I love when Bucky Gleason writes about football. Now, as anyone who frequents this blog (current count, 3!) knows, Bucky is paid to know lots and write things about hockey. Of course, he doesn't really know anything about hockey and just writes stupid love letters to his favorite hockey players. So, really, he just gets paid. Anyways, when he shifts to football and applies his unassailable sense of reason to the Bills, we get all sorts of insight we can't get anywhere else. Like this perfectly reasonable comparison of the Bills' woes to other events.
Exactly four minutes and 35 seconds remain in the third quarter Sunday and finally something has grabbed my attention during the Bills-Patriots game. Unfortunately, it wasn't the Bills or the Patriots.
Oooh. I'm intrigued. We've got a column about how the Bills aren't worth watching because they're so bad. So I'm sure what follows will be a fair juxtaposition that will help illustrate a full decade of frustration for Bills' fans. Kind of like a teenager that keeps getting traffic tickets, or that relative that always seems to need you to bail him out of trouble. Yeah, those are reasonable. Or, maybe, perhaps something completely banal. You know, like "something has grabbed my attention during the Bills-Patriots game" and it turns out to be squirrels fighting in the backyard or something.
It was news that actress Brittany Murphy died of an apparent heart attack at age 32.
Or that.
Murphy was a star in "Clueless" and "8 Mile." She was young, successful, beautiful. When you hear someone with so much talent dying so suddenly, it never makes sense. Then again, you never know what's happening behind the scenes with these Hollywood types. What a shame.
OK, I appreciate the brief obituary. So, I'm sure we'll soon learn how these two events are connected aside from sheer coincidence.
Let me take a moment to bring you back to the game, where Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has just connected with Lee Evans for an 8-yard gain on second-and-12 from the Buffalo 43. The Bills are trailing, 17-3, but inside Pats' territory. If they put together a scoring drive, stop the Pats and score another TD, this puppy is tied.
It's time to pay attention.
Was Brittany Murphy a big Lee Evans fan? Did she go to Wisconsin or something? Was she watching the Bills game? How in the hell are these two completely independent and entirely unrelated events connected?
Wait, who am I kidding?
Are you trying to kid? It seems more like deliberate confusion.
We're talking Bills and Patriots here, not the Bills and the Browns. OK, bad example,
Awful joke.
but you get the picture. The Bills aren't scoring two touchdowns against the Patriots in a game that matters to Bill Belichick. Anyway, Buffalo was outscored, 112-70, in the fourth quarter going into the game.
They did in Week 1. Remember, when everybody was convinced everybody besides Leodis McKelvin was great and the Bills had playoff aspirations because, at least for one week, they weren't mathematically eliminated yet? You give this conclusory statement, only supporting it by saying the Bills have been outscored in the fourth quarter. But they blew Miami away in the fourth quarter, so who knows? Plus, New England kind of sucks this year.
Did Murphy have children?
Why the hell are we talking about Brittany Murphy again? Where did this come from? Give me some sort of segway so I can understand that you're trying to diminish the significance of the Bills by constantly being distracted by other things.
As a father of four, it really hits home when people die young. Bengals receiver Chris Henry was no saint, but he had three little ones and a fiancee when he died last week. No matter what you think of Henry, that was a real-life tragedy.
Now random thoughts about Chris Henry? What the hell? We're halfway through the column, and Bucky's mentioned as many Buffalo Bills by name (2) as he has famous people who recently died. Not any of which is connected. I mean the Bills game is completely unrelated, and in any circumstance no matter how bad the Bills are (or have been) nor for how long that does not ever compare to a person dying. It's a football game.
This is a football game.
Good. Glad we agree.
Well, sort of.
WHAT??? This is more than a football game? Please please please do not try say this is somehow as sad as two people dying young.
Fitzpatrick just threw a bad pass to rookie Shawn Nelson. Incomplete. Fitzpatrick follows with a brutal toss behind Fred Jackson. Incomplete. Finally, the Bills have someone on the field who is worth the price of admission. Brian Moorman is punting. He's been their most effective player for, what, almost a decade now?
I'm not sure, but I think Bucky's just trying to demonstrate how names of Bills players he knows.
Zzzzzzzz.
This is not a word. Stop using it as one.
Wake me up when it's over. I feel bad for anyone who paid for this game and Bills fans who are 20 years old and younger. They don't know that feeling that sweeps across town when the Bills are in contention. After all, Buffalo hasn't won a playoff game since 1995.
OK, fair enough. But this reeks of the same nonsense about "no playoffs in the last two years, or five of the last seven." Plenty of teams haven't won a playoff game in that long. The Cowboys come to mind, and they've blown a lot more money than Ralph Wilson has. So I guess that's the upside?
The Patriots aren't doing anything, either, but they come with subplots. They were vulnerable after losing two straight and playing poorly in a win over Carolina. Receiver Randy Moss tanked against the Panthers and was called a quitter. He showed up today, and that's what really matters. Why?
New England, because one player played bad once, has subplots. The Bills, currently looking for a new coach and trying to complete restructure their football operations meaning just about every player on the roster is expendable and could be gone next year, no subplots.
Moss plays on my fantasy team, the Buck Buchanans.
This is why the Patriots have subplots? Because you happen to have a Patriot on your fantasy team? Stupid. Not as dumb as your team name, but still stupid. I mean, what the hell is a Buchanan? I know it's supposed to be a play on "Bucky" but in that case why not make it the Buck Cannons. Or Buckannons. Still kind of stupid, but at least not as stupid.
Terrible drafting and worse decisions killed my playoff chances. It's funny how fantasy sometimes runs parallel with reality.
Now we're getting insight into why your fantasy team sucks? Nobody cares. As someone who plays fantasy football, I can say with great confidence that nobody cares about your fantasy team. Not your wife, not your kids, not your readers, and really not too many people that happen to play against you.
Also, this is supposed to illustrate how the Bills have drafted terribly and made worse decisions to kill their playoff chances. But the only reason they'd be parallel is if you did the drafting and terrible decision making.
But it doesn't stifle my anticipation in the fourth quarter when Tom Brady goes deep ... down the sideline ... for Moss ... incomplete.
Nobody cares. You had the opportunity for a fantasy joke, which only works ever in a "Hey, at least I'm getting fantasy points out of this garbage" kind of way. And you even managed to stumble over that.
Murphy was born in Atlanta. One of her first roles was on "Murphy Brown." What a coincidence. She was a spokesmodel for Jordache Jeans and was named to FHM's 10 Sexiest List and Maxim's Hot 100. Did she have a history of cardiac problems or is there something more?
Back on Brittany Murphy? What the hell?
Trent Edwards is under center. The Bills had high hopes for him, but he appears headed for the same fate as J.P. Losman. Edwards is sacked on the first play. Shocker. Edwards complete to Nelson for minus-1. Another shocker. Edwards throws behind Josh Reed. Incomplete. Edwards sacked and shaken up. Need I say more?
Fitzpatrick is back. He connects with Reed on a great catch and run. I was just telling Mark Gaughan before the game how Reed deserves credit for navigating the potholes and finding a way to stay in the NFL after dropped passes plagued him early in his career. Reed is open inside the 5 on fourth-and-9 with 3:48 remaining. He drops the pass.
Right back to the Bills. I honestly have no idea what's going on in this column.
Where did everybody go? An optimist would say The Ralph was half-full, but to me it looks half-empty. Start your e-mails.
I can't tell if he's trying to insult Bills fans for leaving, or insult them for going in the first place. Or if he's trying to insult the Bills for being so lousy everybody would rather read about dead celebrities.
The Patriots go three-and-out before Fitzpatrick finds Reed with a 17-yard pass play. Lee Evans kept his feet in bounds, beating Brandon Meriweather (strange spelling) for a TD, bringing the Bills within 17-10. This is just another tease . . unless ... unless they recover the onside kick and score in the final three minutes.
OK, this is officially all over the place. Smorgasbord tag.
Buffalo pounces on the kick, but wait. Rookie Aaron Maybin was flagged for being offside on the kickoff. They kick it away. Wes Welker has two hands on the ball, unlike Leodis McKelvin in the last meeting, when he's tackled. Third-and-6 for the Pats just before the two-minute warning. Still time for the Bills. Brady to Welker for 8. Ballgame.
If recent history is any suggestion, if Buffalo could've stopped the Pats on 3rd down they would have then gone for it on 4th down and failed to convert. Making for a pretty exciting finish.
It's time to run downstairs for postgame enlightenment from The Hoody.
"This week is this week," Belichick said. "Next week is next week."
Gripping.
Why would anybody watch Bill Belichick speak about anything ever? This is the guy who has football in a perspective as reasonable to Bucky's. Apparently, the Bills' failings are as bad as people dying. Belichick preps for football season by reading up on war books.
I never saw "Clueless"
Bucky admits to never looking in the mirror. ZING!
or "8 Mile." Sounds like a plan for the next two Sundays.
So long as we don't get movie reviews, knock yourself out.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
fire bucky gleason, missing links edition
Most of these don't merit our typical line-by-line critiques. So, a few links with a few thoughts:
If you go here, it's probably best if you have this playing in the background. Otherwise the column won't make much sense.
If you read this, you should go here first. That way you can understand the tone Bucky's trying to take.
And, finally, if you want to understand the real reason why the Sabres are currently a remarkable 20-9-2, including strong regulation wins over teams like the New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals (a shut-out), and the Chicago Blackhawks, it's simple. Whenever we play those teams, their best players suck. It has nothing to do with how the Sabres play.
If you go here, it's probably best if you have this playing in the background. Otherwise the column won't make much sense.
If you read this, you should go here first. That way you can understand the tone Bucky's trying to take.
And, finally, if you want to understand the real reason why the Sabres are currently a remarkable 20-9-2, including strong regulation wins over teams like the New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals (a shut-out), and the Chicago Blackhawks, it's simple. Whenever we play those teams, their best players suck. It has nothing to do with how the Sabres play.
fire bucky gleason, total amnesia edition
We've documented here at FBG what can best be termed as a remarkable, and total, lack of any kind of memory about anything Bucky's ever written. In his mind, I doubt he ever contradicts himself. For my world to make sense, I believe that Bucky suffers from the same condition Drew Berrymore had in 50 First Dates. He was in some sort of severe car accident in mid-July of 2007, and can't remember anything from that point on except for today. It would explain why we keep getting the same crap over and over.
Well, except for this, which is probably the closest thing to mea culpa we'll ever get. So I suppose we should appreciate it. michael.w guest posts again. My comments are limited, because I still can't comprehend a complete change of tune like this.
Craig Rivet spent 12-plus seasons in Montreal, more than enough to learn the terrain in the Land of Les Habitants. They appreciated him there for the same reasons he was quickly embraced as captain of the Sabres. Rivet was a good player who provided an honest effort and earned his keep.
"Land of Les Habitants?" Stop it. Please. [Ed's Note: plaschke-nanigans. If you're going to guest post, at least use the lingo.] But it is nice to read that Rivet was appreciated in Montreal for cliched reasons like "effort" and "earning his keep", just like Sabres fans. What they didn't like his "leadership" and what he "brought to the dressing room?"
It's enough to keep critics at a distance, but Rivet found himself in a heap of trouble one year when he ripped Canadiens fans for booing Patrice Brisebois without just cause.
But since they loved him and all his effort and keep earning, the fans were certainly forgiving. That is the impression I get from the paragraph above.
The sentence handed down in the Court of Public Opinion: Rivet was booed every time he touched the puck for the final 10 home games.
Oh.
Six seasons and two teams later, Rivet still hasn't been forgiven in the birthplace of hockey.
"To this day," Rivet said, "I still get booed when I go to Montreal."
So much for his effort.
It's a different animal, Montreal, where rich tradition and passionate fan base are accompanied by intense anger and little patience during seasons like this one. The Habs have won 23 Stanley Cups, none since 1992-93. It marks the longest drought in their storied history. Rivet's biggest crime is being part of their failed past.
Actually they've won 24. It took me ten seconds to verify that. It must be nice to have no professional standards. But at least this minor oversight will be the only problem with this article.
[Ed's Note: Not for nothing, but it appears that Bucky is slamming Habs' fans for a lack of patience. If that's the case, what's his excuse for his attitude towards the Sabres right now? Especially since the "biggest crimes" for most of his whipping posts are really nothing more than "playing for the Sabres."]
With that in mind, you can only imagine how the Canadiens are going over these days. The Habs didn't just lose, 6-2, to the Sabres on Thursday night in HSBC Arena. They were utterly lost for half the game en route to their fourth straight defeat. They showed up for the third period, but it was about two hours too late.
This is not just directed at Bucky, but at EVERY sports analyst. Can we stop with the "show up" and "didn't show up" cliche? Please. The Canadiens showed up. There were several men in Montreal uniforms taking turns on the ice for the first two periods. They just played like crap.
Is this really what their fans wanted? Remember, they pleaded for major changes, and that's what they received. Now, they're stuck with a confused team that has less chemistry than Tiger and Elin.
Yes. This is what the fans wanted. A team that plays like crap. All fans want that. You know what? Miami plays New England Sunday. As a Miami fan, I want them to lose 55 - 0. And I refuse to address the Tiger and Elin reference. It would take too long.
"There's such ultimate pressure to be a great hockey team," Rivet said. "It's not normal like with other teams. It's the Yankees, but the Yankees have the ability to spend as much money as they want to get the best players. In our [salary cap] system, Montreal would be doing it but they can't. So you have to be smart in how you manage the team."
Good point by Rivet about how one must be smart in managing the team. Also, I like Rivet a lot, so I will not get into his misguided comparison to the Yankees. Also, Rivet could, in all likelihood, whip my ass.
General Manager Bob Gainey didn't manage his team. He mismanaged his roster after caving to public pressure. He made the same mistake fans have made for years. He misread the situation and overreacted.
He replaced 13 players when a half-dozen good moves would have been fine.
Hmmm. I remember reading somewhere that the Montreal offseason was a good one. Going so far as to compliment them for be willing to overhaul the roster when something went wrong.
The Habs aren't any bigger or any better. They're just different. Scott Gomez, who scored his third goal Thursday, has 12 points to show for his $8 million salary. Veteran free-agent defenseman Paul Mara is minus-12.
Wow, three goals for Scott Gomez. Puts him exactly one ahead of former Ranger teamate, and the currently equally massively overpaid Chris Drury.
If you're a Sabres' fan, you should appreciate management's decision to take the opposite approach after Buffalo missed the postseason for the second straight season. Fans here were calling for many of the same changes they wanted in Montreal. Fire the coach, dump the GM, unload underachieving superstars, change for the sake of change.
I want to point out, that in a summer diatribe, the Sabres fans were not to appreciate the Sabres management did over the summer. It's in the link above.
Yes, this time doing little or nothing was the right approach. Need evidence? Buffalo had a 3-0 lead in the first nine minutes on goals from Clarke MacArthur, Jason Pominville and Derek Roy — three forwards who have been groomed in Buffalo's system. Each was the result of them properly reading the play and one another.
Nice way to avoid mentioning that Thomas Vanek had three assists in the game, who interestingly enough was also groomed in Buffalo's system. But more shocking is that no mention was made that Tim Kennedy scored a goal. Good restraint.
The Canadiens, meanwhile, weren't sure what they were doing or where they were going. By the looks of things, they're not going anywhere. They're home tonight to officially celebrate their 100-year anniversary with a game against Boston. Their fans will be there waiting for them.
So to conclude, I will call this Bucky's best column ever, despite the shameless 180 and factual issues. He was able to write a full column, and get through it without mentioning any of the following:
- God....errr....Chris Drury
- Tim Kennedy (I have to assume Bucky hears this when he sees Tim Kennedy
- How much Tim Connolly sucks
- [Ed's Note: how much Darcy Regier sucks]
- Why the Sabres should bring Biron back
Impressive work Mr. Gleason.
Well, except for this, which is probably the closest thing to mea culpa we'll ever get. So I suppose we should appreciate it. michael.w guest posts again. My comments are limited, because I still can't comprehend a complete change of tune like this.
Craig Rivet spent 12-plus seasons in Montreal, more than enough to learn the terrain in the Land of Les Habitants. They appreciated him there for the same reasons he was quickly embraced as captain of the Sabres. Rivet was a good player who provided an honest effort and earned his keep.
"Land of Les Habitants?" Stop it. Please. [Ed's Note: plaschke-nanigans. If you're going to guest post, at least use the lingo.] But it is nice to read that Rivet was appreciated in Montreal for cliched reasons like "effort" and "earning his keep", just like Sabres fans. What they didn't like his "leadership" and what he "brought to the dressing room?"
It's enough to keep critics at a distance, but Rivet found himself in a heap of trouble one year when he ripped Canadiens fans for booing Patrice Brisebois without just cause.
But since they loved him and all his effort and keep earning, the fans were certainly forgiving. That is the impression I get from the paragraph above.
The sentence handed down in the Court of Public Opinion: Rivet was booed every time he touched the puck for the final 10 home games.
Oh.
Six seasons and two teams later, Rivet still hasn't been forgiven in the birthplace of hockey.
"To this day," Rivet said, "I still get booed when I go to Montreal."
So much for his effort.
It's a different animal, Montreal, where rich tradition and passionate fan base are accompanied by intense anger and little patience during seasons like this one. The Habs have won 23 Stanley Cups, none since 1992-93. It marks the longest drought in their storied history. Rivet's biggest crime is being part of their failed past.
Actually they've won 24. It took me ten seconds to verify that. It must be nice to have no professional standards. But at least this minor oversight will be the only problem with this article.
[Ed's Note: Not for nothing, but it appears that Bucky is slamming Habs' fans for a lack of patience. If that's the case, what's his excuse for his attitude towards the Sabres right now? Especially since the "biggest crimes" for most of his whipping posts are really nothing more than "playing for the Sabres."]
With that in mind, you can only imagine how the Canadiens are going over these days. The Habs didn't just lose, 6-2, to the Sabres on Thursday night in HSBC Arena. They were utterly lost for half the game en route to their fourth straight defeat. They showed up for the third period, but it was about two hours too late.
This is not just directed at Bucky, but at EVERY sports analyst. Can we stop with the "show up" and "didn't show up" cliche? Please. The Canadiens showed up. There were several men in Montreal uniforms taking turns on the ice for the first two periods. They just played like crap.
Is this really what their fans wanted? Remember, they pleaded for major changes, and that's what they received. Now, they're stuck with a confused team that has less chemistry than Tiger and Elin.
Yes. This is what the fans wanted. A team that plays like crap. All fans want that. You know what? Miami plays New England Sunday. As a Miami fan, I want them to lose 55 - 0. And I refuse to address the Tiger and Elin reference. It would take too long.
