News Just In…
Stink Bombs Set off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium On Sunday, October 8th…, and at Key Bank Center on Friday, October 6th…
Sometimes it is just hard to be a Buffalo sports fan. We deal with all sorts of adversities, and although we personally feel the pain as it manifests before us, we have to understand that as a community the screams are coming from every house. So, when your partner tells you to stop flipping out, you have to take solace that your reaction is happening in every domicile or establishment throughout our fanbase that takes our success against others personal. Our football team had no excuse to lose in London and the injury bug is biting. I feel for all of the mafia, I hope we can rudder this ship through the storm.
That being enough said, let’s rewind to Friday and our hockey team. With our opening day lineup basically stepping onto the ice, I was shocked at our defensive lapses and lack of concentration. I understand that this is the preseason, and I still have faith, but Pittsburgh worked us. We are going to need more effort and pride in our own zone. I love Levi, but he wasn’t ready to play either. He needs a systematic battle from everyone involved. What was given to him was not enough.
Finally, our roster is paired down.
I think the distraction of so many players hanging around in camp, and the lack of veterans playing games when they need to get up to speed was hurtful. Did Thompson, Skinner, and Tuch even play on Friday? Anyway, I am just nervous from what I saw. I understand acclimation and the passion that will be infused when the regular season starts. It’s a long year, and I do believe that we have the pieces to achieve our goal of making the playoffs. Back to channeling my inner Garth. We can’t have the lackluster play we had the other night. No more of this, no more giving the puck away.
The trigger has been pulled except for those who are backstopping the net. Biro has been sent down pending waivers, Bryson has shockingly survived the hammer. Benson has earned his chance with another two-point night. Savoie is getting his respect because of his injury status. His skill set has earned him the look. From sources in the know, Matt is a guy they are completely uncertain about. Our new number 9 just might cleanse us of the most recent one. He is the motor that they feel ran the car propelling the rookie duo in the minors. Perhaps a significant trade with all of the other horses in the stable? It will be interesting to see what happens. We are in a position of strength with too few roster spots.
Notes from the couch –
Dahlin and Power looked uninspired. When the Rangers come to town, I hope they are sharpening their elbows. The schedule is a marathon and I trust they are ready to sprint when the puck is dropped. The first three months are the most important in pro hockey. When the new year hits you don’t want to be making excuses. You need to be in a position of strength. Play the best you can when the leaves are changing and falling off the trees. If you don’t, you will be trying to put away your patio furniture after the first few snow storms. You will be that guy, the one who wasn’t prepared or paying attention. I think Granato and his coaching staff understand this, I pray the goaltending logjam doesn’t bring anybody down. Make a decision. Try to squeak somebody through to Rochester, bring a new guy in, don’t carry three. We need an extra body to keep people honest in other areas. If someone isn’t bringing it, they need to know the press box is waiting for them.
Clifton looks like he is an addition that was worth the investment. I have not seen him enough, but he has some offense and physicality. Johnson looks slow but I understand why he is here. He has size and experience. I don’t like the pairings they rolled out. Playing him with Samuelsson is a bad idea. I don’t care about left and right shots. Figure out what player compliments the other. It seems pretty simple. Fast guy with the old guy?
Josh, get out of your head. The game was there for you to take. Run the ball when the openings are there and stop forcing the ball. We need you buddy, we don't care if you sell cars or promote a cell service.
Victor and Greenway are still on my radar in regards to proving that they deserve what they have been given. We have others that we can plug and play.
A few years ago I thought Erik Karlsson was spent when he left Ottawa. I think he is playing the best he ever has. He is a man among boys with some of the plays he makes. Am I crazy in thinking this? I was impressed.
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