Applying the ZombieLand Rules to the Buffalo Sabres in 2013.

This is how board I am with the Sabres this season. One of my favorite movies of the last 5 years, has a set of rules to follow in a Zombie Apocalypse. Cut me some slack, this is the first time I have done something like this.

I want to give credit to the site  http://www.zombielandrules.com for a reference point.

Rule 1: Cardio:
At this point in the season, the Buffalo Sabres appear to be in descent shape. You would think that one of the major things a hockey player needs to keep up on, is his cardio. Cardio helps with stamina, which translates to longer shifts, which translates to larger ice times. With the 2013-14 Buffalo Sabres, they get their cardio from chasing the opposition all over the ice for the puck. With some of the worst puck possession numbers in the NHL, at least they stay in good shape.

Rule 2: The Double Tap:
So many ways to apply this to the Sabres. The biggest is the absolute inability to bury a rebound this year. It is a regular sight this season, to see a Buffalo forward completely whiff on a fat juicy rebound with a wide open net. Or how about the puck laying in the crease for what appears to be eons with no Sabre player able to bury it. We have come to expect things like this from players like Drew Stafford, however when you arrive in Buffalo after scoring 30 goals in 3 consecutive seasons (and on pace for over 30 in the lockout shortened season), *cough* Matt Moulson, and fall victim to this it is scary. Luke Adam scores 14 in Rochester, scores one goal on a fat rebound, and then forgets how to do it the next game.

Rule 3: Beware of Bathrooms:
If you have been to a Sabres game this year, this does not need much explanation. In the past couple of years, the bathrooms had become a place of solace. You had to go, but you didn't have to worry about missing any action since there are now TV's, and you didn't have to worry about spilling your beer with all the new shelving. Nowadays, going to the bathroom at OUR HOME ARENA, could garnish ridicule form the visiting fans, and make your stomach crawl from the extensive vomiting coming from people sick over the play of the team. Or maybe it is the physical sickness people suffer when looking at the new third Jersey? Who knows. Just be careful.

Rule 4: Wear Seat Belts.
This one is pretty easy. Over the summer, the now ex-GM of the Buffalo Sabres Darcy Regier, prepared all of Sabre Nation for a long bout of "suffering". At that exact moment, I told myself one thing. "Adam, buckle up. It's going to be a long ride." Little did I know, that even adhering to this rule, it still feels like I am smacking my face on the steering wheel with nearly every minute of Buffalo Sabres hockey this season so far.

Rule 5: No Attachments:
In a matter of a few months, we have seen the extreme of this rule. Grigorenko is an attachment for this franchise. It's like a step brother you don't like, but mom won't let him go away to dads for the weekend. Can't send him to AHL, can't (or won't) find room for him in the lineup, Quebec doesn't want him back in juniors. Well, thank goodness there was the distant scary uncle Russia to take Mikhail for a few weeks. In the other extreme, Ted Nolan has not shown any attachment to a player outside of Zemgus Girgensons. Although, the comments he made about wanting Ryan Miller to stay in Buffalo could qualify.

Rule 6: The "Skillet":
Simple. I want someone to hit me in the face with a skillet every time I see the in between period Corsi ratings for the Sabres.

Rule 7: Travel Light:
The Sabres travel light on the road constantly. They consistently leave their game in Buffalo when taking their talents to visiting cities. Oh wait. They are even worse at home. Fail.

Rule 8: Get a Kick Ass Partner:
GM Search continues. Patty LaFontaine looks, searches, and continues to interview (or so we think) GM candidates. In order to fix this mess that is the Sabres, he will definitely need a kick ass partner. Or, maybe that should be someone to come in and kick ass. Beware of Brian Burke in Calgary, who has said to the media that his search needed to start soon since Buffalo was in the market. This is the last guy I want to get into a bidding war with over a GM.

Rule 9: With Your Bare Hands:
Fighting is a hot topic in the NHL Especially with the Sabres, since they apparently employ the biggest goon in the league (Suspension to Thornton from Boston outstanding). When Scott has his gloves off and his bare hands exposed, he is good at his craft. Unfortunately, his craft is becoming a highly criticized topic. He and many others like him, may have their days numbered at the NHL level. Are the Charlestown Chiefs hiring?

Rule 10: Don't Swing Low:
More so an opposition player, Phil Kessel had quite the low swings at the aforementioned John Scott. I take that back. With how tall Kessel is, he was more accurately swinging on an even plain and striking Scott's shin pads. The joke that was the lack of suspension for a purposeful act by the lumberjack, is just another thing laughable this season.

Rule 11: Use Your Foot
At some point, the Sabres may have better luck putting the puck in the net with a skate. I think Nolan needs to run drills in practice to LOOK like you didn't mean it to LOOK like you were making a kicking motion. I mean, it worked for Brett Hull.

Rule 12: Bounty Paper Towels
As in the movie, there is all sort of unwanted fluids all over when the Sabres are playing. Steve Ott's blood from a nose cut, the blood from Douglas Murray's face, the snot running down my sobbing face while watching the Sabres play...

Rule 13: Shake it off
Keep working hard. Come in and keep working. Ok, thanks Ron Nolan. We have heard this all year.

Rule 14: Always Carry a Change of Underwear
For that time, you see the Sabres pull off that improbable win, and you get so excited you mess your skivvies. For those counting, thats only a Six pack plus one pair from Walmart. Your out about $20.00.

Rule 15: Bowling Ball:
When a team gets on a roll, its usually a good thing. It usually comes multiple wins, or a time frame of good play. This season, it can refer to the Sabres defense, and how they stand still like bowing pins while the bowling ball that is the opposition runs through them.

Rule 16: Opportunity Knocks:
When 30% of your season ticket fan base tells you in some form that they will not renew based on the direction that Darcy and Rolston are taking this franchise, you make a call. "Hey Patty, you home?"

Rule 17: Don't Be a Hero (Later Crossed out)
When Terry Pegula hired Pat LaFontaine and Ted Nolan, they were received by the fans with a hero's welcome. It's hard to see in the standings that things have gotten better. The new GM needs to be this hero, and quick. No 3-5 year plan.

Rule 18: Limber Up
The Sabres were so bad at skating apparently, that Nolan had to take the practices back to the basics. This included bringing in a skating coach to work with the entire team. I would think that at this level, players should have the basics down. All I could think of in my head was Kurt Russell with whistle, screaming, "AGAIN!".

Rule 19: Break it Up
This has been a theme for Nolan since taking over. I cannot remember a game where he has kept the lines and/or lineup the same for more than two consecutive games. In his defense, there really hasn't been much to work with. I am convinced that Teddy and his coaches play a game of Go Fish to pick the lines.

Rule 20: It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint, Unless It's a Sprint, Then It's a Sprint.
Well, you want to pace yourself in a long season. With seven wins in the first 32, it seems like the Sabres are still in the tent looking for their participant number for the marathon for the top pick. Or maybe you could say a sprint to the top pick? Right now it's a runaway for last. Even the NY Islanders and Thomas Vanek lost 10 in a row, and are STILL 7 point ahead of Buffalo.

Rule 21: Avoid Strip Clubs
Hmm….maybe in Buffalo you would. If the Sabres wanted to take a team outing to the ballet, it would need to be over the border. With two under 21 chaps showing on the roster as of now, Canada and their shows are the only option. Maybe this would be a good team building exercise. "Hey Zemgus, can I borrow a few bucks? Mine are all wrapped up in my art work, stereo and instruments." ` Ville Leino

Rule 22: When in doubt, Know your way out.
Nolan is interim, Marrone (Bills) is on a contract. At least Nolan can walk away and say, "Thanks, but no thanks Patty. Your screwed."