"There's such ultimate pressure to be a great hockey team," Rivet said. "It's not normal like with other teams. It's the Yankees, but the Yankees have the ability to spend as much money as they want to get the best players. In our [salary cap] system, Montreal would be doing it but they can't. So you have to be smart in how you manage the team."
Good point by Rivet about how one must be smart in managing the team. Also, I like Rivet a lot, so I will not get into his misguided comparison to the Yankees. Also, Rivet could, in all likelihood, whip my ass.
General Manager Bob Gainey didn't manage his team. He mismanaged his roster after caving to public pressure. He made the same mistake fans have made for years. He misread the situation and overreacted.
He replaced 13 players when a half-dozen good moves would have been fine.
Hmmm. I remember reading somewhere that the Montreal offseason was a good one. Going so far as to compliment them for be willing to overhaul the roster when something went wrong.
The Habs aren't any bigger or any better. They're just different. Scott Gomez, who scored his third goal Thursday, has 12 points to show for his $8 million salary. Veteran free-agent defenseman Paul Mara is minus-12.
Wow, three goals for Scott Gomez. Puts him exactly one ahead of former Ranger teamate, and the currently equally massively overpaid Chris Drury.
If you're a Sabres' fan, you should appreciate management's decision to take the opposite approach after Buffalo missed the postseason for the second straight season. Fans here were calling for many of the same changes they wanted in Montreal. Fire the coach, dump the GM, unload underachieving superstars, change for the sake of change.
I want to point out, that in a summer diatribe, the Sabres fans were not to appreciate the Sabres management did over the summer. It's in the link above.
Yes, this time doing little or nothing was the right approach. Need evidence? Buffalo had a 3-0 lead in the first nine minutes on goals from Clarke MacArthur, Jason Pominville and Derek Roy — three forwards who have been groomed in Buffalo's system. Each was the result of them properly reading the play and one another.
Nice way to avoid mentioning that Thomas Vanek had three assists in the game, who interestingly enough was also groomed in Buffalo's system. But more shocking is that no mention was made that Tim Kennedy scored a goal. Good restraint.
The Canadiens, meanwhile, weren't sure what they were doing or where they were going. By the looks of things, they're not going anywhere. They're home tonight to officially celebrate their 100-year anniversary with a game against Boston. Their fans will be there waiting for them.
So to conclude, I will call this Bucky's best column ever, despite the shameless 180 and factual issues. He was able to write a full column, and get through it without mentioning any of the following:
- God....errr....Chris Drury
- Tim Kennedy (I have to assume Bucky hears this when he sees Tim Kennedy
- How much Tim Connolly sucks
- [Ed's Note: how much Darcy Regier sucks]
- Why the Sabres should bring Biron back
Impressive work Mr. Gleason.
fire bucky gleason, bob dicesare smokes crack edition
I've fallen a little behind. Got this one a few weeks ago, but finally got to post it now. Apparently, now that UB is done for the year, Bob DiCesare is taking advantage of all his new free time to freebase cocaine and write whatever crazy things pop into his head.
michael.w got it first, my comments in italics.
DiCesare: Fitzpatrick shows qualities that are Peytonesque
OK, normally a headline is not fodder for me. I know that writers do not author the headlines, that is the job of someone else at the paper. [Ed's Note: the editor.] I do have some inside knowledge of the newspaper industry. However, reading this headline immediately reminded me of a joke Joel McHale told on "The Soup" in reference to some reality star signing a book deal. He said "In a related story, Random House Publishing paid a $4 million advance to a monkey who throws sh*t at a computer keyboard" Read further and you'll understand.
If only for a day there's reasonable cause to compare Ryan Fitzpatrick, a starting quarterback by default, with Peyton Manning, a star quarterback by birthright.
Being born Manning entitles you to be a starting quarterback. Like his sisters and his older brother Cooper. Yes he comes from NFL pedigree, but I think Peyton is a star quarterback because he has, you know, produced unhuman results over a long period of time in the NATIONAL!!!FOOTBALL!!!LEAGUE!!!
[Ed's Note: Somebody needs to direct Bob DiCesare to a dictionary in order for him to review the definition of "reasonable." A number of adjectives come to mind when thinking about comparing Ryan Fitzpatrick to Peyton Manning. Asinine. Crazy. Buckyperbole. Narcotic-induced. "Reasonable" and "accurate" aren't even at the bottom of that list, they're not on the list at all.]
If only on this certain any-given-Sunday
There it is in the first paragraph. The must have football cliche.
it was possible to assess Fitzpatrick's decisions and executions and conclude that Manning might have taken the same route given those same situations.
So I presume we are going to read about incredible decision making that Peyton Manning and only Peyton Manning (and now Ryan Fitzpatrick) could make.
Fitzpatrick's 31-yard bootleg around the right edge for a touchdown? Manning ran that play around the left side at The Ralph in November of 2001, scoring untouched from 33 yards out.
Uh-oh. By your logic, Fitzpatrick would have had to have gone around the left side. You said above that Manning would take the "same route" But Manning went left, Fitzpatrick went right.
The audible at the line that led to a 51-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens? That was taking what the defense offers, something Manning does to near perfection, especially with the game hanging in the balance.
OK, so two examples. And maybe it's just me, but I have yet to read about anything that is strictly something Peyton Manning would have done. I mean running out of the pocket when flushed, and audibling to a fly pattern do not seem like elite quarterback moves. I have to imagine evenblind squirrels pedestrian quarterbacks (for example, Ryan Fitzpatrick) could come up with these strokes of genius from time to time.
Fitzpatrick resided in a realm with which we've been unfamiliar during Sunday's where-did- that-come-from? 31-14 rout of the Miami Dolphins at The Ralph. He threw for 246 yards, averaging better than 14 yards per completion. He rushed seven times for 50 yards, including the aforementioned touchdown jaunt.
246 passing yards. As a point of comparison, Peyton Manning is averaging almost 311 passing yards per game. In fact, a 246 yard would rank as Manning's third worst yardage performance this season. But, please, go on.
And although the Dolphins registered six sacks,
Manning has been sacked a total of 10 times THIS SEASON
Fitzpatrick kept them reasonably honest (or made them pay handsomely) on designed or improvised rollouts that bought him time and space.
Whereas Manning drops back and quickly releases the ball to the open receiver. Please, give me more.
"We were going to move the pocket a little bit, something we tried to do all year, especially with some new guys up front," Fitzpatrick said. "That's one of the things you can do just to sort of get some more easy dink-and-dunk passes in the game."
Just like Peyton Manning, who has dinked and dunked his way to a NATIONAL!!!FOOTBALL!!LEAGUE!! best 3,415 yards this season.
None of this is to say that the Harvard grad automatically qualifies as the Buffalo Bills quarterback of the future. But doubtless he's the quarterback of the present, the deserving starter, a cerebral sort who brings more to the line of scrimmage than Trent Edwards, the beleaguered player he's displaced.
And none of this is to say that Fitzpatrick is anywhere in the same stratosphere as the Tennessee grad, who qualifies as the quarterback of the decade.
"It's the experience," Owens said. "He's not a stranger to being back there at the quarterback position and he's recognizing defenses. He's putting us in situations for us to win whether it's run or pass, and the guys up front are giving him a little bit of time to kind of assess that and he's delivering the ball."
Abridged translation: T.O. likes Fitzpatrick better than the other guy, who's actually more experienced. Or at least he likes him more for now.
Unabridged question: What does this have to do with the Peyton Manning comparison?
[Ed's Note: Actual translation, "I like this quarterback better because he constantly throws me the ball, no matter how little I try to catch it."]
But Owens has a point. The Bills owed both their long touchdown plays to Fitzpatrick's field awareness and instinctual responses.
And poor defense and poor man to man coverage.
The second-quarter bootleg that launched him down the sideline unimpeded to tie the score 7-7 was impromptu decision-making.
Launched? Seriously, did you see how fast he was going? I wouldn't say launched. [Ed's Note: "Jogging" might be a stretch. What made me angry about that play as a Dolphins fan is that Fitzpatrick's wheels were so slow I probably could've run down from my seat in the 23rd row and caught before he hit the goal line. Which makes the actual defense's hustle on the play that much more pathetic.]
"It was a pass play," Fitzpatrick said. "Just with the coverage the way I got flushed, we really had the perfect route on because it moved everybody to the other side of the field and then there was an opening for me to take off."
The whole 31 yards?
This sounds a lot more like dumb luck than some brilliant Peyton Manning-eque decision making. Seriously, he just acknowledged the huge opening into which he could "launch" himself.
"Oh, man. I didn't think I was going to score," Fitzpatrick said. "I thought one guy was going to catch me. But I was huffing and puffing out there for sure. I haven't run that far in a long time."
Not forward, anyway.
Fitzpatrick has run backwards 31 yards during a game? Beautiful. Another thing Peyton Manning does on practically a weekly basis.
The bootleg was sweet, but the play that gives Fitzpatrick new street cred came with 2:31 left and Buffalo leading by three. The Bills of Dick Jauron would have been dead set on eating clock. The Bills of interim head coach Perry Fewell have different ideas on how to finish off a game. The QB eyed the coverage and audibled, sending both Owens and Lee Evans deep.
Yeah, a white guy named Fitzpatrick from Harvard throws a ball deep. That is definitely "street." I bet Fitzpatrick is rocking the gold teeth, drinking a forty and will be providing rhymes on Lil'Wayne's next album. After all, he threw a long touchdown pass.
[Ed's Note: This reminds me of a column in Sports Illustrated a few years back, offering commentary on the beanpot. When talking about Boston College's hockey team, the columnist noted "the names on the jerseys range from the Irish, to the Catholic, to the Irish-Catholic." A white guy named Fitzpatrick going to college in Massachusetts fits that bill to a T.]
"We preached all week long we want to be aggressive and take the shots when we can get them," Fitzpatrick said. "And that was just one of those plays where we had a chance to get the ball outside in one of our playmaker's hands and he was obviously very excited about it."
Fitzpatrick certainly earned street cred with all the slang he threw around in that quote. Are you sure that wasn't Snoop Dogg saying that?
"I think you have to tip your hat off to Ryan in that situation because he dissected and assessed the defense," Owens said. "They were kind of moving around a little bit and we felt like we had some opportunities that slipped early in the game and he missed a few. We wanted to be aggressive and it's his call and it's up to us to make the play."
You have to throw them to hit them, must take chances to reap rewards. Fitzpatrick's decisions that resulted in big touchdowns weren't gambles but calculated risks. He reacted to the situation, played swashbuckling football. If only for this one day he resided in Peyton's place.
So, in conclusion, Ryan Fitzpatrick is like Peyton Manning because he had a long touchdown run. And Peyton Manning did that once. Moreover, because Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a long touchdown pass to T.O. Great.
You know what else Ryan Fitzpatrick did? He threw an interception to Yeremiah Bell. Tom Brady did that in 2005, which you can see at the 0:52 second mark here. So Ryan Fitzpatrick is also like Tom Brady.
Steve Young threw a long touchdown pass to T.O., too. So Ryan Fitzpatrick is also like Hall of Famer Steve Young.
[Ed's Note: The comparisons do not stop there. Ryan Fitzpatrick also stood on the Bills sideline while the defense was on the field, which Jim Kelly also did. So Ryan Fitzpatrick is like Jim Kelly. Fitzpatrick threw an interception at Arrowhead Stadium, which Joe Montana also did. So Fitzpatrick is also Joe Montana.]
So there you have it folks. Ryan Fitzpatrick is Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Steve Young [Ed's Note: and Jim Kelly and Joe Montana] all rolled into one sure fire Hall of Fame, street cred-having quarterback. [Ed's Note: Based on these highly credible and accurate comparisons, Buffalo should lock up Fitzpatrick long term with lots of guaranteed money. The sad thing here, though, is they actually might.]
michael.w got it first, my comments in italics.
DiCesare: Fitzpatrick shows qualities that are Peytonesque
OK, normally a headline is not fodder for me. I know that writers do not author the headlines, that is the job of someone else at the paper. [Ed's Note: the editor.] I do have some inside knowledge of the newspaper industry. However, reading this headline immediately reminded me of a joke Joel McHale told on "The Soup" in reference to some reality star signing a book deal. He said "In a related story, Random House Publishing paid a $4 million advance to a monkey who throws sh*t at a computer keyboard" Read further and you'll understand.
If only for a day there's reasonable cause to compare Ryan Fitzpatrick, a starting quarterback by default, with Peyton Manning, a star quarterback by birthright.
Being born Manning entitles you to be a starting quarterback. Like his sisters and his older brother Cooper. Yes he comes from NFL pedigree, but I think Peyton is a star quarterback because he has, you know, produced unhuman results over a long period of time in the NATIONAL!!!FOOTBALL!!!LEAGUE!!!
[Ed's Note: Somebody needs to direct Bob DiCesare to a dictionary in order for him to review the definition of "reasonable." A number of adjectives come to mind when thinking about comparing Ryan Fitzpatrick to Peyton Manning. Asinine. Crazy. Buckyperbole. Narcotic-induced. "Reasonable" and "accurate" aren't even at the bottom of that list, they're not on the list at all.]
If only on this certain any-given-Sunday
There it is in the first paragraph. The must have football cliche.
it was possible to assess Fitzpatrick's decisions and executions and conclude that Manning might have taken the same route given those same situations.
So I presume we are going to read about incredible decision making that Peyton Manning and only Peyton Manning (and now Ryan Fitzpatrick) could make.
Fitzpatrick's 31-yard bootleg around the right edge for a touchdown? Manning ran that play around the left side at The Ralph in November of 2001, scoring untouched from 33 yards out.
Uh-oh. By your logic, Fitzpatrick would have had to have gone around the left side. You said above that Manning would take the "same route" But Manning went left, Fitzpatrick went right.
The audible at the line that led to a 51-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens? That was taking what the defense offers, something Manning does to near perfection, especially with the game hanging in the balance.
OK, so two examples. And maybe it's just me, but I have yet to read about anything that is strictly something Peyton Manning would have done. I mean running out of the pocket when flushed, and audibling to a fly pattern do not seem like elite quarterback moves. I have to imagine even
Fitzpatrick resided in a realm with which we've been unfamiliar during Sunday's where-did- that-come-from? 31-14 rout of the Miami Dolphins at The Ralph. He threw for 246 yards, averaging better than 14 yards per completion. He rushed seven times for 50 yards, including the aforementioned touchdown jaunt.
246 passing yards. As a point of comparison, Peyton Manning is averaging almost 311 passing yards per game. In fact, a 246 yard would rank as Manning's third worst yardage performance this season. But, please, go on.
And although the Dolphins registered six sacks,
Manning has been sacked a total of 10 times THIS SEASON
Fitzpatrick kept them reasonably honest (or made them pay handsomely) on designed or improvised rollouts that bought him time and space.
Whereas Manning drops back and quickly releases the ball to the open receiver. Please, give me more.
"We were going to move the pocket a little bit, something we tried to do all year, especially with some new guys up front," Fitzpatrick said. "That's one of the things you can do just to sort of get some more easy dink-and-dunk passes in the game."
Just like Peyton Manning, who has dinked and dunked his way to a NATIONAL!!!FOOTBALL!!LEAGUE!! best 3,415 yards this season.
None of this is to say that the Harvard grad automatically qualifies as the Buffalo Bills quarterback of the future. But doubtless he's the quarterback of the present, the deserving starter, a cerebral sort who brings more to the line of scrimmage than Trent Edwards, the beleaguered player he's displaced.
And none of this is to say that Fitzpatrick is anywhere in the same stratosphere as the Tennessee grad, who qualifies as the quarterback of the decade.
"It's the experience," Owens said. "He's not a stranger to being back there at the quarterback position and he's recognizing defenses. He's putting us in situations for us to win whether it's run or pass, and the guys up front are giving him a little bit of time to kind of assess that and he's delivering the ball."
Abridged translation: T.O. likes Fitzpatrick better than the other guy, who's actually more experienced. Or at least he likes him more for now.
Unabridged question: What does this have to do with the Peyton Manning comparison?
[Ed's Note: Actual translation, "I like this quarterback better because he constantly throws me the ball, no matter how little I try to catch it."]
But Owens has a point. The Bills owed both their long touchdown plays to Fitzpatrick's field awareness and instinctual responses.
And poor defense and poor man to man coverage.
The second-quarter bootleg that launched him down the sideline unimpeded to tie the score 7-7 was impromptu decision-making.
Launched? Seriously, did you see how fast he was going? I wouldn't say launched. [Ed's Note: "Jogging" might be a stretch. What made me angry about that play as a Dolphins fan is that Fitzpatrick's wheels were so slow I probably could've run down from my seat in the 23rd row and caught before he hit the goal line. Which makes the actual defense's hustle on the play that much more pathetic.]
"It was a pass play," Fitzpatrick said. "Just with the coverage the way I got flushed, we really had the perfect route on because it moved everybody to the other side of the field and then there was an opening for me to take off."
The whole 31 yards?
This sounds a lot more like dumb luck than some brilliant Peyton Manning-eque decision making. Seriously, he just acknowledged the huge opening into which he could "launch" himself.
"Oh, man. I didn't think I was going to score," Fitzpatrick said. "I thought one guy was going to catch me. But I was huffing and puffing out there for sure. I haven't run that far in a long time."
Not forward, anyway.
Fitzpatrick has run backwards 31 yards during a game? Beautiful. Another thing Peyton Manning does on practically a weekly basis.
The bootleg was sweet, but the play that gives Fitzpatrick new street cred came with 2:31 left and Buffalo leading by three. The Bills of Dick Jauron would have been dead set on eating clock. The Bills of interim head coach Perry Fewell have different ideas on how to finish off a game. The QB eyed the coverage and audibled, sending both Owens and Lee Evans deep.
Yeah, a white guy named Fitzpatrick from Harvard throws a ball deep. That is definitely "street." I bet Fitzpatrick is rocking the gold teeth, drinking a forty and will be providing rhymes on Lil'Wayne's next album. After all, he threw a long touchdown pass.
[Ed's Note: This reminds me of a column in Sports Illustrated a few years back, offering commentary on the beanpot. When talking about Boston College's hockey team, the columnist noted "the names on the jerseys range from the Irish, to the Catholic, to the Irish-Catholic." A white guy named Fitzpatrick going to college in Massachusetts fits that bill to a T.]
"We preached all week long we want to be aggressive and take the shots when we can get them," Fitzpatrick said. "And that was just one of those plays where we had a chance to get the ball outside in one of our playmaker's hands and he was obviously very excited about it."
