Rob Niedermayer to Buffalo

[spndnchz]

We had a nice lunch in a tiny town, followed by a few beers, and were back on the road ...

 

Horny as we were, we knew we had to head home. About halfway up a winding mountain pass, I glanced over at Suzanne, and the look on her face was unmistakable. Her shirt was ...

[korab rules]

Horny as we were, we knew we had to head home. About halfway up a winding mountain pass, I glanced over at Suzanne, and the look on her face was unmistakable. Her shirt was ...

 

Chz - first rule of business - never give away for free what people are willing to pay for...

[shrader]

Chz - first rule of business - never give away for free what people are willing to pay for...

 

What's the line about sampling the milk before buying the cow?

[Sabre Dance]

Horny as we were, we knew we had to head home. About halfway up a winding mountain pass, I glanced over at Suzanne, and the look on her face was unmistakable. Her shirt was ...

 

I think the next line has something in it about "heaving beasts"...:blink:

[Eric in Akron]

If signing a guy like Niedermayer can bring out these kind of postings, I hope the Sabres land a marquee player.

[korab rules]

What's the line about sampling the milk before buying the cow?

 

I think the line is why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free!

[spndnchz]

Her eyes were mischievous, sparkling with naughtiness. I grinned and kept watching her as I drove. She slipped a f...

[spndnchz]

About a mile farther I came to a turn-out. We both ran from the Jeep. Not 50 yards away, we came across an old gray deadfall lying in the grass. Suzanne was hot, and in a hurry. I had to laugh. She got naked in record time, dropped to her knees, and braced her elbows against the log. She tossed her blonde mane seductively, looked over her shoulder, and said, don't any of u guys read forum?

[carpandean]

What is it that makes you say you will scream your head off?

 

To feel jubilation, there has to be some sort of attachment.

 

Why are you attached? Geography? Marketing? Habbit?

 

And if you don't care about the character of those in the organization, what joy do they deliver to you that is so great that you are willing to overlook it? They don't make you any money...in fact, you pay them for it? Why is it that you get that "rush"? Why do you NEED that rush.

 

At least you admit you don't care about the makeup of the team, which is one step further than the denial many choose to take.....but the next logical step is to ask "Why am I a fan?"

I wouldn't care if we had Sean Avery, Chris Neil, Jarkko Ruutu, etc., on the team if they win the Cup. I'll be looking at the Cup itself being skated around by a bunch of Sabres-jersey'd (thankfully, not slugs) players, whoever they may be, trying to hold back the tears as I slap fives with everyone around me and scream at the top of my lungs. Obviously, I'd prefer it to be guys that leave everything they can on the ice to make it happen - and, frankly, it's far more likely with that type of players on the team - but at the winning moment, it really won't matter who did it.

 

That does not mean that I (or anyone else here) doesn't care about the makeup of the team. Of course we do, because the makeup determines the chances of seeing that realized. Being a sports fan is not about logic - I don't know them, I can't choose them, they're not from here (for the most part); they don't make me money (quite the contrary) - it's a rather illogical attachment to an intangible thing. What is/are the Buffalo Sabres? The ownership has changed, the players have changed, the coaches have changed (not recently, but they have), the arena has changed, and even the uniforms have changed. The only real constant is the name. It's as much an idea, as it is an entity. But, for whatever reasons, we are attached. If the Buffalo Sabres - whoever or whatever they are at the time - win the Cup, then we are very, very happy. Why? Who knows, but we are. Getting there, it matters who makes up the team, because that determines our chances, but once we're there, that's the top of the mountain ... until the next season starts.

 

Wow, my mind sort of wandered there. :blink:

[inkman]

I'm convinced more than ever that you are a dude.

[inkman]

and said, don't any of u guys read forum?

I don't read it, I live it. ;-)

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

first things first: what's with the chz post? i usually lay off this stuff, but dammit, it's the offseason.

 

 

ghost, i don't think there's any point in perpetuating this (but wait! i just did!) because where we're coming from is so fundamentally different that i am sure we'd just keep talking past each other.

 

i'm a fan because cheering for the good guys to skate, shoot, score, and win makes me feel like a kid again. another ancillary benefit, i like the way being a fan lets me connect with my friends and neighbors.

 

socrates talked about how the unexamined life isn't worth a fig. maybe so. i submit that an over-analyzed fandom isn't worth holding onto either.

 

No...that's good. You ID'd it, and it makes sense. You can identify what it is that makes you cheer no matter what...which is more honest and capable than 80% of people.

 

I understand that. I also understand how guys like DeLuca, myself, PA sometimes, etc. will grate on people. I know Buffalo has a lot of blowhards that complain just for the sake of complaining, but there is a big difference between a realist and a blowhard. The people on this board are too sharp for the most part to be blowhards....especially anyone that hangs during the offseason.