Rule 23: Zipplock
The potential dumpster fire that is the Sabres, will need dry matches to light it. Fire sale? We can only hope. Bring on a GM and light 'em if you got 'em.

Rule 24: Use Your Thumbs
Grip that stick. Make the pass. Shoot the puck. Simple rules. Opposable thumbs can really help with the use of a hockey stick. Most nights it really seems the Sabres cannot figure this out.

Rule 25: Shoot First
This, is laughable. The Sabres never shoot first. When they do, most often it ends up wide, over the net,  into a shin pad, or a whiff. Oh, Corsi.

Rule 26: A little sun screen never hurt anyone:
The Sabres are consistently getting burned on the ice. DZone, Ozone (Give me a break. I live in WNY. Not much sun this time of year), and Neutral zone.

Rule 27: Incoming!
I am surprised Ryan Miller has not collapsed some nights from exhaustion. He has faced the 2nd most shots in the NHL this season, and the 1 goalie in front of him has played more games (Mike Smith in Phoenix as of 12-13-13). He is averaging over 36 shots on him each night. That's quite the workload. When the Sabres are in the Ozone with the puck, fans yell shoot. At this point, they are yelling "Incoming" at Ryan Miller when Buffalo is on defense.

Rule 28: Double-Knot your Shoes
…or make sure your skates are sharpened. You really don't want to be that guy that has a shot with a gaping net on the goalie, and catch and edge and fall over. Or show about that guy that gets a little "push" from the defending forward, and you fall over like a dead log. Keep 'em sharp, and tight. Tyler Ennis must have some dull skate blades, because he falls a lot.

Rule 29: The Buddy System:
The Sabres defense love this one. How many times this season have we seen goals scored by a wide open forward, or a defenseman walking in with the puck from the point. Buffalo's back liners consistently buddy up on the opposition players near and around the net. This frequently leaves a player open for a free shot or two on the Buffalo net. At one point this season, someone snapped a photo of 3 players converging on one opposition player towards the corner to the left of Miller. Three.

Rule 30: Pack Your stain Stick:
John Scott's Rule. Douglas Murray bled all over that wonderfully designed (lolz) and bright colored third jersey. A little touch up work on the bench will remove the stain. "You've got red on you." (Yes. Different Zombie apocalypse movie, still a good one).

Rule 31: Check the back seat:
Sooooo many backseat drivers in the Buffalo main stream media, and social media. Myself included. Everyone has the answers. Everyone knows what is best for the team. But, are any of us coaching? I am not. Do any of us own a hockey team? Errr…no.

Rule 32: Enjoy the little things:
A win is a win. Seven of them to be exact. Celebrating them is hard, I know. But when something positive comes out of it, enjoy it. The old "F**k yea!" Ted Nolan upper cut fist pump is always entertaining, as well as Miller grabbing the puck with his glove for the 'ol fist pump after a shootout win.

Rule 33: Swiss Army Knife:
In the movie, it states multitools are always a good idea. I equate this to the lack of two way forwards for this team. They have no one right now that can put the puck in the net consistently, and play defense like a shut down forward. I want a Bergeron, or a Datsyuk. Not a Matt D'Agostini or a Matt Moulson. I understand those guys were drafted, and are amazing players. So, trade up to get a guy like that. Or trade for one from somewhere else. Pay the price.

If you like this, share it. How about a retweet? I appreciate any exposure I can get.

Twitter: @Alindz99

Grandy-man to Flushing. Granderson will make a difference for the Mets in many ways.

The New York Mets have reached agreement with Curtis Granderson on a four-year, $60 million deal. 

When I got home form work and saw this, I was happy. I like this move, and like even more that the Mets ponied up and gave Granderson the 4th year to get him to come to Flushing. 

Curtis Granderson was a pin striped enemy in my home, and now is an orange and blue beacon of hope in what was an abysmal Citi Field outfield. To say that he had some huge years in the Bronx, is an understatement. Since arriving from the Tigers, Granderson  averaged 37 home runs and 98 RBI per 162 games. We all know that those numbers were inflated in the small Yankee Stadiums (yes both of them). Evidence of the impact that the stadium had on Granderson was also evident in his batting average, which steadily declined over the last three years. 

With what speed he has left, I feel will do wonders for his game at Citi Field. It is no secret that his power numbers will decline in the vast outfield at his new home park. My hope is we see the difference made up in the extra base hits, on base percentage, and batting average. Putting someone like that in front of David Wright, could be good for the Mets Captain. If he finds a way to solve the quandary that is hitting home runs at Citi, then you have a bat that can protect David Wright, something that New York has not had consistently in a long time. 

There is a negative with his signing, and it comes in the form off the saying, "fool me twice". Since the erroneous and ridiculous contract given to the last 'big time' free agent outfielder signed by the Mets, Jason Bay in 2009, they have not given any big time free agent money to that position. 

Jason Bay was signed to play for the Mets, for 4 years and $66 million. His first year he played only 95 games. He suffered a concussion in a game against the Dodgers. He finished his season with a .259 batting average, only six home runs (he hit 36 the year before), 47 RBIs, and scored 48 runs. The hope was the injury was the reason for the poor production, and it may well have been. Unfortunately, Bay's production at in any aspect never recovered back to his Pirates or Re Sox levels. 

Granderson comes in with a great four years behind him in the Bronx. He is the first bonfied Mets free agent signing since the aforementioned Jason Bay. He gives the Mets a bat, a good outfielder, and a star name that could entice some free agents to come to Flushing and play. With lots of names out there still, maybe this signing can convince some of the 'B' list free agents to come to the Mets. 

It is a shame that Grandeson's first contract year, he will not be able to patrol the outfield for Matt Harvey. His signing does show the Mets are getting back into spending money, and maybe by the time Harvey does come back for 2015, there are a few more big names in orange and blue, and our starting rotation is healthy and plugging away. Harvey, Wheeler, Syndergaard, and Niese provide a good foundation for a bright future. Maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Early Predictions Going into Buffalo Sabres Camp

September 12th marked the official start to the Buffalo Sabres training camp, and also the collective scream of #DoSomethingDarcy in the Western New York hockey market.

As of now, Darcy has done little to satisfy the critics this offseason. He was able to get some veteran leadership for the AHL roster in Rochester in the form of signing F - Matt Ellis and naming him Captain of the Amerks, F - Jaime Tardif, D - Drew Bagnall, and F - Mike Zigomanis.

Regier was also able to lock up some current RFA's, including Brian Flynn, Corey Tropp, Matt Hackett, and Luke Adam among others. At the cusp of camp opening, he was able to sign the most valuable of the RFA's  Cody Hodgson to a multi-year contract. The deal will extend Cody through his first UFA time in 4 years, and keep him a total of six in a Sabres uniform. Barring a trade of course.

There are a lot of bodies in camp to start. You will have the players being sent back to Juniors, or another minor league system. Some players will also be announced to be players for the Rochester Americans early on in camp, and then some that will battle for, and I feel make it, on the NHL roster.

Looking at the starting 20 spots, plus three "press box" spots to round out the 23 man roster, here are some of my thoughts.

As of now, I have 10 of the positions solidly filled by forwards, five by defense, and two goalies, for a total of 17. That leaves six spots for either the starting lineup or the press box to bring us to that 23 man total.

