Bills in Toronto

After listening to that Press Conference and Ralph Wilson ramble on about nothing, and connections to Canada, like Canada is some mysterious land. A cookie gilchrist reference Ralph? Good one, that really shows something. I get a feeling theres a bunch at work. Ralph, Ted Rogers and Larry Tannenbaum seem like they are in cahoots. But whatever can make the franchise more money I'm in favor of I guess. Money that can go out and sign that free agent. Players see they are going to play in a big city at least one game a year. Maybe give the illusion the team is moving somewhere more glamorous.

All I know there will be 5 regular season games starting this year with a preseason game in 08, 10 and 2012. Meaning this year Bills season ticket holders will only have to get 8 tickets, instead of 10. So that will make the year cheaper. And in a weird way increasing season ticket sales, and increasing revenues, but offering a special package. What an odd situation.

Is this the start of the team moving? Who knows, could it be? Sure. Could it be an audition for Toronto getting a New Franchise? Sure. expansion to LA and Toronto would make sense. Both need new stadiums. Both take lots of time. So lets see how this goes, and it should be interesting.

Sabres Bruins Preview

Oh yay, the Bruins, the NHL's most exciting team. Ugh. Bruins games are usually terrible and sloppy, since the Bruins don't have much talent, but do enough to win. Kinda like the devils. Except Tim Thomas isn't Marty Brodeur. But they are in the division, so the Sabres have to play them 8 times a year, god I hope the schedule changes and there is only 6 games a year. And with that its 2 back to back games. Just to make the series over quicker. But this is an important game for the Sabres since they need wins to climb up the standings. With the Bruins 6 points ahead of the Sabres and in 8th place. Not to put pressure on but its a must win for the Sabres tonight. Good thing Ryan Miller is back, you could cancel the season if his injury was serious.

Whats up with the Bruins.

Well the Bruins are playing pretty well of late going 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. Really only 2 points better then the Sabres. But if the Sabres pull a couple of those shootouts, this game is pretty much a game for 8th place. But they aren't a offensive team only scoring 137 goals on the year. And they give up the same as they score. Most of the games will be close and tight, its like playing the Devils. The Bruins are also 3-0-1 against Buffalo this year and they will be playing again on Friday, what? So its Boston, New Jersey and then Boston again. Who is the schedule maker? Seriously? The bruins are tough to beat and whatever.

Who does what on the Bruins

Well the man is Marc Savard who is WAY ahead of everyone on the Bruins in points. Like 25 more points then anyone. How thats possible is beyond me. He is leading with 59 points, but only 13 goals. Chuck Kobasew is leading in goals with 19. Really Chuck Kobasew? Marco Sturm, Zdeno Chara, Phil Kessel are also some guys to look out for. But really just be careful when Savard is out there, he can make some plays, and is also a + Player. But the reason the team wins is Tim Thomas his numbers are outstanding with a 2.28 GAA and a .930 sv%. But after watching Alex Auld the last time these two played, they could do no wrong tonight in net.

Outlook

Well looks like I probably will miss this game and thats a shame, because the Bruins are fun to watch. I'll read up on the game, since there probably won't be too many highlights in this barnburner. But playing in Boston, which probably is very sad right now, awwww, plus a lot of sabre fans in attendance should be an interesting environment. Now the question is should I just cut and paste this for friday?

The Ti Cats are PISSED!!!!

Well looks like not only the Buffalo Fans are mad about this Toronto NFL Business, but the Hamilton Tiger Cats are as well.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats fired a salvo at the Buffalo Bills, the Toronto Argonauts and CFL commissioner Mark Cohon yesterday, saying they are withholding support for NFL games in Toronto and would not participate in a partnership to make Bills tickets available to their fans.

Oh no the Hamilton team is not behind the idea. What is Roger Goodell going to do? You mean there won't be Hamilton people at the game? Thats a shame. I guess Bills fans will get more opportunity to tickets they won't buy either. A ticket to a game is more expensive then some of the Hamilton Season Ticket packages. Hamilton people aren't going to pay $250 for a Bills ticket, they aren't that stupid.

"We feel that bringing NFL games to stadiums in Canada without a comprehensive agreement between the CFL and the NFL will lead to unintended consequences, not all of them good," Ticats owner Bob Young said in a statement yesterday. "The CFL is Canada's premier professional sports league, as the NFL is the premier sports league in the U.S. We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial agreement resulting from discussions between the CFL and NFL."