 

 

The only time I feel a little guilty for losing my passion for the team is when I am at the bar with friends watching a game. I remember what it is like to get excited over every goal. I watch now sort of like you'd watch a neighbor's 8 year old in a soccer game. They score a goal..."Alright...good for you kid....woah...look at the cans on that MILF from Lancaster." I've lost the "connection". I still have that passion in other areas of life and entertainment....a horse wins a photo finish or cashes a big ticket for me....a favorite band is coming to town....it's still there, so it's not me getting older and jaded...although that does of course play a part.

 

I also don't want to bring down anyone from their "hockey high". The reason i used to be so vocal about the management and some of the players is because I still had such a connection to the team that it pained me to see what these guys were doing. I figured if enough people could see what some of us saw early enough, we could nip it in the bud. But the fans have accepted the product as is. There is no denying it.....whether through ignorance, tradition, the fact that there isn't jack else to do come February, or the fact they want to feel like kids again and go back to a time where the world wasn't so scary......they have accepted it.

 

Everyone has a right to a high, even if the product may be "harmful". Understood. But until things change...and I don't expect them to, I will spend my Friday in February from 7-midnight sticking to Surf+Turf, Tanquery Martini's, a nice Cigar, and lapdances for the first half of an AC/DC album.......all for the same price as a pair of 200 level tickets. At least I'm paying with the expectation to see some ######.

[carpandean]

I'm convinced more than ever that you are a dude.

Uh, I didn't realize my status was in doubt? :unsure:

 

*looks behind himself* (figuratively; "above" literally.)

 

Ohhhhhh, you were talking to Chz ...

[shrader]

I don't say this with the intention of starting some argument or taking a shot at you, it just doesn't make much sense to me. If you've lost the passion and aren't interested like you just said, why are you posting on a Sabres themed messageboard?

 

And I liked the line about the blowhards, but you missed one important point. Most blowhards (probably all of them) think they are in fact those realists you're talking about and that they are too sharp to be blowhards.

[gregkash]

I wouldn't care if we had Sean Avery, Chris Neil, Jarkko Ruutu, etc., on the team if they win the Cup. I'll be looking at the Cup itself being skated around by a bunch of Sabres-jersey'd (thankfully, not slugs) players, whoever they may be, trying to hold back the tears as I slap fives with everyone around me and scream at the top of my lungs. Obviously, I'd prefer it to be guys that leave everything they can on the ice to make it happen - and, frankly, it's far more likely with that type of players on the team - but at the winning moment, it really won't matter who did it.

 

That does not mean that I (or anyone else here) doesn't care about the makeup of the team. Of course we do, because the makeup determines the chances of seeing that realized. Being a sports fan is not about logic - I don't know them, I can't choose them, they're not from here (for the most part); they don't make me money (quite the contrary) - it's a rather illogical attachment to an intangible thing. What is/are the Buffalo Sabres? The ownership has changed, the players have changed, the coaches have changed (not recently, but they have), the arena has changed, and even the uniforms have changed. The only real constant is the name. It's as much an idea, as it is an entity. But, for whatever reasons, we are attached. If the Buffalo Sabres - whoever or whatever they are at the time - win the Cup, then we are very, very happy. Why? Who knows, but we are. Getting there, it matters who makes up the team, because that determines our chances, but once we're there, that's the top of the mountain ... until the next season starts.

 

Wow, my mind sort of wandered there. :blink:

 

I'm with you carp. But I believe part of being the fan is that no matter you believe your team CAN win. I'm not saying gloss over the deficiencies or don't complain when things don't go how you want them to go in free agency and the offseason. If you want the coach fired, fine, express that, but when it comes to the games there's no room for it. If the fans don't believe the players on the team can win, what the ###### are the players supposed to believe? I don't believe there's a huge disconnect between fan and players, it's not like they don't have internet. What else do you think they do in hotels on the road in the year? Whenever they say, "You don't really look at that." It's a lie.

 

DeLuca has no faith in this team, so why should he get any credit for anything positive they do? It's like ultimate fan bandwagoning. He's behind them when the team makes the moves he wants, but not until then, unless of course, they win, then he was with them all along?

[Stoner]

I'm with you carp. But I believe part of being the fan is that no matter you believe your team CAN win. I'm not saying gloss over the deficiencies or don't complain when things don't go how you want them to go in free agency and the offseason. If you want the coach fired, fine, express that, but when it comes to the games there's no room for it. If the fans don't believe the players on the team can win, what the ###### are the players supposed to believe? I don't believe there's a huge disconnect between fan and players, it's not like they don't have internet. What else do you think they do in hotels on the road in the year? Whenever they say, "You don't really look at that." It's a lie.