Fitzpatrick certainly earned street cred with all the slang he threw around in that quote. Are you sure that wasn't Snoop Dogg saying that?
"I think you have to tip your hat off to Ryan in that situation because he dissected and assessed the defense," Owens said. "They were kind of moving around a little bit and we felt like we had some opportunities that slipped early in the game and he missed a few. We wanted to be aggressive and it's his call and it's up to us to make the play."
You have to throw them to hit them, must take chances to reap rewards. Fitzpatrick's decisions that resulted in big touchdowns weren't gambles but calculated risks. He reacted to the situation, played swashbuckling football. If only for this one day he resided in Peyton's place.
So, in conclusion, Ryan Fitzpatrick is like Peyton Manning because he had a long touchdown run. And Peyton Manning did that once. Moreover, because Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a long touchdown pass to T.O. Great.
You know what else Ryan Fitzpatrick did? He threw an interception to Yeremiah Bell. Tom Brady did that in 2005, which you can see at the 0:52 second mark here. So Ryan Fitzpatrick is also like Tom Brady.
Steve Young threw a long touchdown pass to T.O., too. So Ryan Fitzpatrick is also like Hall of Famer Steve Young.
[Ed's Note: The comparisons do not stop there. Ryan Fitzpatrick also stood on the Bills sideline while the defense was on the field, which Jim Kelly also did. So Ryan Fitzpatrick is like Jim Kelly. Fitzpatrick threw an interception at Arrowhead Stadium, which Joe Montana also did. So Fitzpatrick is also Joe Montana.]
So there you have it folks. Ryan Fitzpatrick is Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Steve Young [Ed's Note: and Jim Kelly and Joe Montana] all rolled into one sure fire Hall of Fame, street cred-having quarterback. [Ed's Note: Based on these highly credible and accurate comparisons, Buffalo should lock up Fitzpatrick long term with lots of guaranteed money. The sad thing here, though, is they actually might.]
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
fire bucky gleason, bucky continues to write stupid things edition
Bucky's constant contradiction is one of the main things that drives me crazy about the fact that he has a job writing about sports. Sportswriters appear to have the free reign of meteorologists: say whatever the hell you want, because just about everybody expects you to be wrong. So, after the colossally dumb love letter to Tim Kennedy, Bucky decides to give us what appears to be a simple lame excuse to slam the Sabres he doesn't like.1
I only extracted the Sabres portion of Bucky's "Inside the NHL," which could qualify as a smorgasbord. But I don't feel like trying to figure out how dumb Bucky is when he talks about other teams. So this is it for now. I'm sure we'll get plenty more stupidity before the week is out.
You've heard the rhetoric numerous times over the past two-plus years, how the talent is there even when the goals are not,
Maybe because the talent is there, they've just been trying to develop their own identity after the team decided to invest in its youth instead of overpaying aging veterans with deteriorating skills. Maybe?
how every player endures scoring droughts, how they squeeze their sticks before eventually coming around.
Actually, I haven't heard this rhetoric numerous times. In fact, Lindy doesn't really hesitate to call his guys out when he feels like he has to. You know where I have heard this rhetoric though? In the Buffalo News. From you. Remember? When you said it was OK for Tim Kennedy to not score goals because he was on a defensive line that was very good at preventing them and preventing goals is just as important as scoring them? Do you remember that?
Zzzzzzzz. Say it often enough and long enough, and it eventually becomes the truth.
Hmm. Apparently not.
But it wasn't a good sign when Blackhawks grunt Dustin Byfuglien had eight goals, one more than Thomas Vanek had, going into the weekend. Or that Islanders rookie John Tavares, Blue Jackets plumber Raffi Torres and, yes, Thrashers winger Maxim Afinogenov each had nine — the same number that Derek Roy and Jason Pominville had combined.
Alright, if we're playing this game, Thomas Vanek has as many goals as Alex Kotalik and Chris Drury combined. Vanek is also currently has more goals than Joe Thornton and Shane Doan. And Alexander Frolov. Also, you are never allowed to complain about Maxim Afinogenov's production at any point from now until the end of all time.
Yikes.
What's with the "yikes"? Did you finish writing that last paragraph and then realize "Hey, it's really stupid comparing scoring paces 25 games into the season?" You did? Awesome! Progress!
The Sabres have $22.7 million locked into their five-highest paid forwards and through the first 22 games this season they combined for a grand total of 24 goals. It's not exactly the bargain they had in mind for Black Friday.
That's not a pretty hard cap hit, considering what other teams are blowing on their five highest paid forwards. I assume that's the bargain you're talking about, right? Because otherwise I don't understand the Black Friday reference. Once again, the Sabres won on Black Friday. Four goals. Against the Flyers.
In a financial sense, their best players have been their worst.
If that's the case, Montreal and the Rangers (but for Marian Gaborik, whose groin is due to explode any day now) have much worse "best" players.
It needs to change for the playoffs — which bounce from a given one week to a fantasy the next — to remain in reach.
Shenanigans. At no point were the Sabres out of playoff position, even during their absolutely "horrendous" 0-3-1 stretch. Not only do the playoffs remain very much in reach, but if the Sabres simply continue their pace from November they should do no worse than the sixth seed. Perhaps a few crude projections will shed some light here. Buffalo was 7-5-1 in November. Respectable, but by no means torrid. They finished the month with 32 points, and sole possession of the Northeast Division lead. Now, if they maintain that 7-5-1 pace, that projects out to approximately 98 points for the season. Solidly within any playoff bracket. If Buffalo manages to up their pace by one more point (7-4-2 instead of 7-5-1), we're looking at approximately 103 points, or a likely fourth seed. Is this an exact science? No. Can things change? Absolutely. But even with Buffalo's "terrible" week in November which caused you to immediately doubt their ability to play hockey at any kind of professional level ever again (because you're stupid), Buffalo maintained a very strong playoff pace. Got it? Good.
Vanek is making $6.4 million this season, which is $1.6 million less than he was pocketing in the front-loaded $50 million deal he signed while pointing the proverbial tommy gun at the Sabres' collective temple.
This is actually good news. Vanek's cap hit is still pretty high, but now that his actual salary is coming down, we have the opportunity to invest in some young talent, or perhaps give another front loaded contract to a free agent this offseason. Don't forget Chicago's going to have to have a huge firesale to clear space for the players they were supposed to sign weeks ago but still haven't re-upped.
Whether he's injured or disinterested, the pop has been missing almost all season.
But, he leads the team in goals. Does that count for anything?
Tim Connolly
I guess not, since we simply moved in to start whipping Bucky's Least Favorite Sabre.
is making $4.5 million this season, a $1 million raise per year after appearing in about one-third of the games under his previous contract.
A fair criticism. Now, I'm sure you'll point out that Connolly has been in the lineup for each and every single Sabres game this season.
The Sabres insisted he was their guy. But, really, he's the same player who has possessed great talent and produced mediocre results.
Or ignore that fact entirely. He is the Sabres' guy. And is turning into a pretty wise investment, as he leads the team is assists and points. And is scoring at a pace just off a point per game. So, really, I'm looking for the mediocre results of which you speak.
Connolly had one goal in 16 games before his best performance of the season, two goals and two assists against Philadelphia.
During that 16 game stretch, Tim Kennedy had no goals. In fact, up through Philadelphia, Tim Kennedy only had one goal in 22 games. Why the double standard?
OK, so he improved to three goals in 17 games.
By comparison, Tim Kennedy2 now has two goals in 24 games. Again, I'm waiting for the explanation of the double standard. Is it based on Connolly's salary? His experience? What? All I know is we're supposed to love Tim Kennedy, who scores at a much slower rate than Tim Connolly, who leads the team in points. I haven't been given a single valid reason for this yet, sir.
He's had his usual flashes of brilliance, confirming he's able but not always willing.
His brilliance is only flashing? What? And his inconsistent goal scoring (which is a far cry from his markedly consistent point production, which means Connolly is helping generate goals, which is kind of important in terms of playing successful hockey I hear) "confirms" he's not willing to play well? Do me a favor. Start reading your columns out loud before submitting them. Maybe then you'll realize how dumb this all sounds. We certainly can't rely on your editor.
Pominville is pocketing Connolly money, getting Clarke MacArthur results.
MacArthur's playing pretty well this season.
Last season was dismissed as a poor year from a good player, but this year has been much the same. In part, his production (five goals) was down because the Sabres lack a power-play quarterback, taking him from the wing. It's also because he's been spending too much time on the perimeter at even strength.
Is this his fault? Or is Lindy not putting Pommers in a position to be successful? Both are equally plausible explanations, yet I have to guess which it is. Thanks.
Jochen Hecht
Oh god...
is making $3.8 million and had four points, putting him on pace for seven goals and 15 points, while averaging more than 16 minutes. Nobody on the team who has played every game has fewer points.
You know who on the team has played the same number of games as Hecht and produced the exact same number of points with half the goals? I'll give you a hint. It rhymes with "Shim Shmennedy." Who, I might add, skates on Hecht's line. Which I was told is not designed to score goals, but rather prevent them. Seeing how the Sabres currently lead the league in goals against, apparently Hecht is playing his role to a T.
Roy, making $3.5 million, needed 11 games to score his first goal, buried four goals in his next five games, fell silent for the next six.
I'm confused. Doesn't this actually prove the exact thesis you present in the opening paragraph? The one you didn't really dispute, but hung out there as a pathetic excuse? Even though you relied on it yourself not two weeks ago?
It's one thing to make big money, another thing to earn it.
This is surprisingly apt. It's one thing to make big money (or whatever money, hopefully it isn't big) writing about sports professionally. It's another thing to earn it by being reliable, accurate, and consistent.
1 - "The Sabres he doesn't like" obviously consists of all the Sabres except for Tyler Myers, Tim Kennedy, and Patrick Kaleta.
2 - I feel like at this point I need another disclaimer. I am actually a Sabres fan. When I follow my sports teams, I prefer to be a bit childlike in that I'll like the guy simply for putting on a Sabres' sweater. I like Kennedy. I know he's young. He's getting some good reviews, but also going through some growing pains. Same goes for Tyler Myers (a team leader in ice time, generating a lot of points from the blue line; embarrassing mistakes like essentially giving Max Afinogenov and Matt Cullen free goals). I'm excited about these guys. But I'm also excited about all the Sabres, including Tim Connolly, who I consider to actually be quite amazing, especially when he gets the puck (one of the "brilliant flashes" was when he froze two Panthers in their skates and then skated through two more during their 6-2 loss--such a hockey play should be criminal). It just happens to be that Bucky is so wildly inconsistent in his analysis, without ever giving any kind of reason, that it drives me crazy. So, unfortunately, Tim Kennedy becomes my whipping boy because we're told to love what he does, which isn't very much when juxtaposed with what the other guys are doing. OK, I feel better.
I only extracted the Sabres portion of Bucky's "Inside the NHL," which could qualify as a smorgasbord. But I don't feel like trying to figure out how dumb Bucky is when he talks about other teams. So this is it for now. I'm sure we'll get plenty more stupidity before the week is out.
You've heard the rhetoric numerous times over the past two-plus years, how the talent is there even when the goals are not,
Maybe because the talent is there, they've just been trying to develop their own identity after the team decided to invest in its youth instead of overpaying aging veterans with deteriorating skills. Maybe?
how every player endures scoring droughts, how they squeeze their sticks before eventually coming around.
Actually, I haven't heard this rhetoric numerous times. In fact, Lindy doesn't really hesitate to call his guys out when he feels like he has to. You know where I have heard this rhetoric though? In the Buffalo News. From you. Remember? When you said it was OK for Tim Kennedy to not score goals because he was on a defensive line that was very good at preventing them and preventing goals is just as important as scoring them? Do you remember that?
Zzzzzzzz. Say it often enough and long enough, and it eventually becomes the truth.
Hmm. Apparently not.
But it wasn't a good sign when Blackhawks grunt Dustin Byfuglien had eight goals, one more than Thomas Vanek had, going into the weekend. Or that Islanders rookie John Tavares, Blue Jackets plumber Raffi Torres and, yes, Thrashers winger Maxim Afinogenov each had nine — the same number that Derek Roy and Jason Pominville had combined.
Alright, if we're playing this game, Thomas Vanek has as many goals as Alex Kotalik and Chris Drury combined. Vanek is also currently has more goals than Joe Thornton and Shane Doan. And Alexander Frolov. Also, you are never allowed to complain about Maxim Afinogenov's production at any point from now until the end of all time.
Yikes.
What's with the "yikes"? Did you finish writing that last paragraph and then realize "Hey, it's really stupid comparing scoring paces 25 games into the season?" You did? Awesome! Progress!
The Sabres have $22.7 million locked into their five-highest paid forwards and through the first 22 games this season they combined for a grand total of 24 goals. It's not exactly the bargain they had in mind for Black Friday.
That's not a pretty hard cap hit, considering what other teams are blowing on their five highest paid forwards. I assume that's the bargain you're talking about, right? Because otherwise I don't understand the Black Friday reference. Once again, the Sabres won on Black Friday. Four goals. Against the Flyers.
In a financial sense, their best players have been their worst.
If that's the case, Montreal and the Rangers (but for Marian Gaborik, whose groin is due to explode any day now) have much worse "best" players.
It needs to change for the playoffs — which bounce from a given one week to a fantasy the next — to remain in reach.
Shenanigans. At no point were the Sabres out of playoff position, even during their absolutely "horrendous" 0-3-1 stretch. Not only do the playoffs remain very much in reach, but if the Sabres simply continue their pace from November they should do no worse than the sixth seed. Perhaps a few crude projections will shed some light here. Buffalo was 7-5-1 in November. Respectable, but by no means torrid. They finished the month with 32 points, and sole possession of the Northeast Division lead. Now, if they maintain that 7-5-1 pace, that projects out to approximately 98 points for the season. Solidly within any playoff bracket. If Buffalo manages to up their pace by one more point (7-4-2 instead of 7-5-1), we're looking at approximately 103 points, or a likely fourth seed. Is this an exact science? No. Can things change? Absolutely. But even with Buffalo's "terrible" week in November which caused you to immediately doubt their ability to play hockey at any kind of professional level ever again (because you're stupid), Buffalo maintained a very strong playoff pace. Got it? Good.
Vanek is making $6.4 million this season, which is $1.6 million less than he was pocketing in the front-loaded $50 million deal he signed while pointing the proverbial tommy gun at the Sabres' collective temple.
This is actually good news. Vanek's cap hit is still pretty high, but now that his actual salary is coming down, we have the opportunity to invest in some young talent, or perhaps give another front loaded contract to a free agent this offseason. Don't forget Chicago's going to have to have a huge firesale to clear space for the players they were supposed to sign weeks ago but still haven't re-upped.
Whether he's injured or disinterested, the pop has been missing almost all season.
But, he leads the team in goals. Does that count for anything?
Tim Connolly
I guess not, since we simply moved in to start whipping Bucky's Least Favorite Sabre.
is making $4.5 million this season, a $1 million raise per year after appearing in about one-third of the games under his previous contract.
A fair criticism. Now, I'm sure you'll point out that Connolly has been in the lineup for each and every single Sabres game this season.
The Sabres insisted he was their guy. But, really, he's the same player who has possessed great talent and produced mediocre results.
Or ignore that fact entirely. He is the Sabres' guy. And is turning into a pretty wise investment, as he leads the team is assists and points. And is scoring at a pace just off a point per game. So, really, I'm looking for the mediocre results of which you speak.
Connolly had one goal in 16 games before his best performance of the season, two goals and two assists against Philadelphia.
During that 16 game stretch, Tim Kennedy had no goals. In fact, up through Philadelphia, Tim Kennedy only had one goal in 22 games. Why the double standard?
OK, so he improved to three goals in 17 games.
By comparison, Tim Kennedy2 now has two goals in 24 games. Again, I'm waiting for the explanation of the double standard. Is it based on Connolly's salary? His experience? What? All I know is we're supposed to love Tim Kennedy, who scores at a much slower rate than Tim Connolly, who leads the team in points. I haven't been given a single valid reason for this yet, sir.
He's had his usual flashes of brilliance, confirming he's able but not always willing.
His brilliance is only flashing? What? And his inconsistent goal scoring (which is a far cry from his markedly consistent point production, which means Connolly is helping generate goals, which is kind of important in terms of playing successful hockey I hear) "confirms" he's not willing to play well? Do me a favor. Start reading your columns out loud before submitting them. Maybe then you'll realize how dumb this all sounds. We certainly can't rely on your editor.
Pominville is pocketing Connolly money, getting Clarke MacArthur results.
MacArthur's playing pretty well this season.
Last season was dismissed as a poor year from a good player, but this year has been much the same. In part, his production (five goals) was down because the Sabres lack a power-play quarterback, taking him from the wing. It's also because he's been spending too much time on the perimeter at even strength.
Is this his fault? Or is Lindy not putting Pommers in a position to be successful? Both are equally plausible explanations, yet I have to guess which it is. Thanks.
Jochen Hecht
Oh god...
is making $3.8 million and had four points, putting him on pace for seven goals and 15 points, while averaging more than 16 minutes. Nobody on the team who has played every game has fewer points.
You know who on the team has played the same number of games as Hecht and produced the exact same number of points with half the goals? I'll give you a hint. It rhymes with "Shim Shmennedy." Who, I might add, skates on Hecht's line. Which I was told is not designed to score goals, but rather prevent them. Seeing how the Sabres currently lead the league in goals against, apparently Hecht is playing his role to a T.
Roy, making $3.5 million, needed 11 games to score his first goal, buried four goals in his next five games, fell silent for the next six.
I'm confused. Doesn't this actually prove the exact thesis you present in the opening paragraph? The one you didn't really dispute, but hung out there as a pathetic excuse? Even though you relied on it yourself not two weeks ago?
It's one thing to make big money, another thing to earn it.
This is surprisingly apt. It's one thing to make big money (or whatever money, hopefully it isn't big) writing about sports professionally. It's another thing to earn it by being reliable, accurate, and consistent.
1 - "The Sabres he doesn't like" obviously consists of all the Sabres except for Tyler Myers, Tim Kennedy, and Patrick Kaleta.
