Archive for February, 2010

Unfortunately for the Russians, the Olympics are over.  The highly touted Russia vs. Canada match was nothing more than a fizzle, and almost looked like the womens Canada vs. Russia match.  Yesterday was not just the end of the Olympic’s for the Russians though, but for every NHL player that didn’t make the Olympics – as they had to report back to practice yesterday. In Buffalo, players can’t help but feel like this week is almost like training camp part two.  With the deadline creaping up on the Sabres, the locker room has to be filled with guys looking around, [...]

So you may have noticed my absence here since the Olympic started – I figured I would take the time off as well and give my self a break as well. Watching the US and Canada play tonight, and seeing Mr. Bettman present at the games, I figure it would be a good time and adapt the NHL to more of an Olympic style game to make the overall game better.  Here are a few of the Olympic/International rules that they NHL should consider keeping in their game or keeping out of their game. No Touch Icing – not so [...]

Hello Hockey Fans! My name is Melanie Formentin and I’m a master’s student at the University of South Florida. I’m currently working on my thesis, a study about the National Hockey League’s reputation following the 2004-05 lockout. The survey I am asking you to complete is designed to measure your attitudes about the NHL. Please click the following link to begin the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/T3ZS38W. The survey will take less than 15 minutes to complete. Your input is invaluable to my research, and your participation is highly appreciated. All responses and data will remain confidential and anonymous. This survey is in [...]

The San Jose Sharks saw their road winning streak stopped, and Evgeni Nabakov got a little taste of Olympic hockey Buffalo style as he watched the final second tick away on the bench to the chants of U.S.A.! U.S.A! The Sabres were never really in jeopardy of losing this game, so what makes it so dangerous?  It gives Darcy Regier fuel not to make a deal in the final three days of trading after the Olympic break. Why is that? His home-grown motto might save him some.  I can hear the press conference now.  The Sabres are not going to [...]

It comes as no surprise that the Buffalo Sabres organization misses the Rochester Americans as a farm team.  Guy comes down with the touch of a flu the morning of a game? You have a replacement 60 minutes away. That relationship soured and now the Sabres prospects call Portland, Maine home.  That could change again as early as next season, as the Albany market could be looking to replace the vacating River Rats.  Check out the details (as many of them as you can get out of this) here. As much as I would love to see a quicker turn [...]

Its the final game before the Olympic break for both teams; one team is smoking hot and the other is trying to bobble their heads above the water and not officially sink to the bottom. Im gonna guess you all know which team is which. San Jose is 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and tonight ends a 6 game road trip in which they are 4-1 on so far. Buffalo is 2-6-2 and badly in need of a win and not just a win but a solid effort win. After the Carolina loss Ryan Miller was not shy about [...]

After last night’s game against Carolina Ryan Miller was quoted as saying, “I don’t understand the second period, we played like scared little kids”. Among other comments Miller expressed his frustration further by pointing out the two goals scored against him in the second were plays that should never have happened and without being blunt basically saying his defense let him down. Ill jump on Miller’s support wagon and say they absolutely let him down. Twice on broken plays Carolina scored and Miller felt like both times the plays could’ve been prevented and or finished off with some more effort [...]

Well folks, its officially happening.  Sabres Nation is having a case of the deja vu.  Watching the Sabres implode because of management’s inability to make a deal that will cement this team as a real contender. So mired in a four game losing streak for the second time this month – we host the Bruins hoping to stop the slide, and hold onto what once seemed like a sure divisional title just three weeks ago. Here we are now, less than a week away from the Olympic shutdown, just one point ahead the Sens – with games in hand. If [...]

Ok normally I hate listening to local sports talk radio because usually they repeat themselves and talk about their dog eating baby puke more then actually making a point. BUT..I have to agree with some of what Ive been hearing lately. The Sabres need a change whether it be a trade or just turning to each other and saying “WAKE UP AND PLAY HOCKEY!” This time I blame Ruff and the team. Ruff mainly because he’s willing to play Miller until he can no longer stand or hold his stick up anymore. How many goals have we watched him let [...]

What do the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo professional sports franchises have in common?  Four hours ago, I would tell you they both lacked a championship victory – but Buffalo held  a one up on the Saints because they had appeared in a championship game. No longer is that the case, as the New Orleans Saints found a way to spot the Indianapolis Colts ten points, before racing to a 31-17 victory in Super Bowl 44. Granted it took them 43 years to get there, but the Saints now have a perfect 1.00 winning percentage in league championship games (1-0).  [...]