Alright, the burner is lit, we are all chomping at the bit to see if this team can turn it up beyond average. Can we flip the vinyl over for once and be pleased with the rest of the story after December and Christmas. We have been in a bad groove of the record for too long. It is not that hard, the B side is what is supposed to blow your mind away. You save the best after the waiting and figuring things out. Well, I could regurgitate the messages being pontificated from our teams’ website. I appreciate some of them, but as a fan base we are conditioned for failure. No matter what positive vibe is reiterated, we all know that it is the results in the standings, and the pressure that the season brings as the months roll along. Enough about if we have the talent to take on the higher ups from past years in our conference. There are plenty of guys on this squad who can take us over the top and leave the status quo behind. Yes, I could break out some story lines that are coming out of camp, but they are nothing without watching sixty minutes against another opponent. What I do know is that Lindy Ruff knows how to install some trepidation and intensity to the group as a whole. This team will be prepared, they will forecheck with will and compassion, and if you are a passenger who doesn’t want to be in the front of the train, then you won’t be invited on the ride. Right here, right now. As I have stated many times before, the roster is pretty close to being filled out, there are possibly three or four interchangeable positions up front, and maybe two on the back end. It is great to have bodies in camp, but let’s not kid ourselves, we are splitting hairs at the bottom unless someone just won’t be denied. Our coach is the guy who will find those pieces that earn a seat because they have the makeup of a champion. Finally, we don’t have the charity cases who pull on the jersey in the name of camaraderie. We have accountability, and a structure to succeed at all costs.
I don’t like however that the players who are carrying the torch have to give us the song and dance of the message that is being installed. It is insulting to hear the words that it is necessary to compete and play with a physical edge. This should be a given. Am I missing something here? Every time that you lace them up to go out on the ice your mind has to be ready for a battle. It is survival of the fittest, and you are a target. It is either impose your will and make a difference, or be the cream puff that is timid and not noticeable. Every player knows their strengths and weakness, this is the highest level of the game and your heart needs to be on your sleeve for everyone to see. With all of the effort and sacrifice to get to wear the crest, you have to be ready to chew on some rocks and understand that passion and the never give up mentality is what we as fans are starving for. It is time for the other franchises to fear us and be uncomfortable to come into town. It is time for the younger generation to feel a positive vibe in the building, and understand that this franchise can rival the big markets. With success, pride reverberates through the community. I miss those exciting days and I think they are on the horizon. Run through a wall, play with a separated shoulder, drop the gloves for your teammate, make the kids in the stands want to wear your jersey, put another banner in the rafters, or lose some teeth for your city. Whatever it takes, please give us some hope and bring back the days when we couldn’t wait for the work day to be over and tune in. Make us not care for the overpriced beef on weck, monster Blue Lights, or baloney sandwiches, just make us smile and say ooooo, ahhhhh.
No more going through the motions and earning a paycheck. Embrace the fans, love our community, realize that this is a hockey heaven. The only thing that is needed to fuel the fire is winning, and you will find out what it is truly like to be a Buffalo Sabre.
Preseason Game 1
Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Saturday, September 21, 7:00 pm
KeyBank Center
Let’s see what happens as many of the big boys will be suiting up. Apparently Cozens, Thompson, Tuch, Peterka, Quinn, Benson, Byrum, and Power will get their first taste of what it is like to play for our new bench boss. Newcomers Malenstyn and Lafferty are expected to play as well. Throw in Kulich and Rousek, and the game is certainly something to evaluate.
As I have reiterated many times, I think that we are on the verge of being one of the better teams and making the playoffs. I understand that this is a message that can ring hollow after years of inadequate performances and legitimate management questions, but there are too many Buffalos in the corral for a stampede. We finally have a coach who knows how to play Ruff. He also knows how to come off the ropes swinging. This franchise and city are in for the fight of our life and are tired of being the joke of the NHL. It is do or die time.
Back to “The Butler”. Yes, I will take credit for my name for him. For all of you thinking that he will challenged to take a modest jump this year in production, I think you will be surprised at what he will achieve. Zach Benson is everything that a coach looks for in a player, and Lindy is the perfect guy to get the most out of someone who is all in. Look for this kid to break the twenty goal mark and be embraced by our city. It is hard to crack the pro league at his draft position and age. They just couldn’t send him down. Passion and tenacity can overcome size. Look for some big things from this humble number nine.
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