SportsBuffalo.blogspot.com

Sabreland

2009-09-17T09:26:00.003-04:00

The Sabres have been busy in the past few days signing the youth of their team. Drew Stafford received a 2 year deal that will pay him $1.5M this year and $2.3M next year. Tyler Ennis has also been signed to a 3 year deal.

I give Darcy a lot of credit locking up this years free agents. Sekera and MacArthur for roughly $1M a year, and now Stafford at about $2M. No way back in June would I have thought that these players would have received these types of numbers.

So with hockey a little more than 2 weeks away, will we be better than last year? I know we will be. Last year Hecht, Tallinder, Stafford, and Roy dogged it all year long. Sabres fix it by bringing in grit veterans, Mike Grier and Steve Montador.

Fans complained that the management didn't do anything this off season. We didn't sign the big names, but we were one of the more active teams in the amount of players we signed. I still hope there is one more trade in the works, but as the season approaches, that thought seems to fade. We still are overloaded on forwards and defensemen, with many rookies trying to crack the line-up.

MEYERS WILL PLAY ON THE SABRES CLUB THIS YEAR.

Sabres possibly reach deal with Stafford

2009-09-06T18:14:00.002-04:00

The source is Hockey-Bums.

"Although not officially announced yet, the Buffalo Sabres have re-signed Drew Stafford. Terms have yet to be announced.(per CaptPantalones)"

It would surprise me to see Stafford playing for any other team come October.

Mair Out, Gerbe In?

2009-09-03T10:03:00.003-04:00

Reports have come out this week that Adam Mair had surgery on his hip and will be out for at least 6 weeks. This opens things up for the Sabres. McCormick or Cowen might have their chance to battle for the newly open roster spot.

Other news reports that Nathan Gerbe is not planning on playing in Portland this year. He thinks he will be solely on the Sabres roster.

"I'm not going back there ( to Portland )", he adamantly told me after his workout. "Its not going to happen. I'll play whatever position they want me to play. I'm not going down". - HockeyBuzz

Should be interesting to see how everything plays out this year. Only 1 month until Sabres opening night!!!!

Sabres Blueline Woes

2009-08-27T07:44:00.002-04:00

With NHL Training Camp starting up in a few weeks, the Sabres management will need to make a lot of decision regarding which players to call up to the big league.

One that is the most important is defense men Tyler Myers. He is hailed as the second coming of Zdeno Chara with his massive 6'8" height and 220lb build. The only catch with him is that if the Sabres decide to not assign him to the roster, they cannot call him up like other players in the minors. He still plays in Juniors which means that there is no "let's play a game or two in the NHL".

He is ready to play at the NHL level but the question is, "Is there enough room?" The Sabres have plenty of D-men in the ranks:

Craig Rivet
Toni Lydman
Henrik Tallinder
Steve Montador
Andrej Sekera
Chris Butler
Nathan Paetsch
Tyler Myers
Joe DiPenta (2-way contract)
Mike Weber

Starting Pairings

Rivet - Lydman
Montador - Sekera
Tallinder - Butler

Paetsch/Weber

It is very possible that one of the defense men could be dealt by the start of Training Camp. That would be the only way for Myers to possible crack the lineup.

NHL puts in Bid to Buy Phoenix Coyotes

2009-08-25T19:22:00.003-04:00

In order to keep billionaire Jim Balsillie from buying the Phoenix Coyotes and relocating them, the National Hockey League has put it's own bid in to buy the franchise.

"We remain supportive of the other efforts that have been and are being made to purchase and operate the Coyotes in Glendale, and we will continue to do everything we can to assist interested groups in those efforts leading up to the scheduled sale hearing on September 10, 2009 and thereafter, if the NHL is the winning bidder," Daly said.

The NHL would then sell of the team to a 3rd party not named Balsillie.

I almost feel bad for Jim Balsillie, all he wants is to have a NHL team in Canada and the league is going through every possible means to prevent that. He must have really pissed someone off.

