Rumor: Rob Ray Retiring?

[Pimlach]

I’m sure Terry will spare no expense to make Sabres television coverage the envy of the NHL.  

[Mango]

7 hours ago, Pimlach said:

If this is true and Rayzor confided in John Scott, who then decided to leak the information, I will be surprised.  

I like Rayzor for the humor and the on ice stuff, Marty is a far better analyst.  

 

Hard to say who I would hire without hearing them on the air and understanding their approach to the job.  

Right. That's why Rayzor is basically the sideline reporter and Marty is in the booth.

My vote is for Pat LaFontaine.

Or get Biz/Whitney and let those guys go to town on this franchise live. They're tools,for sure, but Pegula deserves the smoke so let's just bring it to him.

[Mango]

2 hours ago, mjd1001 said:

I don't mind Rob Ray all that much, but if he is retiring, I'd look forward to someone new.  Just something new, ANYTHING new to keep my interest for a few games.

In true Pegula fashion the new hire will likely be much worse. Like historically bad. Maybe even the very worst on ice reporter of all time. It's literally possible because that's literally the state of the franchise since the day he bought the team.

But if this was a different franchise/owner I would likely agree with you 

[inkman]

I’d be bummed to see him go. I know he ain’t perfect but he’s our idiot, and love him more for it. 

[pastajoe]

Giant goalie kid Owen Parker.

[Carmel Corn]

10 hours ago, JoeSchmoe said:

I really like Marty but there's a such thing as too much Marty, and colour commentating would be well over that line. 

Very knowledgeable BUT………his voice is like fingernails on a chalkboard for me.  Dan is bad enough as a play-by-play guy and adding Marty for color may push me over the ledge.

[JohnC]

9 hours ago, inkman said:

I’d be bummed to see him go. I know he ain’t perfect but he’s our idiot, and love him more for it. 

He does grow on you. What I like about him is that he doesn't overdo the analysis and try to complicate things that are simple. What he emphasizes are the basics, such as winning battles, net presence in both ends and covering your man in the defensive zone. 

I like Marty B. a lot and without question he is the better hockey analyst. But what he can't do better than Razor is be brief in the short intervals when he is supposed to inject his response. I hope Ray continues on doing what he is doing. 

[bob_sauve28]

It would be a damn shame if he let the door hit him in the ares, but there is no way he is leaving. 

That barnacle is stuck to this ship until the end 

[Wyldnwoody44]

Daniel Alfredsson may be available, let's also bring in Brett Hull, and Kasparitus 

[Standing Room Smoking Cigs]

I like Ray, he has subtle humor and understands the game and relates it to the common folk. I think Bob Boughner would be an acceptable replacement 

[SHAAAUGHT!!!]

I don't care who it is that replaces him, but I'd like to see someone:

1) that can break down plays and talk strategy and reasoning for decisions during the game, both game play and coaching

2) that focuses on what is happening on the ice and not the buddy banter (I'm so sick of the "these guys seem like great friends and fun to have a beer with" type banter that distracts from the gameplay)

3) can speak clearly (sorry Rayzor)

4) doesn't have to feign excitement for the job and wants to get better and better

[shrader]

7 minutes ago, SHAAAUGHT!!! said:

I don't care who it is that replaces him, but I'd like to see someone:

1) that can break down plays and talk strategy and reasoning for decisions during the game, both game play and coaching

2) that focuses on what is happening on the ice and not the buddy banter (I'm so sick of the "these guys seem like great friends and fun to have a beer with" type banter that distracts from the gameplay)

3) can speak clearly (sorry Rayzor)

4) doesn't have to feign excitement for the job and wants to get better and better

He’s been coach in the NHL for 10 consecutive years now. Boughner’s busy. 

Edited 3 hours ago by shrader

[WhenWillItEnd66]

I am hoping this is not true. Have grown to love Rayzor as he is still my link to RJ.

[Pimlach]

1 hour ago, WhenWillItEnd66 said:

I am hoping this is not true. Have grown to love Rayzor as he is still my link to RJ.

Yes, Rayzor's link to RJ would be missed. 

I often watch the Sabre games using the opponents broadcast, and it is amazing how often the other teams announcers comment on Ray and enjoy some humor with him.    

Ray is a throwback to when the Sabres were a real team and when the played in front of packed and passionate crowds.  

Those days are long gone.   It is sad how many hockey seasons have been wasted in the irrelevance.  

Edited 1 hour ago by Pimlach

[PASabreFan]