 

DeLuca has no faith in this team, so why should he get any credit for anything positive they do? It's like ultimate fan bandwagoning. He's behind them when the team makes the moves he wants, but not until then, unless of course, they win, then he was with them all along?

 

What a ridiculous comment. No... obtuse!

 

DeLuca has always been the caretaker at the Overlook Hotel. He'll die with his blue and gold boots on, middle finger extended toward a picture of Darcy Regier, who will be in his 34th season as GM.

[That Aud Smell]

Horny as we were, we knew we had to head home. About halfway up a winding mountain pass, I glanced over at Suzanne, and the look on her face was unmistakable. Her shirt was ...

Her eyes were mischievous, sparkling with naughtiness. I grinned and kept watching her as I drove. She slipped a f...

About a mile farther I came to a turn-out. We both ran from the Jeep. Not 50 yards away, we came across an old gray deadfall lying in the grass. Suzanne was hot, and in a hurry. I had to laugh. She got naked in record time, dropped to her knees, and braced her elbows against the log. She tossed her blonde mane seductively, looked over her shoulder, and said, don't any of u guys read forum?

oh, okay. gotcha.

 

"Alright...good for you kid....woah...look at the cans on that MILF from Lancaster.

i appreciate the tone of mutual respect. i've also confirmed that we're just on different planets at this point when it comes to the sabres. and the piece above made me snort with laughter.

[static70]

As this off season goes, with every other off season for 40 years, this is a time to reflect, gripe, complain, draw hope from and anticipate next seasons campaign all rolled into one.

 

Being a fan of a sports team can have its ups and downs, being a fan of Buffalo sports teams has its own unique place, especially for those of us who have lived or currently live here. There is nothing like what has happened in Buffalo sports history.

Its a tough road to hoe, that I have no doubt.

 

But thats what makes us unique, when our sports team faulter, its us the fans that pick up the banner and continue forward.

There is something to be said Ghost of how you feel, but many of us know people that feel this way or have felt this way themselves.

 

Won't it be a glorious day when a parade is held through downtown for one of our beloved sports teams as champions? Ah, yes indeed, that will be a grand day for all of us......................If it happens in our lifetime! :blink:

[gregkash]

What a ridiculous comment. No... obtuse!

 

DeLuca has always been the caretaker at the Overlook Hotel. He'll die with his blue and gold boots on, middle finger extended toward a picture of Darcy Regier, who will be in his 34th season as GM.

 

So what you're saying is i have to deal with 21 more years of Deluca...

[shrader]

So what you're saying is i have to deal with 21 more years of Deluca...

 

He never said you'd last that long. :o :cry:

[static70]

According to this guy, the Lebda and Niedermayer signings were in anticipation of signing Kaberle.

 

"Leafs and Sabres Talking?

Big rumour I read tonight....the Sabres and Leafs trade talks are heating up. Signing Rob Neidermayer in Buffalo and Lebda in TO were done to set up the Kaberle and a 4th rounder in 2011 for Roy and the rights to Kassian."

 

For a look:

 

http://13leafs01.webs.com/rumourcentral.htm

 

Do Leafs fans have anything better to do this summer? They have a nice Zoo up there.

[spndnchz]

According to this guy, the Lebda and Niedermayer signings were in anticipation of signing Kaberle.

 

"Leafs and Sabres Talking?

Big rumour I read tonight....the Sabres and Leafs trade talks are heating up. Signing Rob Neidermayer in Buffalo and Lebda in TO were done to set up the Kaberle and a 4th rounder in 2011 for Roy and the rights to Kassian."

 

For a look:

 

http://13leafs01.web...mourcentral.htm

 

Do Leafs fans have anything better to do this summer? They have a nice Zoo up there.

 

U R the new Bam Bam.

[nfreeman]

No...that's good. You ID'd it, and it makes sense. You can identify what it is that makes you cheer no matter what...which is more honest and capable than 80% of people.

 

I understand that. I also understand how guys like DeLuca, myself, PA sometimes, etc. will grate on people. I know Buffalo has a lot of blowhards that complain just for the sake of complaining, but there is a big difference between a realist and a blowhard. The people on this board are too sharp for the most part to be blowhards....especially anyone that hangs during the offseason.

 

 

The only time I feel a little guilty for losing my passion for the team is when I am at the bar with friends watching a game. I remember what it is like to get excited over every goal. I watch now sort of like you'd watch a neighbor's 8 year old in a soccer game. They score a goal..."Alright...good for you kid....woah...look at the cans on that MILF from Lancaster." I've lost the "connection". I still have that passion in other areas of life and entertainment....a horse wins a photo finish or cashes a big ticket for me....a favorite band is coming to town....it's still there, so it's not me getting older and jaded...although that does of course play a part.