Forwards Solid at the NHL level. Here is the list, in no particular order:

1.  Thomas Vanek: What is there to say about Vanek? Going into his ninth season with Buffalo, he has 250 career goals which ranks him sixth currently all time for the Sabres. There is no question he is in the running for the Captaincy, as Ron Rolston was quoted as saying he would not shy away from giving the 'C' to a final year player in their deal. He is in a contract year, and I feel big things are coming. He could explode this year to get himself what could be the last contact of his career, long and lucrative.
2. Steve Ott: Acquired for Derek Roy prior to the lockout shortened season, Ott has solidified himself as a leader if not only for his age and experience in the NHL (31 years old, entering 11th season). We saw last year that the new #9 was not afraid to step up in any role. From being a leader, to an intimidator, he carried the emotion from game to game. Ott is not all defense and annoyance, and could help out with 30-50 points in a full season. He is another candidate for the Captaincy.
3. Mikhail Grigorenko: Regardless of the 25 games and 5 points last season, I truly believe that this is Grigorenko's rookie season. The 12th overall selection in 2012, was badly misused last season, and my opinion was he should have stayed in Quebec to finish one last full year. Rumor around the NHL was that he was not a good teammate in the locker room, and had a lot of room to grow. Let's hope he grows this season, knowing he has a roster spot already locked up as per Darcy. There is potential for a 1-2 line center for this kid.
4. Ville Leino: Ville is still here because of his contract, and his health. His disappointing first year with Buffalo was followed up with a nagging couple of injuries that kept him out all but 8 games last season. He scored six points in his limited time, and showed some promise. He is surgically repaired, and is hoping to have a recovery season with Buffalo. With the right line, I could see Ville putting 20 goals and 45-60 points in for a full healthy season.
5. Tyler Ennis: Tyler is in a contract year, again. He signed a bridge deal last season with the hopes that it would carry him to a long term, lucrative deal. He didn't have a completely disappointing season, however his strong finish to the 2012 season was not followed up in 2013. Tyler scored 10 goals in 47 games, and could not recapture that flash he showed with Foligno and Stafford. He was moved around in an attempt help, but could not find the fire. Ennis could have a big year if healthy, and parlay that into a Cody Hodgson-esque contract.
6. Drew Stafford: We all know the story with Stafford. Have a good year, get the fat deal from Buffalo, then fall off the scoring sheet. He had 31 goals in 62 games the year he signed that extension in 2011, and in the subsequent 126 game over two seasons, he has a total of 26 goals. Stafford just has to pick it up. His contract is nearly untradeable with the lack of production, so he is here. For now. I do not expect much from Drew, but I do want an improvement to show he is trying to get back to "pre-contract" Drew Stafford. I would like 20 goals minimum from him this season.
7. Patrick Kaleta: Kaleta is more valuable then people realize. He can be annoying to the opposition, as well as his own coaching staff on the same play. He is a marked man in the NHL with multiple suspensions over the last few seasons. Pat is a checking forward, and nothing more. Invaluable on the penalty kill, Kaleta is also injury prone in the hands. His shot blocking is top notch, but he needs to stop trying to catch the puck with his hands. No doubt he makes the big club as a role player/fourth liner.
8. Marcus Foligno: Foligno finished his rookie season in 2012 with a boom. Marcus finished that campaign with 13 points in 14 games on the Ennis and Stafford line. His 2013 season carried much expectation, and the production never came. It was attempted by Ron Rolston late in the season to move Marcus around from wing to center. He looked more comfortable, but it will be interesting to see where he is used. Early in camp this year, he was placed on a line with Vanek and Hodgson. If that sticks, there will be no excuse for production issues as compared to opportunities.
9. Cody Hodgson: Well...with the new contract..he has a lot to prove. He could be a first line center, or not. We honestly do not know. Cody has not really proven anything in Buffalo yet, other then he had some chemistry with Pomminville and Vanek to start the season. That quickly faded away, and there were some occasions where Cody was placed on the fourth line as punishment for defensive zone breakdowns. 25 million is a lot to give a 3rd year pro, but your paying for the potential with this signing. Here is hoping for 65-80 points from Cody.
10. John Scott: Scott is not a top 12 forward, however when It comes to those nights playing division rival Montreal for example (Ryan White, George Parros, Brandon Prust, and Douglas Murray), those are the nights he will be in there. He has no offensive prowess, and is here to protect and serve. He will be on the final 23 man roster, at minimum.

On The Bubble at Forward, 2-3 positions:

• Brian Flynn: Came up from Rochester last season, and showed a lot of heart. On the smaller side, he is not known as a physical presence, but is not afraid to take the body. He impressed last season, playing in over half of the Sabres contests. He netted 6 goals and 11 points total. From a third and fourth line position, that is not bad. I think Flynn has a very good chance to break the lineup, but there are many skilled forwards in camp to contend with.
• Zemgus Girgensons: After a slow start, and a concussion in Rochester last year, Zemgus turned up the heat in the playoffs for the Americans. He was by far their best skater, and was all over the ice hitting, shooting from all angles, and scoring some improbable goals. He was a boy among men, playing at the professional level at 18, the youngest the AHL will allow you to play if you have not committed to juniors. Zemgus is a favorite of mine to make the big squad, if he continues his progress in camp and pre season. Some reviews I have read of the 2013 Traverse City tournament, he was their best all around skater.
• Johan Larsson: The biggest piece in the Pomminville trade with Minnesota in my opinion (With Nikita Zadorov's development withstanding), he was a second round pick of the Wild back in 2010. He has been successful at all levels, and was just called up to the NHL level at the time of the trade last year by the Wild. Larsson was a top prospect in the Minny system, and Buffalo should have high hopes he can be a top center for them long term. With the need at center, Larsson has a real chance to stay at the NHL level if he can dominate in camp and the pre season. If not, he will be a welcome addition for a full year at the AHL level.
• Kevin Porter: Porter is a dark horse in all of this. He started last season as the Captain of the Rochester Americans, and was called up when the injury bug bit the Sabres. He quickly fit in, and showed how valuable he could be to a team in need of some leadership. He was able to put in four goals and nine points in 31 games. Porter may get a shot at the NHL level to start, unless the young guns impress and outplay him early on. With the limit on veterans in the AHL per team, Porter may be an odd man out.
• Joel Armia: One of the most anticipated players to see in a Sabres uniform, Armia has finally fulfilled his military commitment to the motherland, and can play North American hockey. He has been playing with adults over in Europe for 3 years, so playing at the professional level here in the NHL or AHL should not come difficultly. He has averaged around 30 points a season in a 45-55 game average. He is big, and can score. My hope is he earns a spot and that transfers to the NHL style of play. Rinks are smaller here, and he should be able to take that to his advantage.
• Corey Tropp: Probably the most intriguing, is Tropp. After starting his NHL career with a bang in 2012 beating the tar out of Zac Rinaldo and proving he could hit and score some goals, he started last season in the AHL due to the lockout. He came out of the gate flying, scoring two goals in the season opener only to be struck on the knee tearing ligaments and ending his season essentially. He did attempt a comeback late in the season, however the fatigue was evident. He was on the roster for the Sabres for sure going into last year, however due to his injury, he will have to work hard to show he belongs with the big club again.
• Cody McCormick: Cody finished last season with the Rochester American's after clearing waivers. He was a consummate professional, and took his lumps and played hard every night he was in the lineup. He could make the Sabres roster early on just like last year, until one of the above youngsters gets some seasoning down in Rochester. One thing is for sure, whether Cody is at the NHL or AHL level, he will play his heart out for you.

