Sabel79

I don't think the letter stitched to the sweater matters as much as fans in general and Ryan O'Riley think it does. The symbolism behind it is obviously powerful, but (with obvious, notable, and few examples) one dude can't ever strap an entire team to his back and lead them to glory. Leaders, plural, are needed. What the Sabres are saying is that this is the guy we blew it all up for, who we're telling you the fans to have hope in, and so it goes. Locker room politics are likely different, and there needs to be a steadying presence. Where xGMTM failed miserably is, more than any other aspect, here. Brian Gionta surrounded by random garbage and a few legitimate bad eggs (allegedly) doesn't exactly set the right tone with the kids. JBots needs to be given at least as long as Tim got to fix it, and the clear season-on-season improvement we see in year two has me hopeful.

I've come down this way. I dunno that some sort of Scotty Bowman/Mike Babcock/Knute Rockne/Dean Smith clone would do better with these guys. Watching Sheary look at his man going to the far post and Bogo having to almost shove him out of the way so he can try to cover two guys only to give up a goal pretty much epitomizes it. This group is just really dumb. Hockey IQ is obviously something that hasn't been either considered or valued for years in building this team (and yes, I know Sheary was JBotts add, but it's just an example). JBotts needs to fix it, and I'm sure he is and will be working on it, but man...

This is correct. I should have been more precise with my language and said: So long as he remains in Buffalo past the trade deadline, Buffalo can offer an 8-year deal. if it goes to 7/1, Skinner is a UFA, but Buffalo can still offer and 8-year deal, while everyone else can only go to 7.

No, he can sign whenever. If it goes after July 1 Buffalo is the only team that can offer him 8.

Just finished the game on delay. The body language from Lehner on the third goal... I had flashbacks.

Non-aurora post: the absolute shade....

Just happened to see the Amerks lineup for tonight. Who did what to Nylander? Or is he being healthy scratched?

How's the weather in Toronto?

We need to reintroduce ties. Overtime as updated is garbage and not hockey. I realize I'm old, but holy heck. Nonsense. Might as well flip a coin, or do rock:paper:scissors. Ugh.

Minus a scintilla of the physicality that led Greer to success.

Steamed hams for everyone!

Oh, Scandella does his second ever positive thing. I slightly reserve judgment.

Boom goes the season.

Are you ***** kidding me? Play defense you pricks.

Wait, that was Wiggum and not Skinner. I will sit in the box and feel shame.

You wear those rubber pants until you learn, son...

He was closer because he was furiously trying to get to the space Risto vacated so he could pick dandelions in the outfield. Side note: I think I'ma dig a Risto bunker..

Risto with the brain fart again.

Aw *****.

Agreed. On both counts.

I'd bet Mississippi has better options. I'm in Virginia, we have about three outstanding Mexican places for every six people. I love tacos...

Channeling my inner Harry Neale: WIN A PERIOD, WIN A GAME!!!!!

That was a stupid review, puck was in the net before ERod got anywhere near the goalie.

Pomers keeps increasing the population. Dude's Like Ramses...

Stop, or he'll come back out from under the bridge where he sleeps in it.