BillsFan4 Posted April 1, 2022 Share Posted April 1, 2022 It’s going to be so weird without RJ calling plays. He’s been doing the Sabres play-by-play my entire life. I remember always listening to games on the radio back before he took over the TV broadcasts in the mid-90’s. I was really hoping the Sabres could make the playoffs at least once more before he retired. But obviously that didn’t happen. I wonder if he would consider possibly coming out of retirement for at least one post-season game if the Sabres make it in the next couple/few years. That would be great! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted April 1, 2022 Share Posted April 1, 2022 58 minutes ago, BillsPride12 said: Oh it's definitely going to be a full house! But that doesn't mean it's an official sell-out yet. I know as of today it was pretty close, I would imagine by puck drop we will be there. Kinda similar to how there were doubts the Patriots playoff game would be a sellout but once it got closer toward gameday there was no doubt. only 8 seats unsold as of this morning. I have to believe it sold out. 7 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said: It’s going to be so weird without RJ calling plays. He’s been doing the Sabres play-by-play my entire life. I remember always listening to games on the radio back before he took over the TV broadcasts in the mid-90’s. I was really hoping the Sabres could make the playoffs at least once more before he retired. But obviously that didn’t happen. I wonder if he would consider possibly coming out of retirement for at least one post-season game if the Sabres make it in the next couple/few years. That would be great! I hope they do ask RJ to do a playoff game if, mercifully, it happens next year. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsPride12 Posted April 1, 2022 Share Posted April 1, 2022 From things I have now seen it looks like it's officially a sellout. I haven't been this excited for a Sabres game since the playoff years. Will be the first time for many of the youngsters on the team to play in front of a juiced up home crowd. Donny Meatballs should have the boys fired up. This is a game they NEED to show up for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4merper4mer Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 Somewhere Eichel thinks all that cheering emanating from Buffalo is for him. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 I only watched from afar but what an amazing atmosphere, and then the team went out and backed it up. Time to end the ridiculous Pegula hate and embrace this team. What a great and deserving night for RJ. 3 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That's No Moon Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 1 hour ago, eball said: I only watched from afar but what an amazing atmosphere, and then the team went out and backed it up. Time to end the ridiculous Pegula hate and embrace this team. What a great and deserving night for RJ. They've gone on runs like this several times in the last 10 years. I need to see more. A lot more. They are giving up far far too many goals for this to be sustainable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Brown Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 It felt like old times in the arena tonight. Better days ahead (I think). My favorite broadcasting moment of all time... 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradobillsfan Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 44 minutes ago, That's No Moon said: They've gone on runs like this several times in the last 10 years. I need to see more. A lot more. They are giving up far far too many goals for this to be sustainable. I think the Vegas game, Heritage Classic, down 0-4 in Chicago, and now tonight's RJ game have given us as big a reason as any in the last 10 years to believe the Sabres are ready to contend again 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That's No Moon Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 32 minutes ago, coloradobillsfan said: I think the Vegas game, Heritage Classic, down 0-4 in Chicago, and now tonight's RJ game have given us as big a reason as any in the last 10 years to believe the Sabres are ready to contend again That Chicago game had at least 3 extremely fortunate bounces. Extremely. I need to see more for a longer period of time and that period of time needs to extend significantly into next season. As in, well into January if not February. Were this a slightly better year in the not so distant past we'd be referring to this as the valiant run for 9th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 6 hours ago, That's No Moon said: They've gone on runs like this several times in the last 10 years. I need to see more. A lot more. They are giving up far far too many goals for this to be sustainable. They need goaltending. Everyone knows that. They won’t be contenders until they have a legitimate #1 between the pipes. That doesn’t change the obvious shift in both culture and talent on the ice, with more talent coming up next year. It is an exciting time to be a Sabres fan, watching this young team grow. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan4 Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 Man, what a game! And what a way to send RJ off into retirement! I was so happy for him. I’m also glad this new young generation of players got to see what the arena could be like if they start winning again. Hopefully it gives them a bit more motivation to continue turning this franchise around. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
\GoBillsInDallas/ Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 13 hours ago, eball said: Time to end the ridiculous Pegula hate and embrace this team. 11 hours ago, That's No Moon said: They've gone on runs like this several times in the last 10 years. I need to see more. A lot more. They are giving up far far too many goals for this to be sustainable. 10 hours ago, coloradobillsfan said: I think the Vegas game, Heritage Classic, down 0-4 in Chicago, and now tonight's RJ game have given us as big a reason as any in the last 10 years to believe the Sabres are ready to contend again Buffalo Sabres 2023: "We suck less than we used to!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 4 hours ago, eball said: They need goaltending. Everyone knows that. They won’t be contenders until they have a legitimate #1 between the pipes. That doesn’t change the obvious shift in both culture and talent on the ice, with more talent coming up next year. It is an exciting time to be a Sabres fan, watching this young team grow. They need to get Levi and/or Portillo going quickly. The current guys, including UPL, aren't the answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jrb1979 Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 It was nice to see a full building and a loud crowd. Miss seeing that. I know many are hesitant to give them a chance yet but I think this time it's different. The young players are already showing signs of being good. The big thing is they are getting some goaltending which they didn't have for much of the year. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 12 hours ago, That's No Moon said: They've gone on runs like this several times in the last 10 years. I need to see more. A lot more. They are giving up far far too many goals for this to be sustainable. That's what happens when you only look at scores and stats. You get no sense of what's going on with this team. This is NOT the same team of the past ten years. They are kicking ass and taking names. Sorry you're missing it. 1 1 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jrb1979 Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 1 minute ago, PromoTheRobot said: That's what happens when you only look at scores and stats. You get no sense of what's going on with this team. This is NOT the same team of the past ten years. They are kicking ass and taking names. Sorry you're missing it. Agreed. Its the one thing that bothers me. So many here are Boxscore watchers. The Sabres have been fun to watch but many don't bother to watch and just look at the box score. What I have never can figure out is how Bills fans that have left WNY still follow the Bills but could care less about the Sabres or hockey 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsPride12 Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 1 hour ago, Jrb1979 said: Agreed. Its the one thing that bothers me. So many here are Boxscore watchers. The Sabres have been fun to watch but many don't bother to watch and just look at the box score. What I have never can figure out is how Bills fans that have left WNY still follow the Bills but could care less about the Sabres or hockey I have always found that interesting myself. While it's hard for me to say since I'm still in WNY, I have a hard time believing I would just give up the Sabres if I ever moved out of the area. They were such a huge part of my childhood growing up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloradobillsfan Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 7 minutes ago, BillsPride12 said: I have always found that interesting myself. While it's hard for me to say since I'm still in WNY, I have a hard time believing I would just give up the Sabres if I ever moved out of the area. They were such a huge part of my childhood growing up. My Buffalo fandom actually increased the further I got from WNY. You realize just how special things are in Buffalo when you reflect on it from afar. When I first got to Denver, there was no place to watch the Bills games with volume. So we started a Bills Backers chapter, planted a flag, and the masses of Buffalo fans gravitated to us. When the Sabres were in the playoffs, our bar was jammed with Sabres fans. When Pommers scored that goal we spilled out into the streets of downtown Denver like we just won the cup. Our love for all things Buffalo make us unique out here; it's almost like a family reunion type of atmosphere. It's really quite special, and we're very proud of that 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That's No Moon Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 3 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said: That's what happens when you only look at scores and stats. You get no sense of what's going on with this team. This is NOT the same team of the past ten years. They are kicking ass and taking names. Sorry you're missing it. I've watched them play a couple times this month. I'm not going to argue that it isn't better. It is. It needs to continue. You don't wipe away a decade of garbage with 3 weeks of tolerable hockey. 4 hours ago, Doc said: They need to get Levi and/or Portillo going quickly. The current guys, including UPL, aren't the answer. Levi is going back to school so he is 2023 at the soonest, more likely 2024. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draconator Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 1 minute ago, That's No Moon said: I've watched them play a couple times this month. I'm not going to argue that it isn't better. It is. It needs to continue. You don't wipe away a decade of garbage with 3 weeks of tolerable hockey. I would say the Sabres play has been far above tolerable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That's No Moon Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 1 minute ago, Draconator said: I would say the Sabres play has been far above tolerable And it's still only been for three weeks. Immediately before this stretch they lost what, 6 in a row? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draconator Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 7 minutes ago, That's No Moon said: And it's still only been for three weeks. Immediately before this stretch they lost what, 6 in a row? To be truthful, you have only watched 2 games during this stretch. Their body of work over the entire 3 weeks encompases more than just 2 games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That's No Moon Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 12 minutes ago, Draconator said: To be truthful, you have only watched 2 games during this stretch. Their body of work over the entire 3 weeks encompases more than just 2 games. Ok, you're right. They are fixed and all is well 🙄 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draconator Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 13 minutes ago, That's No Moon said: Ok, you're right. They are fixed and all is well 🙄 I'm not saying their fixed. What I am saying is there is more fight, more want, in this team than the stretches we have seen during the Housley head coaching years for example. If you cannot recognize that, that's more of a you problem than a me problem. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That's No Moon Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 46 minutes ago, Draconator said: I'm not saying their fixed. What I am saying is there is more fight, more want, in this team than the stretches we have seen during the Housley head coaching years for example. If you cannot recognize that, that's more of a you problem than a me problem. And I'm agreeing with you and it's been for a three week period and it needs to continue 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draconator Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 9 minutes ago, That's No Moon said: And I'm agreeing with you and it's been for a three week period and it needs to continue Agreed. I'm confident it will. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wacka Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 They are 8-3-3 in March. I think I read 3rd best in the league. They are headed in the right direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 (edited) 4 hours ago, That's No Moon said: I've watched them play a couple times this month. I'm not going to argue that it isn't better. It is. It needs to continue. You don't wipe away a decade of garbage with 3 weeks of tolerable hockey. Levi is going back to school so he is 2023 at the soonest, more likely 2024. When did Levi say he was going back to NE? The best way to wipe away the past is by moving forward. Did you mourn the Bills playoff drought after they broke it? Edited April 3, 2022 by PromoTheRobot 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 4 hours ago, That's No Moon said: Levi is going back to school so he is 2023 at the soonest, more likely 2024. If he does, it will be a mistake. But to each his own. And if he does, I'd sign Portillo and give him time with the Sabres next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That's No Moon Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 22 minutes ago, Doc said: If he does, it will be a mistake. But to each his own. And if he does, I'd sign Portillo and give him time with the Sabres next year. Portillo would be in Rochester next year if he comes out. So would Levi to be honest. This is why I said you don't want both of them coming out of school this year. Portillo's clock is a year ahead of Levi's so, in theory, the Sabres would rather Portillo come out this year and get #1 minutes in Rochester to see what they have and have Levi coming out the following year. If they both come out this year someone is going to Cincinnati and if you are going to Cincinnati you'd might as well stay in school. 1 hour ago, PromoTheRobot said: The best way to wipe away the past is by moving forward. Did you mourn the Bills playoff drought after they broke it? Did you think the Bills problems were over the multiple times they had a good month over the course of 20 years or did it take a little longer than that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 13 minutes ago, That's No Moon said: Did you think the Bills problems were over the multiple times they had a good month over the course of 20 years or did it take a little longer than that? Hard to compare football to hockey. But if you watch games you can tell if wins are coming from dumb luck or hard work. This Sabres team is starting to come into is own. You don't have to believe it. The bandwagon will always be there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4merper4mer Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 Just now, PromoTheRobot said: Hard to compare football to hockey. But if you watch games you can tell if wins are coming from dumb luck or hard work. This Sabres team is starting to come into is own. You don't have to believe it. The bandwagon will always be there. It’s not impossible for things to stall or run into bad luck like injuries but the naked eye can see this team has the beginnings of something and is doing things the right way. A key acquisition or three, a little time and we’re on our way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 24 minutes ago, That's No Moon said: Portillo would be in Rochester next year if he comes out. So would Levi to be honest. This is why I said you don't want both of them coming out of school this year. Portillo's clock is a year ahead of Levi's so, in theory, the Sabres would rather Portillo come out this year and get #1 minutes in Rochester to see what they have and have Levi coming out the following year. If they both come out this year someone is going to Cincinnati and if you are going to Cincinnati you'd might as well stay in school. One could start-off with the Sabres and the other with the Amerks. But I suppose Levi is waiting on Portillo's season and see what his decision is, before making his. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That's No Moon Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 33 minutes ago, Doc said: One could start-off with the Sabres and the other with the Amerks. But I suppose Levi is waiting on Portillo's season and see what his decision is, before making his. A. you don't want someone in Buffalo as a backup, you want them getting starters minutes wherever they go. Neither one of them are ready to come in and start on day 1. B. Next year is going to be Lukkonen's turn to start with Anderson as #2 C. I think it's more likely that he's waiting for the delayed World Junior tournament in August. 54 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said: Hard to compare football to hockey. But if you watch games you can tell if wins are coming from dumb luck or hard work. This Sabres team is starting to come into is own. You don't have to believe it. The bandwagon will always be there. And yet, you did it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfanmiamioh Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 1 hour ago, PromoTheRobot said: Hard to compare football to hockey. But if you watch games you can tell if wins are coming from dumb luck or hard work. This Sabres team is starting to come into is own. You don't have to believe it. The bandwagon will always be there. They are actually giving night in and night our effort, which is something that has been sorely lacking for a decade. I like the direction they are heading in. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 1 hour ago, That's No Moon said: A. you don't want someone in Buffalo as a backup, you want them getting starters minutes wherever they go. Neither one of them are ready to come in and start on day 1. B. Next year is going to be Lukkonen's turn to start with Anderson as #2 C. I think it's more likely that he's waiting for the delayed World Junior tournament in August. A. I've never believed in "you can ruin a player by playing him too soon." Again I look at Josh starting as a rookie on a horrid offense. B. UPL just doesn't have it and Anderson is ancient. Anderson from 5 years ago? Yes please. C. Could be. I have no idea what Levi is thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsPride12 Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 The Sabres haven't been winning by dumb luck it's because they have so many talented young players that are clearly developing and getting better and better. Gotta give credit to Donny Meatballs. I think he has done a hell of a job with this group. Don't get me wrong there is still a lot of work left to do but they are trending in the right direction. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T&C Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 Matinee game at 1pm today... Panthers, the top team in the conference, @ the Sabres. We are 6-1-3 in the last ten games, this is going to be a real challenge. Hope they are still riding the high from Friday night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBBills Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 Sabres might have a chance at this game for the simple fact that the Panthers came back from a 6-1 deficit to win 7-6 in OT. This looks to be a let down game for them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T&C Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 (edited) 12 minutes ago, TBBills said: Sabres might have a chance at this game for the simple fact that the Panthers came back from a 6-1 deficit to win 7-6 in OT. This looks to be a let down game for them. Hope you are right! Just heard RJ is doing the call and then I remembered that he will do all of the home games this month until he retires. Edited April 3, 2022 by T&C 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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