This is from a previous court hearing:

The NHL has asked a bankruptcy judge to throw out Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie's bid to buy the Phoenix Coyotes based on the league's overwhelming rejection of him as a potential owner.
The 26-page motion, accompanied by declarations from Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs and Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold, says the owners have concluded that Balsillie would be untrustworthy and that the court has no right to overturn their July 29 vote.
The owners say their opinion is based on Balsillie's behavior in earlier attempts to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators.
"We voted to deny approval to Mr. Balsillie because we concluded he lacks the good character and integrity required of a new owner" under NHL bylaws, said Jacobs, chairman of the league's board of governors.
The board, made up of a representative from each NHL team, voted 26-0 against Balsillie's application. Three abstained and one representative was absent, according to Jacobs.
- Sporting News

Edwards blames Coaches for Loss

2009-08-25T07:33:00.003-04:00

This is not a good thing at all. Edwards is beginning to feel some heat from the media about his less than perfect outing against the Packers. Jauron puts blames for turnovers on Edwards, saying that the line gave him enough time.

"But for the most part they were where they were supposed to be, and I thought for the most part Trent and Ryan had time to throw it. That was a plus. But the results weren't what we need, obviously." - Dick Jauron on Lost Interceptions

Now this morning, an interview with Edwards says that he is not happy with the play-calling and he is just "doing what he is told."

Edwards claims he's playing the way he's coached and challenged Jerry Sullivan to do better, "There really haven't been any looks. You've watched the games as I have and I don't know if you've seen any throws I could've made down the field. If you want to call the plays and throw the ball down field, that's fine but I'm taking what the defense is giving me, continuing to go through my reads and that's the way I'm coached. We have coaches that are paid a lot of money to coach me that way and that's the plays that are
being made and that's what I need to do and not get outside of it." - WGR

I am not liking where this season is going already. Everyone was worried about T.O. playing the blame game. Looks like that is a role that is already filled. I understand Edwards point of view on Jauron's very conservative play calling. The play calling is the issue here. Coaching needs changing badly. For the last of the preseason games, Edwards should try calling his own plays. That way we know who to blame.

Just imagine Edwards when T.O. starts getting on his back. Edwards will crack. So who are the QB prospects for next year? Colt McCoy or Tim Tebow anyone?

Buffalo Sabres Rumors

2009-08-24T08:31:00.002-04:00

Getting closer to the beginning of hockey season, the Sabres are trying to get that last piece of the puzzle to complete their roster. As of right now, we have many pieces that just don't fit together. So who are the Sabres looking at?

Dominic Moore

"Sabres and Moore still in talks, but not moving forward. not sure the reason, but most likely money issue." - NHL Sources Say

Moore would give us depth at center, physical play, and he has been on the Sabres already and has the team chemistry already. Moore could center the 3rd line with Grier.

Probability we sign him: 45%

Mike Comrie

"Comrie still waiting on the Wild, but does have a back up plan. Several other teams have made him offers and the two i know for sure are the Stars and Sabres." - Hendrick's Hockey

Comrie would also be another player the Sabres could use. He brings the same sort of assets that Moore would bring.

Probability we sign him: 20%

Looks like there are 3 teams looking at 3 players. Minnesota wants Tanguay or Comrie, Dallas and Buffalo want Comrie or Moore. I have a feeling that Tanguay will end up in Minnesota, Comrie in Dallas, and Moore back in Buffalo.

Bills vs. Packers

2009-08-24T08:02:00.004-04:00

The Buffalo Bills were destroyed in their preseason game against Green Bay. The offense was completely lost, defense did nothing at all, and even our special teams was off. It was a good weekend to forget. Watching games like that one made me ask myself, "How long until the Sabres star?".

Here is a recap of the Bill's starting offense:

"The first drive went 5 plays, 11 yards and ended with an interception. The 2nd drive went 3 plays, -5 yards and resulted in a Trent fumble lost at our own 5 yard line. The third drive went for 6 plays and a stellar 13 yards ending with a punt. The fourth drive went for 15 yards on 6 plays ending with the 3rd turnover in 4 possessions on a Fred Jackson fumble. Finally, the fifth drive, the starting offenses most productive drive of the day, went for 19 yards on 5 plays."
- Sports Talk Buffalo

I really have a hard time thinking that the Bills have a chance to make the playoffs, let alone winning 4 or 5 games this year.