2 - I feel like at this point I need another disclaimer. I am actually a Sabres fan. When I follow my sports teams, I prefer to be a bit childlike in that I'll like the guy simply for putting on a Sabres' sweater. I like Kennedy. I know he's young. He's getting some good reviews, but also going through some growing pains. Same goes for Tyler Myers (a team leader in ice time, generating a lot of points from the blue line; embarrassing mistakes like essentially giving Max Afinogenov and Matt Cullen free goals). I'm excited about these guys. But I'm also excited about all the Sabres, including Tim Connolly, who I consider to actually be quite amazing, especially when he gets the puck (one of the "brilliant flashes" was when he froze two Panthers in their skates and then skated through two more during their 6-2 loss--such a hockey play should be criminal). It just happens to be that Bucky is so wildly inconsistent in his analysis, without ever giving any kind of reason, that it drives me crazy. So, unfortunately, Tim Kennedy becomes my whipping boy because we're told to love what he does, which isn't very much when juxtaposed with what the other guys are doing. OK, I feel better.
Friday, November 27, 2009
smorgasbord!
Been a while since I've been able to pull out the smorgasbord tag, as we've mostly had to suffer hockey (with occasional football) commentary. For the past few months I've been suffering. It's been pure agony, wondering "Well, yeah, the Sabres are lousy good lousy good, but what does Bucky think about College Basketball and NASCAR??" Thankfully, he finally scratched that itch. And we all reap the benefits.
In the meantime, I'm enjoying the mental image I have of Bucky watching Tim Connolly hang four points on the board today (including two goals!).
michael.w got to it first, so I added my comments in italics, because they're more important.
Mike Shanahan is taking his time before deciding whether his next coaching job will be in Buffalo, which is good news for the Bills. Shanahan could be stalling while waiting for a better opportunity, but he's also doing a favor for the Bills by giving them extra time to decide if he's the right guy for them.
He's also aware that come early January, there will be about a half a dozen open NFL coaching football positions, as is always the case. Wait, I am breaking down football. Let me rephrase: Come January there will be about half a dozen open coaching positions in the NATIONAL!!!! FOOTBALL!!!! LEAGUE!!!! (That's how you have to say it apparently) [Ed's Note: only if you're Ron Jaworski. One thing we do need to eliminate from the football vernacular is "hat on a hat." You're not bringing us on the inside. You sound stupid.]
But I digress, why should Shanahan take the first offer when several will be available. He could use this as leverage. [Ed's Note: "Leverage" is something everybody needs to keep in mind when they say "Drury and Briere would've stayed in Buffalo for less if only the Sabres negotiated sooner." Which is stupid. If the Sabres offered Drury $25 million for five years, Drury knows his baseline. He can negotiate freely, knowing that's as low as he'll have to go. There's more, but I'm tired and we need to get to more stupid suggestions for the Bills' front office.]
Just about anybody would be an upgrade over Dick Jauron,
Really? How about me?
so it's easy for desperate fans to get excited about a big-name replacement who showed enough interest in Buffalo to have so-called discovery talks. But the Bills just might discover a better candidate.
Nice word play. But I have to call shenanigans. Please cite the movie "Fracture." I am pretty sure that's from where Bucky discovered the discovery/discover word play. Sorry, I did too.
The Bills shouldn't give up in their pursuit of Bill Cowher,
Did anyone say they did?
who said he wasn't yet interested in interviews with teams. It could be interpreted in a few different ways, but it didn't sound like he was slamming the door on Buffalo so much as concentrating on his duties with CBS until after the season.
Seems reasonable. [Ed's Note: Because he probably knows that he can wait as long as he wants. And why take a crappy job for a team that has only about three NFL players and a front office nightmare?]
If that's the case, the Bills should admire him even more for properly handling the situation. Cowher was refusing to compromise his current job by focusing his time and energy elsewhere. That's the kind of person they should want running football operations, including coaching.
Really? He is qualified to be the head coach because he pulled the line that, I don't know, EVERY OTHER PERSON uses in a similar situation? Great, thanks for that. Ignore that Cowher successfully navigated the Steelers through numerous salary cap casualties, crappy quarterbacks and consistently got them deep into the playofffs. That's why I would be interested in him. Not because he readily spews pre-package PR crap. But at least Bucky cannot come up with any other meaningless reasons to hire Cowher.
Shanahan could be a fit, but Cowher would be a better one. He's a Pittsburgh guy, and he understands the charm that comes with a hard-working, passionate football town.
I spoke too soon. [Ed's Note: Stupid. Also, I love how Pittsburgh and Buffalo are the only hard-working, passionate football towns in the country. Shanahan can't possibly understand that after coaching in Denver, where everybody's lazy, apathetic and only follow curling.]
Show him the same enthusiasm he expects from his players, give him power over all personnel decisions, plus $10 million for the effort, and you just might land him.
So long as no one offers him say, $11 million.
Syracuse has made the transition look easy after losing its top three scorers in Niagara Falls products Jonny Flynn and Paul Harris and shooter Eric Devendorf. The previously unranked Orange (5-0) soared to No. 10 in this week's AP top 25 poll after hammering California and North Carolina last week.
Syracuse native Brandon Triche, whose uncle Howard played for SU back in the 1980s, could evolve into one of the nation's top freshmen. SU should be 8-0 going into Florida on Dec. 10 and has enough talent to contend in the Big East. They would have been among the early favorites for an NCAA title had the aforementioned three stuck around.
This paragraph is entered solely to demonstrate Bucky's knowledge that Flynn and Harris are from Niagara Falls, and that Triche is from Syracuse and has an uncle that played at SU. [Ed's Note: This is also really poorly written. The way it's set up, "shooter" is supposed to separate Eric Devendorf from Niagara Falls (where I believe he's not from), but he gets lumped in with Flynn and Harris.]
Obviously, my decision to stagger through a 5K a few years ago still inspires Maura Frauenhofer, the women's winner of the Turkey Trot. Yes, I'm kidding. In the interest of full disclosure, she's my niece.
For the first time in the history of Bucky Gleason columns, we get full disclosure.
Jimmie Johnson made history when he won his fourth straight NASCAR title, but talk about him being the best driver ever is premature if not grossly inaccurate. Johnson is a great driver and a prince, but he's basically the quarterback for the best team. The emphasis was greater on the driver years ago. And that's why Richard Petty remains the king.
Yes, the quarterback of the best team never, ever has been considered the best ever in football. I mean no one has ever asserted that Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Peyton Manning or Tom Brady are the best... What?... You mean they have?? My bad. And do we have to compare everything in sports to the quarterback?
Can we agree that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has run out of excuses? He changed teams, crew chiefs and sponsors, and the results have been worse. He has one victory over the past three seasons, hasn't won twice in the same year since 2004 and was 25th in the standings this year.
Especially since Jimmie Johnson keeps winning. Plus I read somewhere that the team surrounding a NASCAR driver is quite important. In fact, the driver was compared to the quarterback in football. Perhaps using that analogy, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is a very good to great quarterback on a dreadfully bad team. For example, Steve Young in Tampa vs. Steve Young in San Francisco. I cannot remember where I read this driver to quarterback comparison. I mean, I know I read it, who... Oh yeah, its the FREAKING PARAGRAPH ABOVE THIS ONE!!!!!
Alex Ovechkin deserved a penalty for boarding when he drilled hometown boy Patrick Kaleta,
Really, Kaleta is from Buffalo? What tidbit of information are you going to tell me next, that Brady Quinn's sister dated A.J. Hawk? That Chad Henne went to Michigan and Brian Hartline went to Ohio State, and those schools are rivals? That Citizen's Bank Park and the "new" Yankee Stadium are hitter friendly parks? I really need to know these things, they are never mentioned.
on Wednesday night, but he shouldn't have been ejected. The Sabres would have been furious had the situation been reversed. If only the Sabres had a top-six forward who played with that much aggression.
OK, I actually agree with Ovechkin not warranting an ejection, and the Sabres lack a top-six forward who plays with such aggression. I am surprised that Ovechkin doesn't have to have a food taster because Bucky would be poisoning his food. Probably because he didn't blow up Tim Kennedy or Tyler Myers. And you know, I am more concerned with the top-six forwards not scoring goals.
Athletes would rally around a bowl of soup for motivation, but don't underestimate the effect UB unveiling its banner for winning the MAC regular-season hoops title had on Canisius. "They could have done it before the first game [an exhibition against Daemen]," Griffs guard Julius Coles said. UB dropped the banner, but Coles dropped the hammer with 26 points in the victory.
OK, I won't underestimate it. Where is Julius Coles from? I am sure not Buffalo, because that would not have escaped mention had it been the case. [Ed's Note: According to Canisius, Julius Coles is from Harlem, but according to Wikipedia he's the president of something called Africare. Also, seriously? They got juiced up because UB hung a banner? Plus, there's only one athlete I can think of who rallies around of a bowl of soup for motivation. That's Donovan McNabb, and only because he was paid handsomely to do so.]
In the meantime, I'm enjoying the mental image I have of Bucky watching Tim Connolly hang four points on the board today (including two goals!).
michael.w got to it first, so I added my comments in italics, because they're more important.
Mike Shanahan is taking his time before deciding whether his next coaching job will be in Buffalo, which is good news for the Bills. Shanahan could be stalling while waiting for a better opportunity, but he's also doing a favor for the Bills by giving them extra time to decide if he's the right guy for them.
He's also aware that come early January, there will be about a half a dozen open NFL coaching football positions, as is always the case. Wait, I am breaking down football. Let me rephrase: Come January there will be about half a dozen open coaching positions in the NATIONAL!!!! FOOTBALL!!!! LEAGUE!!!! (That's how you have to say it apparently) [Ed's Note: only if you're Ron Jaworski. One thing we do need to eliminate from the football vernacular is "hat on a hat." You're not bringing us on the inside. You sound stupid.]
But I digress, why should Shanahan take the first offer when several will be available. He could use this as leverage. [Ed's Note: "Leverage" is something everybody needs to keep in mind when they say "Drury and Briere would've stayed in Buffalo for less if only the Sabres negotiated sooner." Which is stupid. If the Sabres offered Drury $25 million for five years, Drury knows his baseline. He can negotiate freely, knowing that's as low as he'll have to go. There's more, but I'm tired and we need to get to more stupid suggestions for the Bills' front office.]
Just about anybody would be an upgrade over Dick Jauron,
Really? How about me?
so it's easy for desperate fans to get excited about a big-name replacement who showed enough interest in Buffalo to have so-called discovery talks. But the Bills just might discover a better candidate.
Nice word play. But I have to call shenanigans. Please cite the movie "Fracture." I am pretty sure that's from where Bucky discovered the discovery/discover word play. Sorry, I did too.
The Bills shouldn't give up in their pursuit of Bill Cowher,
Did anyone say they did?
who said he wasn't yet interested in interviews with teams. It could be interpreted in a few different ways, but it didn't sound like he was slamming the door on Buffalo so much as concentrating on his duties with CBS until after the season.
Seems reasonable. [Ed's Note: Because he probably knows that he can wait as long as he wants. And why take a crappy job for a team that has only about three NFL players and a front office nightmare?]
If that's the case, the Bills should admire him even more for properly handling the situation. Cowher was refusing to compromise his current job by focusing his time and energy elsewhere. That's the kind of person they should want running football operations, including coaching.
Really? He is qualified to be the head coach because he pulled the line that, I don't know, EVERY OTHER PERSON uses in a similar situation? Great, thanks for that. Ignore that Cowher successfully navigated the Steelers through numerous salary cap casualties, crappy quarterbacks and consistently got them deep into the playofffs. That's why I would be interested in him. Not because he readily spews pre-package PR crap. But at least Bucky cannot come up with any other meaningless reasons to hire Cowher.
Shanahan could be a fit, but Cowher would be a better one. He's a Pittsburgh guy, and he understands the charm that comes with a hard-working, passionate football town.
I spoke too soon. [Ed's Note: Stupid. Also, I love how Pittsburgh and Buffalo are the only hard-working, passionate football towns in the country. Shanahan can't possibly understand that after coaching in Denver, where everybody's lazy, apathetic and only follow curling.]
Show him the same enthusiasm he expects from his players, give him power over all personnel decisions, plus $10 million for the effort, and you just might land him.
So long as no one offers him say, $11 million.
Syracuse has made the transition look easy after losing its top three scorers in Niagara Falls products Jonny Flynn and Paul Harris and shooter Eric Devendorf. The previously unranked Orange (5-0) soared to No. 10 in this week's AP top 25 poll after hammering California and North Carolina last week.
Syracuse native Brandon Triche, whose uncle Howard played for SU back in the 1980s, could evolve into one of the nation's top freshmen. SU should be 8-0 going into Florida on Dec. 10 and has enough talent to contend in the Big East. They would have been among the early favorites for an NCAA title had the aforementioned three stuck around.
This paragraph is entered solely to demonstrate Bucky's knowledge that Flynn and Harris are from Niagara Falls, and that Triche is from Syracuse and has an uncle that played at SU. [Ed's Note: This is also really poorly written. The way it's set up, "shooter" is supposed to separate Eric Devendorf from Niagara Falls (where I believe he's not from), but he gets lumped in with Flynn and Harris.]
Obviously, my decision to stagger through a 5K a few years ago still inspires Maura Frauenhofer, the women's winner of the Turkey Trot. Yes, I'm kidding. In the interest of full disclosure, she's my niece.
For the first time in the history of Bucky Gleason columns, we get full disclosure.
Jimmie Johnson made history when he won his fourth straight NASCAR title, but talk about him being the best driver ever is premature if not grossly inaccurate. Johnson is a great driver and a prince, but he's basically the quarterback for the best team. The emphasis was greater on the driver years ago. And that's why Richard Petty remains the king.
Yes, the quarterback of the best team never, ever has been considered the best ever in football. I mean no one has ever asserted that Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Peyton Manning or Tom Brady are the best... What?... You mean they have?? My bad. And do we have to compare everything in sports to the quarterback?
Can we agree that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has run out of excuses? He changed teams, crew chiefs and sponsors, and the results have been worse. He has one victory over the past three seasons, hasn't won twice in the same year since 2004 and was 25th in the standings this year.
Especially since Jimmie Johnson keeps winning. Plus I read somewhere that the team surrounding a NASCAR driver is quite important. In fact, the driver was compared to the quarterback in football. Perhaps using that analogy, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is a very good to great quarterback on a dreadfully bad team. For example, Steve Young in Tampa vs. Steve Young in San Francisco. I cannot remember where I read this driver to quarterback comparison. I mean, I know I read it, who... Oh yeah, its the FREAKING PARAGRAPH ABOVE THIS ONE!!!!!
Alex Ovechkin deserved a penalty for boarding when he drilled hometown boy Patrick Kaleta,
Really, Kaleta is from Buffalo? What tidbit of information are you going to tell me next, that Brady Quinn's sister dated A.J. Hawk? That Chad Henne went to Michigan and Brian Hartline went to Ohio State, and those schools are rivals? That Citizen's Bank Park and the "new" Yankee Stadium are hitter friendly parks? I really need to know these things, they are never mentioned.
on Wednesday night, but he shouldn't have been ejected. The Sabres would have been furious had the situation been reversed. If only the Sabres had a top-six forward who played with that much aggression.
OK, I actually agree with Ovechkin not warranting an ejection, and the Sabres lack a top-six forward who plays with such aggression. I am surprised that Ovechkin doesn't have to have a food taster because Bucky would be poisoning his food. Probably because he didn't blow up Tim Kennedy or Tyler Myers. And you know, I am more concerned with the top-six forwards not scoring goals.
Athletes would rally around a bowl of soup for motivation, but don't underestimate the effect UB unveiling its banner for winning the MAC regular-season hoops title had on Canisius. "They could have done it before the first game [an exhibition against Daemen]," Griffs guard Julius Coles said. UB dropped the banner, but Coles dropped the hammer with 26 points in the victory.
OK, I won't underestimate it. Where is Julius Coles from? I am sure not Buffalo, because that would not have escaped mention had it been the case. [Ed's Note: According to Canisius, Julius Coles is from Harlem, but according to Wikipedia he's the president of something called Africare. Also, seriously? They got juiced up because UB hung a banner? Plus, there's only one athlete I can think of who rallies around of a bowl of soup for motivation. That's Donovan McNabb, and only because he was paid handsomely to do so.]
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
fire bucky gleason, it's about time edition
I'm surprised it took until the end of November, but we finally got the column we were all expecting. Before I get started, I'd just like to point out that in the Sabres' first 17 games they were 12-4-1 and led the the Northeast Division. Again, going in to last week they were in first place and positioned to take the overall points lead in the Eastern Conference. Got it? Good.
If you withstood the damp breeze and waited at the foot of Washington Street until the puck was dropped Friday night, you had a pretty good chance to talk the scalpers outside HSBC Arena into coughing up a couple of Sabres' tickets for little more than a few bucks and a song.
If you wait until the puck drops you can generally talk scalpers into giving you tickets for nothing regardless of how the team's playing. It's not because the Sabres are lousy, it's because those tickets are very rapidly losing value by the second. I got a seat to Buffalo-Carolina Game 6 in '06 for $80 by waiting. That ticket was worth three times that, at least.
Gone are the days when 18,690 was a given downtown for a Friday night game against anybody, let alone a longtime rival and the defending division champ. After all, the Bruins were in town, not the Blue Jackets, yet blocks of seats remained vacant in the 300 level for a silver game.
I really don't know what to say to this. The Bruins are the defending division champ, true, but they're also struggling mightily this season. Two of their best players were injured. Plus, it's a silver game making it that much more expensive. Hell, the Blue Jackets probably would have packed the house because it would've been a bronze game and Rick Nash isn't on the shelf. In conclusion, this paragraph (and the paragraph I wrote about it) stole five minutes of your life.
It's hardly a sign of doom,
Then why the hell are you being so damn ominous about it?
but a few years ago fans would have lined up for any ticket.
Because everybody was surprised with how good the Sabres were coming out of the lockout. The 2006-07 regular season was a pretty magical ride.
People have become more judicious with their buck and more skeptical about their team.
I'm going to pause here for a moment to remind everyone that the Sabres were 12-4-1 entering last week. Caught up? OK.
Perhaps you can blame a slow economy
Probably a pretty good excuse. All we hear all damn day long is how the economy's in the toilet, nobody has any money, and there's no hope in sight. So, naturally, people are going to be scared about how they're spending their money. $150 for a pair of Sabres tickets are a luxury a lot of people can't afford right now.
or the Bills
The Bills are 3-7, and everybody's really pissed off about them. I doubt they're stealing fans. Especially on a Friday night.
or the time of year with Thanksgiving around the corner and Christmas five weeks away.
Meaning, on top of the slow economy, most folks are even more acutely aware of their bottom line since they need to set aside a pretty healthy amount of their income for holiday expenses.
With two legitimate reasons as to why ticket sales are slow (even the mighty NFL is seeing a drop off in attendance, at games for teams that don't suck; but as a consequence, their TV ratings are through the roof so people still care), and one lousy reason, I'm sure the issue is pretty well resolved. I'm surprised this column is so short, because we've really explored-
Or perhaps it says something about the Sabres.
