BamBam Posted February 14, 2009 Report Posted February 14, 2009 Everyone knows that RJ is more apart of what the "Sabres Brand" is all about then anything else. He is the one constant, and something that all of us fans can look to for great entertainment. The addition of Neale has been solid as well. Neale has some pretty good one-liners that always seem to amuse. It was funny watching the game last night as it was going into the shootout and Neale seemed so sure of the shootout rules for players who had penalty time still on the clock from OT. Classic! So...my question is.. What do the sabres do when these two guys decided its the end of the road. With the tragic events of the last few days, it begins to put alot of things into perspective and I wonder if that will in any way affect their decision to continue doing what they do so well. Do the sabres look to bring in a RJ or Unique type of play by play guy? Do they try to steal someone from CBC, or someone calling games with a team already? Or do they find someone locally and give a Hamilton or Sylvester type a shot? Who would you like to see?
carpandean Posted February 14, 2009 Report Posted February 14, 2009 Some have mentioned Rick's son, Mark, who already does play-by-play for the Erie Otters in the OHL. He certainly emulates his father's style. His voice is a little higher pitched, but in listening to some of Rick's earliest calls, his was, too. Obviously, though, nobody will ever truly be able to replace RJ. I hope that the Sabres can win a cup before he is gone. Even if he retires, if we make it back to the finals, I hope he returns to call the games.
Stoner Posted February 14, 2009 Report Posted February 14, 2009 When Harry retires, I'll have a drink -- and I don't drink. He's absolutely brutal. What was so charming about Harry having no clue about how the shootout works? When Rick retires, I'll be sad. But I'm on record as saying the Sabres have a very good replacement already sitting nearby in Paul Hamilton.
BamBam Posted February 14, 2009 Author Report Posted February 14, 2009 When Harry retires, I'll have a drink -- and I don't drink. He's absolutely brutal. What was so charming about Harry having no clue about how the shootout works? When Rick retires, I'll be sad. But I'm on record as saying the Sabres have a very good replacement already sitting nearby in Paul Hamilton. You really liked Hamilton huh? Maybe its just because I'm so used to RJ that I couldn't get into it with Paul. About Neale though and the shootout last night...it was funny because he so believed that he had the rules locked down.
bleedblueandgold Posted February 14, 2009 Report Posted February 14, 2009 I havent heard Hamilton, but I think Robitaille would be good along side whoever does the play by play....he knows alot about the game and doesn't hold anything back.
james duncan Posted February 14, 2009 Report Posted February 14, 2009 I thought RJ was of particularly good voice last nite. Whoever they go with to replace him, I think they'd be best served not trying to get a sound-alike. It won't be easy but listening to other feeds, there are some very good (and brutally bad) ones out there. Hamilton comes across as a humungous know-it-all to me. I like Harry, mostly cause he reminds me of HNIC. I think replacing him will be easier and would like to see Robie take it. Still has the passion. Razor could probably do it minus the smart azz comments. Not sure where Playfair is these days? Perhaps Marty will be looking for a new gig by then...?
spndnchz Posted February 14, 2009 Report Posted February 14, 2009 I'd like to see the color man move into the play by play guy spot. This would make the changeover better. That said, Neale needs to go, the guy's more senile than my grandmother. Def. senile: approaching the end of a geological cycle of erosion
SabresFan526 Posted February 14, 2009 Report Posted February 14, 2009 I think the choice for color commentary has kind of been decided and that will likely be Rayzer in the booth. At least, I believe Quinn has said this before. My preference would be Robitaille doing color commentary today over Neale, but what can you do. I also don't see Roby doing color in the future either. He had that gig with Darling. I don't think he wants to travel anymore and I think he's got some back problems. Interesting on play-by-play. It could very well be Paul Hamilton or Kevin Sylvester. I don't know. I did not listen to Hamilton on the recent western road swing as I watched the games on the other team's broadcasts via center ice. I have heard Sylvester do pbp last year in Phoenix when RJ took his vacation. Can't say I was too impressed, but the game being awful probably had more to do with it. I find Sylvester to be smug, but that's just the impression I get.
ntsabresfan Posted February 14, 2009 Report Posted February 14, 2009 I wasn`t expecting much from Hamilton BUT when I heard him doing the play by play I was pleasantly suprised at how good he was!!! My vote has to go with him over Sylvester any day of the week
Doohicksie Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 Rob Ray will take over the play by play, and in a real coup, the Sabres will steal Daryl Reaugh away from the Stars. The new booth will be known as Rayzor & Rayzor.
