Sabres vs Dallas - Lindy Ruff, RJ, Sabres W's

If you're a Sabres fan, or a hockey fan in general, it just doesn't get better than an RJ goal call. Today the Sabres had a camera on the GOAT and as always the end result is brilliant:

Rick Jeanneret's call on Eichel's goal & some more #RJCam 👌 pic.twitter.com/0LqLP31OaZ

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 16, 2017

The Best. Ennis was obviously feeling back to his old self (and hopefully will produce that way) as seen here with this almost Lax-Style goal from behind the net.

Lacrosse-style trickery from Ennis 😱 Nearly connected! pic.twitter.com/IoRQv6MUd6

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 16, 2017

We've seen this plenty of times. The team looked great today and collapsed the next game. They need to use this momentum and continue against the Leafs tomorrow and make another statement in a win against their rival.

Enzo scores 19 seconds into his return

AND YOU CAN'T TEACH THAT. Tyler Ennis comes back for 19 seconds with a smoked visor and puts the Sabres up 1-0.

What a shot. #Enzo 🙌 pic.twitter.com/7Nctd1NOzv

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 16, 2017

Welcome back Tyler. #Sabres pic.twitter.com/vIYKlSEpW0

— Bradley Gelber (@BradleyGelber) January 16, 2017

The Sabres are off to a fast start with the return of the playmaker - lets see if they can hold on.

Sabres Mid-Season Roundup

(This picture is just ridiculous)


Through 42 games the Sabres sit in 27th place in the league and a point out of last place in the East. For a season that started with a high ankle sprain to the franchise player, it hasn't got much better. The team has showed streaks of 5-6 games where they're competitive and can string together a solid resume of wins. Then you have games like Friday night where they allow 5 goals to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Okposo solid - selected for first All-Star team
For what has been an up and down season for just about everyone on the team save for Rasmus Ristolainen, Okposo has been a solid and steady presence on the Sabres first line. Okposo has 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points and has been far and away the most consistent player on the offense. Obviously Jack and ROR are more skilled forwards, but both have missed significant time this year. Okposo has been everything you could have asked for when we signed him in the offseason.

 Jack's impact on the team
After coming back from his high ankle sprain in late November, Jack's impact on the offense has been undeniable. In the first 21 games without Eichel the team averaged 1.86 goals per game. In the last 21 they average 2.62. Eichel is in the top 5 in basically every puck possession stat and has 8 goals, 7 assists for 15 points in 21 games. Anyone who has watched the Sabres play this year can attest that the team simply needs to add weapons around Jack. Surrounding him with a 37 year old Brian Gionta and a grinder like Marcus Foligno (who I love on this team and think undeniably earned himself an extension with the team) isn't going to get the best out of the skilled young gun.

What is Tyler Ennis going to show us
Ennis is scheduled to come back to the team tomorrow afternoon at home against Dallas. The often injured former 20 goal scorer has been virtually invisible this year in the 12 games he has played. He has 1 goal and 1 assist and his goal was an absolute joke. Tyler has shown in the past his skill on the ice - he just hasn't showed much of anything since he had his season ending concussion last year. What Ennis can do in the final 40 games of the year could shape the Sabres' playoff hopes. Can he be the offensive threat the team has been so desperate for all year?

Playoff Chances
The playoffs are all but out of the picture unless the team can put a serious winning streak together. Not a string of a few wins and OT losses. A solid string of 6-7 wins will get them back in the hunt. Right now most metrics give the team about a 3% chance of making the playoffs. (Insert Dumb and Dumber so you're telling me there's a chance gif).

Pegula Interview with the Buffalo News Highlights

(Link) Buffalo Bills co-owner Terry Pegula will introduce new coach Sean McDermott on Friday afternoon and then step aside. Pegula will take no questions. Neither will his wife, Bills co-owner Kim Pegula. That's how they prefer it. McDermott from now on will talk for the Bills. But a day before McDermott's arrival, Terry and Kim Pegula spoke with me for 90 minutes on a videoconference from their home in Boca Raton, Fla. They agreed to address widespread reports of dysfunction and lingering questions about the dreadful finish to the 2016 season, Buffalo's 17th straight without the playoffs. In a vexing season-ending news conference last week, General Manager Doug Whaley claimed to speak for ownership but said he "wasn't privy" to why the Pegulas fired head coach Rex Ryan, insisted he had no opinion of Ryan's dismissal and said he didn't know what Managing Partner and President Russ Brandon's duties were. Terry Pegula was surprised to hear how negatively the Bills have been portrayed and called any dysfunction talk "an insult." Thursday's wide-ranging interview with the Pegulas also touched on Ryan's request to be fired if he wasn't going to be retained, Brandon's role, their opinion on adding a football czar, the team's chain of command and questions about a new Bills stadium. Pegula also shared that Whaley examined more coaching candidates than the four finalists they interviewed: McDermott, former interim head coach Anthony Lynn, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard. ...

