Ghost of Dwight Drane

Kris Letang just suffered a stroke as a result of a heart deformity that was present and identifiable by basic cardiac imaging since birth. His career and well-being are in question. Please tell me again about Tyler Myers and my skepticism that the Sabres' medical staff understands or has properly tested him......

Other than 1980, it doesn't matter. That was special because it was a bunch of underdog kids going against well-oiled professionals against the backdrop of a potential nuclear war, clash of core ideals, and hosting in your home country. That's a once in forever scenario and pretty neat. I'd take a Bills win opening day versus Cleveland if it meant the US not getting a medal. Heck, if the Sabres were relevant, I'd take a 3 game win streak.

I know. We need to see the car on the road for a while. I just laugh at guys like PA and myself taking flack for "reading the temperature" on a situation. We've been taking flack for years....and look where we are now with this team??? People develop track records. What some see as "negativity" or "reading into things", history sees as being absolutely correct. For those in doubt, pull up the Pegula Buys Sabres thread and read the concerns from some of "Stormcloud" back then, the projected outcome 3 years down the road, and take out your red pen with a straight face. Or feel free to review the season prediction threads from the past few years. Sometimes you just have to admit things you don't want to.....like Pegula did 3 years too late.

In all honesty, I'd be more elated to win $10 on a scratch-off lotto ticket than for the US to win a gold medal. If I grew up in Canada or Europe, maybe I would be more enthused. I will root for the US, but I don't need to see Girgensons blow out a knee taking out Crosby for the tournament so the US has a better chance.

How do you know these things? I'm not saying you don't....but at the same time, then you can't say I or others don't have just as valid a beat on the situation. I have 3 years of public statements from Pegula to go off of. I don't have as much on Murray, but I think I have a good read on him. Again....there is nothing wrong with talking to and "enjoying" the person. All I am going off of is the FACT that Darcy said he talked to Pegula every day. I say there is absolutely no need for the GM to talk to the owner everyday, especially in a bloated management structure such as the Sabres where there is so much cross-involvement. If this is indeed happening, it is inefficient, and the Sabres will not have as high of a ceiling going forward as I would expect them to if everyone stays within their roles. I am assuming this is the understanding with Lafontaine and Pegula. I am not the one saying he is talking to Murray every day. If he is though, I am saying, "Oh boy, watch out!"

Pegula has every right as owner to be as involved with the team, and do whatever he wants. Good evaluators, operators, and trustworthy managers in top level positions have every right to expect a major level of flexibility and freedom without having to worry about constant hovering. They also have the right to take their wares elsewhere if hovering occurs. Pat Lafontaine already has done so once. I'm giving Pegula full credit for swallowing his pride and making the executive moves. For those that don't think you can find out a lot about people through their words and how they act, you must really think this team is going to horrible forever, because the FIRST thing that came out of Ted Nolan's, Pat Lafontaine's, and Tim Murray's mouths was knowing what kind of person you have. It wasn't speed, or great skating, or a pinpoint shot. It was about who can be trusted to work hard, know their role, and bring common sense to the game. Pegula said he knows people.....he also asked, "What has Darcy ever done wrong?" That's enough evidence right there to question his hockey cognitive, and personal radar. Tim Murray will talk to Pegula and I laid out responsible timelines. And please don't mistake money with brilliance. People get sick of my horse racing comparisons over the years, but I have seen a lot of people come into a lot of money many different ways, including self-made. I have also seen the same people become overbearing in a hobby they attempt to take much too micro an approach in. I've also seen multiple trainers who pass up millions of dollars in ongoing business because the owner was not willing to take a passive approach and let the professionals make the important decisions. You ask the owner for permission before you make a big purchase or decide to sell a horse? Sure. You run by options for races, treatment, and other major variables when it is more than a short term goal involved? Sure. I was once asked to come to a Derby to distract and entertain owners because the group was so wrapped up in everything and distracting both the trainer and horse, the trainer had to lay down the law and needed a good cop to pump the tires and make the owners understand that their horse was about to do jack sh!t because they were getting way too involved. That's where a guy like Lafontaine comes in.....and why I have confidence that this Sabres' structure will work. If indeed Pegula feels the need to be in constant contact with Tim Murray, Murray may be able to suck lemons for a few months....but he will be less effective, become resentful, and if he manages any early success at all, would be a candidate to bolt. He's already overwhelmed putting together everything on the fly. And again, I'm not the one saying Pegula is doing it.