Oh.
Buffalo had had another uneventful night Friday before getting what they had coming, a 2-1 overtime loss to a patient Boston team.
So, people didn't go to the game Friday because they expected the Sabres to lose? What? They started off 12-4-1, and were 12-5-1 going into Friday. The wheels fell off after one loss??
It was a predictable ending considering how Buffalo played for much of the game before Patrice Bergeron deflected Zdeno Chara's shot from the blue line past Ryan Miller.
Didn't see the game. Can't confirm. But it was in overtime. So, if the Sabres were really that uneventful, forcing OT and getting a point is actually a pretty decent outcome all things considered.
It's funny how Buffalo has humbly plodded along and taken over first place in the division without the unmistakable buzz that accompanies local teams with promise.
This may, or may not, have something to do with the fact that local media outlets jump down the team's throat after one overtime loss, apparently. I was excited about their division lead, but I also realized that there's still a lot of hockey left to play.
Fans are optimistic while proceeding with caution, reluctant to completely jump on board.
Because all they hear all offseason ever is how stupid the general manager is, and how lousy all the players not born in South Buffalo are. I think fans are on board, but aren't ready to throw around "Stanley Cup contender" after 20 games, because if you do you're insane. Remember when the Jets were 3-0, had the AFC East by the throat, and Mark Sanchez was a brilliant manchild with the full complement of NFL quarterback skills? How'd the work out? They're 1-6 since and all the playoff talk turned out to be premature? Oh.
You can't blame them.
For not jumping off the deep end twenty games in? No, not at all. What's your excuse?
That's what happens when a team misses the playoffs for two straight seasons.
Oh god. Cut that out. If fans are allowed to be pessimistic ninnies after barely missing the playoffs for two years, then they shouldn't be allowed to get excited if the Sabres make the Conference Finals and then win their first ten games the following season.
The Sabres were only about 400 fans short of a sellout, but it sounded more like 4,000.
Hold on... I thought tickets were so easy to come by you could hoodwink even the most skilled scalper? Now we discover that approximately 18,290 people showed up. That's a pretty solid number. Percentage-wise it's even closer. Canadian (Canadian!) are seeing thousands of tickets go unsold, so by comparison (a really stupid comparison, but a comparison still) we're in great shape. Especially considering the economy, and how everybody likes to harp on how Buffalo apparently only has two nickels to rub together. And they're both at M&T Bank.
Heck, fans couldn't even muster up enough rage to greet winger Daniel Paille with the customary boos reserved for ex-Sabres making their returns.
Holy. Freaking. Crap. I thought we were supposed to give returning players standing ovations?
He was treated largely with indifference,
Maybe because he's Daniel Paille. Doug Janik didn't take any heat when he returned with the Lightning, nor did Michael Ryan. Dan Paille was treated with indifference because he's a guy who couldn't get on the ice, and spent much of recent seasons watching from the press box. Fans didn't get to know him well enough to care.
which was basically how fans reacted for most of the game before hitting the streets and trying to make sense of another disappointing effort.
Just to be clear, after this game Buffalo had still won almost two-thirds of their games this season. If fans were "trying to make sense of another disappointing effort" it's because it's very uncharacteristic of these Sabres this season.
It's hard to figure out this team, really.
Not really. They're a good hockey team with a lot of talent. There are 82 games in the season. We're not going to win all of them. Boston also happens to have talent. They beat us. It happens.
Right when it appears they're ready to make a surge, they take a step back. The game Friday night wasn't quite the insufferable snoozer they played Wednesday night against the Panthers, but there wasn't much to get people out of their seats, either. The loss to Florida could be discarded as a clunker, an aberration considering how well they had played.
Crucial Admission No. 1: through the first seventeen games the Sabres played well. So well even Bucky Gleason was forced to admit they're a good hockey team. With that in mind, a bad game here or there is forgivable since it's an aberration1.
This one was better,
Meaning, of course, the Panthers game really was an aberration.
but the Sabres still failed to establish themselves as the hungrier team. They generated little offense and few scoring chances.
Judging by the low score, neither did Boston. And, if Boston did generate a lot of offense, hats off to the Sabres' D and Miller for shutting it down most of the night.
They were outshot, 14-3, in the second period
They're always outshot in the second period.
against a Boston team that traveled Thursday night after beating Atlanta in a shootout.
Meh. Usually that should be an advantage, but Boston's starting to find itself. Also, under that logic Buffalo should never win the second game of a back-to-back set.
Buffalo played better in the third
Because for whatever reason they tend to take the second period off. What you're saying here is that this is a good hockey team that met a pretty strong opponent. It happens. 82 games, remember.
but overall it lacked, well, the necessary oomph that resonates throughout the building.
Translation: "I couldn't find anything actually wrong with their performance in the third period, but because they didn't win something was lacking and I'm going to blast them for not winning, which should be criminal in Buffalo and Erie County."
For all the excitement they generated while going 12-4-1 in their first 17 games,
For the record, it's not until we're two-thirds through the entire column that we learn just how well the Sabres played to start the season. Pathetic. But, it gets even better...
you couldn't help but wonder if their last two were more indicative of them needing to claw their way through the season.
There you have it, folks. 2 game sample size of one bad game and one strong game where Buffalo just came up short > 17 game sample size including lots of excellent hockey. This in a column where he openly wonders why fans get convinced their local teams are lousy.
Paul Gaustad proved he was a gamer once again, and not just because he scored after parking his sturdy frame just outside the crease. He and Patrick Kaleta showed up with the same intensity and snarl people have come to expect. Just about every other forward was MIA.
"Just about every other forward" means everybody but Tim Kennedy, natch.
Thomas Vanek had a few weak scoring chances but for the most part lacked energy and emotion for another evening.
But he had scoring chances. According to last week's column, just having scoring opportunities is enough. Remember that? When you worshipped Tim Kennedy for where he was putting his fanny? Even though he still has only five points?
Tim Connolly, who hasn't scored in nine games, was noticeable only when he was giving away the puck.
Shenanigans. Shenanigans, shenanigans, shenanigans. You are deliberately misleading. True, Connolly has not scored a goal in what is now ten games. But in that ten game stretch he has seven (7!) assists for seven points. Points (and assists, for that matter) happen to be a statistical category in which he currently leads all Sabres. To compare, Tim Kennedy during that ten game stretch also has zero goals, but only one assist for one point. So, in sum, it's OK for Tim Kennedy to not score points because he's from South Buffalo and plays a puck possession style. But it's not OK for Tim Connolly to not score goals because he's from Syracuse and plays a better style of puck possession. Got it? Me neither. If you do follow that logic you're probably the guy I hate sitting next to at Sabres' games.
I honestly do not know what Bucky Gleason has against Tim Connolly, other than that he wasn't traded last year. Whenever Connolly generates a point (which he does a lot, to the tune of 17 in 20 games), I picture Bucky sitting there like this, mumbling to himself angrily about how this is what Tim should be doing:
The core of veteran players who should be leading the Sabres inhibited them.
The core of veteran players also gave up one regulation goal. You just said last week that scoring goals is not more important than preventing them. Do you remember anything you write at all, ever?
Let's remember,
Why start now?
too, that the Bruins were without Marc Savard. Backup Tuukka Rask was hardly forced to stand on his head. Milan Lucic was playing just his second game after missing 14 games, but he was his usual miserable self before scoring a goal off a two-on-one with the Sabres slow getting back.
Speechless. Again.
Tonight's game against the Senators marks the 20th of the season, the proverbial quarter pole.
I've come to hate the word "proverbial." The word you're actually looking for here is "metaphorical" but for some reason, that word doesn't have any popular usage. And it's barely a metaphorical quarter pole, since 20 is roughly 25% of 82. It actually is the approximate end to the first quarter of the season.
It's over the next 20 games that the Sabres can turn a strong start into a good season and make a case for themselves as a viable playoff team.
And it's over the following 20 games that the Sabres can solidify their playoff chances. And it's over the final 20 games that the Sabres can clinch their playoff spot. Stop writing stupid things.
For now, I'm still not sold.
Again, I just want to make sure we're all entirely clear what Bucky Gleason is saying here. The Sabres started off strong, going 12-4-1 and taking the lead in their division. They struggled to 12-6-2 to finish out the first twenty, but are still very much in control of the Northeast. However, the 12-4-1 start counts for absolutely nothing and we should really look at their 0-2-1 week to see what the "Real Sabres" are. I really can't comprehend how galactically stupid this is. Of course Buffalo's fortunes can change, it's a long season. But until they play as badly for a stretch long enough to actually contradict how well they started I won't be sold on what you're trying to sell here ("These guys suck!"). This is so extreme it qualifies as buckyperbole.
1 - Many thanks go out to Roget's Thesaurus for helping Bucky learn the word "aberration" which I do not believe he would've come up with on his own.
If you withstood the damp breeze and waited at the foot of Washington Street until the puck was dropped Friday night, you had a pretty good chance to talk the scalpers outside HSBC Arena into coughing up a couple of Sabres' tickets for little more than a few bucks and a song.
If you wait until the puck drops you can generally talk scalpers into giving you tickets for nothing regardless of how the team's playing. It's not because the Sabres are lousy, it's because those tickets are very rapidly losing value by the second. I got a seat to Buffalo-Carolina Game 6 in '06 for $80 by waiting. That ticket was worth three times that, at least.
Gone are the days when 18,690 was a given downtown for a Friday night game against anybody, let alone a longtime rival and the defending division champ. After all, the Bruins were in town, not the Blue Jackets, yet blocks of seats remained vacant in the 300 level for a silver game.
I really don't know what to say to this. The Bruins are the defending division champ, true, but they're also struggling mightily this season. Two of their best players were injured. Plus, it's a silver game making it that much more expensive. Hell, the Blue Jackets probably would have packed the house because it would've been a bronze game and Rick Nash isn't on the shelf. In conclusion, this paragraph (and the paragraph I wrote about it) stole five minutes of your life.
It's hardly a sign of doom,
Then why the hell are you being so damn ominous about it?
but a few years ago fans would have lined up for any ticket.
Because everybody was surprised with how good the Sabres were coming out of the lockout. The 2006-07 regular season was a pretty magical ride.
People have become more judicious with their buck and more skeptical about their team.
I'm going to pause here for a moment to remind everyone that the Sabres were 12-4-1 entering last week. Caught up? OK.
Perhaps you can blame a slow economy
Probably a pretty good excuse. All we hear all damn day long is how the economy's in the toilet, nobody has any money, and there's no hope in sight. So, naturally, people are going to be scared about how they're spending their money. $150 for a pair of Sabres tickets are a luxury a lot of people can't afford right now.
or the Bills
The Bills are 3-7, and everybody's really pissed off about them. I doubt they're stealing fans. Especially on a Friday night.
or the time of year with Thanksgiving around the corner and Christmas five weeks away.
Meaning, on top of the slow economy, most folks are even more acutely aware of their bottom line since they need to set aside a pretty healthy amount of their income for holiday expenses.
With two legitimate reasons as to why ticket sales are slow (even the mighty NFL is seeing a drop off in attendance, at games for teams that don't suck; but as a consequence, their TV ratings are through the roof so people still care), and one lousy reason, I'm sure the issue is pretty well resolved. I'm surprised this column is so short, because we've really explored-
Or perhaps it says something about the Sabres.
Oh.
Buffalo had had another uneventful night Friday before getting what they had coming, a 2-1 overtime loss to a patient Boston team.
So, people didn't go to the game Friday because they expected the Sabres to lose? What? They started off 12-4-1, and were 12-5-1 going into Friday. The wheels fell off after one loss??
It was a predictable ending considering how Buffalo played for much of the game before Patrice Bergeron deflected Zdeno Chara's shot from the blue line past Ryan Miller.
Didn't see the game. Can't confirm. But it was in overtime. So, if the Sabres were really that uneventful, forcing OT and getting a point is actually a pretty decent outcome all things considered.
It's funny how Buffalo has humbly plodded along and taken over first place in the division without the unmistakable buzz that accompanies local teams with promise.
This may, or may not, have something to do with the fact that local media outlets jump down the team's throat after one overtime loss, apparently. I was excited about their division lead, but I also realized that there's still a lot of hockey left to play.
Fans are optimistic while proceeding with caution, reluctant to completely jump on board.
Because all they hear all offseason ever is how stupid the general manager is, and how lousy all the players not born in South Buffalo are. I think fans are on board, but aren't ready to throw around "Stanley Cup contender" after 20 games, because if you do you're insane. Remember when the Jets were 3-0, had the AFC East by the throat, and Mark Sanchez was a brilliant manchild with the full complement of NFL quarterback skills? How'd the work out? They're 1-6 since and all the playoff talk turned out to be premature? Oh.
You can't blame them.
For not jumping off the deep end twenty games in? No, not at all. What's your excuse?
That's what happens when a team misses the playoffs for two straight seasons.
Oh god. Cut that out. If fans are allowed to be pessimistic ninnies after barely missing the playoffs for two years, then they shouldn't be allowed to get excited if the Sabres make the Conference Finals and then win their first ten games the following season.
The Sabres were only about 400 fans short of a sellout, but it sounded more like 4,000.
Hold on... I thought tickets were so easy to come by you could hoodwink even the most skilled scalper? Now we discover that approximately 18,290 people showed up. That's a pretty solid number. Percentage-wise it's even closer. Canadian (Canadian!) are seeing thousands of tickets go unsold, so by comparison (a really stupid comparison, but a comparison still) we're in great shape. Especially considering the economy, and how everybody likes to harp on how Buffalo apparently only has two nickels to rub together. And they're both at M&T Bank.
Heck, fans couldn't even muster up enough rage to greet winger Daniel Paille with the customary boos reserved for ex-Sabres making their returns.
Holy. Freaking. Crap. I thought we were supposed to give returning players standing ovations?
He was treated largely with indifference,
Maybe because he's Daniel Paille. Doug Janik didn't take any heat when he returned with the Lightning, nor did Michael Ryan. Dan Paille was treated with indifference because he's a guy who couldn't get on the ice, and spent much of recent seasons watching from the press box. Fans didn't get to know him well enough to care.
which was basically how fans reacted for most of the game before hitting the streets and trying to make sense of another disappointing effort.
Just to be clear, after this game Buffalo had still won almost two-thirds of their games this season. If fans were "trying to make sense of another disappointing effort" it's because it's very uncharacteristic of these Sabres this season.
It's hard to figure out this team, really.
Not really. They're a good hockey team with a lot of talent. There are 82 games in the season. We're not going to win all of them. Boston also happens to have talent. They beat us. It happens.
Right when it appears they're ready to make a surge, they take a step back. The game Friday night wasn't quite the insufferable snoozer they played Wednesday night against the Panthers, but there wasn't much to get people out of their seats, either. The loss to Florida could be discarded as a clunker, an aberration considering how well they had played.
Crucial Admission No. 1: through the first seventeen games the Sabres played well. So well even Bucky Gleason was forced to admit they're a good hockey team. With that in mind, a bad game here or there is forgivable since it's an aberration1.
This one was better,
Meaning, of course, the Panthers game really was an aberration.
but the Sabres still failed to establish themselves as the hungrier team. They generated little offense and few scoring chances.
Judging by the low score, neither did Boston. And, if Boston did generate a lot of offense, hats off to the Sabres' D and Miller for shutting it down most of the night.
They were outshot, 14-3, in the second period
They're always outshot in the second period.
against a Boston team that traveled Thursday night after beating Atlanta in a shootout.
Meh. Usually that should be an advantage, but Boston's starting to find itself. Also, under that logic Buffalo should never win the second game of a back-to-back set.
Buffalo played better in the third
Because for whatever reason they tend to take the second period off. What you're saying here is that this is a good hockey team that met a pretty strong opponent. It happens. 82 games, remember.
but overall it lacked, well, the necessary oomph that resonates throughout the building.
Translation: "I couldn't find anything actually wrong with their performance in the third period, but because they didn't win something was lacking and I'm going to blast them for not winning, which should be criminal in Buffalo and Erie County."
For all the excitement they generated while going 12-4-1 in their first 17 games,
For the record, it's not until we're two-thirds through the entire column that we learn just how well the Sabres played to start the season. Pathetic. But, it gets even better...
you couldn't help but wonder if their last two were more indicative of them needing to claw their way through the season.
There you have it, folks. 2 game sample size of one bad game and one strong game where Buffalo just came up short > 17 game sample size including lots of excellent hockey. This in a column where he openly wonders why fans get convinced their local teams are lousy.
Paul Gaustad proved he was a gamer once again, and not just because he scored after parking his sturdy frame just outside the crease. He and Patrick Kaleta showed up with the same intensity and snarl people have come to expect. Just about every other forward was MIA.
"Just about every other forward" means everybody but Tim Kennedy, natch.
Thomas Vanek had a few weak scoring chances but for the most part lacked energy and emotion for another evening.
But he had scoring chances. According to last week's column, just having scoring opportunities is enough. Remember that? When you worshipped Tim Kennedy for where he was putting his fanny? Even though he still has only five points?
Tim Connolly, who hasn't scored in nine games, was noticeable only when he was giving away the puck.
Shenanigans. Shenanigans, shenanigans, shenanigans. You are deliberately misleading. True, Connolly has not scored a goal in what is now ten games. But in that ten game stretch he has seven (7!) assists for seven points. Points (and assists, for that matter) happen to be a statistical category in which he currently leads all Sabres. To compare, Tim Kennedy during that ten game stretch also has zero goals, but only one assist for one point. So, in sum, it's OK for Tim Kennedy to not score points because he's from South Buffalo and plays a puck possession style. But it's not OK for Tim Connolly to not score goals because he's from Syracuse and plays a better style of puck possession. Got it? Me neither. If you do follow that logic you're probably the guy I hate sitting next to at Sabres' games.
I honestly do not know what Bucky Gleason has against Tim Connolly, other than that he wasn't traded last year. Whenever Connolly generates a point (which he does a lot, to the tune of 17 in 20 games), I picture Bucky sitting there like this, mumbling to himself angrily about how this is what Tim should be doing:
The core of veteran players who should be leading the Sabres inhibited them.
The core of veteran players also gave up one regulation goal. You just said last week that scoring goals is not more important than preventing them. Do you remember anything you write at all, ever?
Let's remember,
Why start now?
too, that the Bruins were without Marc Savard. Backup Tuukka Rask was hardly forced to stand on his head. Milan Lucic was playing just his second game after missing 14 games, but he was his usual miserable self before scoring a goal off a two-on-one with the Sabres slow getting back.