Week 1 Mon, Sep 14 New England Patriots (LOSS)

Week 2 Sun, Sep 20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (WIN)

Week 3 Sun, Sep 27 New Orleans Saints (LOSS)

Week 4 Sun, Oct 04 Miami Dolphins (LOSS)

Week 5 Sun, Oct 11 Cleveland Browns (WIN)

Week 6 Sun, Oct 18 New York Jets (LOSS)

Week 7 Sun, Oct 25 Carolina Panthers (LOSS)

Week 8 Sun, Nov 01 Houston Texans (WIN)

Week 9 Sun, Nov 08 BYE

Week 10 Sun, Nov 15 Tennessee Titans (LOSS)

Week 11 Sun, Nov 22 Jacksonville Jaguars (LOSS)

Week 12 Sun, Nov 29 Miami Dolphins (WIN)

Week 13 Thu, Dec 03 New York Jets (Toronto) (LOSS)

Week 14 Sun, Dec 13 Kansas City Chiefs (LOSS)

Week 15 Sun, Dec 20 New England Patriots (LOSS)

Week 16 Sun, Dec 27 Atlanta Falcons (LOSS)

Week 17 Sun, Jan 03 Indianapolis Colts (LOSS)

Bills finish the season 4-12. Changes need to be made. Start with the defense. Draft defensively and then build around the defense. You cannot get rid of Edwards right now, we invested too much into him. Trade Marshawn for some defensive talent. Fred Jackson will be able to fill in for him without a problem.

And PS, only 40 days until Sabres open the 2009/2010 season!

Chad Ocho Cinco is a Kicker TOO?

2009-08-22T13:27:00.001-04:00

Aaron Maybin Finally Agrees to terms with the Buffalo Bills

2009-08-21T13:07:00.003-04:00

Early reports from Terrell Owen's Twitter Post congratulating Aaron Maybin on reaching an agreement with the Bills late last night.

According to reports from ESPN, Maybin and the Bills agreed on a 5-year contract today. The Bills are hosting a press conference at 1:45 PM to officially announce the signing.

ESPN reports that the deal could be worth at much as $25M. He is also not going to accompany the team to Saturday's game in Green Bay.

There is no indication as to which side budged, but I am just glad to see that he will finally be able to practice with the Bills. I hope he doesn't play bad this year similar to Jason Peters last year who held out causing him to miss a few regular season games.

MORE TO COME FOLLOWING THE 1:45PM PRESS CONFERENCE

TO is a no GO for Green Bay

2009-08-19T13:40:00.002-04:00

Terrell Owen's sprained toe will keep the pro receiver out of practice until next week causing him to miss his second preseason game in a row.

"Two days ago we took that step that we normally take and we're just following the protocol that we use for that injury and then we assessed it. We probably won't put him on the field again until next week some time." - Dick Jauron on Owen's Injury

I hope this does not hurt the Bills too much for the regular. Edwards and Owens did seem to be on the same page during the Tennessee game for the two catches Owens managed. This might be a stretch, but what if keeping Owens out of the rest of the preseason allows the Bills to have an edge against the first few teams we play.

Will the defenses know how to cover both T.O. and Evans without leaving Marshawn or Josh Reed open? This is quite possibly a blessing in disguise-the glass looks half full to me.

Running out of Time

2009-08-19T07:12:00.003-04:00

As training camp wraps up, Aaron Maybin has yet to see the field as a stalemate still occurs between the Bills and Maybin's agent.

So how much has Maybin missed?

"As of Tuesday, Maybin has missed 21 practices, 15 walkthroughs, countless film
study sessions." - Sports Talk Buffalo

This is not a good sign at all for Bills fans. It is looking like we will be without our top draft pick for at least the first regular season game against the Patriots.

At least the rest of the draft picks are showing promise. Eric Wood and Shawn Nelson are the players that have impressed me to date. I feel Shawn Nelson has the ability to give the Bills that TE threat that they have never had, EVER.