Um the NHL would like to disagree with you Bob Young, I'm sure hockey is way more important then the CFL in Canada. I'm sure 90% of Hamiltonians? would trade the Ti-cats for a NHL team in a heartbeat. They are stuck in that Leafs Sabres Zone and probably will never get one. But hey Hamilton, we love ya, come down for our games, and not those lousy Toronto Bills games. Better atmosphere here in Buffalo.

"I have spoken to Bob Young today, and he stressed he wants us to keep working toward a mutually beneficial agreement between our league and the NFL, and that is certainly what we're working toward," Cohon said in a statement yesterday. "Anyone who has been to a Labour Day game can tell you it's not the first time these two historic franchises [Argos and Ticats] have had a different take on something.

Oh boy those Labour Day games, let me tell ya, so much animosity, like last year where um, uh. You know that guy hit the other guy late, and there was much to do about that. Hey former first round pick Rashaun Woods is a Tiger Cat, along with Timmy Chang. Where can I get me some Ti Cat tickets again?

The Mardi Brawl

So Saturday night was another bout by the Queen City Roller Girls, of course me and the Girlfriend took the trip to North Tonawanda. I've been a big fan of this upstart organization. Its a fun time and by the crowd sizes the word is out. Before there were empty seats, now they built a bleacher.

A shot from said bleachers.

This was a matchup of the Devil Dollies (0-1) vs the Suicidal Saucies(0-0) Defending champions. The saucies were missing key players from last year, but still had a core of good players. The Dollies were a group that needs more time together. It was going to be an interesting matchup since one team played already and one hadn't. So there was going to be some feeling out in the beginning. The beginning was slow and took time to get together. But it was clear, the saucies had the better team and just seemed the Dollies were off. Never could really get lead jam and just fell behind early. Not a lot, but enough.

I'd post more action shots, but I'm not quite good at them. So heres a link to a page to really great action shots of the bout. But the action was pretty decent, though the crowd was a bit quiet. The first bout seemed a lot louder. This was pensive. People didn't know what to expect or what to do. Other then the occasional oooooo, or look out!

Though did have a good angle of the start of every jam


As you can see the Saucies held a 11 point lead after 2.


Then a concert broke out, go Pink Tiger go!

Time for the 3rd to start. At the last bout the third was loud, exciting and every second mattered. It was probably the best period of seen of the derby. This 3rd. Controlled. The lead was never in danger and the Dollies never pulled closer. Thats because the Saucies have found their new go to Jammer in B'kini Whacks. Mexcali Bruise was the reason they won last year and this year, it will be this girl that will lead them. She's quick, agile and can get through the pack. But after 20 minutes the Saucies walked away with a decisive victory dropping the Dollies to 0-2 on the year.

This bout was less fun then the first, but that happens. But the crowd was bigger. It just needs a big loud crowd. That will take time with more people that know whats going on.

March 8th, March Madness, will you be there?

A win and a lost

Hey lets start with the good news, our beloved Canisius College Golden Griffins actually won a game on Friday! Yay, and they blew Fairfield out. Winning 88-60. The main man, Frank Turner was hot with 26 points and the Griffs were red hot from the floor shooting an amazing 61.7% from the floor, hey maybe things are coming together near the end of the season. A nice home win for the fans, over those dreaded stags. 4 other players scored in double digits for the boys in Blue and gold, with Logins, Bevilacqua, Frazier and Robinson all scoring above 10 points on the night. Vazquez Simmons held another block party with 5 blocks on the night. The win pushed the Griffs to 4 wins and 2 conference wins. Yah baby that win over Niagara wasn't a fluke.

Then Sunday happened, the much hyped before the season Loyola Greyhounds, came to town. And gave Canisius a cold shower and stopped their winning streak at 1 game. (yes 1 win is a steak for this team) The Griffs dropped this one 74-62. With the Greyhounds shooting above 55% for the game, the Griffs had no chance, since they were back at their normal shooting level, you know, not good. When Vazquez Simmons is your leading scorer, thats not a good sign for the game. He lead the team with 15 points. With Elton Frazier and Greg Logins also scoring in double digits. This loss dropped the Griffs to 4-18 on the year. Ugh just pitiful.

Next up Iona in New Rochelle on Friday. Enjoy the week boys lets get to 5 wins!.