Speechless. Again.
Tonight's game against the Senators marks the 20th of the season, the proverbial quarter pole.
I've come to hate the word "proverbial." The word you're actually looking for here is "metaphorical" but for some reason, that word doesn't have any popular usage. And it's barely a metaphorical quarter pole, since 20 is roughly 25% of 82. It actually is the approximate end to the first quarter of the season.
It's over the next 20 games that the Sabres can turn a strong start into a good season and make a case for themselves as a viable playoff team.
And it's over the following 20 games that the Sabres can solidify their playoff chances. And it's over the final 20 games that the Sabres can clinch their playoff spot. Stop writing stupid things.
For now, I'm still not sold.
Again, I just want to make sure we're all entirely clear what Bucky Gleason is saying here. The Sabres started off strong, going 12-4-1 and taking the lead in their division. They struggled to 12-6-2 to finish out the first twenty, but are still very much in control of the Northeast. However, the 12-4-1 start counts for absolutely nothing and we should really look at their 0-2-1 week to see what the "Real Sabres" are. I really can't comprehend how galactically stupid this is. Of course Buffalo's fortunes can change, it's a long season. But until they play as badly for a stretch long enough to actually contradict how well they started I won't be sold on what you're trying to sell here ("These guys suck!"). This is so extreme it qualifies as buckyperbole.
1 - Many thanks go out to Roget's Thesaurus for helping Bucky learn the word "aberration" which I do not believe he would've come up with on his own.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
fire bucky gleason, pathetic mancrush edition
With a headline like "Sabres' Kennedy sees the big picture," it doesn't really get much more obvious as to what's going to follow when it comes from our Bucky Gleason of the Day, Bucky Gleason.
I'm actually kind of conflicted here. Do we compliment Bucky on his shamelessness here? Apparently he's not bothered at all about how he may be perceived. But this is so unbelievably bad, I don't understand how it squeezes through the editing process. I'm beginning to think that Warren Buffett's golden retriever actually is the News' sports editor.
Tim Kennedy hasn't taken a full lap around the NHL, but he already knows how it works.
A full lap is playing a full season, or playing each team? One way or another, he seems like a pretty smart guy to figure it out so quickly.
You want to score goals? Get your fanny to the net. You want to help your team and make a good living in the best travel hockey league in the world? Get your fanny to both ends of the rink.
Dangerously close to plaschke-nanigans on the "best travel hockey league in the world." Also, fanny? Really? Are you my 68 year old second grade teacher?
Kennedy was hardly fretting about a seven-game scoring drought that ended Saturday when he set up fellow rookie Tyler Ennis for his first NHL goal in the Buffalo Sabres' 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Whoa! Kennedy didn't register a point for seven games? That's a pretty significant scoring drought. They've only played 17 so far, meaning he was without for almost half the season up to this point. But you know what I'm wondering right now? How did this guy deal with it? I'm sure a true professional from Ontario or Alberta or Europe, where I'm sure he's from because no local guy could ever make it to the pros much less make it to the pros for the local team, handled it with aplomb.
Instead, the South Buffalo native
Holy crap!! He's from Buffalo???? Amazing!! Somebody should've mentioned this sooner!!
looked at a bigger picture that showed he was playing well for a Sabres team leading its division.
He was playing well? You just said he hadn't scored a point in seven straight games, which is a long time. It'd be like Terrell Owens not scoring a touchdown in three straight... nevermind.
"I don't really stress about [scoring] as long as our line is playing well," Kennedy said.
This is presented as a valid sentiment. I'm filing this away for when Jochen Hecht "sucks" again.
"We're creating opportunities and playing well in our own zone. That's all I care about right now. I've been playing hockey long enough to know that you go on streaks sometimes, and those points will come in bunches."
What a true professional! What a veteran concept! He's obviously a lunchpail kind of guy who will be a blue collar fan favorite, since he's playing both ends of the rink and always has his A game.
For what it's worth, Kennedy has one goal and five points.
Wait, I thought he was awesome? Those numbers kind of suck.
This is the only point total that mattered: 25.
That's how many the Sabres have earned through 17 games with a 12-4-1 record. Their strong start continued with three straight victories in four nights, including back-to-back wins over Calgary and Philadelphia.
Are we still talking about Tim Kennedy? The Sabres are playing well, though, which is cool. But after three games in four nights, what did they do on the fifth day?
They were off Sunday.
Oh, cool.
Forget the individual stats.
He left out "until Tallinder, Lydman, Connolly, Hecht, or Lalime go through a rough patch, when individual stats will not only not be forgotten, they'll be made up!"
Kennedy has been solid for the Sabres while centering the third line and playing against the opposing team's top two lines virtually every game, giving Buffalo its first true checking line in years, while he adjusts to playing in the NHL.
This is a little trickier, but upon closer inspection "playing against the opposing team's top two lines virtually every game" means: 1) he does not, in fact, play against the opponent's top two lines every game, and 2) when you're skating 10-15 shifts a game you're bound to see each line at least once (thereby making this statement accurate, but still misleading). This does not take into account that maybe, perhaps the opposing coach is trying to match his top two lines against these guys because they're not exactly generating a wealth of offense (judging by Kennedy's plus-minus anyways).
"They're the one line you really feel good about putting on the ice," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "They're a puck-possession line. They've had good opportunities. They don't make that real low-percentage play. Every play that line usually makes against the top lines is a high-percentage play. Just get it to the net."
This kind of says nothing. Actually, I take that back. This says nothing.
Kennedy has had veteran Jochen Hecht on his flank almost all season. Mike Grier was playing the right side before injuring his groin.
Relevance? Anyone? Anyone?
****
What follows qualifies as pornography in the Gleason household. Reader discretion is advised.
Angola native Patrick Kaleta was bumped up from the fourth line, giving the Sabres two Buffalo-born forwards on the same line for the first time in history.
"The B-lo line," Kaleta said with a smile.
I'm speechless. Seriously, I can't believe this is actually happening.
If the Buffalo boys continue playing their style, they will remain in good standing with Ruff. Kennedy made the roster because he played so well defensively that Ruff had to keep him. Kaleta has a spot because he was willing to skate through a wall when he wasn't throwing someone through one.
All I can say right now is please, if there is any kind of merciful deity watching over us, please do not let Patrick Kane ever sign with the Sabres. Or Brooks Orpik. Please.
Kennedy, 23, is a terrific skater and puck-handler who also plays with plenty of bite.
Gotta be careful there. Jarkko Ruutu also plays with plenty of bite, which is a great way to get fined.
Ruff knows his point totals would certainly be higher if he played on the power play,
Saying this is like saying "Dick Jauron Perry Fewell knows Lee Evans' touchdown totals would be higher if his quarterbacks actually threw him the football."
but that's not where he needs Kennedy.
Most likely because, as noted above, Tim Kennedy doesn't really generate a lot of points.
Ruff would rather have the rookie available for the first shift after the Sabres' PP, when the opposition typically sends out its top scoring line.
Unfortunately I am in no position to verify or dispute this. Perhaps we could get a quote from Lindy saying that this is the case?
"I'm pleased with the way he's played," Ruff said. "I would love to see him cash in on a few opportunities, and I think that will come. As a line, they scored some important goals for us early on. No points [for seven games]? That part will come."
Or how about a completely banal assessment of Kennedy's play thus far, with no articulation as to what happens after a power play goal whatsoever.
It explains why Ruff, for all the conversations he had with Kennedy about his play, hasn't mentioned a word to the rookie about producing more points. After all, when did scoring goals become more important than preventing them?
Whenever you write about Tim Connolly, who, FYI, also happens to be great at puck possession. Some of the things Connolly does with the puck on his stick would've gotten him burned at the stake in 17th century Salem.
Kennedy has a plus-1 rating, an accomplishment given his role.
A +1 rating isn't an accomplishment. It's barely breaking even. You're distorting his role. Just a few lines ago you're saying the points are going to come, so obviously Kennedy (and his line) are still charged with the task of scoring goals. Seriously, who sends a line on to the ice with instructions to not score? But now, since Kennedy apparently gets zero power play time, his five points and plus one means his line's also been on the ice for four opposing goals. I'm not saying it's terrible, but I will say it doesn't deserve an entire column pointing this fact out.
Kennedy's defense has created offensive opportunities, which is what Ruff has been preaching for years.
That apparently no one converts, judging by the numbers.
The Sabres spent much of the game against Philly playing — shhhh! — the neutral zone trap, which enabled them to control the tempo. Kennedy had one good scoring chance, but Ray Emery stopped it with his blocker.
This is almost identical to the comment that got John Wawrow blasted in August, when T.O. would've scored but for a "perfect" tackle. This sentence basically says "Kennedy had a good scoring chance, but the opposing goalie did what he's paid to do."
He has had more scoring opportunities than he could count but failed to convert on all but one for a variety of reasons. It includes unlucky bounces that get smothered in the crease (Edmonton last week) to great saves (Boston the previous weekend) to simply failing to get his shot off quickly enough against the best goalies in the world.
Excuse, excuse, poor execution out of Tim Kennedy. Does your editor pay any attention to what you write at all ever?
At some point, that will change.
Unless, of course, it doesn't, but Bucky will still love you because you're from South Buffalo. Or so I hear, at least.
"If I keep getting them and don't start scoring, that's on me," Kennedy said.
Timmy Kennedy, accountable.
"Right now, they're not going in, but who knows? Last year [in Portland], it was the same thing. I wasn't scoring for a little bit and ended up going on a good streak.
Timmy Kennedy, potential.
That's how it comes right now with the pros. You go through droughts for some games, and then you go on a hot streak. Hopefully, a hot streak is coming around."
Timmy Kennedy, veteran beyond his years.
I'm assuming the drafting of this column used up the entire kleenex supply in the Gleason household. I think a few tags are warranted here.
I'm actually kind of conflicted here. Do we compliment Bucky on his shamelessness here? Apparently he's not bothered at all about how he may be perceived. But this is so unbelievably bad, I don't understand how it squeezes through the editing process. I'm beginning to think that Warren Buffett's golden retriever actually is the News' sports editor.
Tim Kennedy hasn't taken a full lap around the NHL, but he already knows how it works.
A full lap is playing a full season, or playing each team? One way or another, he seems like a pretty smart guy to figure it out so quickly.
You want to score goals? Get your fanny to the net. You want to help your team and make a good living in the best travel hockey league in the world? Get your fanny to both ends of the rink.
Dangerously close to plaschke-nanigans on the "best travel hockey league in the world." Also, fanny? Really? Are you my 68 year old second grade teacher?
Kennedy was hardly fretting about a seven-game scoring drought that ended Saturday when he set up fellow rookie Tyler Ennis for his first NHL goal in the Buffalo Sabres' 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Whoa! Kennedy didn't register a point for seven games? That's a pretty significant scoring drought. They've only played 17 so far, meaning he was without for almost half the season up to this point. But you know what I'm wondering right now? How did this guy deal with it? I'm sure a true professional from Ontario or Alberta or Europe, where I'm sure he's from because no local guy could ever make it to the pros much less make it to the pros for the local team, handled it with aplomb.
Instead, the South Buffalo native
Holy crap!! He's from Buffalo???? Amazing!! Somebody should've mentioned this sooner!!
looked at a bigger picture that showed he was playing well for a Sabres team leading its division.
He was playing well? You just said he hadn't scored a point in seven straight games, which is a long time. It'd be like Terrell Owens not scoring a touchdown in three straight... nevermind.
"I don't really stress about [scoring] as long as our line is playing well," Kennedy said.
This is presented as a valid sentiment. I'm filing this away for when Jochen Hecht "sucks" again.
"We're creating opportunities and playing well in our own zone. That's all I care about right now. I've been playing hockey long enough to know that you go on streaks sometimes, and those points will come in bunches."
What a true professional! What a veteran concept! He's obviously a lunchpail kind of guy who will be a blue collar fan favorite, since he's playing both ends of the rink and always has his A game.
For what it's worth, Kennedy has one goal and five points.
Wait, I thought he was awesome? Those numbers kind of suck.
This is the only point total that mattered: 25.
That's how many the Sabres have earned through 17 games with a 12-4-1 record. Their strong start continued with three straight victories in four nights, including back-to-back wins over Calgary and Philadelphia.
Are we still talking about Tim Kennedy? The Sabres are playing well, though, which is cool. But after three games in four nights, what did they do on the fifth day?
They were off Sunday.
Oh, cool.
Forget the individual stats.
He left out "until Tallinder, Lydman, Connolly, Hecht, or Lalime go through a rough patch, when individual stats will not only not be forgotten, they'll be made up!"
Kennedy has been solid for the Sabres while centering the third line and playing against the opposing team's top two lines virtually every game, giving Buffalo its first true checking line in years, while he adjusts to playing in the NHL.
This is a little trickier, but upon closer inspection "playing against the opposing team's top two lines virtually every game" means: 1) he does not, in fact, play against the opponent's top two lines every game, and 2) when you're skating 10-15 shifts a game you're bound to see each line at least once (thereby making this statement accurate, but still misleading). This does not take into account that maybe, perhaps the opposing coach is trying to match his top two lines against these guys because they're not exactly generating a wealth of offense (judging by Kennedy's plus-minus anyways).
"They're the one line you really feel good about putting on the ice," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "They're a puck-possession line. They've had good opportunities. They don't make that real low-percentage play. Every play that line usually makes against the top lines is a high-percentage play. Just get it to the net."
This kind of says nothing. Actually, I take that back. This says nothing.
Kennedy has had veteran Jochen Hecht on his flank almost all season. Mike Grier was playing the right side before injuring his groin.
Relevance? Anyone? Anyone?
What follows qualifies as pornography in the Gleason household. Reader discretion is advised.
Angola native Patrick Kaleta was bumped up from the fourth line, giving the Sabres two Buffalo-born forwards on the same line for the first time in history.
"The B-lo line," Kaleta said with a smile.
I'm speechless. Seriously, I can't believe this is actually happening.
If the Buffalo boys continue playing their style, they will remain in good standing with Ruff. Kennedy made the roster because he played so well defensively that Ruff had to keep him. Kaleta has a spot because he was willing to skate through a wall when he wasn't throwing someone through one.
All I can say right now is please, if there is any kind of merciful deity watching over us, please do not let Patrick Kane ever sign with the Sabres. Or Brooks Orpik. Please.
Kennedy, 23, is a terrific skater and puck-handler who also plays with plenty of bite.
Gotta be careful there. Jarkko Ruutu also plays with plenty of bite, which is a great way to get fined.
Ruff knows his point totals would certainly be higher if he played on the power play,
Saying this is like saying "
but that's not where he needs Kennedy.
Most likely because, as noted above, Tim Kennedy doesn't really generate a lot of points.
Ruff would rather have the rookie available for the first shift after the Sabres' PP, when the opposition typically sends out its top scoring line.
Unfortunately I am in no position to verify or dispute this. Perhaps we could get a quote from Lindy saying that this is the case?
"I'm pleased with the way he's played," Ruff said. "I would love to see him cash in on a few opportunities, and I think that will come. As a line, they scored some important goals for us early on. No points [for seven games]? That part will come."
Or how about a completely banal assessment of Kennedy's play thus far, with no articulation as to what happens after a power play goal whatsoever.
It explains why Ruff, for all the conversations he had with Kennedy about his play, hasn't mentioned a word to the rookie about producing more points. After all, when did scoring goals become more important than preventing them?
Whenever you write about Tim Connolly, who, FYI, also happens to be great at puck possession. Some of the things Connolly does with the puck on his stick would've gotten him burned at the stake in 17th century Salem.
Kennedy has a plus-1 rating, an accomplishment given his role.
A +1 rating isn't an accomplishment. It's barely breaking even. You're distorting his role. Just a few lines ago you're saying the points are going to come, so obviously Kennedy (and his line) are still charged with the task of scoring goals. Seriously, who sends a line on to the ice with instructions to not score? But now, since Kennedy apparently gets zero power play time, his five points and plus one means his line's also been on the ice for four opposing goals. I'm not saying it's terrible, but I will say it doesn't deserve an entire column pointing this fact out.
Kennedy's defense has created offensive opportunities, which is what Ruff has been preaching for years.
That apparently no one converts, judging by the numbers.
The Sabres spent much of the game against Philly playing — shhhh! — the neutral zone trap, which enabled them to control the tempo. Kennedy had one good scoring chance, but Ray Emery stopped it with his blocker.
This is almost identical to the comment that got John Wawrow blasted in August, when T.O. would've scored but for a "perfect" tackle. This sentence basically says "Kennedy had a good scoring chance, but the opposing goalie did what he's paid to do."
He has had more scoring opportunities than he could count but failed to convert on all but one for a variety of reasons. It includes unlucky bounces that get smothered in the crease (Edmonton last week) to great saves (Boston the previous weekend) to simply failing to get his shot off quickly enough against the best goalies in the world.
Excuse, excuse, poor execution out of Tim Kennedy. Does your editor pay any attention to what you write at all ever?
At some point, that will change.
Unless, of course, it doesn't, but Bucky will still love you because you're from South Buffalo. Or so I hear, at least.
"If I keep getting them and don't start scoring, that's on me," Kennedy said.
Timmy Kennedy, accountable.
"Right now, they're not going in, but who knows? Last year [in Portland], it was the same thing. I wasn't scoring for a little bit and ended up going on a good streak.
Timmy Kennedy, potential.
That's how it comes right now with the pros. You go through droughts for some games, and then you go on a hot streak. Hopefully, a hot streak is coming around."
Timmy Kennedy, veteran beyond his years.
I'm assuming the drafting of this column used up the entire kleenex supply in the Gleason household. I think a few tags are warranted here.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
fire bucky gleason, stick to your own sport edition
It's not that I'm surprised we got this column. I am surprised that it's not who I expected it to be from, and that we got it today instead of Sunday. Oh, Jerry. Stick to football, sir. This is your second hockey column in a while, and both get you on here.
Now, admittedly, there's a kernel of actual accuracy in this giant Buffalo News Pets lovefest. Lindy Ruff clearly does not trust Patrick Lalime, and as a result, plays Ryan Miller to death. Normally that's not a huge deal, but there are two notable problems here. First, that's a great way to make it to the playoffs only to tank (See: Devils, New Jersey). Second, Ryan Miller is playing himself into being the #1 goalie for Team USA and the Olympics in February. So, unlike 2006, where he could play with a chip on his shoulder after getting snubbed (and being rested, since he got a couple weeks off), Miller will likely be gassed later in the season if Ruff doesn't rest him enough. And the Sabres will tank.