Here is a look at the 2009 Draft class by Buffalo Rumblings.

As for now, that is it for the Bills as they prepare for Green Bay this weekend.

Favre to sign with Vikings this Afternoon

2009-08-18T11:22:00.007-04:00

According to WCCO (Minneapolis), QB Brett Favre is expected to sign with the Vikings this afternoon.

"Favre is on currently on his way to Minneapolis and is expected to sign with the team this afternoon, the source said. " - WCCO

Who really thought that he was going to stay retired. Favre just hates going through training camps. With him signing at this point, it allows him to play the season with minimal training appearances.

UPDATE 11:45

The terms of the deal are reported to be in the 2 year, $10 mil - 12 mil.
- Green Bay Press Gazette

8-19-09
UPDATE 1:50

Favre will earn $12M this year with $6M guaranteed and earn $13M next year.
-ESPN

NFL Lockout?

2009-08-17T14:57:00.003-04:00

Experts believe that a lockout is looming for the NFL.

The head of the NFL Players Association is bracing players for a possible 2011 lockout. Executive director DeMaurice Smith told reporters at Colts camp
Monday that he is convinced owners will lock players out when the current labor
deal expires after next season.

This could get ugly if the NFL does not play in 2011. There are also rumors of the NBA doing the same thing in 2011. Will this be the chance for the NHL to shine and gain popularity?

What to Change

Reduce the amount of money that rookies make.

Increase the regular season by 2 games and reduce the preseason by 2 games.

Sign players to a performance based contract. You win 60% of the games, you get 60% of your salary. Or you get $50k per TD.

We will see what happens. I doubt there will be a scenario where the NFL cancels a whole season-too much will be lost.

And Then There Were Three....

2009-08-17T07:42:00.004-04:00

The holdout with Aaron Maybin wasn't an issue a few weeks ago because this happens every year. But as we approach the beginning of the season, draft choice #11 is still unsigned. Only three other draft choices are unsigned:

#6 Andre Smith - OT - Cincinatti

#10 Michael Crabtree - WR - San Francisco

#11 Aaron Maybin - DE - Buffalo

It is getting to the point that Maybin not signing will begin to hurt his production this year. John Clayton from ESPN has been saying that he expects Maybin to sign in the next 24 hours for the past week. At first I didn't blame him. If you can make more money, why not? But waiting for Crabtree to sign will take forever-please Maybin just sign and get your butt to camp.

The way Crabtree is arguing his case that he should be payed the money he would have received if he was drafted the way mock drafts predicted instead of where he was actually drafted. That makes as much sense as me playing Madden and winning the Superbowl with the Bills and then going to the league looking for the trophy. It's a MOCK DRAFT Crabtree.

Let's just simplify this. Take a look at the list of first round draft picks and their signing salaries.

The way this works, Crabtree and Maybin makes somewhere inbetween what the #9 pick and the #12 pick signed for. Somewhere in the range of a 5 year deal, $28 mil to $23 mil. Thats the way it is. You don't argue with it, you don't complain. You have never even played a NFL game. You have no bargaining power yet.

Look at WR Clyde Duncan drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1984. He held out for 4 months and missed part of the regular season. A year later he was done in the NFL totaling 4 catches for 39 yards and one TD.

Moral of the story - Just sign and play football. If he is as good as he thinks he is, he will make more money later in his career.

No Wonder the Mets Stink

2009-08-17T07:11:00.003-04:00

After going to the Buffalo Bison's game on Friday, I saw first hand how bad they really are. I heard stories on how this is the worst team in at least a decade. They currently stand 19 games back and after the game, I don't doubt it. I knew I was in for a long night after the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs scored 4 runs in the first inning.

There were some bright spots in the 12-6 loss to the Ironpigs. The Pitcher, Jim Ed Wardern, was sent to the mound in the top of the 7th inning. He retired 5 pitchers in 2 innings, walking one.

Another solid performance was closer, Adam Bostick, who struck out 2 batters in the 9th inning.

