Briere sent down?

Well in a interesting and a delaying the inevitable, Danny Briere is going to the minors for a rehab stint.

Now I'm not Bucky Gleason bringing up the past, just bringing up a interesting question.

My question is, doesn't he have to pass waivers? And nobody would bite on that? I guess his contract is that bad, that nobody would bite on a potential point a game player. Yes I know the terrible plus minus, but Drury always has a terrible plus minus and people dismiss that, since he's "captain clutch". More like Captain in the right spot. But since joining Philly he has had injury issues and performance issues.

Mo Money, Mo Problems.

Things will never get back to where they were here, when he was beloved by the Sabre faithful. But he wrote his exit ticket, when he opted to go to arbitration. Which led to them not being able to retain JP Dumont, a loss no one talks about, but was big in my eyes. Now Flyer fans hate him. Want him gone, like we do for Max.

He was a great player while he was here, no doubt, made better by the system they ran, probably the same type of effect, that the Phoenix Suns had when D'Antoni ran them. Players perceived much greater then they are, since they had gaudy stats. Now Chris Duhon is benefiting from this with the Knicks and I'm sure looking for a gigantic payday soon. Drury and Briere had inflated stats, because of the situation they were in, now they have inflated contracts, which will be a burden years to come. Say what you will about Darcy Regier, the Sabres aren't in trouble 2 or 3 years down the road. They have manageable contracts with solid players. Vanek is a all star and gets paid like one, and his highest totals are over sooner then later. Money wise I mean. He's a 40 to 50 goal scorer for the next several years. Maybe the greatest Sabre goal scorer ever, by the time he's done.

Several years ago, Danny Briere could do no wrong, well yes he was called out at times. Now Flyer fans want him gone and his value is pretty much gone.

Sorry Danny, I still like you. You would have stayed if they wanted you to. But the Sabres knew, and let you get your big pay day.

In defense of Danny Briere

Now thats playoff intensity

I know this will sound like I'm turning Bucky Gleason on you, don't worry I'm not. This won't be a shot at management, or some slam on Golisano, this is just playing Devils advocate. But really should we as Sabre fans root against Danny Briere? We can root against the Flyers sure, but can't we also be happy for Danny and his success? What in his time in Buffalo did he do to upset us? Other then going to arbitration and seeing what hes worth. (For shame) He was one of the catalysts to the Sabres resurgence for bankruptcy hell. And what did management do to reward him? Let him go. They knew they couldn't afford him, he really wasn't in their plans. Probably saw Gerbe, Roy, Pominville as potential replacements. But honestly the team missed a guy like Briere.

What did he do in his time in Buffalo?

225 games 95 goals 230 points.

Playoffs?

34 games 11 goals 34 points

Thats over a point per game in the regular season and a point per game in the playoffs. His regular season numbers are even better if you take out the pre lockout years. There its almost 1.2 points per game. The guy is a legitimate all star. This year the numbers dragged, maybe due to contract pressures, new guys to play with. Playing in Philly. But really we all tried to put down Danny as a non playoff performer. But really, he showed up. He just got called out more for when he struggled. Hockey God, could disappear for games and let a big line roll right over him and still be deified. Chris Drury to me always seems like that guy, who does good work, is highly praised, but really looking for a better opportunity. Anybody who grows up a superstar always gives me a bad vibe. Danny scraped and worked to where he is. I like that. He was the perfect player for Buffalo. But we always want the other guy.

So what is he doing this year in the Playoffs?

6 goals 11 points and a +2.

Oh and he was also on the ice when Lupol scored. Because things happen when Briere is out there. Chris Drury has 3 points. Captain Clutch indeed. So Danny I apologize for enjoying in your earlier struggles, its a Buffalo thing, we don't like success. We want people who leave here to fail. Its a insecurity thing. But I am happy you are finding success in Philly.

I just hope Philly doesn't have any success.

So, how are they doing?

Well we're almost 2 months into the season, so its a good amount of time to see how you know those other guys are doing. The big 2 and Marty, because Sabre fans love Marty.

We'll start with Marty.

My opinion the reason for the Flyers turnaround. The Flyers have been missing solid netminding for a few years, especially last year. Marty finally is getting his chance to shine with talent around him, is taking it and putting up good numbers for the resurgent Flyers.

This year Marty 12-6-2-2 with a 2.56GAA and a .925Sv%. All better numbers then Ryan Miller. Especially the win/loss record. But different situations for both goaltenders.

And if you want to get some good Marty action, this video on the Flyers site, is all about Marty. Since hes the cameraman documenting the Father/Son trip to Carolina this week. Around 9:40 of the video Mr. Biron makes an appearance, though they converse in French, so I have no idea what he is telling his dad. Plus Danny Briere looks scared that Marty is going to do something to him. This video almost makes me like the Flyers until they joke around with Hartnell about being suspended.

Speaking of Danny, how is he doing?

Well Mr. Briere is having quite the year. He is tied for the most points on the team with 30, with 12 goals and 18 assists. But his lack of a defensive game is still there with -4 rating. Obviously his big contract hasn't put any pressure on him and is still productive as last year. If he was on another team I'd be super happy for him. The Sabres showed him the door, so really I have no hard feelings for Danny. He took the money and he is playing great, good for him.

Hey if you want to do something for my birthday you can bid on this prize for the December 11th game against Pittsburgh. You get a meet and greet with Danny, autograph stuff, warmup passes and a ZAMBONI RIDE!!!!!!! Awesome.

Now onto Chris Drury

Well the "most coveted" free agent last year is having an alright season. Nothing to make you go wow I wish the Sabres gave him a truck load of money. He has 17 points this year, 6 goals 11 assists, and is a -1. Plus a paltry 7.3 shooting percentage. He has Thomas Vanek numbers this year. And don't kid yourself, the reason the Rangers are winning is because of their goaltending. Both goalies have great numbers.

You can tell by my tone how I feel about Chris Drury. Sure he was a good leader and what not, but this town built him up to some gigantic legend. This guy was in nowheresville in Calgary, and they couldn't wait to ship him out. The Sabres gave him the opportunity to shine and lead. Then of course that contract thing got out. I don't believe there was a deal, contract offer sure, but no deal before the season. His agent would have to be stupid to let him sign that one, knowing how much Drury was going to make in the open market.

He left because he wanted to go somewhere else. Simple.as.that