GAME DISCUSSION THREAD GDT: Minnesota at Buffalo 10-14-13 at 7:30 PM

[TrueBlueGED]

I don't understand the outcry either. In fact I think giving a tribute to a guy who isn't retired, didn't win a Cup here, etc. would be lame as hell. We'd be accusing the Sabres of back pedalling and wishing Pominville was still here.

 

I'm glad they didn't make anything out of his return.

 

IMO it would be a complete non-issue if the team weren't so bad. Regardless, isn't it better that the fans acknowledged him on their own rather than being led by the hand by a scoreboard video? I think that'd mean more to Pommer.

[darksabre]

 

 

IMO it would be a complete non-issue if the team weren't so bad. Regardless, isn't it better that the fans acknowledged him on their own rather than being led by the hand by a scoreboard video? I think that'd mean more to Pommer.

 

Absolutely.

[Eleven]

IMO it would be a complete non-issue if the team weren't so bad. Regardless, isn't it better that the fans acknowledged him on their own rather than being led by the hand by a scoreboard video? I think that'd mean more to Pommer.

 

Agreed, just like it meant more to #16. Thanks, CV, for confirming my memory.

 

If the Sabres had to lose last night, I'm glad it was Pommer with the GWG.

[apuszczalowski]

I am a little surprised that the franchise did nothing for Pommers last night, even if it was just a little video package to say thanks for what you did here, you were a former captain. Most of my surprise comes from the fact that TP is the one who always gushes over the alumni of this team, and tries to push this team as a family atmosphere, a place where we welcome the players and where players want to come back to. Its not like Pommers asked to be traded, or took off in Free Agency, he was moved by the organisation that he probably would have stayed with if given the chance.

 

i don't think its a huge deal though that they didn't do it, just a bit surprised, would have looked good on the owner that he is serious about making this a "family"

[Trettioåtta]

Pommers has now scored against every team in the league

[Iron Crotch]

Most other teams give a short tribute to a significant player when he returns, but Buffalo has a history of not doing so. So I think the bigger issue is why is Buffalo one of the only teams that doesn't do so?

[wjag]

Most other teams give a short tribute to a significant player when he returns, but Buffalo has a history of not doing so. So I think the bigger issue is why is Buffalo one of the only teams that doesn't do so?

 

Because everyone that was any good left? Don't want to be encouraging .....

[MattPie]

Most other teams give a short tribute to a significant player when he returns, but Buffalo has a history of not doing so. So I think the bigger issue is why is Buffalo one of the only teams that doesn't do so?

 

They better do something for Kassian on Thursday. If he's not scratched, that is.

[apuszczalowski]

Most other teams give a short tribute to a significant player when he returns, but Buffalo has a history of not doing so. So I think the bigger issue is why is Buffalo one of the only teams that doesn't do so?

maybe in 15-20 years the next owner will cry when discussing Pommers during his speech to the fanbase when he is taking over............

[Eleven]

Most other teams give a short tribute to a significant player when he returns, but Buffalo has a history of not doing so. So I think the bigger issue is why is Buffalo one of the only teams that doesn't do so?

 

I'm not sure about "most other teams." I've heard that Bobby Ryan received no tribute in Anaheim. Who are the other teams?

[IKnowPhysics]

I don't get it. I like Pommers and respect what he's done for us on and off the ice, but, really, he's not Teemu Selanne coming back to Vancouver. Does Chris Pronger get saluted when he returns to St Louis? Does Giguere get saluted when he returns to Anaheim (and if nobody's there to watch, does he make a sound)?

[LTS]

I don't get it. I like Pommers and respect what he's done for us on and off the ice, but, really, he's not Teemu Selanne coming back to Vancouver. Does Chris Pronger get saluted when he returns to St Louis? Does Giguere get saluted when he returns to Anaheim (and if nobody's there to watch, does he make a sound)?

 

Like when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

 

(had to do it :P )

[apuszczalowski]

I don't get it. I like Pommers and respect what he's done for us on and off the ice, but, really, he's not Teemu Selanne coming back to Vancouver. Does Chris Pronger get saluted when he returns to St Louis? Does Giguere get saluted when he returns to Anaheim (and if nobody's there to watch, does he make a sound)?

For a franchise/ownership that was preaching how this team was a family and holds the alumni to high regards, you would assume they would have shown a little something to thank the former captain of their team before the game.

[darksabre]

For a franchise/ownership that was preaching how this team was a family and holds the alumni to high regards, you would assume they would have shown a little something to thank the former captain of their team before the game.

 

He's playing for another team and didn't win anything here. Who cares.

[Iron Crotch]

I'm not sure about "most other teams." I've heard that Bobby Ryan received no tribute in Anaheim. Who are the other teams?