Also, I admit, Marty Biron is an excellent back-up goalie. To reiterate, Marty is an excellent back-up goalie. He's an above average starting goalie. He wants to play, and be paid, like a starting goalie. So, here's the problem: we've already got one of the best five goalies in the NHL right now starting for us. If not the best five, then the best three. Yes, Miller is that good. Meaning Marty isn't really a good fit for Buffalo because he wants to start. Got it? Good.
Last July, after Martin Biron became a free agent, he drove his wife, Anne Marie, and three children from Philadelphia to Buffalo. Biron got off Interstate 90 at the Pembroke exit so he could take a nice, leisurely drive through the country roads.
Um, ok.
"We drove down Main Street and got to our house in Clarence," Biron said Wednesday before the Islanders lost to the Sabres, 3-0, at HSBC Arena. Biron made 36 saves. "We told each other it felt like we were coming home."
Oh, god. Here we go. "He still lives in Buffalo!" "He loves Buffalo!"
Biron has never really left Buffalo, not in his heart.
But he did in terms of his loyalty and his wallet. Right? Doesn't everybody forget that? And that he openly recruited Danny Briere in Philly? I'm surprised the Erie County Legislature didn't pass an ordinance, written by the Buffalo News, prohibiting such an act.
Maybe that's why the former Sabres goalie got that standing ovation here last month.
Because he left? Or because his heart is still here? What? And don't get me started on that standing o. If Biron deserves a standing ovation, Max deserved one twice as long, and NOT any boos. Check the stats, folks. Marty backstopped the Sabres to zero playoff appearances. None. He made his playoff debut for the Philadelphia Flyers. Max1 not only led the Sabres in points, but actually generated goals in the playoffs (remember when he clinched the series against the Rangers?). So, in sum: nice guy who was a strong insurance policy but didn't actually accomplish much on the ice, standing ovation; nice guy who scored a bunch of goals and produced something (not a whole lot, true, but still something) in the playoffs, boos.
But, instead of pointing out that disparity, you know what I'd rather have? Pointless drivel about where the Biron family lives.
Fans know he's one of them, a Buffalo guy, an NHL player who came of age here and grew to love the place. So when Biron signed with the Islanders, he left his wife and kids in Clarence.
Sa-weeeeeeet!!
Anne Marie, a Buffalo native, is pregnant with their fourth child. The "summer" house will likely be their permanent home. Biron is fairly certain he will settle here, like so many people in the extended family of professional hockey.
Like Scotty Bowman! Another guy who "loves" Buffalo, but yet does absolutely nothing relating to the Sabres, let alone assisting their Stanley Cup efforts! Brooks Orpik! Patrick Kane! Tim Kennedy! Yay!!
"We've got a network of friends around here," Biron said, "so it's definitely a very good possibility.
Wait, I thought he was settling here. Now he's waffling. What the hell?
I have liked it here from the day I got drafted. I always said I wanted to be part of this for a long time. I remember walking through this building when it was being built. I played a game in the Aud."
[Bracing myself for waxing nostalgic about the Aud. Well played, Mr. Biron. Well played indeed.]
Biron spent 12 years with the Sabres, who traded him to the Flyers late in the 2006-07 season. He talked with the Sabres about returning as a free agent last summer. But he signed a one-year deal with the Isles, hoping to parlay regular playing time into a better free-agent deal next year.
Because.
He.
Wants.
To.
Start.
But Biron, who calls himself a "French-Buffalonian," would love to return here sooner or later.
I'm beginning to see why the Buffalo News loves Marty so much. He gives them exactly what they want in order to write the columns they love.
My vote goes for "sooner."
Really? Based on what you've said up to this point, and what you've glossed over, I thought this was going to be about how we're all set in the back-up goalie department and our French-Buffalonian friend should look elsewhere.
A month from now, Biron could be part of a three-man goalie rotation on Long Island. Biron has been splitting the duties with Dwayne Roloson, who is in the first year of a two-year, $5 million contract.
Whoa. No mention that Dwayne Roloson is also a former Sabre? Well, that just proves this was written by Jerry Sullivan and not ghost-written by Bucky or John Vogl.
...Isles General Manager Garth Snow knew that when he signed Biron in late July, giving him three capable NHL goalies. The Isles will need to trade a goalie, and Biron is the obvious candidate.
Because he's a one year rental, DiPietro's got that millstone contract and Roloson's overpriced.
It's equally clear that the Sabres need a more reliable backup goaltender. Ryan Miller started for the 11th time in 12 games Wednesday night. Coach Lindy Ruff claims to have confidence in Patrick Lalime, but his actions suggest otherwise.
Please see above where I articulate how I agree with this, and how Lindy pisses me off by not relying on his back-up more. It's one of two knocks I have on Ruff, and really the only knock I have against Darcy at this point: if you as the GM know your coach will only rely on a rock solid back-up goalie, go out and sign him one. If it's Biron, so be it. But there are others, too (Ty Conklin2, just as one example).
The Sabres needed Lalime last year when Miller went down with an ankle injury. He played well at first, but went 1-4-1 with a 4.35 GAA in his last six starts. It's a harsh judgment in retrospect, but Lalime might have cost the Sabres a playoff spot.
Whoa whoa whoa! I thought the Sabres cost themselves their playoff spot because they didn't have enough grit and intangible-ness to supply the heart and leadership in the dressing-room (which is apparently a hyphenated word now). Yes? Now it's the injury and reliance on Lalime? You're making excuses, Jerry. Be careful. Keep it up and Bucky's going to pour salt in your coffee.
Lalime missed Wednesday's game with a groin injury, which could further complicate the issue. Lalime had surgery on his hip to repair a sports hernia last spring. Ruff said the groin injury was unrelated. But as we learned with Dominik Hasek, groin injuries can be a lingering issue with goalies.
I smell an "injury" that allows the Sabres to clear cap space to bring up the rookie to see if there's a goalie already in the organization Lindy's willing to trust. Kind of like Briere's "injury" last year, clearing cap space for the Flyers.
In the meantime, Jhonas Enroth is Miller's backup.
Enroth has been slow to develop in the AHL. Ruff said there's a good chance Enroth will play one of the back-to-back games this weekend if Lalime isn't ready. "We're going to stick with the program," Ruff said.
The program? Only not playing Miller if Miller happens to be missing a limb.
Presumably, the "program" calls for Ruff to sit Miller when the Sabres play three times in four nights, or in other busy stretches. It'll happen soon enough, when the NHL schedule becomes compacted in the weeks leading to the Olympic break.
Given Lindy's track record, I doubt it.
Miller has a good chance to be the No. 1 goalie for the U.S., even more reason for Ruff not to overuse him. But you know Lindy. Hasek spoiled him. Ruff can't resist using his goalie when he's on a roll. Last Saturday, he deviated from the program, playing Miller a third time in four nights. He wound up pulling him.
Already been discussed. By me. Above. All of it.
The stakes are higher this year. Ruff might be coaching for his job.
Buckyperbole. Jerryperbole? Nah, buckyperbole.
The Sabres are off to a good start, but the coach hates to give away points in the standings.
As opposed to Joel Quinneville, Mike Babcock, and Bruce Boudreau, who love giving away points. They put them in gift baskets to fellow coaches around the holidays, the spirit of the season.
He says he believes in Lalime, but if the playoff race tightens, he might be even more reluctant to use the backup. That's why going after Biron makes sense.
Or Ty Conklin. Who's cheaper, just as good, and willing to accept a back-up role.
The Sabres were serious about it in the summer. That tells you they were uneasy about Lalime. Biron is a top-level backup. You know what you're getting.
A guy who will bolt town once again because he desperately wants a chance to start? Oh, you're talking about a quality back-up.
Biron still believes he can be a starter in the NHL.
Hang on. You just say "you know what you're getting" referring to a top-level backup, and then say this same guy believes he can start? Does the paragraph break confuse you guys? Are you unaware of when you contradict yourselves?
But his options are limited. If he has to be a backup for a year, he'd just as soon it be in Buffalo.
Then why didn't he sign here for less if he loves it here so much?
He's making only $1.4 million. It's not about money, though it'll be worth it if Biron helps the Sabres advance in the playoffs.
Not about the money for whom? The Sabres? Who are approaching the salary cap? Or Biron? If it's not about the money for Biron, then why didn't he sign for less if he loves it here so much?
Also, please note that if Biron were to help the Sabres advance in the playoffs it would be the first time he's done anything for them in the playoffs in the history of all time ever, amen. Unless you consider "keeping the end of the bench warm" or "rocking the baseball (or, possibly, knit) cap" doing something to "help the Sabres advance in the playoffs."
This is a critical year for the Sabres. Why not fix the team's No. 1 weakness and bring home a beloved Buffalo guy in the bargain?
I look forward to this statement being written again about 34,963,873,269,309,453,458 times when Drury, Briere, and Campbell, are all "available" at the trade deadline.
1 - OK, I don't love Max as much as it may seem on here. He was a better than decent player, whose skills deteriorated. Buffalo didn't have any reason to keep him. However, he is the perfect (and most recent) example of the ridiculousness of the love showered on some former Sabres, while others get whipped.
2 - ANOTHER FORMER SABRE!
Now, admittedly, there's a kernel of actual accuracy in this giant Buffalo News Pets lovefest. Lindy Ruff clearly does not trust Patrick Lalime, and as a result, plays Ryan Miller to death. Normally that's not a huge deal, but there are two notable problems here. First, that's a great way to make it to the playoffs only to tank (See: Devils, New Jersey). Second, Ryan Miller is playing himself into being the #1 goalie for Team USA and the Olympics in February. So, unlike 2006, where he could play with a chip on his shoulder after getting snubbed (and being rested, since he got a couple weeks off), Miller will likely be gassed later in the season if Ruff doesn't rest him enough. And the Sabres will tank.
Also, I admit, Marty Biron is an excellent back-up goalie. To reiterate, Marty is an excellent back-up goalie. He's an above average starting goalie. He wants to play, and be paid, like a starting goalie. So, here's the problem: we've already got one of the best five goalies in the NHL right now starting for us. If not the best five, then the best three. Yes, Miller is that good. Meaning Marty isn't really a good fit for Buffalo because he wants to start. Got it? Good.
Last July, after Martin Biron became a free agent, he drove his wife, Anne Marie, and three children from Philadelphia to Buffalo. Biron got off Interstate 90 at the Pembroke exit so he could take a nice, leisurely drive through the country roads.
Um, ok.
"We drove down Main Street and got to our house in Clarence," Biron said Wednesday before the Islanders lost to the Sabres, 3-0, at HSBC Arena. Biron made 36 saves. "We told each other it felt like we were coming home."
Oh, god. Here we go. "He still lives in Buffalo!" "He loves Buffalo!"
Biron has never really left Buffalo, not in his heart.
But he did in terms of his loyalty and his wallet. Right? Doesn't everybody forget that? And that he openly recruited Danny Briere in Philly? I'm surprised the Erie County Legislature didn't pass an ordinance, written by the Buffalo News, prohibiting such an act.
Maybe that's why the former Sabres goalie got that standing ovation here last month.
Because he left? Or because his heart is still here? What? And don't get me started on that standing o. If Biron deserves a standing ovation, Max deserved one twice as long, and NOT any boos. Check the stats, folks. Marty backstopped the Sabres to zero playoff appearances. None. He made his playoff debut for the Philadelphia Flyers. Max1 not only led the Sabres in points, but actually generated goals in the playoffs (remember when he clinched the series against the Rangers?). So, in sum: nice guy who was a strong insurance policy but didn't actually accomplish much on the ice, standing ovation; nice guy who scored a bunch of goals and produced something (not a whole lot, true, but still something) in the playoffs, boos.
But, instead of pointing out that disparity, you know what I'd rather have? Pointless drivel about where the Biron family lives.
Fans know he's one of them, a Buffalo guy, an NHL player who came of age here and grew to love the place. So when Biron signed with the Islanders, he left his wife and kids in Clarence.
Sa-weeeeeeet!!
Anne Marie, a Buffalo native, is pregnant with their fourth child. The "summer" house will likely be their permanent home. Biron is fairly certain he will settle here, like so many people in the extended family of professional hockey.
Like Scotty Bowman! Another guy who "loves" Buffalo, but yet does absolutely nothing relating to the Sabres, let alone assisting their Stanley Cup efforts! Brooks Orpik! Patrick Kane! Tim Kennedy! Yay!!
"We've got a network of friends around here," Biron said, "so it's definitely a very good possibility.
Wait, I thought he was settling here. Now he's waffling. What the hell?
I have liked it here from the day I got drafted. I always said I wanted to be part of this for a long time. I remember walking through this building when it was being built. I played a game in the Aud."
[Bracing myself for waxing nostalgic about the Aud. Well played, Mr. Biron. Well played indeed.]
Biron spent 12 years with the Sabres, who traded him to the Flyers late in the 2006-07 season. He talked with the Sabres about returning as a free agent last summer. But he signed a one-year deal with the Isles, hoping to parlay regular playing time into a better free-agent deal next year.
Because.
He.
Wants.
To.
Start.
But Biron, who calls himself a "French-Buffalonian," would love to return here sooner or later.
I'm beginning to see why the Buffalo News loves Marty so much. He gives them exactly what they want in order to write the columns they love.
My vote goes for "sooner."
Really? Based on what you've said up to this point, and what you've glossed over, I thought this was going to be about how we're all set in the back-up goalie department and our French-Buffalonian friend should look elsewhere.
A month from now, Biron could be part of a three-man goalie rotation on Long Island. Biron has been splitting the duties with Dwayne Roloson, who is in the first year of a two-year, $5 million contract.
Whoa. No mention that Dwayne Roloson is also a former Sabre? Well, that just proves this was written by Jerry Sullivan and not ghost-written by Bucky or John Vogl.
...Isles General Manager Garth Snow knew that when he signed Biron in late July, giving him three capable NHL goalies. The Isles will need to trade a goalie, and Biron is the obvious candidate.
Because he's a one year rental, DiPietro's got that millstone contract and Roloson's overpriced.
It's equally clear that the Sabres need a more reliable backup goaltender. Ryan Miller started for the 11th time in 12 games Wednesday night. Coach Lindy Ruff claims to have confidence in Patrick Lalime, but his actions suggest otherwise.
Please see above where I articulate how I agree with this, and how Lindy pisses me off by not relying on his back-up more. It's one of two knocks I have on Ruff, and really the only knock I have against Darcy at this point: if you as the GM know your coach will only rely on a rock solid back-up goalie, go out and sign him one. If it's Biron, so be it. But there are others, too (Ty Conklin2, just as one example).
The Sabres needed Lalime last year when Miller went down with an ankle injury. He played well at first, but went 1-4-1 with a 4.35 GAA in his last six starts. It's a harsh judgment in retrospect, but Lalime might have cost the Sabres a playoff spot.
Whoa whoa whoa! I thought the Sabres cost themselves their playoff spot because they didn't have enough grit and intangible-ness to supply the heart and leadership in the dressing-room (which is apparently a hyphenated word now). Yes? Now it's the injury and reliance on Lalime? You're making excuses, Jerry. Be careful. Keep it up and Bucky's going to pour salt in your coffee.
Lalime missed Wednesday's game with a groin injury, which could further complicate the issue. Lalime had surgery on his hip to repair a sports hernia last spring. Ruff said the groin injury was unrelated. But as we learned with Dominik Hasek, groin injuries can be a lingering issue with goalies.
I smell an "injury" that allows the Sabres to clear cap space to bring up the rookie to see if there's a goalie already in the organization Lindy's willing to trust. Kind of like Briere's "injury" last year, clearing cap space for the Flyers.
In the meantime, Jhonas Enroth is Miller's backup.
Enroth has been slow to develop in the AHL. Ruff said there's a good chance Enroth will play one of the back-to-back games this weekend if Lalime isn't ready. "We're going to stick with the program," Ruff said.
The program? Only not playing Miller if Miller happens to be missing a limb.
Presumably, the "program" calls for Ruff to sit Miller when the Sabres play three times in four nights, or in other busy stretches. It'll happen soon enough, when the NHL schedule becomes compacted in the weeks leading to the Olympic break.
Given Lindy's track record, I doubt it.
Miller has a good chance to be the No. 1 goalie for the U.S., even more reason for Ruff not to overuse him. But you know Lindy. Hasek spoiled him. Ruff can't resist using his goalie when he's on a roll. Last Saturday, he deviated from the program, playing Miller a third time in four nights. He wound up pulling him.
Already been discussed. By me. Above. All of it.
The stakes are higher this year. Ruff might be coaching for his job.
Buckyperbole. Jerryperbole? Nah, buckyperbole.
The Sabres are off to a good start, but the coach hates to give away points in the standings.
As opposed to Joel Quinneville, Mike Babcock, and Bruce Boudreau, who love giving away points. They put them in gift baskets to fellow coaches around the holidays, the spirit of the season.
He says he believes in Lalime, but if the playoff race tightens, he might be even more reluctant to use the backup. That's why going after Biron makes sense.
Or Ty Conklin. Who's cheaper, just as good, and willing to accept a back-up role.
The Sabres were serious about it in the summer. That tells you they were uneasy about Lalime. Biron is a top-level backup. You know what you're getting.
A guy who will bolt town once again because he desperately wants a chance to start? Oh, you're talking about a quality back-up.
Biron still believes he can be a starter in the NHL.
Hang on. You just say "you know what you're getting" referring to a top-level backup, and then say this same guy believes he can start? Does the paragraph break confuse you guys? Are you unaware of when you contradict yourselves?
But his options are limited. If he has to be a backup for a year, he'd just as soon it be in Buffalo.
Then why didn't he sign here for less if he loves it here so much?
He's making only $1.4 million. It's not about money, though it'll be worth it if Biron helps the Sabres advance in the playoffs.
Not about the money for whom? The Sabres? Who are approaching the salary cap? Or Biron? If it's not about the money for Biron, then why didn't he sign for less if he loves it here so much?
Also, please note that if Biron were to help the Sabres advance in the playoffs it would be the first time he's done anything for them in the playoffs in the history of all time ever, amen. Unless you consider "keeping the end of the bench warm" or "rocking the baseball (or, possibly, knit) cap" doing something to "help the Sabres advance in the playoffs."
This is a critical year for the Sabres. Why not fix the team's No. 1 weakness and bring home a beloved Buffalo guy in the bargain?
I look forward to this statement being written again about 34,963,873,269,309,453,458 times when Drury, Briere, and Campbell, are all "available" at the trade deadline.
