SabresFanInRochester

I like the way the question reads. Now let's get to reality. What is the likelihood that Nolan is back? Barnaby tweeted after last night's game that it's a pipe dream if you expect him to be coaching Buffalo next year. Hockey insiders have said the same for months. He's done. Give him a good send-off tonight, and be ready to move on. Hopefully, Babcock is the name announced as the next coach. I disagree with a statement above that Babcock will never come to Buffalo. The facts were lacking to support why he would avoid Buffalo and the rationale seemed to be based more on the fact that good things don't happen to Buffalo. Those days are over. Last night was the last day of that era for many years to come.

I stopped checking the thread after the 2nd period. Just went through and reviewed all the comments. Two comments: Thank you for all the comic relief. Some good stuff in there. And to the anti-tankers: Thanks for putting up with us for the duration of the season. I think you have a fan base that is on the same page now -- let's never lose another game, starting by knocking the Pens out of the playoffs. One last question, and I don't want it to be a new thread, but: Did Ennis take a dive on the empty netter? Didn't seem like he had enough speed or tight of a cut to fall and leave the puck in perfect position for C-bus. Regardless, and maybe even more so, he is my 2014-15 MVP.

You've been through a lot of history. I think we're on a nice uptick here. Just curious -- why does it seem Gil is disassociated with the team? Was there just so much fanfare when Pegula bought the team that Gil was everywhere and now it's back to "normal?" I think you're right. And I think Nolan stuck around to do his best at fighting the tank.

I'll be hammered by the end of the 1st!

I'll take that bet!

And everything on the internet is real, so that must be her. :P

I usually don't drink beer at home when I watch the Sabres games, but I think I might tonight: Do I drink a beer to celebrate every Blue Jacket goal? or Do I drink a beer to hide my frustration with every Sabres goal?

"What does Spndnchz really look like?" Actually, that one might have been done before.

It's nice to see who has a good sense of humor. Awesome! Now, leave our tank thread alone!

I'm sold on that.

You can say that again.

Absolutely, but will loyalty and appreciation be enough. I think they worked together when Babcock was just starting out. Now, he's proven and wants more control. That's my only concern, but I hope all of the other over-weighs that concern.

IMO, Pegula will open his checkbook to pay Babcock. Just like he did to land Rex for the Bills, and I don't think many people saw that coming. If Buffalo lands McDavid or Eichel, I think it would be compelling for Babcock to coach the Sabres. $$$ and young talent are good motivators behind a decision. My concern is that Babcock wants control over the roster, and I don't see Murray relinquishing any control. That could really hurt negotiations, and I don't think there's enough money that would overcome that one.

I will give you credit. During the Chicago game, I was ready to go off on your continued reassurance, and then Toews happened. I paid you due respect however. You've been good to me, but don't lead me on. There is too much consensus that Columbus has this in the bag. That's the only thing I don't like. They're a hot team -- fan appreciation night -- good goalie against lowest scoring offense in the league. That's when the unthinkable usually happens.

I feel Columbus will take care of business tonight, but the next, and perhaps only hope, is that Pittsburgh needs a meaningful game tomorrow. If they lose or only pick up one point, they would absolutely need a win on Saturday to make the playoffs, right? Unless of course, Boston loses, but with a 7:30 start, they would likely want to take control of their own destiny. Who would win the tie breaker between Boston and Pittsburgh? Just wondering if Pittsburgh gets even one point tonight if that ship has sailed.

:thumbsup:

WTF - the poll is overwhelmingly -- I do not want him back, yet the only comments are from the supposed 6 people who think he deserves another shot. I do not want him back and expect that they will land a better coach - Babcock.

I know what you're saying. I am partly playing devils advocate. My suggestion is not breaking the rules, and I put it out there for discussion. I didn't expect people to begin planning ideas. In fact, when the question "how" was posed to me, I really wasn't sure. I appreciate some of the humor -- urinating through the camera holes. Just trying to have some fun. The tank talk has made for a long season. Instead of the same old topic, I thought something outside the box would create some chatter.

I hear you. But, cheating is breaking the rules. I am not advocating breaking the rules. I am wondering if one of the rules was enforced, would it work? Honestly, I think Buffalo loses versus Columbus AND Anaheim picks up their next win. I think the idea of a forfeit is a moot point. But, is it a loophole in the books? Did you think it was fair for the lottery odds to change in mid-season? Rules change when there is a belief that someone can exploit them. I don't think anyone would envision such an action -- fans forcing a forfeit -- but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen.

Thank you

http://www.dorkly.com/images/download.jpg Sorry -- I don't know how to just make this appear.

What is dumb about it? We want a loss. The rules state a forfeit would result in a loss. If you could impose a loss through a forfeit, that is "dumb?" Explain, while you tip-toe through the immoral -- let the players throw the game, or let our GM sell all of our assets so we don't stand a chance. You have to ask, where do you draw the line. My proposal is outside-the-box. If it worked, and you received a loss, without penalty from the league, would you still be upset? I will not be argumentative, because I certainly agree. Trust me, I am not trying to go to jail on behalf of the Sabres. But, would it work? Your statement -- "Let the players decide." Is it then unfair for fans to make noise at a football game so the other team cannot hear the snap count and they jump offsides? According to your statement, wouldn't you advocate we sit on our hands and remain quiet so the the best team wins?

I have not given it that much thought. I just know the rules say a forfeit would result in a loss. What could you do that wouldn't impact someone's health? You could make unsafe playing conditions before anyone took the ice: Replace the zamboni water with anti-freeze Continuously get fans to litter the ice with so much rubbish that the rink cannot be maintained. Power outage; but you could create panic. Same reason I would not advocate pulling a fire alarm. Push the glass stanchions over. I once pounded the glass so hard, the panel slid out of its track. If you did that all the way around, it may delay the game so much that they call it. I think all of my devious hypotheticals involve sabotage. I would hate for anyone to get hurt, but if you ruined a zamboni and sheet of ice and helped your owner secure the tank, you would likely be forgiven. I also think unsportsmanlike conduct on the fans, resulting in a penalty is just as compelling. Has there ever been such a call made in the NHL? I would be up for getting my first NHL penalty if I had to.

Is it dumb? You have a team of players and coach that don't want to lose. You have a fan base and I will assume owner and management who do. I think if you were to act in a way that is accordance with the rules to force a forfeit, you are doing good for the organization. I wouldn't call that dumb. You could call it immoral, passionate, crazy, ... but dumb. I cannot give you that one.

I would take one for the team. (If I knew that no one would be harmed and the pick would not be jeopardized.)