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The NEXT GREAT SABRES BLOGGER Round 2: Brad |
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With the Northwest breeze across Lake Erie the promise of spring blows, into a pocket of hopes and dreams that was to be called “Crossroads”. The sign was draped on the building that Sabre’s fans and Buffalonians held so dear, we all knew that possible demolition was near. The echoing sticky ramps, the concerts with blasting amps. The skyway casting a shadow where memories swirl in the morning sun. My father giving away one of our extra tickets to someone who didn’t have one. Wondering how it was possible to be feeding jolly ranchers to caged bears in the basement after the Russian circus just performed. Buying peanuts from the juggler in the wheelchair to share as the puck dropped. Children waiting outside the locker room for autographs after the game. Sometimes it felt like things would always be the same. The Bavarian Aud Club where my grandparents would treat us, one of the little great things about The Queen City among many to discuss. Thanks to the Knox family for having vision, keeping hockey in our town was a tough financial decision. “Crossroads”, that is where we were then and unfortunately where we are now. It is time to fight for, and with our organization, alongside the players left on the team. It’s time to build again and have a dream. One of the last great bouts at Memorial Auditorium was Rob Ray and Vial, the immortal Rick Jeanneret and Ramsay of course made the call. In our barn god bless how our skilled players were protected, and yes, so many teeth were collected. I salute all of the tough guys who wore their hearts on their sleeves, there are too many to name. The ones who did the dirty work while others got the fame. We are proud of you for owning the crest and believing in it. The older generation of players just seemed to be a little more appreciative of where they fit.
As the bricks were laid and a new arena was erected, our charismatic players gave us an image that wasn’t expected. Matt did show bravery and dedication to secure that robe regardless of where he is at now. I hope he is well. Thanks to John Rigas and Tom Golisano, as well as to Larry Quinn for being instrumental in getting us through some tough years but also some amazing ones. There are many others that deserve credit as well. Who knew that our analysis could be looked at as petty back then considering the circumstances we are faced with now? Sports are cyclical and as fans we are all along for the ride. When an organization is being run adequately with moderate and at times surprising success, it is a lot more fun playing GM with friends and team supporters. When it gets to this point however, it seems inconceivable how we got here given the opportunities that we have been blessed with through the draft and financial stability. With so many inadequate coaching moves and lackluster play how did we end up with “Wreck it Ralph Kreuger”? It is obvious that the kind of bench leadership needed for this group comes in the form of grit and toughness. Someone who gets respect not only because they have earned it in the past but also demands it in their demeanor. There has to be a hierarchical structure to this team and it needs to be addressed immediately. This is not unfair to the athletes, they need it, they will understand it when they achieve goals, and they will appreciate it after it is all said and done and they are no longer fortunate to be paid to lace up. Their kids will understand the pro athlete miracle better with this kind of guidance. The fans win, the city wins, and the players win. You think Tim Murray was smug and flawed? At least he had passion and spoke his mind. I have no problem moving on from him but at least he had guts and character. Don Granato might not be the person for the job but there are surfacing undertones that he gets what it takes and the players on this team are responding.
I am not the writer who will always point to a statistic, I am the one who feels pain of the overall situation and expresses artistic.
It is not about me, it is about us as a community worthy of reciprocal passion from the organization and players. It’s pretty simple. We are not ignorant, in this day and age of digital overkill the silence speaks volumes. I could go on, but I am hoping that you will consider me to give you consistent content through this forum.
The Sabres and ice hockey have always been a part of me and I am fully aware of the soldiers that are by my side. We as fans are a team too.
“Crossroads”
It is perplexing at best to try to understand the brilliant path that Kim and Terry Pegula have guided our beloved Bills on and how their first affection has been so embarrassingly derailed. I truly believe from this rock bottom state that there are glimpses of a positive direction and that it is not as far away as we think. I don’t consider it at all scripted but sometimes amongst the pain healing is inevitable.
Instead of chasing we are finally experimenting. We are finally understanding a season is lost and we are giving prospects a chance by giving them consistent playing time.
Terry and Kim. Never in our darkest hours of losing our franchise did we think we would have such generous saviors as you. Not only have you brought stability to entities that if lost would crush the soul of what we have always known as a constant, you have also shouldered the burden of rebuilding a section of our town that was forever neglected. Without you there are many events that would have never transpired and your work is ongoing and your legacy will forever be revered. I believe in your promise of championships Terry. We all do. We have to. Underdogs. That is who we are.
What you have to comprehend however is a lost generation of children over the last ten years of no playoff hockey. When our sons were eight, at times we chose our best friends to go to the playoff game thinking we had so many chances in the future to share the experience. Now our kids are eighteen and have never heard the roar of the crowd when Chris Drury scores in the waning seconds of the game. Prices escalate and the investment is not mutual. It hurts all of us and I deeply have faith that it affects you Terry. It is a void that you have conquered with the NFL but the ice is melting. Lifelong season ticket holders can’t afford this nonsense. Crystal sets are being dropped from bridges and the youth are becoming Penguins fans… Or god forbid, Bruins or Flyers fans.
The game in Philly was not a pretty victory but it was not an anomaly either. The consistent play has been building in pockets over the last few weeks and it has been refreshing. We have been so stubborn in regards to seeing if we have centers on this team. Guess what. We do. Sam, Casey, and Dylan have shown that they are capable when needed and their efforts have gotten results. Number 9 is the best one we have and he would elevate our chances in every facet of the game when he gets back…
Has anyone heard from number 9 ?? Once again, the silence...
“Crossroads” for him and “Crossroads” for us...
Please let us know if you are ok and if you can still bleed blue and gold. We really care about you.
Back to the Philly game and the realization that if we can get him signed, we have a legitimate NHL goaltender. Sean Gerald Couturier tried to steal the blanket from Linus and he denied him the pleasure. It literally saved the outcome and gave his teammates the confidence to fight back.
Seeing Cousins take a second stab at the loose biscuit with his big frame after being out with an upper body injury said a lot. Seeing his teammates dive into the fray as he took some face jabs said more.
Back to that Vial fight.
“Wholly Maceral, bring on Tyson!” “Don King’s somewhere down that hallway” “Those right arms were going like pistons”
“Crossroads”
As an addition thanks for another uneventful trade deadline. The recent play of Montour was encouraging and I am wishing I could see more. I loved the idea of Taylor Hall but the team has been playing well without him. There is no doubt if he could recapture some of his form, we could use a player of his caliber. Saw flashes of it in the beginning of the season but he just seemed to stop moving his feet as the losses piled on. Sorry he never could feel the excitement of a building filled with our team.
To the critics I would be glad to analyze each game on a period to period basis but I am just getting started. I had to get a few things off my crest.
Please help me keep this beat on repeat.
Brad
Aka “lumberhacks”
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