Defensemen Solid at the NHL level, in no particular order:

1. Mike Weber: Had his strongest season as a pro, and really came into his own after being a healthy scratch, and being an afterthought at the beginning of the 2012-13 season. His hard work and dedication to his position and team, earned him a 5mill extension from Buffalo. I foresee big things from Weber, and possibly a top 4 spot.
2. Christian Ehrhoff : A mainstay on the blue line for Buffalo since signing here when healthy, Ehrhoff is a staple on the power play, and a minutes eater. When he is healthy, he is a fluid skater with good puck possession, and can contribute on the offensive side of things. Not strong on the defensive side, yet manageable.
3. Henrik Tallinder: Hank is back. He signed with New Jersey after playing 8 seasons with Buffalo. His last two years with the Devils were riddled with injuries, and Buffalo decided to take a flyer on the guy. Speculation was that Tallinder was brought back in to 'fix a broken Tyler Myers'. Even so, we have seen in the NHL that having a plethora of veteran d-men is valuable both in season, and at the trade deadline. I see Rolston giving Hank a chance to crack the top 6.
4. Tyler Myers: Which Tyler Myers will show up this year? The one that dominated the blue line for the Sabres his first season and a half, or the one the last 2 and a half seasons? Myers has been lost in so many ways lately, some people are thinking that Buffalo may have jumped the gun in giving him the long term contract. What they need from Myers is a return to dominance. A reclamation of that top pairing spot that he earned after his rookie season. Having Tallinder here may help, or that may not matter at all. He needs to step up, and be here both mentally and physically.
5. Jaime McBain: Acquired in the trade with Carolina for Sekera,  McBain is still young at 25, and has had some productive years in regards to points for the Hurricanes. At this point, with his physical play and size, I see McBain making the 23 man roster. He could crack the top 6 if he comes into camp in shape and gives an all out effort.

On the Bubble at defense:

• Mark Pysyk: Why do I have him here you ask? Well, the blue line is full this year. This is a good problem to have, and even thought Mark played significant time in the NHL last year and looked good, he will have to earn that spot. He played 19 games, and was thrust into an every night role once injuries and trades went down. He is a smaller defenseman, and I see him as an offensive threat and power play guy along the lines of Ehrhoff. If he has a strong camp, I see him having chance to stay with the Sabres. There are a lot of experienced blue liners to compete with.
• Alexander Sulzer: An obvious choice here with his experience and chemistry with Ehrhoff, he was on his way to a career year when it was ended abruptly by a serious knee injury. I liked this signing at the time, as it showed a belief that Sulzer was making progress in the system, and scoring points from the back end. Production from the blue line is important. I see Sulzer as a rotation in guy, to give a rest or to cover for an injury. Good chance he makes the NHL roster of 23.
• Brayden McNabb: Once full of promise, he appears to be the lost man in all of this. When he was called up in 2012, he started with a bang, literally. His open ice hits were perfect, and he dropped the gloves as well showing that he could take it just as much as dishing out. McNabb suffered a knee injury last season in Rochester which caused a set back in his development. Everyone in the Sabres organization thinks very highly of Brayden, but with the log jam at defense, I see him in Rochester to start, and even a piece in a trade to be dangled.
• Rasmus Ristolainen: Eighth overall in this years draft, I want this kid to make the NHL squad bad. He has the size, the talent, and has also being playing with adults in Europe so he is more advanced then some prospects. He was impressive in rookie camp, as well as the Traverse City tournament. The Sabres were so high on this kid at the draft, they were jumping for joy when he slipped to the eight spot. He could push any of the above bubble d-men, and that is good. Competition for a job will make everyone better, at least that is the hope. If not, I am sure Chad Cassidy will not mind having him in Rochester to start the season.

Goaltending:

1. Ryan Miller: No questions here. As long as he is in Buffalo, and on the roster, there is no way he is not the #1 goalie. He has set numerous franchise milestones in the last couple of seasons, and is a UFA at the end of this season. I think the way his play pans out, will have a huge effect if the Sabres want to give him another long term contract to finish his career as a Sabre. Of course, that is if Ryan would like to finish his career here and possibly not win a cup before he retires. A decision on his status needs to be made before the end of the calendar year in my opinion. Sign him, or work a trade out for him.
2. Jhonas Enroth: No question Enroth is the backup. I see Rolston playing him more this season, in order to see what he is really all about. There is a lot of depth in the organization at goalie, and Jhonas is the smallest of the group. The NHL does not have too many little guys in net, so eyes will be peeled when evaluating him this year and next. He may be a #1 goalie in the future, but will it be with Buffalo?

Ok...I think I am done. Whatever happens, this team with at the minimum be competitive internally. As I said above, competition is good. It makes players want to win, earn a spot, and make their mark on the NHL. Case in point, it should also provide a great roster in the AHL for the Rochester Americans once all the above shakes out. Entertaining hockey appears to be on its way East from Buffalo, one way or another.

Go Sabres.

To Be a Dad.

So, it has officially been a year since my first born, Owen was born. It has been a great year to say the least. We have had our ups and downs with him, but all in all, it has been a gift.

When my wife went into labor, It was not an easy time. She had a hard time, and it put stress on her and Owen. Regardless of this, she was a champ from beginning to end. She was in labor for nearly 10 hours before they decided to take her for a C section, and that was only after Owen's heart rate fluctuated from 22 BPM to 221BPM. They thought something had gone wrong, so they rushed her into the surgical room.

Once there, no less then 20 doctors and nurses ended up in the room with her. I was told to put on the sterile gear, and wait until it was safe to go into the room. After about 15 minutes, a nurse came out and told me that the local anesthetic that was administered, was not taking to my wife's system, and that I would have to wait 15 minutes while they tried again. If the second time didn't work, they would have to put under fully for the operation. After the second try, the doctor came out and told me that something wasn't working properly, and that they were going to place her under. As I started to get up out of the chair to join them in the room, I was abruptly stopped and told to stay in the hallway.

To that point in my life, I have not felt as much sadness, and been as scared as I was at that moment. I was going to be unable to be in the room for my son's birth, and unable to be there to hold Jenny's hand to help her through everything. I felt empty, and useless right at that moment. To the credit of the surgeon, she came out and sat next to me and advised me that they would do everything to make sure things went ok.

About twenty minutes passed, and then I heard Owen crying on the operating room, and to say I melted out of the chair to the floor was a literal depiction of what happened. The nurse came out and took my camera. and a few moments later came out with the first photos of my little man. I was so happy, not only to hear the crying and knowing he was ok, but to SEE the photos. Jenny was in the process of being taken care of, and was still out.

Another doctor came out of the room, and started talking to me about how things went. He could see the tears welling up in my eyes, and all I could get out was, "I just want to see my boy." He looked up and down the hallway, and then told me to put on my booties and hairnet. He then led me through the maze of doctors, nurses, and equipment to this little table / incubator, and my little son. He was so tiny, and had such a cone head! But he was mine. As soon as I got my hand close to him, he grabbed my finger and that was our first and most important lasting connection at that moment.

I was able to sit with him in the recovery room, waiting for Jenny to wake up after the operation. It was about an hour or so after they brought me Owen, that Jenny was rolled in and saw her son for the first time. The pure look and tears of joy were something I will never forget on her face. She was so happy, and it was pure and untainted love for that boy that she had at that moment.

We have had many highlights in Owen's first year. My parents becoming grandparents for the first time was a wonderful thing to watch. My sister coming home from England and holding Owen for the first time was amazing to see. My in-laws seeing Owen and the joy on their faces, as well as all my closest friends showing complete and utter support for us.

Back in December, when my fire department went through the horrible events that took place on Christmas Eve, I took Owen to the fire department to cheer people up as best I could. I think he did the trick as best he could, as some of the people I ran into were so thankful to have some happy innocence there at that moment. This was so true, as Owen is so oblivious to what was going on, his constant smiles were helpful.

There was his first trip on an air plane this year, to visit some extended family in Florida. The kid was a champ. We went to a baseball game, an aquarium, and Sea world. Not to mention his first time on a beach in the sand and surf. That trip was a great time, and will live on as his first vacation.