That was about it-well the fireworks were cool too.

Back-Draft - Year 2001

2009-08-14T10:17:00.003-04:00

The 2001 Draft was a year that we drafted some of our "core". Great job scouting and getting quality positions later on in the draft. We were one spot away from drafting Mike Cammalleri at 50th overall!!!!

1st Round (22nd Overall)

Jiri Novotny

2nd Round (32nd Overall)

Derek Roy

2nd Round (50th Overall)

Chris Thorburn

2nd Round (55th Overall)

Jason Pominville

5th Round (155th Overall)

Michal Vondrka

8th Round (234th Overall)

Calle Aslund

8th Round (247th Overall)

Marek Dubec

9th Round (279th Overall)

Ryan Jorde

Novotny was a disappointing 1st round selection, only playing on the Sabres for 2 seasons, appearing in 64 games with 8G, 8A, and -7 overall. Good thing that our 2nd Round selections were much more productive.

Roy and Pominville are players that we know about for sure. Fast fact on Derek Roy-in the 06/07 season, Roy finished with a massive +/- rating of +37. Pominville has played every game each season for the past 3 year. Mr. Reliable. Chris Thorburn did well in the AHL on the Rochester Americans, but never could translate his success in the minors to the NHL. He currently plays on the Thrashers turning up 3rd line stats and 4th line penalty minutes.

The rest of the selections in the 5th through 8th round have never played a game as a Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres selected the best draft picks they could at their position, despite the lack of skilled players below the 10th overall pick. Just think about this, if the LA Kings didn't select Mike Cammarelli at the 49th overall pick, he could have been a Sabre instead of Chris Thorburn at the 50th overall pick. So close, Roy - Cammarelli - Pominville. All second round picks would be the top line on most teams.

Brawl at Bills Camp and Vick in Buffalo?

2009-08-13T08:17:00.005-04:00

Chris Kelsay and John McCargo vs. Dominic Rhodes and Eric Wood

That is how it went down yesterday at Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher College. Marshawn was a fired up and trash talking the defense. Kelsay's temper started to flare, as he and Wood started going at it. Everyone else piled in. "The RB [Rhodes] had to be restrained by players and coaches to get away. "

Personally I like seeing a little fire in the eyes of the Bills. Actually shows that they are not the docile little puppets they have been in the past. Of course Jauron was upset. I wouldn't except anything less from a coach that looks like he should be six feet under anyways.

"We had another outbreak. Those things occur and we [Coaches] don't like it, but it got under control and that was it. " - Dick Jauron on the Brawl

"They like it. They all were coming up, dapping me up. They [Coaches] like it. They don't want to see anybody that's going to run away from the fight. Football is you're fighting every play, so they know if you step in there and get into it with, I guess your own teammate, they know you'll get into it with another guy that you don't even know. " - Dominic Rhodes on the coaches position on the brawl

Well looks like a little miscommunication. Oh well.

Vick in Buffalo?

There are some rumors stating that Michael Vick was spotted in the Buffalo Airport. WNY Water Cooler reports that "Friday night according to a reliable source at Buffalo/Niagara International Airport a private jet arrived at roughly 5 PM carrying the hotly debated Vick with no luggage but the excessive baggage he has been carrying since his conviction"

I really don't think this happened. Why would Vick go to Buffalo to visit the Bills. FYI Bills are in Rochester for training camp. Even if it is true, I don't think Vick fits the Bills at ALL.

Vick is not the type of QB that throws to "studs" because in his mind, he is the "stud". Take a look at the receiving totals from the 2006 Falcons, the last year Vick played in the NFL. Vick runs the ball and passes to his Tight Ends. The best receiving stats on the Falcons in 2006 is for Michael Jenkins. "7TDs and 436 Yards"

I do not think T.O. would be to happy with only about half of what he usually produces. Two drama queens on the Bills is just dumb. I hope this is just a rumor. These are the facts. "Russ Brandon, the team's chief operating officer/general manager, told The Buffalo News today that the Bills aren't interested in bringing in the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback." - Buffalo News

Back-Drafts Year 2000

2009-08-12T07:49:00.007-04:00

In the NHL, drafted players rarely have an immediate impact on the team. Let's take a look back at recent drafts and where these players are right now.