Lets talk Super Bowl

This is an ugly logo

Well the Super Bowl was last night and I think I should probably mention a little about it.

So going into the game I was perfectly prepared for another Patriot Victory. I accepted it and was ok with it. So I was just interested if the commercials were ok, they weren't. The girlfriend and I hung out at my place since I have the better tv and we could just relax eat some food and watch the Patriots roll into dynasty history and get to watch Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison celebrate (gagging). But as the game went on, it stayed close and I was like, mmm Brady isn't very Brady like and is kinda average today. The Giants hit him and hit him and it was fantastic. I'm guessing he isn't moving around much today and feels like crap.

The girlfriend was all about rooting for the Giants, which is fun, because I hate the Patriots, and despise their business practice. I wouldn't be surprised if they cut some veterans today. Speaking of which Mike Vrabel was very invisible yesterday, enjoy Hawaii Mike. But the 4th quarter came about and the Giants scored a Td to go ahead, but I knew the Patriots weren't done, they never are. The Girlfriend was like stop it, but I've seen it too many times, but of course Tom Brady engineered the go ahead drive, where the Giants CB falls down. I'm like well plenty of time left, oh god goddamn patriots did it again, I hate them so much.

The Girlfriend, was telepathically sending signals to Eli Manning to pass the ball well. I loved the sentiment and hoped to God it worked. They moved the ball made some plays. I was like, mmm maybe this might happen. Then this play happened


Thats one of those, I don't believe what I just saw. One of the best plays I ever seen. Thats why the Patriots didn't win. Several guys had the chance to make a play and NONE of them did.

But I was like ok, still gotta score, huge first down pick up by Steve Smith on the sideline. A perfect call and play. I didn't know Kevin Gilbride had that in him. Then this play, where I go holy shit, holy shit holy shit. They just scored. What happened?


The girlfriend was way more excited then I was, I was in disbelief. Really was. I didn't believe what I saw. Eli Manning engineered a 2 minute drive to win a game in the Super Bowl!
I love how excited those guys are with Eli.

Well the game wasn't that great, the 4th quarter was, the commercials kinda blew. But it was a good day, since me the girlfriend had a great day of hanging out and watching football. Now thats a good day.

Sabres Thrashers Preview

My my how things change in a week, from this team is dead, to well if they just play pretty well and get on a roll they could do some things. The Sabres are riding a 3 game win streak into the ATL tonight, to take on a team they demolished a couple weeks ago in the Thrashers. But those thrashers are all upset, because some guys were laughing at them. Maybe they weren't laughing at you and they were laughing at themselves for how terrible they were up to that game. But the Sabres continue to march through the Southleast, as this is the 2nd to last game on this long road trip, it winds down with a game in Boston on Tuesday.

Well whats up Atlanta?

Since the 10-1 drubbing by the Sabres the Thrashers have gone 1-2-1, so really it didn't wake up them or anything. And the biggest story is the loss of Kovalchuk for the next couple games, good for the Sabres, bad for the Thrashers, because he is far and away the most dangerous thing they have. Currently the Thrashers are sitting right behind the Sabres in 12 with 52 points on the season. Though they have played 3 more games then the Sabres. These games are very critical for both teams, since every point matters and you can lose track of those ahead of you, before its too late.

So who might do what

With the absence of My Kovalchuk, the pressure falls onto Mr Hossa who is having a decent year with 46 points, but yet a -15. So when he is on the ice offense happens. Atlanta has a bunch of other guys who can contribute, like Eric Perrin, Todd White, Tobias Enstrom and Mark Recchi, yes he still plays. Slava Kozlov and Bobby Holik are also on the Thrashers, making them full of overpaid veterans. Well tonight word is Johan Hedberg gets the nod in net, his numbers are less then spectacular, but your's would be too if you have Atlanta's defense in front of you. Atlanta always seems to me like that fantasy team, picked by a guy who thinks they know what they are doing, but have no clue. Spend all the money on a big offensive weapon, then spend more on guys who produced before (they'll get better again!), then fail to get a good defense and lose shootouts, rather then hard fought games.

Outlook

The Sabres have been tough to predict lately. The last few games they've showed tough play, heart, playing the basics. One might think tonight they take a night off, but not playing till Tuesday, they really can go full out before getting a mini rest. I think Atlanta will come out firing tonight since they were embarrassed last time. But the Sabres are slowly getting their confidence back and Ryan Miller is playing really well. But I can't pick a winner, but I'd expect a closer affair.