His first few teeth, his sleeping through the nights, his mumbling and smiling, all make me love him more and more. We call him "scooter" now, as he will not crawl, he just scoots along and will soon be moving right to the walking.

And finally, to keep this within a normal read...his first birthday party. The joy and love that was shared by so many people yesterday is overwhelming to say the least. I have spent the entire morning putting things together, and I am about 1/2 through the gifts showered down on my son.

From the guy who dragged the tent out of his trunk and scared the rain way, the neighbor who gave us a cooler to use and brought his chairs over the fence for people to sit. There were many others that brought chairs, games, and good times. Someone gave us 4 cases of beer to provide liquid refreshment. We had people from far and wide come up to this shindig, and we also missed some people that could not make the long trips (although they were there in spirit). To the Lindsay family member who we nearly lost 8 months ago, who came all the way to Webster for Owen's birthday, and showed me that there is always something to fight for. The most important, was the grand parents on both sides who provided the main food and dishes for the party, and love for my son.

 I do not think I could EVER write down, or say enough for the people that showed up here yesterday. I love you all in different ways, and thank you all for being who you are to Jenny, Owen and myself. We are truly blessed to have you all in our lives.

TO BE A DAD, has been wonderful. Amazing. Emotional. But most of all, to be a dad has been the best thing to ever happen to me.

Happy Birthday Owen.

2003 NHL Draft. Impact 10 years later.

Let’s take a look at the draft, 10 years ago and how it’s effects are being felt a decade later.

First, I want to take a look at things from a larger perspective, from the NHL level of things. This was a deep first round, with 16 players in the first round becoming All Stars and impact players in the NHL for thier respoective teams. You could also argue that all but one player taken in the first round has played measureable time in the NHL, with the only exception being Shawn Belle to the Blues at #30. Looking at the first round draft class, the following players are the only ones still with thier original team at the time of this article:

• Marc-Andre Fluery, Pittsburgh Penguins #1 – One Stanley Cup Win
• Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes #2 – One Stanley Cup Win
• Thomas Vanek, Buffalo Sabres #5
• Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings #13 – One Stanley Cup Win
• Brent Seabrook, Chicago Blackhawks #14 – Two Stanley Cup Wins
• Ryan Getzlaf, Anahiem Ducks #19 – One Stanley Cup Win
• Ryan Kessler, Vancouver Canucks #23 – One Finals Trip
• Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks #28 – One Stanley Cup

That is eight, out of 30 picks. Out of those eight, all but one has been to the Stanley Cup finals in those 10 years, and all but 2 have won a Stanley Cup. Thomas Vanek is the only player that has the distinction of both of those shortcomings. Staal, Brown, Seabrook, Getzlaf, Kessler and Perry all have long term deals in place with thier current teams. In the offseason to this point, there have been rumors of Vanek and Fleury both being dealt away from thier respective teams. There are a couple of things that this proves in regards to discussion of the NHL draft. One, is that impact players are taken in the first round. Second, is that even if those players are drafted by one team, does not mean that they cannot be had later in thier careers. Impact trades and free agency have reshaped the face of the 2003 NHL draft.

There are also players in the first round, that have won Stanley Cups with teams other then the one they were drafted by. Nathan Horton as won one with the Bruins (drafted by Florida #3), Jeff Carter with the Los Angeles Kings (drafted by Philidelphia #11), and Mike Richards with the Los Angeles Kings (drafted by Philidelphia #24).

The remaining impact players taken in the first round that have changed teams are:

• Milan Mihalek taken #6 by San Jose, now plays for Ottawa via trade
• Ryan Suter taken #7 by Nashville, now with Minnesota via free agency
• Dion Phaneuf taken #9 by Calgary, now with Toronto via trade
• Zach Parise taken #17 by New Jersey, now with Minnesota via free agency
• Brett Burns taken #20 by Mennesota, now with San Jose

In my mind, one of the more stacked drafts in recent years, also had its amount of later round gems. Some of them have also made huge impacts in the NHL in the last decade, including 2 winning a Cup.

• Louis Eriksson #33 by Dallas, is an Alternate Captain for the Stars, and a candiate for the Captaincy with departure of Morrow.
• Patrice Bergeron #45 by Boston, is an alternate Captain for the Bruins, has won a Stanley Cup, a Selke Award and a King Clancy Award.
• Shea Weber #49 by Nashville, is the Captain for the Predators and a perennial Norris cadidate and All Star
• David Backes #62 by St.Louis, is the Captain for the Blues. and a nominee for the Selke.
• Jimmy Howard #64 by Detroit, was runner up for the Calder Trophy in 2010
• Tobias Enstrom #239 by Atlanta, is a great young up and coming defenceman for the Winnipeg Jets
• Dustin Byfuglien #245 by Chicago, won a cup in 2010 with the Blackhawks, and is now an Alternate Captain for the Jets.

What does all this mean for us as Sabres fans you ask? What is shows us, is that It was one of the more uneventful and non impactful drafts ever for the Buffalo Sabres.

• Thomas Vanek LW, #5 overall in the first round: By far, Thomas has been the brightest bulb from the 2003 draft for the Buffalo Sabres. Prior to the draft, Vanek was part of the Minnesota Golden Gophers that won the 2003 NCAA National Championship. He was named MVP of that tournament, which was played in downtown Buffalo in front of the Sabres brass. It is hard to imagine an easier way to present in an interview. With that fifth pick, it really was an easy decision for Buffalo to take him. In one full season with the Rochester Americans, he made it known that he was ready for big things. In 2003-04, he scored 43 goals in 74 games, adding 26 assists in his first professional season. Vanek earned a spot with the big club at the start of the 2004-05 season, and has made an impact in the blue and gold ever since. As of the end of this season, Vaneks 250 career goals place him 6th overall, only 2 behind Craig Ramsey at 252. His assist total of 238 places him in the top ten, as well as his career point total of 488. Vanek has never lead the Sabres to a Cup Finals appearence, and is currently being rumored in trades this off season due to a pending rebuild.
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• Branislav Fabry RW, #65 overall in the second round: Was drafted by the Sabres, and ever saw the AHL or NHL for playing time.
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• Clarke MacArthur LW, #74 overall in the third round: MacArthur spent some time in the AHL playing in Rochester, for the first 2 plus years of his career. His time with Buffalo was shortlived, spending parts of 4 season with the Sabres. He had good back to back years in 2008-09 with 31 points, and 2009-10 with 26 points in 60 games before being traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. Buffalo received two picks for MacArthur, a third and fourth rounder, both in the 2010 NHL draft. The third round pick turned into defenceman Jerome Gauthier-Leduc who is now in Rochester playing in the AHL. The fourth round pick was used on Center Steven Shipley, who has not broken out of the OHL since being drafted.
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• Jan Hejda D, #106 overall in the 4th round: Hejda never saw a pro game for the Sabres franchise. He played three seasons in Russia after being drafted by the Sabres, and was traded by Buffalo to the Edmonton Oilers in 2006 for a seventh round pick in 2007. Buffalo used the pick #187 on Goaltender Nick Eno, who went back to college and is currently playing in the SPHL. Needless to say, he will have no impact for Buffalo at this point.
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• Denis Yezhov D #114 overall in 4th round, Thomas Morrow D #150 overall in 5th round, and Pavel Voroshnin D #172 overall in the 6th round, all had no impact with the franchise at all.
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• Nathan Paetsch D, #202 overall in 7th round: Paetsch played three productive seasons in the AHL for the Rochester Americans, and was recalled by the Sabres in the 2005-06 season to help them in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes. If you remember, this was the year the Sabres lost thier top three d-men to injuries, and had to go with a group of second tier players at that point with little to no NHL experience. He played parts of four seasons with the Sabres, and was part of the trade in 2010 that brought the overweight and out of shape Raffi Torres to the Sabres for the playoff run.
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• Jeff Weber G, #235 overall in eighth round, and Louis-Phillipe Matin RW, #266 overall never made any impression in the Sabres Organization.