Year 2000

1st Round (15th overall)
Artem Kryukov

2nd Round (48th overall)
Gerard Dicaire

4th Round (111th overall)
Ghyslain Rousseau

5th Round (149th overall)
Denis De nisov

7th Round (213th overall)
Vasily Bizyayev

7the Round (220th overall)
Paul Gaustad

8th Round (258th overall)
Sean McMorrow

9th Round (277th overall)
Ryan Courtney

Well, this was a BUST year. Kryukov was drafted by the Sabres and never played a game in North America. He was one of the worst draft choices in Sabre's history. Other 1st round draft choices were Brooks Orpik (18th overall - Pittsburgh), Steve Ott (25th overall - Dallas), Justin Williams (28th overall - Philadelphia), and Niklas Kronwall (29th overall - Detroit).

The only draft pick that panned out was C Paul Gaustad, the current heart of the Sabres and one of the better face-off men on the roster.

Bad TOe

2009-08-12T07:15:00.004-04:00

More bad news from Bills Camp. Owens is sitting out of practice because of a sprained toe. He apparently is nursing the injury from Sunday night's loss in Canton, Ohio.

Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come from the star receiver. He is getting older and more injury prone.

Getting back to the outlook for this season. I am not too confident about the O-line. Their less than stellar performance directly led to Edwards' interception on Sunday against the Titans.

You would think that for the last decade that our Offensive Line has been awful something would be done to fix it. Wait a minute, crappy O-line for 10 years - No playoffs for 10 year. Hmmm.

That being said, Bills have signed Christain Gaddis, OL from the Colts. Possible depth signing? Who knows with the Bills anymore.

Welcome Back Mike!

2009-08-11T23:04:00.000-04:00

The Quest for the Holy Grier

2009-08-11T10:10:00.004-04:00

Mike Grier resigns with the Buffalo Sabres with a one-year deal. Terms of the contract are not yet known.

Well, never saw this one coming. I must admit that Grier is the player that I was wishing we signed but knew we never would. After his comments following his migration to San Jose, never again would I think I would see him skating in the blue and gold.

So just when we think we have a log jam in our roster the Sabres sign someone else. So where does everyone go?

Pominville - Connelly - Vanek

Stafford - Roy - Grier

Hecht - McCormick - MacArthur/Paille

Kaleta - Mair - Gaustad

It is so easy to put together the 1st line. Lines 2 - 4 are what makes it difficult. Way to many player, none of them are good enough to form a solid second or third line. Maybe the the plan for the Sabres is to monopolize all of the 4th line players and sell them off.

I guarentee that a trade is in the works. Just like I did last year in Fantasy Football, trade a bunch of crap players for a solid 2nd line RW. Ship out Hecht, McCormick, MacArthur, Paille, Mair, or Ellis.

What else should Darcy do?

Trade away dead weight-either for picks or package up for offense. Resign Moore for depth at Center.

Pominville - Connelly - Vanek

Stafford - Roy - NEW RW

Grier - Moore - Paille

Kaleta/Ellis - Mair - Gaustad

Even moving someone like Grier or Paille up to the 2nd line opens up a spot on the roster for Kennedy or Gerbe. Keep an eye on the Sabres, they are setting up for a solid run either this year or next.

Back to Business

2009-08-06T08:52:00.005-04:00

Well, it has been awhile since my last post. Unfortunately, not much has been missed in the world of Buffalo sports. With that said, where do we stand right now?

Da Bills

The Bills are approaching the decade mark without a playoff appearance. Several coaches have wandered through the ole Nickel City. Wade Phillips, Gregg Williams, Mike Mularkey, and the current Dick "7-9" Jauron all gave it a shot.

Is this the year?