fushetti Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 I agree with PA...I hate Harry Neale on Sabres telecasts. I used to really enjoy him with Bob Cole on CBC...but that ship has sailed. I don't care if Vanek scored from 20 feet out or if #%^$#!o McGee will be in the box for 2 minutes or less. I don't like him with Jeanneret.
frisky Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 Watching games with alot of the other US announcers and listening to Paul Hamilton, I'd be very satisfied with Hamilton as the new PBP guy. Most of the teams broadcast crews are absolutely brutal. This is especially true of radio. When I have to listen on radio to other teams I feel like it's a freakin baseball game they are calling.
Bmwolf21 Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 Some have mentioned Rick's son, Mark, who already does play-by-play for the Erie Otters in the OHL. He certainly emulates his father's style. His voice is a little higher pitched, but in listening to some of Rick's earliest calls, his was, too. Obviously, though, nobody will ever truly be able to replace RJ. I hope that the Sabres can win a cup before he is gone. Even if he retires, if we make it back to the finals, I hope he returns to call the games. I wonder if Mark would even want to follow his father. He may not want to follow the legend and may want to carve his own niche as a PbP guy. That being said (in reference to BamBam's OP) I don't think we need to find a RJ clone in terms of excitability/uniqueness, but rather just make sure that it's a good, solid PbP guy who works well with his partner (and that should not be Neale).
billsrcursed Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 This is all pointless, because RJ will never retire. Nope, he'll live eternally, calling Sabres games and wandering the earth.......so knock it off!!! And if it weren't for Harry Neale, we wouldn't know the distance of EVERY friggin slapshot taken by the Sabres OR their opposition all season long!! I vote Hamilton or RJ's son. But I hope that day never comes.
rbochan Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 ...So...my question is.. What do the sabres do when these two guys decided its the end of the road...Who would you like to see? I would like to see them replace the goal horn with RJ screaming "SCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE!!!!!!!!".
Stoner Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 This is all pointless, because RJ will never retire. Nope, he'll live eternally, calling Sabres games and wandering the earth.......so knock it off!!! And if it weren't for Harry Neale, we wouldn't know the distance of EVERY friggin slapshot taken by the Sabres OR their opposition all season long!! I vote Hamilton or RJ's son. But I hope that day never comes. If Harry got the distances remotely right, I wouldn't mind. It's an interesting detail. But he has shots from the top of the circle at 19 feet.
inkman Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 He's absolutely brutal. But I'm on record as saying the Sabres have a very good replacement already sitting nearby in Paul Hamilton. I concur on both points, but would Paul want to do it full time? I don't think we need to find a RJ clone in terms of excitability/uniqueness, but rather just make sure that it's a good, solid PbP guy who works well with his partner (and that should not be Neale). I really enjoyed the alberta road trip announcers. No idea who they were but very knowledgeable and professional.
repster Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 I watch a lot of Centre Ice and like listening to the Sharks, Hawks, Stars and Caps play-by-play guys, and I'm also partial to the TSN broadcasts. Ken Daniels in Detroit used to be on CBC but never moved up so he moved out. I don't like the Blue Jackets, Bruins, Kings, Devils announcers. I still remember hearing Ted Darling on Channel 2 calling the away games especially on Saturday nights. His call was so distinctive, it's too bad that he develop Pick's Disease. I love RJ for his pure excitement and passion combined with witty calls, but Ted had that rolling off the tongue crescendo thing going (whenever I hear "let's get ready to rumble!!!, that reminds me of Ted a little). Both RJ and Ted knew how to build up the anticipation as the team rolls into the offensive zone better than anyone. We've been really lucky as Sabre fans to have 2 great announcers over the years. It will be a tough act to follow foe whoever picks up Rick. I wish I could have heard Paul - I think he's such a great beat reporter for WGR that I'd miss his commentary if he ever did get the job. The ex-Phoenix guy is different, but too much monotone and wouldn't want him for a long term thing. Sylvester is just OK I guess. Others - Pete Weber was tough to listen to when he started because he was so different (and didn't even say -"they score" sometimes), but he grew on me a little bit as he got a bit more experience. John Gurtler, well I'd stop being a Sabres fan if that guy ever broadcast another game for the them.