Tim Graham sat down with the Pegulas and had an awesome interview asking a lot of the questions that have been flying around the twitter universe. Here are some of the most interesting points I saw that the Pegula's made. Honestly I think that Terry comes off great in the interview. He's honest but at the same time has that aura of power in his answers. He doesn't need to answer your questions, but he does as he see's fit. Like a boss. You can view the entire article in the link above.

Here is what I thought was most interesting, Tim's questions in italics:

You don't grant these types of interviews too often. Why today? 

Terry Pegula: I guess there's been a perception we're inaccessible. But I've been consistent from Day One when I bought the Sabres and then with the Bills, by owning these teams it's about the players and coaches. We didn't buy teams to be visible in the media. We bought teams to keep them in the area and to flourish with them. I let the coaches and the players be out front and be the story.

Anyone who has a problem with the way that Terry wants to run his own fucking team is probably the same people who piled on with their "dumpster fire" and "lack of leadership" comments 10 seconds after Tim posted the story. Without reading it they have their own (dumb) opinions and you can't change what they think. Then again these are the people the Pegula's could probably care less about. Some fan's from Buffalo just love to be miserable and you're not going to change that.

Nationally, the Bills' brand has taken a beating the past couple weeks. An ESPN analyst advised coaching candidates to get as far away from the Bills as possible. Others called the team a "dumpster fire" and "dysfunctional" ... 

TP: Who advised candidates to run away? ESPN? 

An ESPN analyst declared Anthony Lynn should run from the Bills' opening. The Boston Globe called your ownership a "clown show." How does that sit with you?

TP: The Boston Globe said that? Huh.

KP: Obviously, we don't like stuff like that being said about us personally or about our community. We're proud of Buffalo. That's where we want to be. Certainly, the national media saying things like that and using those types of words is not how we want to be perceived.

TP: First off, I think that all started with some false information printed in the national media about our organization. I've got to believe it's from people who have no idea what our organization's like or how we operate within. I honestly believe that. I disagree with their opinions, and I can tell you one thing: We had a lot of applications and people who wanted that coaching job with the Bills. So I don't know what these guys are writing about.

I'd like to imagine that Terry's big swingin' dick comes thudding down onto the table here.

Through everything that's happened the past few weeks, what's your message to the fans? 

TP: I tell them that we as owners go through the same emotions they do. Both of our organizations are working extremely hard to put a better product on the ice and on the field. We're working hard.
KP: It's not easy.
TP: It's not easy to win.

Let me say this loud and clear: Any fan out there who think's that they care more about winning than the OWNER OF THE TEAM is a God damn idiot.

What separated Sean McDermott from the other candidates? 

TP: An absolute attention to detail. He's been basically, believe or not, since high school he has wanted to be a head coach in the National Football League. You can see from his wrestling background, being a two-time national prep champ, determination, work ethic and just an absolute will that was very impressive that he's carried through his life. Andy Reid actually took him under his wing and helped him on his way -- I talked to Andy and Sean told us this story -- by building a coach. He built Sean and started the foundation that created a coach. I thought that was an impressive story.

This is good to hear after coming off of the Rex experiment. Sidenote: I like to picture Sean McDermott with Cauliflower ear.

You've disputed our report from a year ago that there was an ultimatum for Rex Ryan and Doug Whaley to make the playoffs in 2016. So what factors -- other than coming two wins away from the postseason -- impacted your decision to fire the Ryans? 

TP: That's a decision I would rather keep private, but that report last year before the season was absolutely false. That's not my style. I would never do that.
KP: We've said that a thousand times, but nobody wants to believe us.
TP: And I was the one who supposedly said it. Absolutely not true.

I'd have to imagine that some of these "false" stories get made as a mixture of educated guessing and fan attitude. There is an extremely short leash when it comes to Head Coaches and losing in Buffalo. As there fucking should be. There is no excuse for this shit year after year after year.

How has that changed from when you were a season-ticket holder and now the owner? 

KP: We just can't drive home after the game and go about our lives. This doesn't end with game day for us. We're constantly working the business side and thinking about the next game.
TP: The way I describe being an owner is at least I can go in the locker room before and after the game, but I have the same emotions as I did when I had season tickets. I want to win.

I'm ready to run through a wall for TP. I know I'm supporting almost eveyrthing he's saying but it's true. What else could you want in an owner? Especially in Buffalo. If it weren't for the Pegula's who knows if we would even have two professional teams here to complain about. I think they're going to lead us to a Championship (let's start with the fucking playoffs) and I'll go down with the ship saying that.

2017 X Games Preview

Just going to run through a few of my favorite events and what the expectations are for this year.