The Bills in Toronto

LIVE from Toronto its MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!!!!!

I can see that shot. Because some regular season game in Toronto isn't going to be 4th place on the CBS lineup. Thats gonna be a primetime game. Well depends on the game they put up there. I'm guessing it won't be a Bills Dolphins game. But with the news of the Bills signing a 8 game deal over 5 years to play in Toronto, people are freaking out again. What about the season ticket holders!!!! We're third in line to get tickets!!!!! Come on how many Bills season ticket holders can plunk down $2000 grand to begin with on top of this years season tickets. Its cheaper to stay here then take that deal. Plus how many can actually cross the border.

Oh the team is moving! The sky is falling! AHHHHHHH. Relax. Its a cash grab by the Bills to get more money, to um, spend on players maybe? Make the team better. Remember when the Packers played in Milwaukee like once a year for years? Well its like that. Its like a girl scout needing money for the troop and instead of staying in the cheap poor neighborhood, they decide to hit up the gated community to the north. Nothing wrong with that. The Bills have their training camp in Rochester and that is a success and 50 times better then Fredonia. So lets see $250 a ticket and the roger centre holds about 53k for football thats how much revenue per game? Thats 13.25 Million dollars of Revenue. Lets see the average ticket for Ralph Wilson is 41.29 and that seats 73,967. Lets do the math on that one for a average home game. Thats about 3.05 Million a game. ALMOST 10 million MORE A GAME!!!! Hey thats a couple decent players. When you do that math on this. The Bills are super smart to put one game up there. Put one of the late season games in there, close the roof, and rake in the cash.

And if the Bills do move to Toronto, better then LA isn't it?

Sabres Panthers Preview

Hey another game in a place where I rather be then right here in Downtown Buffalo. Man Miami must be nice right now. Compared to what is outside right now. Well anyway, the Sabres continue their road trip through the bottom dwellers of the Southeast division and therefore the bottom dwellers of the eastern conference, with a game against the Panthers. With the win last night the Sabres jumped to 11th place in the conference. While the Panthers are now in the 13th spot in the conference. With a game in Atlanta on friday another team right around the Sabres level, its up to them to pick up points here against bad opponents to put themselves back in the thick of things. That means playing 60 minute hockey every night till April.

Whats up with the Panthers?

Well what is up, is they have a neat giveaway this friday, every goal the Panthers score they give away 5 TV's. Oh they are playing Roberto Luongo? Well I guess they don't have to worry about giving away any tv's then. Well the Panthers haven't been playing well of late, going 3-5-2 in their last 10. Plus they haven't played since Thursday, so they might have some rust. And being in Miami, I'm sure none of the players had any fun during their time off. But they do get Jozef Stumpel back in the lineup tonight, which I think is good right? Its like getting Ales Kotalik back, cool, but not like oh man were gonna win some games now cool. Well the Panthers are the Panthers and that means they are usually out of the playoff picture looking up and no one cares about them.

Who does what

The Panthers are led by two guys, Olli "I'm gonna get traded" Jokinen, and Tomas "why can't I play in a real hockey market" Vokoun. Nathan Horton and Stephen Weiss also are big contributers to the offense, but looking at the stat sheet is rather depressing. And Jay Bouwmeester is the big man on the blue line. But this team is lacking offense badly. Can this team not sign free agents? Who wouldn't want to live in Miami? Maybe its the ice conditions and it sucks to actually play there. Who knows. But Tomas Vokoun really is putting up impressive numbers or this team would be in 15th place in the conference easily. He has a 2.78 GAA (average) but a .915 sv%, which is quite good.

Outlook

Well its always tough to predict the outcome of a game after another. The panthers always seem to play the sabres tough, maybe all the young guys played their system. So they know what the Sabres will do when they see it. Or the ice is terrible. But the Sabres the have played well of late and I think they are focused in their goal. But until they show me consistency for more then 2 games. I'll say they'll come out flat tonight.

To be or not to be (a seller that is)

The Sabres are sitting at 11th place, a couple points out of 8th with games in hand. Plenty of time to make the playoffs. But with the recent success, is making the playoffs really where this team wants to be, or to be a force in the playoffs. Right now, I don't think they can be a real force in the playoffs. Which brings up the question, do you sell or do you buy to make the team stronger for the rest of the year. And can you sell, and buy at the same time? The Sabres hold one of the more valuable trade deadline properties in Brian Campbell. A 2 time all star, young, talented, good in both ends of the rink. The perfect defenseman for the new NHL. So do you keep and take a run or trade to make the team in whole better for the now and the future?