Fighting Chicken Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 If Harry got the distances remotely right, I wouldn't mind. It's an interesting detail. But he has shots from the top of the circle at 19 feet. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that. Some of his wild guesses at distances are beyond comprehension. As much as I'd like RJ to live for ever and stay as the Sabres play-by-play guy, he surely only has another season or two left in him. One guy of a totally different style that I really like is Jim Hughson but as far as I'm aware he has a contract with CBC for at least another 5 years. To be honest I will be happy with anyone other than Mike Robitaille who I hate with a passion (on the Sabres coverage - I'm sure he's not really a bad person).
NowDoYouBelieve Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that. Some of his wild guesses at distances are beyond comprehension. As much as I'd like RJ to live for ever and stay as the Sabres play-by-play guy, he surely only has another season or two left in him. One guy of a totally different style that I really like is Jim Hughson but as far as I'm aware he has a contract with CBC for at least another 5 years. To be honest I will be happy with anyone other than Mike Robitaille who I hate with a passion (on the Sabres coverage - I'm sure he's not really a bad person). I'm not a Robitaille hater, but anybody who watches the intermission reports knows that he gets too upset with the Sabres when they're playing poorly. He takes this really disgusted tone of voice when they aren't up to snuff and you really can't have that in the broadcast booth.
Stoner Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that. Some of his wild guesses at distances are beyond comprehension. As much as I'd like RJ to live for ever and stay as the Sabres play-by-play guy, he surely only has another season or two left in him. One guy of a totally different style that I really like is Jim Hughson but as far as I'm aware he has a contract with CBC for at least another 5 years. To be honest I will be happy with anyone other than Mike Robitaille who I hate with a passion (on the Sabres coverage - I'm sure he's not really a bad person). On the other hand, people have been predicting Rick's "demise" for years now. He's not THAT old! He could go for a lot more seasons.
inkman Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 To be honest I will be happy with anyone other than Mike Robitaille who I hate with a passion (on the Sabres coverage - I'm sure he's not really a bad person). I'm not a Robitaille hater, but anybody who watches the intermission reports knows that he gets too upset with the Sabres when they're playing poorly. He takes this really disgusted tone of voice when they aren't up to snuff and you really can't have that in the broadcast booth. I love Roby and his Roby-isms. I'm glad he gets pissed when they aren't playing well. I feel the same way.
SabresFan526 Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 I love Roby and his Roby-isms. I'm glad he gets pissed when they aren't playing well. I feel the same way. I love Roby, too. He's got so much passion for the Sabres. He's truly a fan of the Sabres and you can see it in his analysis and commentary. That's exactly who you want doing the color commentary. Let's also not forget, his analysis is excellent and his ability to describe replays and break down the X's and O's is way better than most color guys around. And, let's also not forget, Roby was actually the color commentator with Ted Darling from 1989-1991. It's not like he hasn't done it before. The only thing that annoyed me with Roby originally was his voice seemed a bit whiny and that kind of annoyed me. But, I love his passion and enthusiasm for the Buffalo Sabres. But, given his back problems and other ailments, I'm not sure he wants to do the travel involved and that's why he is not the color commentator. I can't come up with any other reason he wouldn't do it otherwise because he's perfect for the role. Either way, I still miss Jim Lorentz.
X. Benedict Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 I'm not a Robitaille hater, but anybody who watches the intermission reports knows that he gets too upset with the Sabres when they're playing poorly. He takes this really disgusted tone of voice when they aren't up to snuff and you really can't have that in the broadcast booth. Why the hell not?!!!?! If they don't have the hunger, man, then burn the arena down there is no sense playing...you need to be like a dog eating a hot breakfast off a Brillo pad and work harder than the littlest brother trying to get an extra piece a pot roast two days before payday. :) The guy has cracked me up for years.
Buffalo Wings Posted February 15, 2009 Report Posted February 15, 2009 I watch a lot of Centre Ice and like listening to the Sharks, Hawks, Stars and Caps play-by-play guys, and I'm also partial to the TSN broadcasts. Ken Daniels in Detroit used to be on CBC but never moved up so he moved out. I don't like the Blue Jackets, Bruins, Kings, Devils announcers. He does some college games for FS-Detroit and isn't bad at all. Is he doing the Red Wings, also? Others have mentioned it, but I'd love to see Daryl Reaugh here. When you compare him to guys like Darren Eliot, he's quite a breath of fresh air....very unassuming and doesn't "know-it-all" you to death.
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