 

I guess I don't have an accurate answer for that. This was discussed on SiriusXM NHL radio this morning and they said "most teams" do this. I have seen several tributes here in Nashville, including for marginal players - last year they did one for Jordin Tootoo when he returned with the Red Wings. Was a nice touch that both teams appreciated.

[apuszczalowski]

He's playing for another team and didn't win anything here. Who cares.

So far no one has won anything here, who cares about the French Connection, or Lafontaine, or even Hasek then?

And no I'm not comparing Pommers to them, but recently he has been the one of the best that we have had here, just like they were when they won nothing here.

 

Point is that TP wants this to be one happy family, and make it a place where players want to come an play, what a better way to show this then by showing a short little thank you video to your former captain?

[darksabre]

So far no one has won anything here, who cares about the French Connection, or Lafontaine, or even Hasek then?

And no I'm not comparing Pommers to them, but recently he has been the one of the best that we have had here, just like they were when they won nothing here.

 

Point is that TP wants this to be one happy family, and make it a place where players want to come an play, what a better way to show this then by showing a short little thank you video to your former captain?

 

Pommers can be a part of the Sabres family again when he isn't part of the Minnesota Wild family. It's that simple.

[wjag]

I'm with Apus.. A tribute would have been nice and appropriate. I don't care what happened in the past and what other teams do. Pegula has gone out of his way to honor ALL men who wore a Sabres sweater. Pominville scored one of the most impactful goals in Sabres history. I still rate it as my all time favorite. He didn't leave on his own, but rather was traded away at the deadline. A thanks for the memories would undoubtly have been well received by the fans. They cheered him when he was on the ice last night. Everyone secretly or not so secretly said, if someone had to beat us, I'm okay/happy it was Pominville. He was a heckuva player for the Sabres, just not a Captain. A tribute is what a classy organization would have done. Especially since he still on the payroll.... :flirt:

[SwampD]

Pommers can be a part of the Sabres family again when he isn't part of the Minnesota Wild family. It's that simple.

yes.

 

I just can't believe that Pominfluff finally figured out how to not hit the goalie dead center in the chest.

[G-Daddy]

 

yes.

 

I just can't believe that Pominfluff finally figured out how to not hit the goalie dead center in the chest.

 

Hint.....coaching!

[Robviously]

 

yes.

 

I just can't believe that Pominfluff finally figured out how to not hit the goalie dead center in the chest.

Pominville is 11th all time in points for this franchise.

 

I like the implication that he never had any idea how to score goals.

[Stoner]

Pegula has to realize, soon I hope, that Darcy and company's rebuilding plan is a mess. I understand teams have to rebuild but like in building a house you have to have a solid foundation. I don't see a good foundation. Vanek, Ott and Miller are a start but Stafford, Ennis and Leino are weak links. This is hockey hell not hockey heaven for fans.

 

Take it for what its worth, but Darcy said late last season that the extent of the rebuilding would be Terry's call.

 

I was there for the LaFontaine return. No official tribute or ceremony that I recall.

 

The Rangers' center, who spent six seasons as the Sabres' star before he left amid intrigue in the preseason, received a framed Buffalo sweater from the team captain Mike Peca and a standing ovation before the opening face-off.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/29/sports/hockey-rangers-salvage-tie-in-lafontaine-s-fond-return.html

[SwampD]

Pominville is 11th all time in points for this franchise.

 

I like the implication that he never had any idea how to score goals.

I'm not saying he didn't score while he was here. I'm just saying that we have seen him take that shot thousands of times only to lead to a face off at that dot.

[sicknfla]

 

 

Pommers can be a part of the Sabres family again when he isn't part of the Minnesota Wild family. It's that simple.

 

Exactly. Everyone liked my ex-brother in- law also. He no longer gets invited to the family reunion.

 

Maybe after his career like Hasek and Mogilny but even that is debatable.

[That Aud Smell]

Take it for what its worth, but Darcy said late last season that the extent of the rebuilding would be Terry's call.

 

http://www.nytimes.c...ond-return.html

 

Darcy said that?

 

Also - great find on the Lafontaine return game.

 

Best-practices required the franchise recognize Pominville's return. It would have run something like this.

 

First media time-out: "The Buffalo Sabres would like to welcome back Jason Pominville to the First Niagara Center. The Sabres selected Jason with the __ pick in ____. Jason played __ years for the team during which time he recorded __ goals and __ assists for __ points. He also contributed __ goals and __ assists in his playoff career with the Sabres. Jason was also team captain from ___ until ___. Welcome back, Jason! <cue fade into OT Ottawa goal with RJ call.>"

 

That said, the media's making more out of the oversight than is warranted.