This team lacks that go to guy, the Danny Briere. Say what you will about Captain Clutch, Danny Briere was always there as well, and never got the same credit. They need that playmaker again. Derek Roy is a good playmaker, Tim Connolly is a playmaker when healthy, but that elite playmaker. With Brian Campbell you could possibly get you another key playmaker. Or pick up several players that will make the team stronger. I know JP Dumont is out there, but I think Nashville wants cheaper prospects. But I would love JP Dumont back and he isn't that expensive.

Players that I could see getting traded

Brian Campbell - probably walking, great trade value, high demand high return

Dmitri Kalinin - A UFA at the end of the year, so much potential yet little return. Very inconsistent, if you can get a decent stay at home defensemen, I'd take the deal, or a prospect and a backup goaltender.

Ales Kotalik - I like Ales, but I think you could get something for him. Others may value higher and might do well in a change of situation. But hasn't lived up to the production from 05-06. Very hot and very cold.

Max Afinogenov - a fan favorite or a fan goat. But it might be time for a new change of scenery for Max, but with his injury I doubt he's tradeable until after the season.

Other then those, and prospects. I don't know who the Sabres could dangle or want to dangle. But Darcy is always surprising in what he does. Who talked about Zubrus last year? I have a feeling the Sabres are going to be very active this year, they have room to move people, and I think Top management would like to see more positive buzz about the team. And who doesn't love trades?

Sabres Vs Lightning Preview

Hey its after the All star break and its time to lock it down for a playoff run, many are pessimistic about the team, but that thats the natural Buffalo way. When things are good we are wary, and when things are bad, we make them worse then they seem. Deflecting the pain if you will. But what we got here is a battle of the bottom feeders in the east. With Buffalo standing at 13 and Tampa dead last at 15. Though the Sabres are only 6 points out of 8th, so really they shouldn't feel too bad. A good run and things are sunny and happy at HSBC again. But both teams are rested and looking to make a move.

Whats up with the Lightning

Well things are down with the Lightning this year. The big contracts to their 3 big superstars really hasn't worked. Wait paying a couple guys a lot of money doesn't work? WHAAAAA? This has hurt them in the goaltending and defense positions. Especially at the Goaltender position where none of their goaltenders have a +.900 sv% and Johan Holmqvist, just sneaks under a 3.00 GAA. Their defensemen don't have terrible +/- liked you think, its their forwards that are atrocious. Brad Richards is a awful -25 on the season. The lightning are hurting without the services of a Dan Boyle, who just returned last week. He is their top defender and is very offensive as well. Vincent Lecavalier is so good he is even a plus on this goal giving team.

Who does what?

Lecavalier is the man in Tampa, with 66 points on the year. Also leading in goals with 30. Martin St Louis is the main setup man with 40 assists on the year. Vaclav Prospal and Brad Richards should also be looked out for, Prospal with 46 points and Richards with 41. Though Richards is having a disappointing season with his huge contract. Mmm sounds familiar. After that its a bunch of guys filling up the roster, with only Paul Ranger in the 20 point range and the rest below that. You control the top two lines, and its over for the Lightning.

Outlook

Well the Sabres should be rested and full of confidence after beating the Stars last week. But this Sabre team is known for not continuing anything and playing lazy. The warm weather, mixed with lack of activity could spell trouble for the boys in blue and gold. But I have confidence they'll at least get a point out of tonights contest.

Sabres Stats at the ASG Break

I thought before the Game in Tampa tonight I'd take a look back to last year and see the damage. Really look at the numbers from the All Star break last year to this year. I'm not sure what I'll see but I don't think it will be pleasant.

Record
06-07 33-12-4 70 points

07-08 21-21-6 48 Points

Thats already off to a bad start with a 22 point difference.

Goals Scored
06-07 171 goals

07-08 142 goals

More bad evidence Almost 30 goals less, thats a big difference.

Goals against
06-07 141 Goals

07-08 139 Goals

Well they actually give up less goals this year and still are bad? Mmm. So obviously losing offensive firepower was a bad thing.