When looking back at this draft for the Sabres, they have 2 players currently making any kind of impact inside the organization. The fact is, that one or both of them could be part of a trade this week to help with the rebuilding of the Buffalo Sabres. Both Thomas Vanek and Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (from the MacArthur deal) have trade value. I would not be suprised to see them both go. If this comes to pass, that would leave the Sabres with zero players left to make an impact for them in the present or future.

Let’s start a new trend. Go Sabres.

The Future Is Now, Mr. Met.

I am a Mets Fan. Glutton for punishment would be an understatement. Thick and thin, I always end up back at the blue and orange.

It started when I was about 7 years old, and was able to see the World Series Champs, with the famous Mookie Wilson / Billy Buckner play at first base at the now late Shea Stadium. As a kid at a very impressionable age, it was easy to have the Mets grow on me.

I vaguely remember those days, or the few that followed immediately. I can clearly remember the big names, like Cone, Strawberry, Gooden, Hernandez, Darling, Carter, Dykstra, HoJo and Ojeda to name a few. Then you scatter in some other names like Ray Knight, Craig Jeffries, Roger McDowell, Elster and Magadan to the mix, and you have a pretty entertaining roster for a good 4-5 years in the mid to late 80's, and into the early 90's.

Unfortunately for me, when I was able to start watching and really understanding the game, was in the early to mid nineties. They were awful. WPIX in Buffalo provided me with a lot of Mets games to watch during those years. Starting in grammar school watching with my dad, up until high school when I had my own TV.

1991 through 1996, they didn't break the .500 mark, and were an embarrassment to Mets fans all over. There were some good to great players during those years, who wasted their prime talent and years on a team which was not even close to successful. Todd Hundley was a really good switch hitting catcher with some power and played most of his career (1990-98) on some terrible Mets teams. Thank goodness for Jeff Kent's sake, he was able to get out of New York when he did in 1996, and have a Hall of Fame career with San Francisco.

The thing that I forget sometimes, are the guys that came through and had a cup of coffee with the Mets in those years. Some of them were good to great players, albeit earlier in their careers. Mr. Firecracker, Vince Coleman played parts of 3 seasons. Hall of Famer Eddie Murray spent 2 seasons in the orange and blue. Brett Saberhagen spent some time in the NY rotation. Lance Johnson, Bernard Gilkey, Brett Butler, Carl Everett and Jeremy Burnitz all trolled the outfield, while names like Carlos Baerga, José Vizcaino, Willie Randolph and Tony Fernendez took the infield. These teams were bad, and bad for a long while.

Into the late 90's, the team started to turn things around. It started with (or should I say all Mets fans thought so) the young pitching arms that were dubbed "Generation-K". It could be said now, and even for the last 15 years, that the Mets rushed these kids, and none of them panned out as promised. All three of them struggled for the Mets. Bill Pulsipher and Paul Wilson never amounted to much with the Mets, or anyone else for that matter. Injuries and just overall disappointment ended their NY careers, and ultimately followed them throughout their careers. Isringhausen was the most successful, however not with the Mets. After an incredible start with the Mets in 1995 (9-2, had to look it up!!), he had injury problems as well with torn shoulder, broken wrist and reconstructive elbow surgery. As a Mets fan during this time, I was just floored with the amount of disappointment, and how quickly the ship went down.

The late nineties also provided me with a rejuvenation as a Mets fan. The Mets seemed like they decided to take a run at things, and made some bold moves both through trades and free agency. Mike Piazza was the most prominent, and became the face of the franchise through the late nineties and right through the mid 2000's. Al Leiter was near money on the mound every start, and the savvy veteran left hander was entertaining to watch. No hit man Kenny Rogers made an appearance in 1999, along with Orel Hershiser. Rickey Henderson and Robin Ventura were staples for the Mets in the late nineties, and provided offense for New York that made them competitive again. This team made it to the NLCS in 1999, loosing to the Braves, and then to the World Series in 2000, where then lost to the Yankees.

My 'fandom' took a hit after college. Graduating in 2001, I found solace with the Mets in college. They were there for me in spring during finals as a get away, and over the summers away from my friends to watch. To say that since that time I have been disappointed, would be an understatement.
In the mid to late 2000's, the Mets went from being REALLY bad, to being really good at collapses of monumental proportions. In 2006, they made it to the NLCS, where we all remember the Carlos Beltran "bat on the shoulders" strike out.

In 2007, I was able to finally make my trek to New York City, and see my first and only game at Shea Stadium. It was in the shadow of the then framework of Citi Field, that I watched a loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. This started a drop for the Mets from first place, to missing the playoffs. It was a remarkable choke job, which they again were able to allow to happen in 2008. Since these 2 years, they Mets have failed to make the playoffs, finish above .500, or really put an entertaining product on the field.

These short comings over the years, were not helped with the general managers that were chosen by the Wilpon family. Steve Phillips was the general manger from 1997 through 2003. See a correlation here? He was single handedly responsible for the gutting of, and destruction of everything holy in the Mets locker room. Where to start? Bringing Mo Vaughn back from bi-lateral torn biceps? Bringing back Bobby Bonilla and Jeremy Burnitz back to Flushing? Now granted, he did have his hay day with 2 moves in my opinion. Piazza and Glavine. But other then that, he placed the Mets in financial disarray with bad players and bad contracts. One of those contracts will be paid out for the next 40 years! (see Bobby Bonilla).

Omar Minaya did no better. It seemed to me that Minaya was focused on making the Mets the Latin American landing spot of the Northeast. There were some great acquisitions there by Omar, including Carlos Delgado, Pedro Martinez, and Johan Santana, but There was never the focus on building around that core, and the Mets squandered the Beltran contract, Pedro's great pitching as a Met, and Santana in his prime.

Now granted, Sandy Alderson's start to the Mets with the signing of Jason Bay turned out to be a bust and a half, arguably the worst in Franchise history. The Mets have not had a single big time free agency signing since that day. Most of that is due to the Wilpon's investing with Bernie Madoff, but I digress.

We are again at rock bottom, but the future is bright. I do not say that often, especially with being a Bills, Sabres, and Mets fan. In the last 18 months, I have watched Alderson pluck prospects from San Francisco and Toronto, for aging veterans. Now please, do not make the mistake that I do not appreciate what Beltran and R.A. Dickey did for me as a fan, including a Cy Young award. However, the previous Mets general managers would never have pulled those triggers.

 For Beltran, Alderson was able to get a top tier pitching prospect in Zack Wheeler. We all watched with baited breath as he climbed the ranks through the minors over the last 2 seasons. His debut last night in Atlanta was electric to say the least.

For Dickey, the reigning Cy Young holder, Alderson acquired a veteran Catcher in John Buck. More importantly, was the other pieces. Wuilmer Becerra was a throw in, and some think if he continues to improve could be in the majors in 2016 and has a very high ceiling. Travis d'Arnaud was rated the second best prospect in the East Coast League, behind...wait for it...Bryce Harper. He could be the catcher of the future in Flushing. Lastly, the pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, who was recently rated number 29 on MLB's Top 100 Prospects list. That is quite the haul for an aging knuckleballer.

Matt Harvey was a draft pick, the last one made by Minaya's regime. What a pick. This guys is magic, and I cannot say anything else. He is miles ahead of most pitchers at his age with his experience. I have tried to watch all of his starts, which is something I cannot say I have done since Pedro was in a Mets uni.