Snowboard Big Air
2016 Champion: Max Parrot (CDN)

 Max Parrot is an absolute maniac. But all of these guys competing in Big Air are. This is as wide open a competition as they have and it is defintely worth the 20 minutes to watch it. It is a 20 minute countdown and the riders go as many times as they can in the time limit. Max and Mark McMorris are always favorites as they always seem to lead the charge when it comes to progression. But there is always a dark horse out of nowhere that is landing everything. An awesome competition.

 Snowboard Slopestyle
2016 Champion: Mark McMorris (CDN)

 Mark is as consistent as they come and always smooth. Look for him to repeat this year. This was always my favorite competition to watch. The riders make it look so easy, but the technicality involved is incredible. Anyone who has ever tried to snowboard will have a respect for what these guys are doing. And 90% of the time they are riding switch. Just unreal.

Snowboard Superpipe
2016 Champion: Matt Ladley (USA)

Men's Halfpipe used to be the last event the X Games would run every year and Shaun White would smoke everyone. Since he has hit the last few years of his career the halfpipe has kind of lost its luster. Danny Davis is an awesome dude - look for him to be near the top of the results if he can put down a clean run.

Ski Big Air
2016 Champion: Fabian Boesch (SUI)

Last year's competiton was in the middle of a driving snow storm. Conditions... not ideal. Some of the things these guys did given the circumstances was incredible. I have no idea what to expect this year. But Bobby Brown will be in the mix as always.

Ski Slopestyle
2016 Champion: Jossi Wells (NZL)

Jossi Wells ran away with it last year - standing in first and improved his score with his final run to increase his lead he won his first ever gold. I have a feeling it won't be his last.

Bills Hire Sean McDermott

The Bills have finally made their move and hired Sean McDermott. There was speculation from the beginning that Anthony Lynn would be an automatic hire, but thank God that the team has decided to start from scratch in their coaching search. Nothing against Anthony Lynn but the team needed a fresh start.

Sticking with Doug Whaley after giving one of the most inept, embarrassing and all around failure of a press conference is a bold move. Whaley has proved next to nothing when it comes to scouting and being able to build through the draft. He has found some diamonds in the rough in Zach Brown and Lorenzo Alexander but that is not what wins championships.

McDermott comes in boasting a track record where he has built Carolina into a  perennial top 10 team defense. Last year he lost one of the best CB's and arguably the best LB in the league and still had the 6th best run defense. There is no doubt about the shitstorm that he is about to walk into and if you had to bet if Seanny Boy will be coaching linebackers in Jacksonville in 3 years or still in Buffalo, better odds are elsewhere. McDermott showed he can build a defense and that is what the Bills need.

#BringTyrodBack

Sabres open week at home, end with a road trip south

Following an impressive week in which the Sabres picked up 5 of 6 points against NYR, Chicago and Winnipeg; the Sabres continue with a very challenging stretch of the schedule. The Sabres open the week with the Flyers at home, followed by Tampa and Carolina back to back on Thursday and Friday.

The Sabres trail the Flyers for the final spot in the Wildcard race by 9 points - however the Flyers have played 3 extra games. This team is by no means eliminated from contention. The Lighting have lost 4 straight and don't look like the Stanley Cup team that they have been the past couple of years but when you lose a player like Stamkos that will happen. They are still dangerous but these are the games that the Sabres should expect to win if they want to make the playoffs this year. 

What to watch for:

The team which finally looked like they were breaking out of their slow starting habits fell right back into it against Winnipeg. Look for the team to try to get out to a quick start against the Flyers - a team with a very similar make up.

Goaltender woes:

If I read one more god damn tweet condemning the Sabres goalie play I'm going to lose my damn mind. I would understand if either Lehner or Nilsson was having a bad year either statistically or even failing the all important and never correct "eye test". But they pass both. Yea - Lehner isn't good in a shootout but he is very very good for 65 minutes before that. Both Nilsson and Lehner have save percentages above .920. 

Jake McCabe killed a man:

McCabe lined up Patrick Laine after a pass sent Laine on a suicide mission across the middle of the ice and absolutely unloaded on him. 

Patrick Laine woke up thinking he was back at the NHL Draft after this HUGE open ice hit by Jake McCabe ☠️😡... #RIP pic.twitter.com/eBKpr1RDWZ

— Bar South N Celly™ (@BarSouthNCelly) January 7, 2017

Laine is out indefinitely with a concussion. McCabe went to the locker room to get stitches after his head hit Laines helmet and then finished the game like this: 

Man's game. (No offense)

Let's go get 6 points. 

Sabres unveil video game opener... Nostalgia boner

It moved...

