. You've been on a job interview, right? Unless you're the best in your field, you had to "sell" the hiring manager and your new company on why you're the right person. The fact that you put in two years, while complaining that the company doesn't know what they're doing and leaving for greener pastures hits close to home, doesn't it? The Sabres are going through the same process. Someone seems like the right fit -- Krueger seemed like the hockey whisperer... didn't pan out, but damn did he sell them a bill of goods. And Jack was the right pick at 2nd overall. Can you imagine if GMTM decided to pass on Jack Eichel because they had an epiphany that that Jack's character was something they didn't want to build around. No, in fact, Jack made a comment -- Buffalo, I'm coming for you, and everyone creamed their pants. And his intention had nothing to do with playing for the franchise, but we made it something that we wanted. Holy *****! It's a process. It's not that the owners are incompetent. They may make bad decisions, but as with the Bills, I am hopeful that they will find the right mix. I think parting ways with Jack is a big step in the right direction. Changing owners is not going to bring in owners who possess a crystal ball.

This was my first concert - I was 11 y/o and went with my older brothers and sister. It was crazy! I had been a big VH fan but was hooked from that point on. Went on to see VH whenever they came to the Buffalo area -- Darien Lakes, HSBC; even Boston when Gary Cherone was the lead. One of the great memories I have of my younger days was attending all these events with my brothers. Always had considered Eddie the best at his trade. RIP Edward. And although, I am a fan of Alex, I always thought Neil Peart was the best drummer in the world. I cannot believe they're both gone this year.

Risto is relegated to a serviceable D-man? I think naught. And, when the team needs an edge, I hate the idea of the guy who plays that way mentoring the younger players. [sarcasm]

Rasmus Ristolainen

Boy - it's no wonder Tampa has won the Cup every year. Granted there have been changes to the lineup, but the horses you described - Stamkos, Point, Kucherov, Sergachev, Hedman - have been there since 2017. Good thing the '80 USA men's team didn't look at the Russian roster with your mindset.

I am merely a fan -- don't know any inner workings or insiders. My historical account surely reflects that.

I like the way you answered these questions --- no offense to the other posters. You left room for clarification and so I will elaborate on a couple of your responses: Would Kim Pegula still trouble you? Still? I guess I wrote "still" because I cannot find anyone who seems to be complacent with the current ownership and leadership structure. People rip the Pegulas for their operational blunders and business decisions but I am actually not seeing it as a problem, so for me, it isn't a "still." I think my intention was -- if a high end free agent was brought in, would you finally back off your criticism of management? Would you be upset because they still don't have the 2nd line center? Well sure, but what does this have to do with Taylor Hall? If you're spending big on Hall, how much cap space remains to bring in a legit 2nd line center? Would you be upset because they still haven't traded Ristolainen? I’d like them to keep Ristolainen Holy $hit! I'm not the only one? Would you see that acquisition as enough attempted improvement to the forwards that you'd concede Cozens time to grow into his role? You mean “does this give Cozens a better chance to succeed?” Possibly. Or “does this make it easier to live with our centre spine?” Not at all. My intention was more towards the 2nd option you present. What would a move like that do for you? Yeah, I hear Calgary is the desired destination for Taylor Hall, but I'm just curious. If they pull off this move, would it change your opinion of current operations? I don’t have an opinion yet on Adams, but the amount I approve of this move what largely be tied to the contract Hall signed, and the other moves it would (should) be tied to. I agree that one move isn't going to paint a complete picture on Adams. But that would be a major acquisition!

If Buffalo went into free agency and pays enough for Taylor Hall to come to Buffalo and he signs, would you be happy? Would Kim Pegula still trouble you? Would you be upset because they still don't have the 2nd line center? Would you be upset because they still haven't traded Ristolainen? Would you damn the team for spending so close to the cap that they limit their ability to make future acquisitions? or Would you be excited for the team? Would you be back in the seats when allowed to attend games? Would you see that acquisition as enough attempted improvement to the forwards that you'd concede Cozens time to grow into his role? What would a move like that do for you? Yeah, I hear Calgary is the desired destination for Taylor Hall, but I'm just curious. If they pull off this move, would it change your opinion of current operations?

He is pretty dark - enjoy:

Brian Regan is hilarious and has a clean act. One of my favorites. The opposite end of the spectrum, have you heard Anthony Jeselnik?