tom webster

As I said above, you don't know that he is. In fact, if he is making the decision, I agree with you.

First, to echo Weave's statement, speak for yourself. However, while I obviously don't agree with most of your continued narrative, I have always felt you make some valid points. If TP was forcing TM to have continuous meetings to convince him what he wanted to do, that would be a problem. What is likely happening though, is that multiple meetings consist of two. There was probably an end of year meeting where TM laid out his vision for the off season and a second meeting upcoming where he will inform TP of his decision so that the owner of the company doesn't have to read it in the papers or hear it on the radio. I hate analogies but wouldn't any upper management person want to inform the CEO of any major budgetary decisions before said CEO heard it elsewhere? Forty years ago when owning a sports team was mostly a passionate hobby for some old money family, your vision may have made sense. Today, however, sports is a billion dollar industry where keeping the owner informed is important for job security.

Mirtle predicting cap of $69.6 million based on $3.7 billion in total revenue. If revenue hits $4 billion the following year cap will hit $76 million. Tell me again how Chicago won't be able to keep its team together if it wants.

Rumor was they didn't want Shero and Bylsma to go together to Washington. Either way, like Tank said, pretty low class of them. If Buffalo did something similar, the Canadian press would be ripping them to shreads.

I wouldn't be surprised if they desperately do that and flame out as the over the hill over priced gang falters. They have actually built up a pretty good stable of young talent but Garth will likely blow it all to hell in order to try and save face.

I have read many times how important face offs are. Doesn't make it right. Connections get you interviews. They probably help you when you are building an organization from scratch. An organization that already has a hockey legend in the front office and arguably the leagues best player, not so much.

You said that before and I laughed both times. His connections don't make him a great candidate for a GM job. They make him a great candidate for an analyst job. I can't think of one circumstance where his connections would aid him in running a team, especially a team that already boasts Mario Lemieux in the front office and Crosby on the ice. Besides, it's a small fraternity. They are all connected.

I would be extremely surprised to see him in a Buffalo uniform during his prime years but would not be very surprised to see him leave Chicago after next year and not because of salary cap restraints. There will be plenty of money to go around. Whether there is enough a** kissing to go around is another matter and that's all I am go to say about that subject.

If you use anyone's suggestion for number 5, and still have the use of your fingers afterward, let me know, I may try it as well

Not sure this is worth anyone's time, but 1) It's all about my four kids and nothing else. Couldn't be prouder of them. 2) There are times I am not sure I really like sports anymore but continue to follow out of habit. 3) I am pretty sure my then nine year old son was the first person in the arena to notice Hull's foot in the crease. We were in a suite and he pointed it out on tv monitor. 4) I appeared on Van Miller's newscast in the eighty's. I think the segment was called Tuesday Quarterback 5) More then a few Sabres and locker room personnel know me by name but only a few know what I look like. 6) I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when Schoenie fought three Bruins in the 70's but would be hard pressed to do the same with regard to anything that happened in the 80's. 7) I am over 50, have a wonderful family and have done quite well for myself but I still have no idea what I really want to do with my life. 8) My first wife became locally famous when she attended a Sabre game with a friend. 9) I once asked Mark Kelso if I could schedule him for a Sunday appointment during Bills' season without realizing who he was. 10) This exercise reinforced my belief that I lead a pretty mundane life

And me as well

As I have said countless times before, these teammates that supposedly hated him continuously voted him team MVP. And no one that has a clue has ever challenged his work ethic. He may not have it any more, maybe he never did, but his attitude and work ethic have never been questioned by anyone that would know

I guess it is time for my prediction. 1) Sabres' acquire another top 5 pick in this draft 2) Tyler Ennis is dealt 3) Leino bought out 4) Ott is signed to a contract indicative of his status as a third liner 5) A couple other veterans signed to one year deals with the idea that they will be dealt at the deadline

Bringing home sponge candy used to get me laid. When I bring it home now she acknowledges my existence. I guess the candy isn't as good as it used to be.

A lot of the same moments already mentioned but I was never prouder then when the team got a standing ovation when they played at the Montreal Forum a couple of days after they beat the Russians 12 to 6. I just got goose bumps typing this.

I understand the frustration and I understand linking both players but they were two entirely different situations. With Peters, he just kept coming back and asking for more. They gave him a new deal early on based on potential and when he outplayed that deal he didn't want to give them credit in terms of a discount for what they had overpaid him. Also his play reflected his lack of interest in fulfilling his obligations. All that being said, it would of still been prudent to resign him. however distasteful. With Byrd, they screwed up early on completely eliminating any notion of getting him to sign for a decent number. The situation was compounded by the fact that the BIlls. like a lot of teams do not put a premium on the position. I think in his case, letting him walk was the correct thing to do once he wanted to be the highest paid safety. In the end, until they turn this thing around I can understand the lack of the benefit of doubt. Once teams start winning, instead of hearing about letting players walk you will be talking about smart cap management a/k/a the Patriot, Steeler and Green Bay way.

Welcome back. I still read the board every day although I don't post quite as much. Interesting that you return just as LQ puts himself back in the public eye. Just kidding.

Risto and Pysyk. It might make sense for the organization but these decisions cost these guys money. If the guys deserve to be here, then they should be here.

The best part for me is that I can envision the Sabres being 10 times more entertaining then this year and still finish at the bottom. And the Islanders? All we need is Garth being Garth. Assuming that no one is allowed to out and out tank, which teams would you guarantee being worse?

Sit down before you look further Paul Hamilton said he expects Stafford to be captain next year

There is bound to be a first time.... Lindy, remember that kid whose career you ended when you savagely beat him over the head with an ax....?

We will make deadline the day before the draft

If 2, 3, 4 and 5 happen I will give you all my tickets

Since changes could start happening as early as Tuesday I thought it prudent to start a little early this year. The rules are simple. Just predict what changes will or won't happen this off season. The person I judge to be closest will win two prime tickets(blue line, 20 rolls up on the aisle) to a regular season game. Past winners will tell you I do my best to accommodate the winners request. Please only enter once.

I know there are other possible investment groups but this could delay some of the Seattle expansion talk. http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10716340/seattle-investment-group-remains-focused-nba-not-nhl It is looking like this might not be correct.