Between Harvey and Wheeler, I have hope. Combine this with the recent comments from Alderson that the Mets will finally be able to get back into the free agent market soon, means hopefully they can build with some bats around this highly talented starting pitching. With Jonathon Neise and Dillon Gee finally pitching well and becoming somewhat stable and consistent, the starting rotation could be set for a while. Plugging in 4/5 starters for a couple of years, it is feasible to see that the Mets have built a pitcher strong minor league system. I could see in 2 seasons, the Mets rotation being Harvey, Wheeler, Niese, Rafael Montero (in Las Vegas AAA), and Gee. Noah Syndergaard could be ready then, or sooner, depending on his development.

What the Mets need to do, and what Alderson needs to do, is work on putting the package together at one time. They are entering another 5-10 year window with this pitching coming up right now. In that window, Alderson MUST make sure to get the offensive and defensive support to make sure that these talented pitchers stay with the Mets, and make them a respected franchise once again. If they want to build from the rotation back, he has succeeded in starting that. Lets hope that Harvey/Wheeler/Montero do not fall the way of Pulsipher/Wilson/Isringhausen.

This is a long rant, but I feel the future is now. As long as Alderson knows how to put the puzzle together. Go Mets.

My Hockey Exposure as a Kid.

I have been a hockey fan for a lot of years. Just turning 34, I feel that it would be a disservice to say I have been a fan since birth, as my comprehension of the game didn't take shape until I was at least close to 10 years old.

It starts in a blue collar family household, where the parents struggle to get by, but are willing and able to make the sacrifices to give their children the things to make life comfortable. As a kid, I remember watching the Buffalo Sabres games on local television, and wanting so badly to play the sport.

I would play in the street outside my home on Heward St in Buffalo, NY, which by all sorts of awesome, was on a dead end street. I played with a bunch of fellow neighborhood riff raff. No families on this street had any real money per sea, so equipment was at a premium to be able to play.

My hockey stick was a wooden shaft, with a plastic blade purchased at Gold Circle and screwed into the shaft to play with. It would wear over time mind you, and you would put a curve on that thing that wouldn't be legal even in most beer leagues.

Our hockey net was so worn down, that you needed rope, twist ties, plastic, duct tape, and anything else we could find to keep it together. It was also important to make sure you had the net sealed up, so there was no dispute if the puck when into the net.

We had community goalie equipment, which we all fought over to play with. Goalie was the popular position back then, and everyone wanted to be the 'official goalie', and then the rest of us would play with a take out line. The pads were so worn, that the foam on the back of the Mylec pads was breaking off in chunks, causing us to reach for dad's duct tape more often then not. One person had the pads, one person had the glove and blocker, someone had the stick, and we had a couple of masks. We could not play with a goalie unless everyone was in town, or someone trusted someone else to hold onto the other items. And chest protectors? We didn't need them. Mine was an old Starter jacket my mom found at the Niagara Outlets at the Starter Store, on sale.

My mask was one with some character, as it was the mask my father wore for Halloween nights to frighten the neighborhood children. It has knife holes in it, fake blood in some spots, and really was not made for use in such an atmosphere other then the soft warm weather ball we used in the street.

We always wanted to BE the NHL. BE the Sabres. BE that hero in game 7. It was always Hasek, Barasso or Belfour in net, with Lemieux, Jagr, Gretzky, Mogilny or Lafontaine out playing. We had our own verbal Rick Jeanneret calls we would yell out with any goal or save. It was fun.

As I grew up and entered my teen years, my parents were fortunate to be able to award my sister and I with televisions to watch in our rooms. The televisions were not flat screens, or plasma, or LCD Hi Def. These TVs were hand me downs, with squiggly lines and big antennas. This was a reward for good work in school, and at this time I discovered CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.

Saturday nights were the best. I would do my chores, eat dinner, and if we were out doing a family function, would beg to get home in time for the start of the Hockey Night in Canada double header. It was always Canadian teams, but who cares? It was hockey. Good Hockey. Don MacLean and Don Cherry taught me a lot about the game of hockey. They taught me the rules, the codes, and the superstitions. The most important superstition that I learned from them, was not touching the Stanley Cup unless you win it.

I know, I know. Adam would never have a chance to win the cup, so why does it matter? I watched my entire teenage years, and 14 years into my adult life, grown men and some young boys beat themselves up for the right to push that superstition aside and kiss the cup. As a fan, there is nothing that I respect more in team sports.

I have been to the Hockey Hall of Fame only once, and the Stanley Cup was not there. It was a relief in a way to me, as I did not have to wrestle with the choice of wrapping my arms around it, or grabbing it. Some of you who will read this will think I am crazy, but that doesn't concern me. Putting into perspective for the average fan, take the most impressive, amazing, and recognized achievement you have ever received. Now, let's say I come along and want to take that, rub my hands on it, and take it for a ride in my 4 door sedan. That would make me feel a little uncomfortable.

Now, this is multiplied by 40 plus years as a Sabres fan. I feel that as a Sabres fan, I shouldn't be touching the Cup. The cup is the closest to the Holy Grail that anyone will come to touching. I know some religious nuts would cut me down for this, but it's true. I feel that until the Sabres win that Cup, the Holy Grail to me is nothing more then another bowl sitting on that three tiered shelf in the scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Once the Sabres become Stanley Cup Champs, I can grab that cup and take my picture with it, even wrapping my hands around it in joyous celebration.

To this day, there is no picture of me with the Stanley Cup, and I will still be a tad uncomfortable if the day comes again when I have the opportunity to have it taken. As an average fan, this is what the Cup means to me.

Tony Romo, Joe Flacco, and What Bills QB?

It is Easter Eve, and all I can say is Holy God. The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones must have the Tony Romo version of "tunnel vision".

I must precurse this conversation by saying that I am am a Bills fan. This, I am sure, will bring hell fire from the Cowboys fans that this reaches (if any at all).

 

Tony Romo, who was coming up on the end of his contract, was just signed to a 6 year extension worth $108 million. Of this amount, $55 million was garanteed. What? Romo is 32, and this contract

will keep him signed until he is 38. My money is he makes it two seasons of this contract, maybe three.

When I sit here and think about what happened in that negotiation, I wonder if Romo and his agent actually sat there with a straight face when telling Jerry Jones he is better then Joe Flacco, therefore asking for more up front money.

The Baltmore Ravens signed Flacco to a 6 year extension worth a more over total number of $120.6 million, however the number that counts is the $52 million that was paid up front. Yes, you read that right. Tony Romo was promised more money up front then Joe Flacco.

This made me start to think how differently the two franchises handled the contract extensions of their starting quarter backs. The Ravens told Flacco all season, that they would not extend him during the regular season. I am unsure if they were waiting for him to deliver, or fall flat on his face. However, after the Super Bowl victory and MVP performance this past February, Flacco said that Baltimore would pay. And they did.

With Romo, the Cowboys decided to give Romo Mucho bucks before he became a free agent, without proving anything other then he shines in the regular season in individual stat categories. Dallas should have let Romo hit the market, and see what kind of offers he would get. I would bet the farm no team would give him more guaranteed money then the reigning Super Bowl MVP (other then maybe Oakland).

Flacco put up some pretty sick numbers in the post season this year. He had a 55.3 completion percentage, 1,140 yards in 4 games with 11 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. These stats included throwing some pretty passes with perfect placement to his receivers throughout the playoffs. Flacco ran the table, beating the upstart Andrew Luck led Indianapolis Colts in Baltimore, then going on the road to Denver and New England. In the two games leading up to the Super Bowl, Flacco went into Peyton Manning's house, and then Tom Brady's house, and beat them. It is very easy to justify paying this quarterback, at the age of 28, the most lucrative contract in the NFL. He is the hot hand now, and earned that money.

