Ghost of Dwight Drane

I can't see Ruff wanting to go to New York, and I still think they make strides, get in the playoffs, and are a threat. He doesn't want to deal with that media. Philly might open up, and it is close to Buffalo, but you never know. I think he would take the Panthers job is a second if they let Dineen go. He is a hero down there from the Flying Rats days, the fans leave you alone, there is no pressure, there is no state income tax, and it's a nice place to kick back as you become an empty nester. They are young and have talent...and Lindy fancies himself a teacher. Plus his BFF Pegula is only 30 minutes away in Boca! I'm sure Yzerman talked to Lindy, even if it was like when two friends get drunk and joke that they should hook up. If you start making out, great, if not, you were only joking. At least Tampa is still a viable trading partner now.

Interesting stuff.... What made you decide to go this route in the first place? Why an exchange student....a Chinese one, with an agency down in Miami, that you'd take in for 3-4 years? That's a lot of hoops. Did you guys think of being a foster parent to someone local? You're a pretty sharp dude and I assume you wanted to do something rewarding. In all honesty, when you first told the story of him ready to come here, I envisioned a guy copying and sending files from your work computers back home. It sounds like you just got a bad draw if you met the other kids and they were more adjusted. The whole process is just red flag city. It's admirable you guys gave it your all though.

At least Fort Erie doesn't run during BBall season.......

Tom Draper says faceoffs don't matter.......

It's a sticky situation...

I'm going to be honest.....if I'm a GM I think I can turn this kid around a bit. He has the tools, I've seen him drive to the net with semi regularity when he feels like it, and I've seen him stick up for teammates in crucial situations...although irregular, more than most on the Sabres. You put him on a team with plenty of leaders and he gets caught up in the feeling of being on a "real" team again......he is not worthless by far. His contract is nasty at this point, but if you want a guy capable of being a 2/3 winger with just enough skill and just enough presence.....he is worth a gamble. He is a product of Lindy in this toxic mold of a team culture, and 1 Steve Ott wasn't enough to get him regular. Put him on a team with 4 or 5 real leaders and consistant work ethic, and he is a 20 goal guy who won't embarass himself defensively. That's what I'm thinking if I'm a GM.

Because Vancouver always takes or trades those types from Buffalo....so the rumors they want Ott aren't far fetched. That's why.

My bad....the riots confused me! Correct, they went to the cup and had Torres on the team. Won series with Bernier and Pyatt. Kassian now and 70% chance they are division winners and 3 seed.

I can't believe the embarassment of fleecing someone for a #1 center yet somehow not being able to make it to the playoffs year after year as the other team won a cup, went to the playoffs every year, and won series in 3 of the last 4 with 4 physical forwards discarded by you........ :P

Vancouver didn't get the memo.......Lindy ain't here to ruin power forwards no more........(Pyatt, Bernier, Torres, Mancari, Kassian) Although with Darcy still in control....I fully expected a Foligno for Mayson Raymond trade this year or next.

Let's ask 2008-20012 d4rksabre.......... ;) :P

I'm rooting for them. Their attitude was great for 6 or 7 games, then they slacked off, but seem to be playing hard again. If they keep up the KISS defense and play physical, I can't not root for them. Simple fact is they need to go 11-4-1 to make it in. They are really 4 or 6 points behind 8th when taking into account the Rangers. They need one of Toronto, NJ or NYR to play .500 in order to catch them. I guess Ottawa still can tank, but then again, Carolina, Washington or Philly all have the talent to go on a run as well. I just want Darcy to trade with Tampa before they hire Ruff, or else NTC will be envoked by Miller.

So our Corsi numbers are always good, our Fenway Park numbers usually are good, these are good, Miller is a top number cruncher.......why have these guys sucked and looked like pansies for 6 years then? Nothing against Weave for bringing this up.....I just think the more we see Sabres at the top of these silly lists, it proves Darcy just looks at spreadsheets and has no clue what goes into making a quality hockey player or team.....

Good Ol' Buffalo Sabres analytics to tell us our guys are great! It's a pretty crappy system if we have 6 of the top 20 being a Sabre at one time with 3 or 4 of them on the same team at once.......

So watching the Michigan/VCU game.....VCU down be 15.......the sideline reporter goes....."if you think these guys are going to quit being down 15, think again.....they trained with the Navy Seals this offseason...they won't quit!" I laugh....yes, the Sabres trained with them as well. Sure enough, Michigan goes on a 7-0 run in the next 45 seconds to lead by 22.....

People called me goofy when I said I hope he can become Bill Hajt......

If I am an owner, I want my guys confortable to do their job without having to think or be hindered. Ott himself said he hates the visor. To me this is just overreaction and the progression of a nanny state. Here's one.....how about any fan that drives to see a hockey game when it is snowing and then gets into an accident.....their car and medical insurance is void because the fan took unnecessary risk to go see a freakin hockey game?

I'm sorry Taro. I've said it before, but the most I've ever cried is for an animal. I am beyond convinced nature is used to guide us. Take care, and I am sure you will be presented with resolution.

I'm a greaseball...and I was actually impressed with Carrabas as a chain. I wanted to knock them going in, but they had decent family style portions for an ok price and it didn't taste microwaved. Favorite Italian place in the area is La Bella Sicilia on Genesee near Harlem. No pretentions....just good stuff all around. A steal if you go during lunch.

The problem is...a visor should be a personal choice.....it's only you, yourself at risk. We might as well go to inline skates so the best defenseman in the league doesn't get his tendon sliced..... I HATE obstruction. Even when I go out for a little exercise when it's freezing out, I yank off the hood and hat after a minute because it's so unnatural. Be free Simba.

I really enjoyed listening to Ott today. A few loose quotes: "We've played a lot better the past month" "Let's be honest, our defense was horrible the first 15-20 games" "Ron has really improved our coverage in our own zone" Free bread at Chefs. They are good. And I know I probably offended 40% of the board with Olive Garden. I just can't see it. But then again I just boiled a cow tongue, so I'm not too swift.......

Miller Weber Ott Regehr Ehrhoff

Was Olive Garden vs. Chef's not good enough for you? :P One guy is an AHL coach and the other was deemed the best coach in the league by some. I don't want Rolston as head coach long term in all probability. I really think Chz didn't know what I was talking about, so I clarified. Politely.

13/13 = 1 13/17= .765 1-.765=.235 .235/.765=.307 Ron Rolston has produced 30.7% more points per game than Lindy Ruff

I guess you have never worn a visor.....and you PhD must not be in chemistry......