The Bills have bolstered their offense with key additions of Terrell Owens, Dominic Rhodes, and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Some question Fitzpatrick's ability but for a role as a back-up quarterback, he is perfect. He is a smart player that can manage the game. You know what you are getting with him, unlike the previous J.P. Losman. He will not "wow" you with his arm strength but if Edwards goes down, he is more than capable of controlling the game.

Dominic Rhodes in my opinion, gives the Bills three SOLID starting caliber running backs. Marshawn has some serious competition this year, especially considering his off season blunders leading to his three game suspension.

Will the O-line hold?

Probably the most crucial position that the Bills must excel in is on the Offensive Line. After shipping out the over-rated Jason Peters and drafting Eric Wood, the Bills will either sink or swim with their brand new O-line. None of the linemen has played the position they will be assigned to this season.

My prediction

The Bills will finish the season 10-6. Terrell Owens resigns with the Bills. Marshawn is traded.

The Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres has finished in 10th place for the second time in a row. Not high enough to make the playoffs and not low enough to get a good draft pick. They have parted ways with Ales Kotalik, Max Afinogenov, and PP leader, Jaro Spacek.

They added tough guys: Cody McCormick, Steve Montador, Joe DiPenta. Not a lot of skill but "grit" which should make the Core shine. With an abundance of forwards now on our roster, Drew Stafford signing nearby, and the rumors of resigning Dominic Moore and Andrew Peters, WHO PLAYS??

Unless a trade is brewing, the youngsters in Portland are going to have a tough time cracking the line-up. It is still to early to count Darcy out, but I think he is done this summer assuming Stafford resigns.

My Prediction

Sabres finish the year with 98 points, good enough for the 6th or 7th spot in the Playoffs. Hank Tallinder, Jochen Hecht are moved at the trade deadline. Moore centers the 2nd line and has a break-out season (pending if he resigns with the Slugs). Man I miss playoff hockey.

Football preseason for the Bills starts Sunday, about time!!

Bills Squash the Chiefs

2008-11-23T22:30:00.002-05:00

The Bills look to stay alive in the playoff race win a historic win against the Chiefs. Unlike the previous games this season, the Bills were firing on all cylinders.

GAME STATS

Offensive Leaders

Edwards must have a "beast-mode" as well rushing for 2 TDs and throwing for 2 others. He was just shy of 300 yards passing.

The superb duo of Lynch and Jackson blistered the KC run defense for 135 yards and a TD. During the game, the CBS reporter noted the relationship between Lynch and Jackson. They strive to help each other run faster, harder and stronger. The dual RB system is becoming ever popular in the NFL. How much longer until the Bills try out that Wildcat Formation? Possibly in their next match up against New England who were burned by it against the Dolphins.

Lee Evans showed up to play as well as Josh Reed. Could Josh Reed be that "X-factor" that the Bills have been missing the past few weeks? Reed has been our key 3rd down receiver.

Defense Leader

McKelvin had 2 INTs one being a HUGE "pick-6" return for a TD. This Kid is for real!

Looking Ahead

The Bills face a rough upcoming schedule after they face the struggling San Fran 49ers. The Bills must win out the rest of their season if they want to advance to the post season.

They will most likely lose all tie-breakers against the Dolphins and Patriots. They must finish ahead of at least one of these teams to even have a chance. The Jets look like a lock for the Division Title. The Bills will have to fight for the Wild Card.

How likely is it that the Bills will head into the post-season after an impressive 5-1 start? Time will tell.

Its Just Who the Sabres Are

2008-06-12T08:36:00.004-04:00

The past few years with the contract problem with McKee, Drury, Briere, Campbell (the list goes on) it became apparent that signing players long term is not how the Sabres do things. We keep signing young talent and hope that we can hit it big for a year or two.

This year the Sabres decided to restock their AHL team with six different players.

Tim Kennedy

Dennis Persson

Chris Butler

Nathan Gerbe

Felix Schutz

Jhonas Enroth

The Sabres have 2 to 3 years with these players to see if they can get lucky and make a run to the Cup like the Pens did this year.

The only problem with a young team is that they lack in experience. If the Sabres keep this style of combing for the best young talent to keep up their roster, we will be in the playoffs for years but will never really come up big.