Romo. What have you done for me lately? Cowboys fans should be asking that question. I will not argue, Romo's regular season stats are staggering. He completes 65% of his passes. Romo has thrown nearly double the touchdowns then interceptions (177 TD, 91 INT), and carries a 95.6 QB rating. It is hard to argue these numbers, and not justify giving this guy money to stay. The problem is, he cannot perform in the clutch. He has one career playoff victory in 4 games played. Joe Flacco had 4 wins in 2012 alone, and nine in his career to this point. Romo is not even the best Quarterback in his division.

The NFL East contains Eli Manning, who has two Super Bowl Championships, and corresponding MVP in those games. Washington drafted one of the most dynamic QBs in NFL history with taking Robert Griffin III, granted that Mike Shannahan's poor coaching decision to leave him in when injured doesn't end his career. I think if RGIII is healthy, he could end up being the best quarterback in that division. The Eagles are a mess at QB, so at least Cowboy fans have that.

I think this is a poor decision by Dallas not only in the money, but the length of the contract. Romo cannot, and will not continue to put up 4900 yard passing and 25-30 touchdowns per season. But in their defense, the QB market is thin, and I guess I would rather pay Romo then to try and trade for a Carson Palmer (or sign him as it appears he may be released due to Flynn Acquisition) from Oakland, or sign a free agent like Kevin Kolb or Matt Hasselback.

 

Speaking of QB problems, how about my Buffalo Bills. I was all in support of parting ways with Ryan Fitzpatrick. The experiment did not pan out, and it was time to move on. However, moving on requires viable options to replace him with. As of now, the Bills have Travaris Jackson, and Aaron Corp under contract at the QB position (Brad Smith is a push).

Jackson has not played a snap of competitive football since January 1, 2012. He sat on the sidelines in sweats all season, as the Fitzpatrick ship went down. I was dumbfounded at the fact that Chan Gailey could not see any reason to put Jackson in, or even dress him. Looking at the depth chart, he is currently the starter for the Buffalo Bill. That, scares me. The reason why this scares me, is the only other QB on the roster is Aaron Corp, and undrafted free agent that spent last season at home after the Bills cut him in the summer.

Recent rumors had the Bills looking at Matt Flynn from Seattle, of which fell through as it seems he is going to Oakland. This means the release of Carson Palmer is inevitable. The last thing I heard everywhere, is that the Bills want to give a look to the recently released Kevin Kolb. Ugh. The market is so thin, that Palmer and Kolb are going to be the best options. At least Palmer can throw down field, and could become the 'Drew Bledsoe' of the 2013 season. I see Kolb as no upgrade over what Fitzpatrick was.

I hope the Bills use the #8 pick in this years draft on a QB. My money is on Matt Barkley. He seems to have healed well from a shoulder injury, and appears ready for the draft. I am not going to fake being a draft expert, as I am not. I just hope that the new Bills brass is not blinded by the Orange glow emitted by Ryan Nassib out of Syracuse. It could, and may happen. I just do not want to see a pick made with our hearts. I want to see it made with our heads.

That's all for now. Tired.

@Alindz99 : twitter

The NHL Market is officially open.

In the last 48 hours, there have bee some interesting developments in the NHL trade market, and the rumor mills on the Internet.
1. Let's start with the Brendan Morrow deal.
On Sunday, the Penguins made an offer to the Dallas Stars, to acquire their captain Brendan Morrow. There are a lot of interesting properties to this deal. First, the Stars traded their captain. For the second NHL business year in a row, a team has packed the bags of it's captain and sent him off (On June 23, 2011 the Flyers traded Captain Mike Richards to the Kings just a day before the NHL Draft). This should show the NHL, and the Sabres in particular, that it is not fo paux to do this type of deal in the new NHL.
Trading the guy with the 'C' on his sweater, is no longer seen a violation of any Code.

Morrow was the captain of the Stars since the 2006-07 season, when the Stars asked long time Captain Mike Modano to step back and let Morrow into the role. I think the Sabres could take a page out of this in the Pomminville situation. Pomminville has not lived up to a captain type role, particularly this season. This could easily be seen as Jason's worst year since the 2005/06 season, his rookie year. His point production is not awful, but it is not spectacular either for a first line right wing. It is also not a good thing to hear boos at the arena when your Captain touches the puck and causes a turnover. Steve Ott has become the leader on this team. This is evident both on and off the ice. I would like to see Ott wearing the Captain C, and an extension placed for him as well.

Lastly, I think it opens the market for trades. If Morrow can land Dallas a top d prospect and a pick at the age of 34, I think the return on a more offensive winger like Pomminville is something Darcy Regier should look into and consider. Even with the lack of leadership shown this season by Pomminville, it should not be ignored he is younger (30 years old), has more offensive skill, and would come to your team as a possible player to resign to a contract after next year for an affordable price.

2. Next, I want to address the recent injury to Ilya Kovalchuk.

Tom Gulitti @TGfireandice

Devils say MRI on Kovalchuk's shoulder didn't show anything different than the X-ray, so 2-4 week projection for his recovery remains same.

 

Kovalchuk was recently diagnosed with a shoulder issue, that could render him out until the end of the regular season. A 2-4 week time frame for an injury, would place a lot of pressure on Devils GM Lou Lamoriello. The trade deadline is only eight days away, and the end of the season for the Devils is just over a month from now.

 

The Devils cold very likely, and probably should  make a play for a winger to replace Kovalchuk. Even though Kovalchuk is a left winger, I am positive if the right deal for a right wing came up, Lamoriello would jump at it. I think Pomminville could work here. Even with the recent acquisition of Matt D'Agostini from the Blues, I believe the Devils will look to upgrade. Pomminville could be a good fit here, and easily warrant a first round pick and a prospect. I would even consider taking a veteran like Clarkson, who I think would be a great addition to this roster. With the possibility of Dallas asking a top prospect and a 2nd round pick for Derek Roy, I see no reason why the Sabres at minimum could not ask that for Pomminville.



3. Penguins acquire defenceman Douglas Murray from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for their second round draft pick in the 2013 NHL Draft and a conditional 2014 draft choice.

Not sooner than I finish reading an article about how the Sharks were looking to unload Murray, I see that the Penguins, for the second day in a row, set the market. This time it was on a defenceman, for what could be seen as a steal, 2 draft picks. (The 2014 draft choice is conditional upon the Penguins winning two playoff rounds this year or the team re-signing Murray for the 2013-14 season. Should either event occur, the Sharks will receive the Penguins second round selection in 2014, should neither occur, the pick becomes a third-rounder: Credit to TSN.CA). 

Douglas Murray is by far anything other then a stop-gap, 4 thru 6 defenceman on a team. The 33 year old blue liner in in the last year of his contract being paid 2.5 million this year (al beit prorated to the lockout), and has never scored more then 17 points in a single season during his NHL career. He is  big (6-3 240),defensive minded, and was at the top of his team in blocked shots and hits. Does this remind you of anyone on the Sabres?

Insert Robyn Regehr. Regehr is smaller in girth (6'3 225), in the last year of a contract, and is always a big player when it comes to blocked shots and hits. He carries with him a full no trade clause, which required Terry Pegula and Ted Black to fly to Calgary for 2 days and woo him to come to Buffalo. I think given the opportunity to play with a contender for a Stanley Cup, Robyn may be interested. If he truly likes it here in Buffalo, you can always attempt to resign him after the season. I do not see how an exact duplication of the Pittsburgh / San Jose deal would not work here, with a conditional pick having the same parameters.
The Jets, Canucks, Red Wings, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Wild and Kings could all be good landing places for Regehr.

Thats it for now. #DoSomethingDarcy