Let’s get this out of the way first. I don’t care if any of you think that our star defenseman doesn’t deserve the letter on his shirt. I have been down this road before. When you are a first overall pick from a failing organization the journey is long, and there is going to be more than just hurdles. Wet behind the ears as a rookie, and not having to be the savior was a good place to be in but challenging. Since we had a red headed clown carrying the proverbial torch of leading us out of the quagmire of despair, the kid was able to sit back and watch. Well, we know how all of this went in regards to management failures, coaching inadequacy, second fiddle to number nine (or fifteen), who just was not a leader. An entitled college prospect who was given the juice and the ride. After quite a few years acclimating to his new surroundings, and being braver than Eichel ever had to be, we finally have someone who has the recognition that he earned after a lot of lessons in reference to how hard this league can be. Regardless of the self-inflicted transition stage that he had no control over, he has been a soldier and appreciative of the community and his responsibility of improving his game. If you haven’t been watching, he is easily on of the best defenders in the game. He became a man from youthful ignorance before our eyes. He is more dominant, and has completely infused a more physical passion to his game while improving point production. In other words, other squads know to be aware when he is logging top minutes. He doesn’t take any crap (sorry kids), he sticks up for his teammates, he is our number one point man on the powerplay, and he is aggressive in the defensive zone while controlling the puck with professional movement up ice. For those of you who have been awarded the accolade of the extra stitching on the jersey that you are blessed to wear, this decision is no joke. He will earn it every night. He is just coming into his own. People hate playing against him because he is far from soft and is completely dangerous. Our boy Lindy knows what he has and won’t make any mistakes in not counting on, and supporting his leader. Our bench boss was gifted gold. This team is shaping up fans, the Sabres are on the map again, and to be watched carefully.
After years of ineptitude and failed team concepts, I am confident barring any major injuries, that we will be taking it to more teams than you think. I am going to call my Brad Ruth, Messier shot. We are making the playoffs this year. If we do not, for those who don’t like my style, I will quit this particular job if it doesn’t happen. Let us be Sam the Sheepdog and the other teams be the Coyote. The Sabres will go to work everyday and for once not be the one surprised.
I am not going to pat anybody on the back upstairs at the house that Seymour built, because I am livid at what has transpired over the last decade plus. But, what I am saying is that I think the planets are finally going to align, and it is hard to keep stepping on your Eric Johnson when opportunities present themselves on a consistent basis while you are fortunate to analyze your failures. We are stockpiled with high end picks, we have the leverage to make drastic changes if things aren’t working out, sometimes the five to ten year plan does work out. I am going to give out a rare compliment. Success is at your fingertips Terry and Kevin, you lost a generation of fans but I think you are finally ready to be recognized. Ruff should have been the mantra, and he should have never been let go. Humble yourselves and watch what happens while Ron Rolston and Krueger sit and view the live action from their couches. What the heck were you thinking?
What am I seeing? This training camp and preseason has been completely unorthodox but interesting none the less. Two squads playing on separate continents, our AHL team basically subbing in for the big boys and being competitive. I understand that nobody is quite rolling out their top bodies every night, but our prospects are encouraging. Shout out to all of you fellow season ticket holders who are forced to pay for the game tomorrow, lol. All kidding aside, we have seen quickly who is competing for spots. Our new bottom six is putting a lot of pressure on some veterans who have been comfortable and were on cruise control. Scoring has been spread throughout the lineup, and the new acquisitions are showing up and chipping in on the stat sheet with strong efforts. When it comes down to dressing up on game day in Prague, it will be interesting to see where Krebs, Greenway, Lafferty, Malenstyn, Kubel, Kulich, and whoever fits in. Lots of choices.
This is a great time of year for Buffalo sports. Bring on the Ravens tonight. I think our franchises might be aligning in congruence with the planets. Let’s start out with hope instead of nope. Perhaps this year will be different.
Shout out to Noah Ostlund for showing he is a worthy draft choice. Looks like the the kid can play.
As always, foil up. We will witness if there is grit soon.
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