Picture this....It’s the 90’s. You are watching some Wonder Years reruns, and you’re pondering why your crush at school couldn’t be more like Winnie. Kevin is like you, just a kid. He wants to stay up. He feels himself growing as the world around him is changing by the minute. Even though the edict to get to sleep has been issued by your hobby enthusiast 'a man is a man' dad, your mother seems a little more sensitive as she sips on her glass of wine and proclaims that she is tired of the day’s activities.
You go to your room and sneak out of that hand-held game with your head under the sheets. Volume down, giggling, thinking you were getting away with something. All of sudden you hear….” let’s go!!”
When my generation was younger, you could not get to sleep without laughing to yourself thinking Robert Ray was under your bed instead of the boogeyman (we actually had one of those). He had pro wrestler tendencies, but he actually was dressed in Sabres home whites with a jersey waiting to come off. You had seen him bringing the crowd to their feet and changing the tone of the game. It was awesome.
When the game gets tough, the other team's enforcer knows it’s going down. Old time hockey. A ritual that was expected. A time when a club’s identity was represented by a tussle to hopefully alter the flow. Perhaps not politically correct in today’s climate, but let’s be honest, we were all entertained and loved it.
Hockey was not a worse game back through its evolution. It was barbaric at times, but it had the foundational components that are prevalent in the action that we currently absorb. Technology has increased the speed and pace. The physical aspect is still brought out when necessary, but there is just so much more to process out on the ice. Fighting is dangerous and it had to dwindle in its scope, it is just how it is. It festers and rises up now and again in critical contests, but the player's skill on display trumps it all.
This year’s playoffs have been excellent to follow, and, as always, new heroes are being made. I am one that really appreciates the NHL even with all the flaws.
Back to the Razor.....As you feel your thumbs getting sore trying to conquer Tetris, you hear rustling. Suddenly your canopy is ripped from you. The missing sheet exposes you in your boxer briefs and shirt, and your jaw drops. Thank God you convinced your mother to transition from the tightie whities. You are startled and perplexed, to say the least. You expected your dog but what you see is lacking fur.
He appears like something from a Scooby Doo episode. “Didn’t your parents tell you to go to bed an hour ago knucklehead?”, he exclaims. You move left, you dodge right, but to no avail, you are in his grasp. Immediately your 'Where is the beef' tee is pulled up over your head and you are getting pummeled. Haymakers, even a purple nurple. You relent as Don Koharski separates the melee and drops you into a fictional penalty box. “Why don’t you eat another donut”, he says. “Get to sleep!”
With elbow pads off and an over-the-head whip of his jersey, Mr. Ray exits the room. The encounter is over until next time. You hear him bound down the stairs, and, without your knowledge, your parents hand him a six-pack as he dances out the door. This man is someone who had found his niche and utilized it to the best of his ability.
A warrior, a showman. A true teammate who played a role for the scorers and consistently rose to the occasion when called upon. Be on top even if they get the upper hand and you receive a few lumps. Your reputation put you on the correct side of the law of averages. #32 is a great part of our modern-day broadcast; still stirs stuff up with a smile. A score sheet legend.
Had to throw one in here. One of the best fights ever, and occurring in the waning days of the Aud. An epic Jeannerete call to boot –
June is upon us and the NHL draft will be here before you know it. Then open season on July 1st. Buffalo does a great job with the combine as NHL teams get a look at the youngsters. It will be interesting to see if the Sabres have something up their sleeve, and it is going to be fun to see how it all unfolds.
I expect a few moves as Adams tries to shore things up to contend for a playoff spot. Can’t wait to talk about some real stuff, but I still am always grateful for the opportunity to pontificate about anything in regard to my favorite team.
Game 4 of the finals ended up pretty heated, Tkachuk had another chance with virtually no time left. These guys are putting it all out there. I loved the clean hit on Eichel the other night, but I don’t like seeing him or anybody take a shot off the noggin. I hope he is ok. Vegas is really playing some excellent hockey.
Congratulations to the Bandits on their championship. Thank you Americans for a nice playoff run. It was great to see our prospects get valuable experience.
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • 
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