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I'll be honest with you. If they sold the Sabres I wouldn't care- as long as the new owner keeps the team in Buffalo. They have contributed to the community which is terrific, but as a hockey team ownership group, they have, up until now, failed miserably. In fact, even including Thomas Golisano, they have been the worst owners in the history of this franchise. That's not to say that GM Kevyn is doing a bad job. We'll see this year and I do have expectations on serious improvement this season. I have been a Sabres fan since the early 70's which is why I am completely pissed at how low this franchise has sunk under the Pegula's. You deserve better as a Sabres fan. We all do. I'm here because I care. If I didn't, I wouldn't waste the energy. I really hope this upcoming season is different and the Sabres make a playoff push. I don't mind if they go a 12th season of missing as long as they made it close and showed even more improvement. That being said, I could care less if the Pegula's sold this team. My patience with them has long run out. Just keep the team in Buffalo (which I believe the NHL would want as well)

The point being, I TOTALLY BLAME THE PEGULA's for the past decade of ineptitude of Sabres hockey. I don't care what they've done with the Bills. This is a Sabres blog and the team has gone 11 seasons of no playoffs and some of the worst teams in the history of this franchise that has alienated a fan base that deserved so much better. Yup, completley on team ownership. Hope that makes things clearer.

and they have that new arena being built near downtown in LeBreton Flats. They need to get competitive to drive up ticket and box interest $$$$$!!!!!!

Not the Bills loss. Sure they're competitive now, but again, enjoy the regular season and a playoff game or two. In the end, you're there to win a Championship and the Bills have not done so as of yet. They should have been in the Super Bowl last season but all things being Buffalo, the bed got ££££ upon again. The Sabres, while improvement looks like its on its way (after 11 of the worst seasons possible) have to show this season that it's no fluke. Yes, I blame the last decade entirely upon ownership of the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Club. You accept the grief and you also share in the rewards as an owner.

But he has jobbed up the Sabres which this blog is about. And, although I am a Bills fan, they haven't got a Super Bowl ring yet. Let's not forget the end to last season which was, to put it mildly, epic.

Agreed. I am glad to remain willfully ignorant of what Ralph would, could or should do with this group of players. Very happy we'll never know!

I think he nailed it. Facts is facts and standings are standings.

He must be master of the gab to convince the Pegula's he was "the guy" to coach this team. Unbelievable how brutal they were under him and how the group today plays. Did Kruger coach at all while he was here? Wow!

Well said. Accurate and to the point. Agree with all of the above 100%. Good things are coming. (and it is seriously about time!)

I have to apologize to coach Don Granato. I have been hard on him at times on this board thinking he may not be the guy going forward with this young team. Last night's performance has convinced me otherwise. He got the team motivated at game time which I didn't think was possible. I was expecting a horror show in Calgary and it turned out the exact opposite. Coach Granato seems to be the right hire and God bless him. It will be interesting next season with new blood from Rochester in the lineup, and it does give me serious hope for the franchise's future in quite a long time. Great learning lesson for the youngsters last night that with a strong effort they can compete and even surprise. All the best moving forward Don Granato!

Toker is an NHL backup. I think he's a good choice for that role. He's a good teammate, accepts the backup role easily and can steal games for you. Just don't ask him to run with a huge string of games. He stole many games for the Hamilton Bulldogs in the AHL and was a pleasure to watch.

Seriously outplayed. Absolutely no cohesion as a unit and the passing was atrocious. At times they looked like they were coasting and almost disinterested.

I saw a sleepy hockey team out there that just wasn't ready to play at puck drop. (again) The Oilers, despite their talent just aren't that good of a hockey club and their goaltending stinks. They will be hard pressed to make the playoffs and if they do, they will be gone by the second round. Alex Tuch was invisible as were most of the Sabres last night. In fact, it was embarrassing and I'm worried as to what Calgary will do to them (Calgary is a good club with strong goaltending) Let's see if Donnie can at least get them to be competitive and "hard to play against" in this game. I seriously have my doubts.

It's not the loss. It's the lack of effort or any look of a cohesive unit that continues to surprise, as we have seen this type of game all too often under 3 separate coaches. This board was stating that they totally expect a playoff spot push for next season after victories over the Leafs and Golden Knights. I am thinking that Don may not be the guy moving forward yet again. The Knights are slumping with no Lehner and since Jack has been in their lineup. The Leafs have goaltending woes but maybe their new Swedish kid has solved that. This team, even with the Rochester grads next season, will have a tough time pushing for a playoff spot.

The "curse of Jack Eichel"! Whatever it was- even if it was just time spent with Victor Hedman, God bless Hedman for having an influence!

There has been some stuff written that Hedman and Dahlin had some talks during the All-Star weekend. Dahlin's game became what wwe were all expecting out of him almost immediately upon his return to the Sabres. If he took any advice from Hedman (if those conversations were true) he couldn't have gotten it from a better D-man. I tend to believe they spoke and thank you Hedman for any advice you gave him. Epic change to his game now and we're loving it!

Absolutely. Ron MacLean asked for a rerun of the tape and they went silent. It was an obvious intent to injure but Bieksa even said "Matthews is a star in the league and it will give George something to think about maybe not a suspension".

Ken Dryden, Harry Howell, Ray Emery, Pat Quinn.........

Ummmm, Stanley Cup Champion Dave Andreychuk comes to mind. Former Sabre by the way.

Nice night at the office for Cal Peterson. The one great Sabre opportunity and the puck rolls on Tage.

Sabres got caught on the line change. Athanasiou with the nice shot. *****!

Last night was very enjoyable and watching the Sabres beat the Leafs never gets old for me. The Sabres actually played "hungry" if that term applies, and great to see Craig Anderson get rewarded. That being said, I watched the Leafs post game and Sheldon Keefe was pissed at the effort by the Leafs (and rightfully so) I totally expect to see a much stronger effort by Toronto in "The Outdoor Classic" and hopefully Donnie will have the boys prepared for that. The Leafs can humble you when they're on, so, while I really enjoyed the game last night, I hope last night's effort will continue in Hamilton.

I don't think Levi or Portillo will be dressing for the Sabres next season unless due to injuries of the starter and back up. To get a quality number 1 keeper you either have to give up something of serious value, or assume that anyone who may be available is even willing to sign in Buffalo, full knowing next season most likely isn't a playoff one either. Not going to be easy. As for an 80-ish point season? They'll have to prove that to me under Granato. I assume nothing with this club anymore.

I agree, I would go with UPL as the starter and Anderson as his backup. Anderson has plenty of experience and can mentor UPL and can come off the bench when needed instead of carrying the load. Just my opinion. It limits Anderson from injuring himself hopefully, as well. Anderson still has some game left in him, totally agree.

That is why I am more than willing to give Granato an entire season next year. Yup, lockdowns were a mess, isolating a mess, Olympic break , than no Olympic break a mess, plus, several veteran players will be gone next season and Rochester grads will take their place, so we'll have a better understanding of the future dynamic of this club under Granato. If UPL isn't ready to carry the load in goal next season, than I don't think he'll ever be ready. That being said, the defence needs to get one hell of a lot better than we have seen in the past 3 seasons.