1 - OK, I don't love Max as much as it may seem on here. He was a better than decent player, whose skills deteriorated. Buffalo didn't have any reason to keep him. However, he is the perfect (and most recent) example of the ridiculousness of the love showered on some former Sabres, while others get whipped.
2 - ANOTHER FORMER SABRE!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
fire bucky gleason, shameless 180 edition
So, with the Sabres' hot start, you can imagine the bandwagon is starting to pick folks up. It might as well start following a few NFTA routes. Which is fine, I really have no problem with fair weather fans. Plus, as more people get excited, the more fun it is around these parts. This is why Buffalo fans long for 2006 and 2007: the excitement level was through the roof. Especially when the team started, like, 43-0.
You're probably asking, then, why are you guys so grouchy? Again, my psychic abilities aside, it's because local gasbags spent all offseason harping on how thoroughly pathetic this team was. If you might recall, Bucky insinuated not very long ago that the Sabres did not have playoff talent, while the Canadiens and Senators do.
And, as you might recall, other folks got fed up and started a blog to try and clear up the mess about how close the Sabres really were and how stupid it would've been to resign guys like, to pick one at random, Chris Drury.
So, now we're certainly going to call shenanigans when certain sportswriters demonstrate their "short" memories. And by "short," here I mean "non-existant."
michael.w guest appears again, I insert my rapist's wit as appropriate.
The Bufalo Sabres would be quick to say that it's a tad too early for anyone to start preparing Delaware Avenue for its first Stanley Cup parade. No matter how impressive they have looked over the first eight games, they haven't lost sight of the fact that another 74 remain between now and April.
Translation: I will be quick on the trigger to lambaste this team for sucking because I disagreed with each and every offseason move the Sabres made. Moreover, every player that signed with a team not named Sabres is a sure fire Hall of Famer that the Sabres either neglected to go after, or refused to sign with the Sabres because the Sabres front office sucks.
[Ed's Note: How's Spacek working out in Montreal? Five points in 13 games, and none on the power play? Oh.]
Coach Lindy Ruff has continued to emphasize the positive. He reiterated after another crisp practice Monday how his players are buying into the system.
Thank you for the quotes from players to verify this.
Their workouts have been more upbeat and productive.
Thanks for the evidence to back this up.
For reasons not entirely clear, their 6-1-1 record this year seems stronger than the 6-0-2 start last season, when they sprinted from the gate and stumbled down the stretch.
No doubt, it is surprising that he got this far before he mentioned the stumble down the stretch. Incidentally, the Sabres were 7 -3 in their final 10 games last year, including winning their final three. How is that a "stumble," but more importantly, that took me approximately 7 seconds to find.
[Ed's Note: We need to clear up this stumble "down the stretch." The Sabres were 4-2-1 in April. They were 6-5-1 in March, dealing with an injury to their starting goaltender. So, in the last two months of the season (not exactly a small sample size) they were 10-7-2. Not great, but not a "stumble." The Sabres stumbled in November (5-7-1) and February (5-6-2), when they were dealing with an injury to their leading goal scorer. I feel better now.]
The big difference?
It could be that a few moves that appeared to be tweaks going into the season are actually having a major impact.
Nice work glossing over this subject. All offseason, these moves that "appeared to be tweaks" were the worst moves any team, in all of sports, ever. Now they have are having "a major impact." Why the change?
[Ed's Note: Because the Sabres are playing well and he can't deny it.]
Mike Grier, Steve Montador, Tyler Myers and Tim Kennedy individually are a role player, a journeyman sixth defenseman and two prospects. Together, they addressed areas of desperate need and helped create a better vibe.
Translation: Mike Grier, Steve Montador, Tyler Myers and Tim Kennedy individually are a man I have ridiculous mancrush on, a journeyman sixth defensman, and two men I have scary to the point of potentially requiring restraining order mancrushes on. Together, they allow me to use two pukey sports cliches in one sentence.
"It's hard to explain," Ruff said. "That group of guys, they deserve a lot of credit. You've got stronger voices, stronger personalities in Grier and Montador. It's always fun to have a couple of young guys. They've been kidded a lot. They've been brought in and been accepted. Winning makes things fun. Let's not kid ourselves."
Grier, of course, is no stranger to Buffalo. He played a key leadership role in his first stint with the Sabres, which ended in their first of two consecutive trips to the conference finals. He left to sign a three-year deal with San Jose and was re-hired to provide a much-needed attitude adjustment.
Grier, of course, is also no stranger to having a paragraph full of sports cliches showered upon him by local sports columnists.
The 13-year veteran immediately assumed his place among the dressing-room hierarchy and already has scored two critical goals, netting the only one in Nashville and adding the tying tally late in the second period in a win over Tampa.
Ah-ha! Not sufficient that we merely learn that he scored two critical goals. After all, what do goals have to do with winning hockey games? We need to ensure that "dressing-room hierarchy" (why is there a hyphen?) be added to ensure we continue the cliche parade. Can we keep it going?
"He's just awesome," said Kennedy, the South Buffalo native and former Michigan State star. "He's a great guy on the ice, a great guy off the ice, he keeps the locker room laughing, he's a great teammate. ... His approach to the game is the same every day. He comes in and works hard in every drill, every shift we're out there together. He's just a great guy to watch."
Thanks to Tim Kennedy, and multiple cliches in the quotes, we have an emphatic YES!!!!!!! So where do we go from here, more cliches, or some Bucky man-crush writing?
[Ed's Note: Why do we have to hear about how Tim Kennedy is from South Buffalo EVERY FUCKING TIME you write about him? The fact that he's from South Buffalo is a nice human interest column during a slow period. Right now, all you need to do is talk about how he's playing for the Sabres.]
Kennedy has played well for his hometown
[Ed's Note: GODDAMMIT!!!!]
team with Grier and Jochen Hecht on his flank on the third line. Kennedy is still looking for his first NHL goal, which will come if he maintains the consistency he has shown the past three weeks. He has three assists and has created at least a dozen scoring chances in eight games.
YES!! No cliches, but we were able to get a nice reference to the fact that Tim Kennedy, apparently is from around here. Not that we have ever heard that before. Also, Chris Drury won the Little League World Series, and Citizen's Bank Park is "hitter friendly." I figured I would add those two little know, little discussed sports factoids.
His coach and teammates are more impressed with his gritty style and play in the defensive zone. He unexpectedly jumped into a play and shook the puck loose for Grier against Tampa and sacrificed his body for Grier in Nashville. He's been effective in the corners and shown no sign that he's intimidated.
Wow! How many cliches can we find in this paragraph? "Gritty style" "Sacrificed his body" "effective in the corners" "no sign that he's intimidated" Three sentences, four cliches. Nice.
"Timmy has been great," Grier said. "He sees the ice very well, he plays both ends of the rink well and he battles and competes as well as anyone on our team. I don't think that's what people realize. But he sticks his nose in there, has a good edge to him, doesn't take anything from anyone and doesn't back down."
[Ed's Note: Once again, I'm going to have to edit this. In light of Bucky's insistence on telling us about where these guys are from this should read:
"Grier, the Detroit native and former Boston University star, said."]
OK, did Bucky give these guys a cliche handbook to read from, or did he just make up quotes full of his (Bucky's) cliches and attribute them to the players.
Myers has been at the center of the lovefest for good reason. The 6-foot-8 newbie has played like he's been in the league for eight years rather than eight games while adding size and stability to the blue line. Myers is third among D-men in ice time, has two goals and five points, leads the Sabres with a plus-8 rating and scored the winner in a shootout against Tampa.
Otherwise, he's been horrible.
[Ed's Note: Buckyperbole. I know the "he's been horrible" is supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, but did you see Myers get schooled by Maxim Afinogenov?? Once more: Max made Myers look foolish. That was a pretty horrible play.]
Ruff adhered to the company line Monday, giving the appearance the Sabres are dithering about Myers' future, but he's not going anywhere. Hiccups are expected this season but the 19-year-old will be among the candidates for rookie of the year if he maintains his current pace.
Translation: Tyler Myers is at the center of my own love fest, and if any of you don't want to join me, you're stupid. Also, I had, just had to throw in the "company line" shot because come on, I wasn't going to write an entire column about the Sabres and be all positive.
"The two younger guys are playing outstanding," center Tim Connolly said. "They're doing a lot of little things that maybe you don't notice. Tyler Myers has scored some big goals and made some big plays, but he's also making good plays coming out of the zone. Timmy Kennedy has been doing a great job playing both ends of the arena."
[Ed's Note: "center Tim Connolly, the Syracuse native and former Erie Otters star, said."]
Again, a player spewing cliches for Bucky. At least this article contains "quotes" from three separate players.
Montador was hired mainly to add toughness, but he also brought experience and intelligence. He spent his first seven seasons with Calgary, Florida, Anaheim and Boston before signing with the Sabres. He has gained respect from his teammates for his worth ethic and ability to adapt to new partners.
Montador played on the third pairing with Andrej Sekera and Toni Lydman before both were sidelined with injuries. He played in Tampa with Nathan Paetsch. He has one assist, but the statistics don't show how many times he's covered up for his partners' mistakes.
Montador was hired mainly so that I could write cliche after cliche after cliche about him.
Four new faces, a huge difference.
And by huge difference, I mean no difference. I get to write articles full of cliches and spew my love about guys from South Buffalo. And if you don't know, if player comes from South Buffalo, he is a first ballot Hall of Famer.
"It makes for a different flavor," Montador said. "I'm not saying anything in the past wasn't working, but Mike Grier is one of the best guys in hockey. The two young kids who came in have great attitudes. I like to see myself fitting right in here. Mix that with guys that were already here, and you have some good stuff going on."
[Ed's Note: "Montador, the Vancouver native and former North Bay Centennials star, said."]
OK, I got nothing for this.
You're probably asking, then, why are you guys so grouchy? Again, my psychic abilities aside, it's because local gasbags spent all offseason harping on how thoroughly pathetic this team was. If you might recall, Bucky insinuated not very long ago that the Sabres did not have playoff talent, while the Canadiens and Senators do.
And, as you might recall, other folks got fed up and started a blog to try and clear up the mess about how close the Sabres really were and how stupid it would've been to resign guys like, to pick one at random, Chris Drury.
So, now we're certainly going to call shenanigans when certain sportswriters demonstrate their "short" memories. And by "short," here I mean "non-existant."
michael.w guest appears again, I insert my rapist's wit as appropriate.
The Bufalo Sabres would be quick to say that it's a tad too early for anyone to start preparing Delaware Avenue for its first Stanley Cup parade. No matter how impressive they have looked over the first eight games, they haven't lost sight of the fact that another 74 remain between now and April.
Translation: I will be quick on the trigger to lambaste this team for sucking because I disagreed with each and every offseason move the Sabres made. Moreover, every player that signed with a team not named Sabres is a sure fire Hall of Famer that the Sabres either neglected to go after, or refused to sign with the Sabres because the Sabres front office sucks.
[Ed's Note: How's Spacek working out in Montreal? Five points in 13 games, and none on the power play? Oh.]
Coach Lindy Ruff has continued to emphasize the positive. He reiterated after another crisp practice Monday how his players are buying into the system.
Thank you for the quotes from players to verify this.
Their workouts have been more upbeat and productive.
Thanks for the evidence to back this up.
For reasons not entirely clear, their 6-1-1 record this year seems stronger than the 6-0-2 start last season, when they sprinted from the gate and stumbled down the stretch.
No doubt, it is surprising that he got this far before he mentioned the stumble down the stretch. Incidentally, the Sabres were 7 -3 in their final 10 games last year, including winning their final three. How is that a "stumble," but more importantly, that took me approximately 7 seconds to find.
[Ed's Note: We need to clear up this stumble "down the stretch." The Sabres were 4-2-1 in April. They were 6-5-1 in March, dealing with an injury to their starting goaltender. So, in the last two months of the season (not exactly a small sample size) they were 10-7-2. Not great, but not a "stumble." The Sabres stumbled in November (5-7-1) and February (5-6-2), when they were dealing with an injury to their leading goal scorer. I feel better now.]
The big difference?
It could be that a few moves that appeared to be tweaks going into the season are actually having a major impact.
Nice work glossing over this subject. All offseason, these moves that "appeared to be tweaks" were the worst moves any team, in all of sports, ever. Now they have are having "a major impact." Why the change?
[Ed's Note: Because the Sabres are playing well and he can't deny it.]
Mike Grier, Steve Montador, Tyler Myers and Tim Kennedy individually are a role player, a journeyman sixth defenseman and two prospects. Together, they addressed areas of desperate need and helped create a better vibe.
Translation: Mike Grier, Steve Montador, Tyler Myers and Tim Kennedy individually are a man I have ridiculous mancrush on, a journeyman sixth defensman, and two men I have scary to the point of potentially requiring restraining order mancrushes on. Together, they allow me to use two pukey sports cliches in one sentence.
"It's hard to explain," Ruff said. "That group of guys, they deserve a lot of credit. You've got stronger voices, stronger personalities in Grier and Montador. It's always fun to have a couple of young guys. They've been kidded a lot. They've been brought in and been accepted. Winning makes things fun. Let's not kid ourselves."
Grier, of course, is no stranger to Buffalo. He played a key leadership role in his first stint with the Sabres, which ended in their first of two consecutive trips to the conference finals. He left to sign a three-year deal with San Jose and was re-hired to provide a much-needed attitude adjustment.
Grier, of course, is also no stranger to having a paragraph full of sports cliches showered upon him by local sports columnists.
The 13-year veteran immediately assumed his place among the dressing-room hierarchy and already has scored two critical goals, netting the only one in Nashville and adding the tying tally late in the second period in a win over Tampa.
Ah-ha! Not sufficient that we merely learn that he scored two critical goals. After all, what do goals have to do with winning hockey games? We need to ensure that "dressing-room hierarchy" (why is there a hyphen?) be added to ensure we continue the cliche parade. Can we keep it going?
"He's just awesome," said Kennedy, the South Buffalo native and former Michigan State star. "He's a great guy on the ice, a great guy off the ice, he keeps the locker room laughing, he's a great teammate. ... His approach to the game is the same every day. He comes in and works hard in every drill, every shift we're out there together. He's just a great guy to watch."
Thanks to Tim Kennedy, and multiple cliches in the quotes, we have an emphatic YES!!!!!!! So where do we go from here, more cliches, or some Bucky man-crush writing?
[Ed's Note: Why do we have to hear about how Tim Kennedy is from South Buffalo EVERY FUCKING TIME you write about him? The fact that he's from South Buffalo is a nice human interest column during a slow period. Right now, all you need to do is talk about how he's playing for the Sabres.]
Kennedy has played well for his hometown
[Ed's Note: GODDAMMIT!!!!]
team with Grier and Jochen Hecht on his flank on the third line. Kennedy is still looking for his first NHL goal, which will come if he maintains the consistency he has shown the past three weeks. He has three assists and has created at least a dozen scoring chances in eight games.
YES!! No cliches, but we were able to get a nice reference to the fact that Tim Kennedy, apparently is from around here. Not that we have ever heard that before. Also, Chris Drury won the Little League World Series, and Citizen's Bank Park is "hitter friendly." I figured I would add those two little know, little discussed sports factoids.
His coach and teammates are more impressed with his gritty style and play in the defensive zone. He unexpectedly jumped into a play and shook the puck loose for Grier against Tampa and sacrificed his body for Grier in Nashville. He's been effective in the corners and shown no sign that he's intimidated.
Wow! How many cliches can we find in this paragraph? "Gritty style" "Sacrificed his body" "effective in the corners" "no sign that he's intimidated" Three sentences, four cliches. Nice.
"Timmy has been great," Grier said. "He sees the ice very well, he plays both ends of the rink well and he battles and competes as well as anyone on our team. I don't think that's what people realize. But he sticks his nose in there, has a good edge to him, doesn't take anything from anyone and doesn't back down."
[Ed's Note: Once again, I'm going to have to edit this. In light of Bucky's insistence on telling us about where these guys are from this should read:
"Grier, the Detroit native and former Boston University star, said."]
OK, did Bucky give these guys a cliche handbook to read from, or did he just make up quotes full of his (Bucky's) cliches and attribute them to the players.
Myers has been at the center of the lovefest for good reason. The 6-foot-8 newbie has played like he's been in the league for eight years rather than eight games while adding size and stability to the blue line. Myers is third among D-men in ice time, has two goals and five points, leads the Sabres with a plus-8 rating and scored the winner in a shootout against Tampa.
Otherwise, he's been horrible.
[Ed's Note: Buckyperbole. I know the "he's been horrible" is supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, but did you see Myers get schooled by Maxim Afinogenov?? Once more: Max made Myers look foolish. That was a pretty horrible play.]
Ruff adhered to the company line Monday, giving the appearance the Sabres are dithering about Myers' future, but he's not going anywhere. Hiccups are expected this season but the 19-year-old will be among the candidates for rookie of the year if he maintains his current pace.
Translation: Tyler Myers is at the center of my own love fest, and if any of you don't want to join me, you're stupid. Also, I had, just had to throw in the "company line" shot because come on, I wasn't going to write an entire column about the Sabres and be all positive.
"The two younger guys are playing outstanding," center Tim Connolly said. "They're doing a lot of little things that maybe you don't notice. Tyler Myers has scored some big goals and made some big plays, but he's also making good plays coming out of the zone. Timmy Kennedy has been doing a great job playing both ends of the arena."
[Ed's Note: "center Tim Connolly, the Syracuse native and former Erie Otters star, said."]
Again, a player spewing cliches for Bucky. At least this article contains "quotes" from three separate players.
Montador was hired mainly to add toughness, but he also brought experience and intelligence. He spent his first seven seasons with Calgary, Florida, Anaheim and Boston before signing with the Sabres. He has gained respect from his teammates for his worth ethic and ability to adapt to new partners.
Montador played on the third pairing with Andrej Sekera and Toni Lydman before both were sidelined with injuries. He played in Tampa with Nathan Paetsch. He has one assist, but the statistics don't show how many times he's covered up for his partners' mistakes.
Montador was hired mainly so that I could write cliche after cliche after cliche about him.
Four new faces, a huge difference.
And by huge difference, I mean no difference. I get to write articles full of cliches and spew my love about guys from South Buffalo. And if you don't know, if player comes from South Buffalo, he is a first ballot Hall of Famer.
"It makes for a different flavor," Montador said. "I'm not saying anything in the past wasn't working, but Mike Grier is one of the best guys in hockey. The two young kids who came in have great attitudes. I like to see myself fitting right in here. Mix that with guys that were already here, and you have some good stuff going on."
[Ed's Note: "Montador, the Vancouver native and former North Bay Centennials star, said."]
OK, I got nothing for this.
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