 

I also don't want to bring down anyone from their "hockey high". The reason i used to be so vocal about the management and some of the players is because I still had such a connection to the team that it pained me to see what these guys were doing. I figured if enough people could see what some of us saw early enough, we could nip it in the bud. But the fans have accepted the product as is. There is no denying it.....whether through ignorance, tradition, the fact that there isn't jack else to do come February, or the fact they want to feel like kids again and go back to a time where the world wasn't so scary......they have accepted it.

 

Everyone has a right to a high, even if the product may be "harmful". Understood. But until things change...and I don't expect them to, I will spend my Friday in February from 7-midnight sticking to Surf+Turf, Tanquery Martini's, a nice Cigar, and lapdances for the first half of an AC/DC album.......all for the same price as a pair of 200 level tickets. At least I'm paying with the expectation to see some ######.

You are officially the Hunter S. Thompson of this board. The bolded part is especially acute.

 

I will echo Shrader and call BS on you not caring though. Saying you don't care and offering up all the rational reasons not to care isn't the same thing as actually not caring. (FWIW, this is kinda where I am with the Bills -- I still care about them, but I've decided not to blow time, money and aggravation on them until they as an organization start trying.)

 

As for the Sabres, I think you may be letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. The players aren't a terribly inspirational lot, but most of them outside of the top 6 forwards are pretty root-for-able. Miller, Myers, Rivet, Montador, Sekera, Grier, Kaleta, Kennedy, Ennis, McCormick -- these are all good guys that I imagine most would be happy to see succeed. No criminals or me-first guys among them.

 

I'd guess you don't have too much of a problem with Lindy. So you probably dislike DR, LQ and TG. This is perfectly valid, but I'd ask you how many ownership/management teams in the NHL are superior? Once you start eliminating the grifters, the inadequately capitalized, the cheapskates, the bozos and the here-today-gone-tomorrow types, there really aren't that many. Does the ownership/management team have to be as good as Detroit's for the team to earn your respect?

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

I don't say this with the intention of starting some argument or taking a shot at you, it just doesn't make much sense to me. If you've lost the passion and aren't interested like you just said, why are you posting on a Sabres themed messageboard?

 

And I liked the line about the blowhards, but you missed one important point. Most blowhards (probably all of them) think they are in fact those realists you're talking about and that they are too sharp to be blowhards.

 

It's like talking about politics.....you may not like who is in charge of your country.....and you may be counting down the days until they are out of power....but it is still your country. I don't post very often.....at least I don't think so. I chime in, then respond accordingly.....but I'll have to go put out a fire somewhere and forget about the site for a few days...then come scan it until something catches my interest or I feel the need to put in a smartass comment.

 

Blowhards are negative all the time for the sake of being negative. I wouldn't want to grab a beer with a blowhard because I'd have to sit there and nod politely with a smile...just waiting to get the heck out of there. Blowhards don't have a give and take. You can be stubborned, but if you keep yourself open for critique and dialogue...you are not a blowhard.

 

It's easy to pigeonhole people on the internet. I've done it....to some people here...and wrongly so. People are human. Everyone's got the same basic needs and fears. It's their wants and coping mechanisms that get us all into trouble. Some people live in denial, wanting everything to be allright. I use humor to deal with things....in this case, my team is run by less than ideal choices. Those two personalities are going to clash. Then we have everything inbetween those two extremes.

 

Attacking - Denial - Naieve - Hopeful - Balanced - Questioning - Critical - Negative - Sarcastic

 

 

In an ideal world....we all want to find balance. But in times of stress, real or perceived, we gravitate towards the extremes. Yes, a blowhard will always be a blowhard, and it's hard to educated an innocent on the fly....but those in the center and right of center are quicker to outwardly identify a problem. It may come as a critical comment, or even a balanced observation. But to those that live on the left hand side....it may come across as an attack, which ratchets up the stress level...be it on a message board or in the community. As the stress increases from conflict, those on the right move further to the right as they now identify not only the original question or problem, but those that will deny the possibility of a problem or those that protect those causing the problem, be it innocently, with perks, or tacet approval....as an additional problem in itself. Sooner or later, it can come to almost war footing.

 

Only when it becomes painfully obvious that a clearcut consesus is being formed on the matter will everyone move back towards the middle. Basically....the stages of grief souped up. I think that has run it's course on this website over the last 4 years. July 1st is rough patch because it will open up those old wounds (Dumont/Grier/McKee/Briere/Drury.....etc...), but for the most part, the place is off warfooting and is pretty good natured, even amongst the few extremes.

 

So there's my blowhard version of the way things are :nana:

[static70]

I hope Rob Niedermayer reads this thread.