HockeyRhetoric

I’ve been paying close attention to how Ted Black, specifically, has managed the perception of the Sabres since they began descending in the standings. My respect for him has never been higher. I’m convinced everything Ted Black does that trickles down to the public — from glad-handing or drinking beer in front of a camera, to watching a game from the 300 level, to everything he says in front of a microphone —  is calculated.

I remember how exaggerated the praise directed at Ted Black felt last spring. I’ve always liked Black but I decided at the time that T. Pegula was the one and only star — the reason to hope the Sabres would reach greatness. Black, meanwhile, with his Gordon Gekko hairstyle, was filed away in my mind as the deputy director of day-to-day operations, first, and a financial consultant for Pegula, second; a behind-the-scenes type, I presumed. My attitude has changed. » Read the rest of this entry «

Suppose Johns Hopkins were to release a study tomorrow claiming that blue-eyed motorists have a comparatively high rate of involvement in automobile accidents. Suppose it gets mainstream attention and gains traction on all the major social media platforms. Whether or not an individual agrees with the data is less consequential than their awareness of the finding and the authority it comes from. » Read the rest of this entry «

In the days that followed the game in which Milan Lucic trucked Ryan Miller, I didn’t criticize Brendan Shanahan for deciding not to suspend Lucic.

I think I first have to say — the fallout that takes place after a questionable on-ice incident has become one of my least favorite parts of the hockey fan experience. There is so much posturing that occurs outside of the game now and it’s growing a little tiresome to follow. » Read the rest of this entry «

Last Monday, Crosby played his fist hockey game in about 10 months — two goals and two assists in 15:54 of ice-time for 87. Not that a single regular season game against the New York Islanders settles anything, but Crosby is the best player in the NHL. I think a lot of people, like for instance the completely insufferable Pierre McGuire, get a little too hyperbolic when talking about Crosby’s talent and greatness. I’m always impressed with Crosby and I appreciate what he can do with the puck but I don’t think the difference between he and some of the other elite forwards in the game is as great as many believe. Crosby is the best, but not by very much. » Read the rest of this entry «