Classic Sabres highlights + @EASPORTSNHL 🎮

Sound up & enjoy! pic.twitter.com/AEl3eVnvDg

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 7, 2017

The definitive list of the top 5 wing spots in WNY

Yeah, real original. Whatever. But this is a list that has been done and absolutely mangled thousands times. There is a correct answer to this question and it is as follows:

5. Duffs

Yeah - Duffs might seem cliche and what everyone who comes to Buffalo for a weekend will say when they ask where the best wings are. But there is no denying that you can sit down and eat 20 of these fuckin things for dinner. The sauce is straight out of the textbook of what Buffalo sauce should taste like. It's more of an experience that everyone coming to Buffalo needs to have. When people from Buffalo think of chicken wings - this is it.

4. Bar Bill

Bar Bill is the new hot chick that moved to town and is getting all of the attention. And for good reason. There are tons of different sauces and most of them are A+. Bar Bill is an awesome meal - theres no doubt about it, but I just couldn't put them at the top of my list. When you go be prepared to wait 30 minutes to an hour and if you go on a Friday/Saturday night forget about it. But what they lack in space they make up for in wings that will blow your dick off. (note: Ladies, you have dicks in this analogy.)

3. Randys Up The River

The dark horse! Now if you have never ventured past the south towns to Olean, NY, you probably won't have had these. Randy's has the best wing sauce - and the best variety in WNY. Not even close. But Randy's is a solid hour and a half drive from downtown Buffalo. The bar looks like the Hells Angels will be hanging out there - but thats just that lovely ambiance of a small town bar that no one has maintained in 20 years will have.

2. Wellington Pub

Wellington could be number one on this list very easily. The wings are always fresh and crispy. The only thing holding it back in my opinion is sometimes they take way too long to come out. Hertel is a great spot in the summer to hang out so it's usually no problem. But you can only spend so much time in a narrow bar in the winter with 60 year old men. Love the wings. The crowd is meh.

1. Gabriels Gate

The reigning champ. Hulk Hogan. Shawn Michaels. The Rock. Gabriels Gate. Gabriels is 5 minutes from downtown and has some of the best chicken wings in the world. The sauce is great and the wings are never soggy - a rookie mistake you run into so often in places that aren't Buffalo. Figure it the fuck out.


Stick that in your pipe and smoke it Guy Fierri.

Buffalo gets smashed by snow in January... shocker

As is tradition in Buffalo schools and jobs across the city let out early to try to be the impending wall of snow that was due to hit around 2pm. Fast forward 6 hours and 24 inches of snow later and we have cars and school buses stranded on roads across the city.

I know a lot of people hear about the weather in Buffalo and how it's a real dick some (most) of the time, but it's hard to get an understanding of how shitty the conditions get in a short period of time. Check out the time lapse below:

Check out this cool snow timelapse video from @AndisJack23 in West Seneca! pic.twitter.com/AQ6LaAnqrL

— News 4, WIVB-TV (@news4buffalo) January 6, 2017

It was fuckin 50 degrees on Tuesday man. 

I'm sure you're wondering how bad of a driver do you have to be to get "stuck in the snow"? Well... 

Guy in traffic tells me he's been wiping his car off every 10 minutes. Very slow moving traffic in Lackawanna @news4buffalo pic.twitter.com/RLEz87dLR6

— Rachele Mongiovi (@4RacheleM) January 5, 2017

Fucking Buffalo... and they wonder why people jump through tables

Sabres open week against NYR, Chicago – Have lost 6 of last 7

In a trend that has become all too familiar to Sabres fans the team has fallen flat on its face midway through the season. The team has lost 6 of their last 7 games – including two huge games against East rival Boston. And things don’t get easier from here. The team plays two perennial cup contenders in the next 2 games and dropping these two could more or less the team’s season in January.

It’s no secret the team needs a spark and that needs to come from Jack. Since coming back in late November he has 12 points in 15 games. In the same breath with Eichel you can throw in Evander Kane who has been on fire recently as well. In every game you watch Kane jumps out on the screen as an explosive forward who can in disrupt all 5 players on the opposing team in one shift and score to finish it off. He has cemented his place on this team in scoring 12 points in the last 16 games and I’m glad the muttering of him being a possible trade candidate have died out.

With Ryan O'Reilly out for the foreseeable future after he had an appendectomy the team needs to fill his production through a committee. Reinhart, Okposo and Foligno are more than capable of stepping up and scoring when the opportunity presents itself. What they need to do is create opportunities on their own now that ROR is out. ROR is one of the best passers in the league and without him in the lineup shots need to increase.

Young guns:

Justin Bailey got the call up with Johan Larsson breaking his wrist in a collision with the boards in Boston. Bailey is an explosive and talented forward who has 20+ points with the Amerks already this year. Look for him to make the most of his second stint with the Sabres this year and score his first career goal.