Standing
06-07 1st in conference

07-08 13 in conference

This is the most telling, almost a first to worst in one calender year. Thats proof, that the loss of offensive weapons have been the main cause for the worse record. They don't give up more goals in fact its the same. But they score a whole lot less. Who knows if keeping one of the two would have helped that much, but I know it wouldn't have hurt. Darcy you need a offensive weapon in here now. This team struggles to score and will continue to. And Ryan Miller isn't that lock down goalie we think he is.

Same old story

Our beloved Golden Griffs are terrible, really terrible. They shouldn't even qualify for the MAAC Tourney. On Sunday they stunk out the joint again, by losing to Marist, 66-44. Its the same old story, shoot terribly and don't stop the other team from getting chances. This section of the game summary sums up the season perfectly.

For Canisius, sophomore Frank Turner scored a team-high nine points to go with five rebounds, five assists and three steals, but the Blue and Gold shot 25.9 percent from the field and allowed Marist to score 21 second-chance points off 13 offensive rebounds.

Frank Turner leads the way, but the rest of team straight out blows. Can't stop the team from getting second chances and just lose by double digits, because they just give up down the stretch. Ooo we're down by 1o, pack it in boys. They have been outscored 750 to 592 in the 2nd half this year. Theres a reason out of the 20 games this year, they have lost by double digits in 14 of them. Including losing by 51 to Rider. TO RIDER!

They can't score, they can't shoot and they don't play good defense. Ugh. Only 9 games left to go and one in the Tournament. Because they will be one and done this year.

Well next up a home game against Fairfield on Friday. So get your tickets.

Wait what? They're sending him where?

Paul practicing running from sniper fire

I usually try to check out Buffalobills.com once a day to see whats going on, maybe some important news, mostly pre draft and free agency nonsense. But then theres that one story that you go what? Why? And this is that story. They are sending Posluszny to IRAQ!!!!! (for the super bowl) WHY? He was just injured now they are sending to a war zone? Who green lighted that trip? Oh but hes just staying for the game, and leaving right. No? Hes there for a WEEK AND A HALF! Oh boy. He knows hes a Buffalo Bill right and bad things happen to Buffalo Bills. Look he already broke his forearm.

But this part made me smile.

The Bills linebacker, who suffered a broken arm that ended his rookie season in week three against the AFC Champion New England Patriots, isn't so sure he'll be able to convince many of the troops to root against Buffalo's division rival.

Oh man imagining the military rooting against the Patriots, how sweet would that be. Even the military hates you New England. Well I just like to wish Paul all the luck. And he's doing a good thing.

A bad stretch

Before Christmas the Sabres were flying high and full of confidence. They won 6 in a row and firmly in the playoff picture. Now before the All Star break, they are in grave danger of missing the playoffs and are close to being dead last in the league. How can one team go from solid play before one break, to a complete disaster the next break. How the team plays after the All Star break will determine its future. If they play great they will work up the standings and maybe make the playoffs, from there who knows what happens. Or they continue to tank and become a major seller to improve for next year. Lets look back at this horrendous stretch and then never talk about it again, because its painful and nothing to really remember.

Record since 12/25/2007 - 2-7-5

Out of possible 28 points, they grab 9 points. 9 points in 14 games ain't gonna take you anywhere.

Goals Scored in that stretch 32 Thats 2.28 Goals a game, not impressive. Take out the Atlanta game and it plummets to 1.69 GPG. Pathetic.

Goals allowed in the stretch(not including shootout goals) 38 Mmm Thats not that bad. Less then 3 per game and really lost a lot but never really got blown out much. Defense was still in tact.

After Christmas, they lost their scoring touch and tanked it bad for a 14 game stretch. But they are only 6 points out of a playoff spot, from playing their worst hockey ever. They pick up like they did before Christmas and the Sabres could make a run for the playoffs. This team still has experienced guys and none of them want to go home in April. The win in Dallas might do something or it might be meaningless. They come back with a pair in Florida then a game in Atlanta. All winnable games. They need to win those games.

I'm considering Tuesday the start of a new season for the Sabres, because its Playoffs or bust.

Looking at the All Star Game

Hey look its NHL All star weekend on VERSUS! Versus? Really the all star game is stuck on versus now? Man there is nothing sports wise this weekend and even NBC doesn't want the NHL All star game. Oh its at 6pm on a Sunday? Thats even better. Why not stick it at 3am on a Tuesday night? NHL what are you doing, there is nothing this weekend besides college basketball and you don't even want to put it at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon on NBC. That would just seem natural. But anyway.

