Putting aside the zealots and haters, the public opinion of Lindy Ruff and Darcy Regier tends to swing back and forth to align with the favorability of the team. We group our opinion of them with our opinion of the team. We’re incapable of analyzing those two individuals objectively. There’s enough of a sample size for people to offer generalizations, backed with an endless catalog of examples, to attack or support Ruff or Regier or both. Grand, sweeping evaluations are always subjective in sports and, despite their guided nature, it’s appropriate to qualify opinions on Ruff or Regier as such. » Read the rest of this entry «
Post-Holiday Fever
January 4th, 2012 § Comments Off
Over the holidays, I had the chance to discuss the Sabres with a few more people than usual. Just about all of them argued for a trade. It’s the familiar refrain. Change something, anything, they explained to me. I haven’t yet reached the point of exasperation but I must admit I’m finding this message harder and harder to resist.
What’s bothered me most this season has been the home record. Prior to the game against the Leafs on December 16, the Sabres had won just two of their last ten games at home. That’s absolutely pathetic. » Read the rest of this entry «
Gift of Gab
December 31st, 2011 § Comments Off
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 «
Bananas
December 19th, 2011 § 3 comments
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 «
Shanahan’s Words
December 5th, 2011 § Comments Off
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 «