Uh huh...uh huh.....and if Terry wanted to make money, he'd drill another well. But then revenue sharing is an objective of Ted Black because he is protecting the next owner of the Buffalo Sabres. You are talking about a league that couldn't figure out a regular season schedule having 10 months off. Darcy was a perfect ambassador to the NHL front offices. You may have known Darcy's practices, but you don't know the new guys. I'm sure one of the GR guys will ask Murray if he talks directly to Pegula each day or how often that happens. I wonder how many time Pegula has called good ol' Gibby, to try to get him and corner Miller in the Olympic Village to convince him to sign an extension?

No... Pegula can talk to Murray every day, Murray will just not be here long. Terry can buy an ostrich farm too....it doesn't give him carte blanche to show up every day and ask the rancher 100 questions as he's trying to do his job, then want to personally stick his arm up each one's whohaa to grab an egg..... That's not the first thing I thought of.....

That's sweet. I am a big fan of rescue dogs, but appreciate the sport and class of it. The human personalities seem to have been nailed in the movie Best in Show. I'm pretty good at picking a favorite on TV. I loved the bloodhound tonight and he seemed easy to pick. The last group was 7 or 8 with the only standout being the Cavalier Spaniel. I think they gave it to the Miniature Pincher on reputation. I have to go one year!

We have to go to Utah because I need variety.....

There is NO WAY Tim Murray will talk to Pegula every day. I'm assuming that Battista will be the observer/reporter THROUGH, Lafontaine, and Patty is the PR guy to keep Pegula in line. Murray didn't have the patience to fake cordiality his first week on the job with his direct co-workers. 200 word question to him....one word answer. He said so. Murray only needs to talk to Pegula when he is ready to make a deal, sign a guy, or to discuss team vision. If Pegula has 20 questions on, "Hey, when is that Ruhweedel coming back up? You see that Sharks/Kings game the other night? That Carter guy sure has a good shot. How do you think Girgensons looks? Gus sure is a tough one."......Murray is going to go apesh!t. There can be a monthly meeting where he can get all those questions in, or heck, maybe even on Friday at 4:55PM.....but there is no reason for constant conversation when the owner is not at a level to understand or evaluate moves other than opening his checkbook and keeping fans in the seats. That's all Darcy DID do....placated to ownership to keep his job. He made 1 trade a year at the same time. That's Operations and Corporate...not Player development. You have Lafontaine and Black for that now. There is NO need for Tim Murray to be bothered by his owner on a daily basis unless Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, or Wayne Gretzky suddenly owns the Sabres!

I bet you crushed on "Samantha" from Gimmie A Break??!!

Other than the possible corruption of judges, you can usually "feel" when someone is making a medal level skate. They are just so crisp and balanced. Athletes and a sport for sure. Speaking of sports, Westminster show on tonight and tomorrow. That is on my bucket list for sure.

The goalies are the best of the bunch for sure. Little Nana of Japan almost pulled the upset yesterday as well.

Darcy is quoted as "I talk to Terry everyday." I will PROMISE you this....if Terry feels the need to talk to Tim Murray everyday, Murray will be gone by December. Feel free as the owner to shape your organization's vision, and to even present ideas....but there are plenty of good managers in every aspect of life who can't be bothered...especially when you are constantly evaluating, and planning, and working. Type A managers and leaders can only fake a smile for so long. Darcy would talk to Terry every day and ooze survival all over him. I don't mind Pegula being there for big events like the draft table, or hovering and observing trade deadline week. Those are great times as a fan and should be enjoyed by the owner. I don't want to see a video of the owner's daughter saying her dad picked out a $40 million defenseman though. For anyone who has heard Pegula talk the past 3 years....he may be dedicated to wanting to win a championship, but to honestly lump him in with families who lived and understood their crafts like the Rooneys, DiBartelos, and Stienbrenners......really? He didn't even know the team was for sale!!! Hopefully in 2037, after 3 Stanley Cups, new owner Jessie Pegula will have gained the chops and acumen to be like those mentioned. For now...Pegula reminded me more of Ted Turner. I'm surprised he didn't get behind the bench himself for a stint. Hopefully we have our John Shcuerholz and Stan Kasten now in Murray and Lafontaine. As soon as Turner stuck to TV and ranching day to day and hired those two, it was a straight upshot for a team that was a joke for close to a decade.

