CTM Posted March 30, 2015 Report Share Posted March 30, 2015 I feel like every article I read about the Sabres lately has a quote from the team or the coach complaining about the (pro-tanking) fans who cheer against the Sabres. I understand how that can be trying on the players, and I think some of them are taking the booing personally. Although, I do not live in Buffalo anymore, so I have no ability to assist in an endeavor, I was wondering if any of the locals thought it would be appropriate to attempt something to show appreciation to the players/coaches at the end of the season, as I would think the pro-tanking crowd would admit they aren't rooting against (most of) the players, but rooting for a loss. I remember after the 98-99 season, despite loosing the cup there were thousands of fan outside MMA (later HSBC Arena, currently FNA) chanting and cheering for the Sabres despite the loss. I feel that this season has likely been extraordinarily stressful on the players, between the losses and the fans cheering the other team that some kind of public event showing appreciation and loyalty would be nice. To take a look outside the NHL, I have notice that many NBA players are hesitant to play for the Knicks, and I think the reason why is that Knicks fans will turn on you as soon as the team is playing poorly, I know the Sabres fans are booing/cheering for different reasons, but I don't think it is anyone's intent to tarnish the Sabre's image (and prevent that next free agent from wanting to sign with Buffalo. Thoughts? Comments? Anyone willing to take on attempting to plan something? Or is something already in the works? I apologize for the poorly worded rantings of a fan, I would just hate for this season to be looked back on by players (current/future) as the reason why not to sign with Buffalo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drunkard Posted March 30, 2015 Report Share Posted March 30, 2015 Maybe we could all chip in to pay for a few hours of therapy for each player so their shrinks can tell them positive affirmations of their self worth. Then get their moms to come in and rub Vaseline on their heinies and tell them they are special and different from everybody elses. They are lucky that any fans are still willing to even show up at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTM Posted March 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2015 I was not suggesting we buy them a gift, more a show of appreciation (outside the arena, or something). Several members of the current team are part of the long term future, a few members are the short term leadership of the team. And the ownership/GM is the ones who should be lucky the fans still show up. It is not the players fault that the team was designed to fail. But perhaps I am alone in thinking the team deserved some respect for the situation the GM and fans are putting them in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drunkard Posted March 30, 2015 Report Share Posted March 30, 2015 (edited) I was not suggesting we buy them a gift, more a show of appreciation (outside the arena, or something). Several members of the current team are part of the long term future, a few members are the short term leadership of the team. And the ownership/GM is the ones who should be lucky the fans still show up. It is not the players fault that the team was designed to fail. But perhaps I am alone in thinking the team deserved some respect for the situation the GM and fans are putting them in. My response was tongue in cheek but it is kind of ridiculous to salute them for playing absolutely horrible. The fact that the team was likely intended to finish last doesn't change the fact that these are grown men and they are professionals. They don't need to be coddled. They stink as a team and they know it. The boo's or cheers for the opposite team shouldn't surprise them given their performance. As was previously stated by another poster, they have no trouble trotting out the "it's a business" line when it suits them, so they should see that after this bad of a season the fans would prefer to finish out the year with a top pick rather than winning a few meaningless games at the end of a long, horrible, season. I was in favor of a total rebuild and I understand that it basically meant going a couple of seasons without icing a truly competitive team while trying to acquire pieces for the future but they don't deserve a standing ovation for being bad. The results have pretty much been as expected and each of them are still getting paid handsomely for it. Edited March 30, 2015 by Drunkard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PASabreFan Posted March 30, 2015 Report Share Posted March 30, 2015 CTM, I like the sentiment. But if few fans showed up, it might have the opposite effect of showing appreciation. It wouldn't be unprecedented, as there was some kind of rally for Ted Nolan after the 1996-97 season. The fans in the arena will certainly have their chance to show their appreciation once the team clinches last. You are spot on with what you are saying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dudacek Posted March 30, 2015 Report Share Posted March 30, 2015 The proper message is a rousing ovation just before puck drop, sent the first home game after the Shart is secured. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woods-racer Posted March 30, 2015 Report Share Posted March 30, 2015 The proper message is a rousing ovation just before puck drop, sent the first home game after the Shart is secured. And may it be as soon as possible, say Friday's home game against Chicago? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I am Defecting Posted March 30, 2015 Report Share Posted March 30, 2015 The proper message is a rousing ovation just before puck drop, sent the first home game after the Shart is secured. Kind of like, a big celebratory: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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