13 is the Magic Number..
Just when you think I would not give you anymore nostalgia, we will give a brief take on my favorite number thirteen. Before I get into that I want to make sure that as I stated before, I am very indebted to the backing that the hockeybuzz community provides Buffalo, and this website. Obviously, it is very apparent that we eclipse almost every other market in the United States in regards to passionate involvement. I have been taking it in through the banter, social media, and the airwaves. Nothing goes unnoticed, and discussion points are not missed. What an amazing thing to be a part of such an ardent marketplace. Good or bad, venomous or loving, crazy or composed, you all bring it with a certain level of caring that has substance. We all want the best for our teams and there is no exact formula. If you want to ride a bison, there are infinite avenues for success. Everybody’s support lifts our region up. I am confident that we will get to a better place and rejoice as one with a major championship. We are in this together and all opinions are valid. The vast information from all entities helps formulate insightful and heartfelt stances.
Back to the number and my propensity to lull the youthful contingency to sleep.
One of the more interesting components to a superstar lineup in Sabre’s history was none other than Yuri Khymalev. In the 1994 playoffs, with Scott Stevens trying to put him over the glass and into the crowd while he played on a broken leg, Khmalev scored two goals. With a language barrier and flanking Mogilny and LaFontaine, Yuri was a true unselfish teammate. Highlights are fun. The great Martin Brodeur had a five hole people.
2009 Zach Kassian 2005 Marek Zagrapan 2004 Drew Stafford 1991 Phillippe Boucher 1988 Joel Savage 1978 Larry Playfair
These are the players that I conclude need to be targeted for contractual lock down as soon as possible. Proactivity is essential. Bridge deal or long term. I am not going to throw numbers around because we all have perception on where they should be slotted. The big guys will fall in line with what the league dictates, and we have heard what the professionals predict –
Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Casey Mittelstadt, Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka
This is going to be a very intriguing summer and I am confident that a few substantial moves will be made to enhance our team’s chemistry. Victor Olofsson is all but taking his skill to a different wheelhouse, in a city that I hope embraces him. He deserves the best because he gave us what he could. Sometimes it is the nature of the business and it is the proverbial numbers game cliché. In regards to calculated untouchables in the minds of many? In my perception Savoie is on the table for something significant that is a difference maker, and Kulich is not. The rest of them? We have finally moved into the passing lane and we can’t lock the speed limit in on cruise control. Open ears hear the possibilities. Not only can we use a top defender, a gritty veteran with enough left in the tank could serve us well.
Thanks to Jonathan Marchessault for saving us from another one of our captains from winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. I am at peace with Jack winning the cup, but not comfortable with saying he conducted himself with integrity while he was here. Regardless of the organization’s stance, and possible blunders while you were in town, you have a certain responsibility to a generation of kids and charitable institutions who looked to you as a role model, and a city who wanted to embrace you at all costs. I feel sorry that you are near sighted, but in the end, you are all right as you stated mundanely in the locker room after the Tkachuk hit. You have raised the hardware over your head, and as a professional athlete you are entitled to have it proudly on your resume. Congratulations. Surround it with Lobsters and Quahogs on ice instead of chicken wings. This however will still be on your highlight reel. Feel free to consult Umberger.
Beautiful day on Elmwood Avenue, our city is a secret that can’t be kept. So many former NHL guys come and never leave. There is something to be said about that.
Thanks – Brad Lohr Aka: Lumberhacks