Well the only Sabre is the Non negotiator Brian Campbell. Who is in his 2nd straight all star game. And looking at the East Roster. The only North American Defensemen. Kimmo Timonen? Mmmm, I don't know about that. Well the East roster looks alright and could put up some points. So lets take a look at the West. Mmm all right roster. I don't know just not a lot of guys stand out to me. Its like mmm Manny Legace? Duncan Keith? Man I don't watch the West much. But its filled with a lot of young guys so thats good for the league. Though all the marquee guys are in the East these days and the west guys are talented but not marketed, well besides Thornton and Igninla.

Theres talk of the Youngstars game since Patrick Kane is amoung the participants, but a lot of the guys I go, these guys probably won't be stars. Wheres Jonathan Toews? Well none of that matters since I won't watch much of it. Ill be busy probably, but Ill be recording it, to fast forward to see if anything exciting happens.

Too bad I use to really enjoy the All Star game, I thought it was fun, now don't really care much.

Thats on you NHL.

Griffs drop another one.

Well the Griffs got back to their usual ways and let someone get hot and beat them. They dropped another game this one at Fairfield, 70-51. This drops the Griffs to an impressive 3-16 on the season. Some Freshman named Jonathan Han (Solo), went 9 for 9 total for the game and racked up 16 points. Per usual a team shot really well against Canisius. It can't be a fluke that teams are shooting, what seems to me, about 40% from field. Fairfield shot a impressive 44.4% from the field and a insane 71.4% from the 3 point line ed. note PUT SOME HANDS UP!!!!!. On the Canisius side, Frank Turner led the team in scoring, as he should, with 17 points on the night. The Griffs on the other hand shot a less then impressive 27% from the field. But we've seen thats per usual for the Griffs this year.

And Coach Parrotta?

"You aren't going to beat a lot of teams when they shoot like that from 3-point range," Canisius head coach Tom Parrotta said. "I thought we played very hard in the second half and we had a chance to cut our deficit to single digits, but we came up with some empty possessions, which you can't do when you are trying to make a run like we were."

Oh so you were just trying to lose by single digits? Sure they shot lights out from the 3 point line, but only scored 70 points. So if they were draining 3's put some guys out there, make it hard. Empty possessions, that should be the title of the 2007-2008 Griffs highlight tape. Anyway the Griffs are back in action on Sunday against Marist and the game is on MSG at 4pm, so you can watch the Gold shoes that are hideous.

On the ladies side they beat Manhattan 51-48 on the Pack the House night. But set an record that really doesn't mean much, but hell its pretty consistent. When they hit a 3 point shot in their 409th straight game. Mmm thats a lot of games in a row. So the lady Griffs move towards .500 with a win that takes them to 9-10.

So how much would that payroll be?

The Sabres could really use JP Dumont

While watching the 2001 Sabres Flyers series on the NHL Network, it got me thinking about how I totally didn't remember this series and thought about the 2005-2006 team, and how fun that playoff was. Didn't expect anything, a team you fell in love with again, and just fun and exciting. The city was different and the team was different, that only led to heartbreak and now looking back, that was the greatest opportunity for the Sabres to win the Cup. But another thing came to mind. How much would that roster be worth right now? So GCFB decided to do a research project and take some info from the useful nhlnumbers.

What we'll do take everyone that played 40 or more games that year. This takes out Dan Paille, Andrew Peters, and Jiri Novotny. Then next to the name we'll put their current salary for that year. My hypothesis is that this lineup would be very expensive and shows, that one year can change a players future.

Player Points that year Current 07-08 Salary(in millions)

Max Afinogenov 73 (22g 51asst) 3.500
Daniel Briere 58 (25g 33asst) 10.000
Brian Campbell 44 (12g 32asst) 1.750
Tim Connolly 55 (16g 39asst) 3.000
Chris Drury 67 (30g 37asst) 7.100
JP Dumont 40 (20g 20asst) 2.500
Rory Fitzpatrick 9 (4g 5asst) .550
Paul Gaustad 24 (9g 15asst) .750
Mike Grier 23 (7g 16asst) 1.775
Jochen Hecht 42 (18g 24asst) 2.350
Dmitri Kalinin 18 (2g 16asst) 2.250
Ales Kotalik 62 (25g 37asst) 2.500
Toni Lydman 17 (1g 16asst) 2.900
Adam Mair 7 (2g 5asst) .750
Jay Mckee 16 (5g 11asst) 4.000
Teppo Numminen 40 (2g 38asst) 2.600
Jason Pominville 30 (18g 12asst) .925
Taylor Pyatt 12 (6g 6asst) 1.575
Derek Roy 46 (18g 28asst) 3.000
Henrik Tallinder 21 (6g 15asst) 2.500
Thomas Vanek 48 (25g 23asst) 10.000

