BillsFan4

I never want to see that D pairing again! 🤢🤮 lol Holy cow they looked soo slow. So far the Carrick trade has been a home run, and Pearson looks like a nice addition for a 7th. But I’m definitely questioning the Stanley/Schenn trade after last night’s game. Hopefully Stanley looks better paired with Kesselring again. I thought that pair was decent the previous game. Kesselring should never be in the press box again for Schenn.

This current winning streak feels different than the first one in December. The quality of hockey/wins is pretty similar, and that first winning streak was a ton of fun. But I think many of us were kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop during that streak. It was when the Sabres first found their new identity. It felt sustainable but it was still hard not to at least have some doubts. This current win streak feels like the Sabres announcing themselves to the rest of the NHL as legit contenders. I am so beyond impressed with how they’ve come out of the Olympic break. I mean, how could you not be right? They have literally been the best team in the entire NHL! lol But considering how they entered the break losing 3 of 4 and not looking as good as they had the 2 months prior, it’s impressive how they’ve come out of the break with such laser focus and looking so unbelievably determined. I love the vibes around this team so much. Seeing so much pure joy from the players warms my heart, especially after all the losing that they’ve been through. I’m so damn happy for them (and for us! lol). Watching Dahlin giving guys huge bear hugs after every goal might be my favorite thing. I’ve never seen him look so happy and proud. He deserves it. That dude is as loyal to Buffalo as Josh Allen. Maybe even more so because he dealt with years of losing in soul crushing fashion + lots of negativity from fans yet he still remained loyal to the city/fans/team and never once spoke a bad word about it. This is definitely the most fun I’ve had watching the Sabres since the ‘05-‘07 seasons. I think I might be enjoying this run even more than the ‘05-‘06 season.

I don’t fear them but I also would not want to face either of those teams in the first round TBH. Both have had the Sabres number (more often than not) for years. Rick Bowness has the Blue Jackets playing some great hockey right now. Not as great as the Sabres but still great, and they have a lot of confidence too.

I’m still fired up this morning! lol

lol yeah when Tampa scored their 4th straight to make it 6-4 I said “this may not be their night”. Then Carrick scored to make it 6-5 and I’m like ok it ain’t over yet! Then Tampa scores again and I was back to “yep, I don’t think it’s their night”. Then Buffalo scored 2 straight to tie it. Then took the lead… ! what a rollercoaster of emotions. lol

🤯 what a game!!!! I love that the Sabres were able to win the battle. Tampa is such a dirty ******* team. Literally every single whistle they’d try to start something. The game tonight is exactly why Jarmo went and got Stanley, Carrick and Schenn. They could have used both tonight to clear the front of the net.

This team is so damn fun to watch!! It’s still hard to believe that it is the same team from earlier this season. Just such an unreal turnaround. I’m loving every minute of it! I love all 4 of the Sabres forward lines but I think the Ostlund/Norris/Doan line might be my favorite at the moment. Just the way they all backcheck so hard every shift. They’re all so good at stripping/recovering pucks. Having Norris healthy is such a massive addition to this team. I thought Kesselring had one of his better games as a Sabre. He looked better defensively and joining the rush. It would be huge for the Sabres if he found his game before the playoffs! I literally cannot wait for the game later today. I’ve been excited about it for days, and especially since the Sabres have moved into a tie for 1st in the division. I expect a playoff-like battle today.

Thanks for the reminder! I didn’t realize the game was at 5:30pm today. I was just assuming it was at 7 I guess. I would’ve been annoyed if I missed it. Edit: it is also on MSG for people in Buffalo.

Eh. Players and teams negotiate through the media all the time. It’s pretty standard procedure. McGovern was frustrated with the lack of negotiations, clearly wanted to stay in Buffalo and used Tim Graham to get that message out there. It worked.

I have to wonder if his comments to the athletic about being willing to take less to stay in Buffalo is what got things rolling on this deal. Seems very plausible to me. Before that, his last comments to the media were about wanting to maximize his value (or something along those lines). So Beane may have just felt there was no chance the Bills could afford him until he saw what McGovern said to Tim Graham.