Really? 15? Wow…that’s a lot of games for one month. I originally thought November’s schedule was a bit different, with the whole “Wed-Fri-Sat” thing repeated over, and over, and over. This month has got to tie a Sabre record for most games in a month (I‘m too lazy to look it up though). Thanks Olympics…

A lot of folks were/are hoping for better back up goalie play through a roster move; myself included. Kind of wished it would’ve happened by now. Since it didn’t, I guess we all (except “no-faithers” tedrecommends and Ron A) have to do some rooting for Lalime. I’m guessing he’ll get plenty of time this month - let’s hope he does well.

Gaustad’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. You have a big, physical guy 2nd in the league in face-offs playing close to the best hockey of his career, and now he’s gone as you enter the most condensed part of your schedule.

It wasn’t just blogs calling them out, but it seemed like the mainstream media started hacking on the Sabres two top lines. They kind of responded over the last two games. Let’s hope it’s the beginning of a roll through December…

Sekera is going to help this team one way or another. I’d prefer that he’d stay here, and continue to develop into a top pairing defensemen. On the other hand, he could really fetch a lot in a trade, and (IMO) if the team tries to bring in a top six forward, he’d be something to dangle…

I like Vanek… a lot. I think he’s a bonafide superstar. There is no one as skilled as he is who hangs out in front of the net. But I can’t help but think sometimes - would I rather have had four (count ‘em 4) 1st round draft picks for him had they not matched the Edmonton offer?

There were stories about how Lindy was giving the team an easier go of it so far this season. More days off, later practices, yada, yada. I know I made the point earlier as to how many games this team plays this month, but the truth is, a lot of other teams are just as busy. Did Lindy do that because of this Olympic schedule? Did other teams do the same?

They have a chance for thirty points this month. My guess is they get 19.

Ugh. That’s how I feel about this football season. Just ugh. I don’t know what’s worse - the way this organization is run, or our nation’s Health Care System. Well, at least I’m not this guy. (If you want the video of it, just Google “Giants fan crying.” It’s got some of those nasty words, which is why I didn’t do the direct link thing.)

Anyway, here’s a few questions and some other stuff too…

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What happens when Lydman comes back?  Myers definitely has to stay in the
lineup.  Is this where they finally part ways with Paetsch?  I doubt it.  I bet
Hank just gets the bench.  Myers will stay up with the team until his ten games
are up, and then he’ll be sent back to junior hockey.  Darcy will wait for an
injury somewhere, and unload someone, and recall Myers for the season.  This is
just my prediction, and is based on my belief that Myers can come back to the
NHL after being reassigned to juniors.  Am I correct in that last sentence?  I’m
not even sure myself…

What happens when Mair comes back?  Kennedy has impressed me as of late.  I
think he’s ready for the NHL now, and never knew he had a little nasty to him. 
Also, I didn’t realize he’s only 173 - I think he plays bigger than that.  My
guess once Mair comes back is Ellis getting the boot.  Would someone pick him
up, or would he make it through waivers and go to Portland?

I heard Bulldog say this, and I agree - why is Myers wearing number 57?  Why
can’t he wear a normal number?  I like Kennedy as a 13 though…

How does Paille get back into the lineup, and where?

Montador played with more skill than I expected.  I was looking for Hal Gill
like skating, and Randy Wood like hands.

I wrote an email to some of my Sabre loving friends from down south.  They were all born in Buffalo, and remain diehards to the day.  Coverage down there can be tough sometimes, so I thought I'd help 'em out a little....

Continue reading this post »

Here’s some questions/comments I have.  As always, if I broach upon a topic that one of you have already have, then I apologize for not giving you props for it….

Continue reading this post »

I had a conversation today with Greg Laybourn, safety,  from Oregon State.  He was in town for a tryout at OBD.

First thing I thought was that this was not a big dude.  He acknowledged as much, but made sure to mention he was a student of the game.  This kid was the leading tackler in the Pac 10 last year, so who the hell am I to question his skills.  Super polite guy, and very well spoken; the kind of guy you could tell likes football, and who likes to play it.

Like an idiot, I asked what was it like to play with Jaruis Byrd.  He replied, “Uh, he played for Oregon, our arch rival.”  Stupid me.  We kept talking about football and he brought up Andy Levitre.  Told me how amazing he was, and that he never saw a guy that big along the OL be that athletic.  The “short arm” thing was brought up, but so was the versatility and leadership. 

He also brought up Keith Ellison.  He had nothing but mucho respect for him.

Also talked briefly with Leon Freeman, an OLB from Baylor.  Same thing as Laybourn - super polite.  If this dude is a LB, I would not want to be a RB.

On to the UFL…

I’m paying attention to this league.  I think it has the right idea for the long haul, but I think they’re being dumb right off of the bat.  Here’s why:

 - Why is the team cap at almost 20 million a team?  That’s what I heard/read; could be wrong.  Even with only 4 teams, a Versus contract ain’t gonna net you that much, let alone cover the rest of your overhead.

 - Why are they playing in the fall?  Why not take advantage of the down time in sports when the NHL and NBA end, and MLB is king? 

 - Losman is the QB with local ties to this league, and deservedly so.  But with Drew Willy being released by Baltimore today, might he have the chance to be a UFL QB?  And will Losman now start a VegasLives.Org publicity stunt only to abandon it once he doesn’t like it there anymore?

- Who are the guys with any links to the Bills who might have a go-round with the UFL?

- Can guys who sign with the UFL just leave abruptly if offered a cup of coffee in the NFL?

- How many of you will play UFL fantasy football?  For the record, I’d do it.  Something small - maybe ten bucks or so for the entry. 

- Will Vegas put lines out on these games? 

- Why is this league not marketing itself?  I know it’s only four teams.  I know the season is only six games long.  But still, if done the right way, it could be a huge success…

Is Langston Walker worthy of extension talk?  He’s been a good teammate if you ask me.  

When the schedule came out, I was happy the Jets home game was shipped out to Toronto.  Was I short-sighted, maybe selfish?  I hate that home game every year - hate it.  But I’m thinking now the division is a lot closer than I thought (I really think it’s a crap shoot).  Isn’t giving away a divisional home game away two years in a row despicable? 

I read the Giants were selling the naming rights to their practice jerseys and practice field to Timex, from PFT.  Now, we all know Wilson isn’t going to sell the naming rights to the stadium, just because…well…who knows.  But, does he really need the practice field named after him as well?  Isn’t that overkill?  I thought the Timex deal was/is 15 for 35.  Even if Buffalo got 15 for 1, isn’t that better than nothing at all? 

Last I saw the Bills/Pats line for the opener, it was minus nine and a half.; never caught the over/under though.  Anyone got that?

When does T.O.’s show air?  What’s the percent that we will watch it?