Ryan Miller 2.60Gaa .914 Sv% 2.500
Martin Biron 2.89 GAA .905 Sv% 3.500

Total Salary now?

72.75 Million dollars!

Talk about over the cap. You know they would need even more money for extra players, so the total payroll might roll about 75 million dollars, thats old time Red Wings payroll numbers. The cap number in 2005 was about 39 Million dollars and you know the Sabres didn't spend to the cap that year. So the team salary has doubled in just 2 years. DOUBLED! The new cost structure didn't help the Sabres since they had success. So my theory that the lineup would be expensive would be right. And it will only make more money as the years go by. But almost 73 million for that lineup? Whew! Thats a ton of money.

Sabres Stars preview

Oh boy here we go again, another game and this one the last before the All Star Break. Oh joy, it should be called the Sabre fan break, because most of us need one right now. Just no talk of Sabre hockey, no mention of players, just a celebration of hockey. Ooo look at all the superstars. What no Sidney Crosby? Ehh, we got Ovechkin right? But we got to play this one out first. A road game in Dallas, don't see many of these so enjoy this one, at much as you can.

Whats going on with Dallas?

Dallas is leading the Pacific division with 61 points on the year, 1 point ahead of Anaheim, and stand second in the West behind the Mighty Red Wings. Also they are 3rd overall in the entire league, compared to 27th in the league, where Buffalo stands. Really 27th? Though to be fair the Stars have played 5 more games. But per usual the Stars are having a real good year and scoring a fair amount of goals 153 on the year while only giving up 136. But are only 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, so they aren't cruising into the All Star break, but with playing 52 games, they are probably a bit tired.

Who does what for the Stars

When you think Dallas Stars, you think, no not NO Goal, you think Mike Modano. Since he's been a star since, I think the beginning of the Universe. But he is not their leading scorer, in fact hes having a disappointing year for Modano standards. The team leader is Mike Ribeiro with 54 points. He also leads in goals with 22 on the year, this is by far his best year ever. Second on the team is Brendan Morrow with 47 points. Third is the injured Sergei Zubov with 35 points. Mike Modano only has 34 points on the year and is a -11. Then comes a bunch of Finns, which seems interesting since the Red Wings have a ton of swedes. Could be an interesting matchup come playoff time. Old pal Stu Barnes has 16 points on the year so, right about average for Stu. The Stars are also known for their Goalies. Marty Turco and Mike Smith. Both with very pedestrian numbers on the year, nothing eye catching. Turco has a 2.41 GAA and a .906 Sv% on the year.

Outlook

Well to say things look bad for the Sabres, would be an understatement. They show laziness and lack of passion on a nightly basis. Skip the Atlanta game, can't put the puck in the net. And since Christmas, downright awful. So maybe going into another break, they can pull one out to give themselves a boost for the after All Star game push. Things only get harder here on out. But I have little faith in the blue and gold right now. So a 5-1 Stars win.

Schobel named to the Pro bowl?

Aaron Schobel was named to the Pro Bowl? What? Who are these people. Hes replacing Jason Taylor? Talk about a drop off. How was he a 1st alternate to begin with? He was largely invisible this year. No name tackles dominated him.

Schobel's sack numbers were down in 2007 from that of his first Pro Bowl season a year ago, but he set a single-season career-high in tackles with 96 and made plays when they were needed most.

When? I don't remember him making plays. Oh so he made tackles this year, thats nice. Were they down the field after a running back gashed them. Every week I heard the commentators what a great of bookend DE's the Bills have. Really? They aren't even in the same league with the Giants DE's. Osi Uyemyiora almost had as many sacks in ONE GAME as Schobel did all year. The pro bowl is a joke. And once you get in, might as well pack your bags every year for Hawaii.

Of course Chris Brown defends it. Chris, stop it. Aaron Schobel does not deserve to go to Hawaii. Case closed.