I'd swap Callahan and Oshie, and Kane and JVR to have 2 lines that are impossible to play against....but it looks like he's pairing guys that play together.

I'll post now to put myself one post ahead of you in this thread.....this way you don't have to feel ashamed of yourself...ya'know?..... Feel free to talk about the beauty of the game....a game played at the speed and physicality of a Nichols/Timon game.....

I give Pegula the full benefit of the doubt that he wants to win, now. It's fair to question his judgement, and even motives at times, but I was more afraid he would go down with the ship and give up trying to win because of the "ungrateful fans". He didn't. He changed course with the people around him. Sure, a bunch of us saw the disaster that was headed this way by Pegula's early actions, but the damage is done and at least he went out and got some guys who aren't looking just for a paycheck, who have strong opinions, who know people, and who deserve respect in almost all facets. Tim Murray will not be here if Pegula meddles. He is scout to the bone, and at least admits it, asking for a financial guy to help with the contract stuff. Lafontaine is strong enough to have heated debates with Murray, in the name of winning and opinion. I don't know that this will be a Cup team in 5 years, but I fully have confidence in the people in charge and that they will be given the resources by Pegula, and can include him in the discussions and keep him up to date while not laying down ala Darcy. Some have said that if Lafontaine or Murray leave in the next year or so....we have real trouble up top, and I will agree. I can't see Murray staying if he isn't let alone to do his job. And as to the concern of him working 7 years as an AGM....it was for family. There should be some moves soon. Then I may have to go to the closet and find my tool sharpener. I think I will be happy though.

Figure skating is the essence of the Olympics. The whole idea is to put aside all differences and conflicts, and come together every blue moon and get all sunshine and kittens. The artistry of the Olympics is probably 70% of it. What do people want to see? Opening ceremonies...gymnastics...figure skating...I like the pure true athletic competitions like the 100M and such, but if it wasn't for a fufu, UN, sunshine and kittens ideal, and more important, $$$$$ available, the whole thing would never happen. I would take a ticket to the figure skating singles finals over a gold medal hockey game and day. Other than "Do you believe in miracles?"....much more relevant.

If I was in an Olympic city, I would rather have tickets to the figure skating than hockey. What I don't consider a sport is short track speed skating. It's 80% luck.

That's the spirit! There are a few girl next door lookers, but I was trying to add selection. As a whole, the goalies were the cutest. I had Gigi on the list 4 years ago...time to pass the torch. The software was programmed off of a Don Rickles act.....

It's that time.....time to objectify the athletes going for gold, and maybe find a new stalking candidate. Here is the link to the rosters with pictures. Feel free to add or embed. http://sochi2014.iihf.com/women/teams/canada/#list

Yeah..and Plavix is easy doings compared to what I am sure Letang is on for now. As insensitive as it may sound...Pitt is in the market for an offensive-defenseman this season.

God LOVES Corsi Numbers......

He's not....Patty is. Patty is the one who can look at TPeg with that soothing smile and say..."It's ok Terry. Sit back and relax....just let it happen." Murray is John Butler reincarnate. He just doesn't have Butler's "shoeshine charm". I fully expect one of Hodgson, Myers or Foligno to be dealt, along with Miller and probably Moulson. I think Ted may lobby for Ott, and if Patty does too, they will try to sign him this month. Ott is an awesome asset to trade though before a playoffs. If Gaustad got a 1st, he should get a 1st and a real prospect. He's gonna get his groove on, and a bunch here will not like a name or two that gets dealt.