Every time I think this team has hit rock bottom, the ship sinks even further. I'm aggravated and upset with what has gone on since Miller was traded.
First off, we all know the situation that this team is in. Buffalo is a last place team working on a rebuild. Ted Nolan was brought in, and while he did well with Latvia, you can argue that he's done a pretty decent job with the Sabres, especially with the team he has to work with.
I don't expect Nolan to be here for 10 years, or even five, but I do like that he was brought in to help out and he's the guy I want to help guide the players through this rebuild.
It's not going to be fun and it's going to take a couple years for players to develop and for the team to be good again. I'm fine with that.
I've been confident and pleased with the way things were being handled in the organization, to an extent. Regier and Ruff were finally gone, and the Sabres were trading away some big names, which had to be done.
Now, after going on a three game winning streak for the first time all season, Buffalo spent Friday in shock and was emotional over Miller and Ott heading to St. Louis. It already made for big news, but when I first heard that there was an executive shakeup going on, I was disgusted.
Now, I'll admit that I do not know the full details of exactly what the problem was. I've heard a few different things and conflicting stories, so I'm not going to take any one side of it.
Regardless of what the situation or issue was, this team has become a complete joke.
It's an embarrassment for the organization It's an embarrassment for the players It's an embarrassment for the fans
Get what I'm saying?
For a 30th placed team that is already a laughing stock of the NHL and having its' worst season in franchise history, this organization is embarrassing itself even further. (Not to mention the 3rd jersey)
Finally, this city had some kind of hope, and a glimpse of the future for its' hockey team.
I received a text from a friend on the situation: "This is not the way you build an organization or an environment of trust for success. This franchise should be f***ing shamed and embarrassed."
I agree with the above quote 100 percent. Maybe I am overreacting to a degree, but I was really discouraged on Saturday when the news broke.
Here's what LaFontaine had to say:
“Terry Pegula hired me in November and my primary objective was to lead the Sabres organization through a time of transition. I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish in a short period of time and want to thank Terry and Kim Pegula for the opportunity and their support during my time with the Sabres. I also want to convey my best wishes to all of the players in the Sabres organization and to wish them the best of success in the future. Most importantly, I want to convey my heartfelt appreciation to the great fans of the Sabres for the way I have been treated here as a player and as an executive.… - Pat LaFontaine
It's all typical and doesn't mean much to me at this point. I'm a big LaFontaine fan and I was happy when he was hired. Who knows if there is more to come? This should be a very interesting few days before the trade deadline.
Again, I don't know all the details of what went on, but it just doesn't make the team look good at all. Maybe it's just bad timing and LaFontaine really did just want to go back and work for the NHL, but even if that were true, it's terrible timing. I think he would have finished out the season at least.
I don't enjoy being in 30th place and hoping for a 1st round overall pick. I don't enjoy having the worst season in franchise history. Even with everything going on, I am excited for the future of this team. I want them to be good again. I want there to be playoff hockey in Buffalo and a party in the plaza in May/June.
The Buffalo fans are very passionate about hockey, and I think that's obvious to see. The Sabres need to get their act together starting from the top and get this entire organization on the right track. I'm sick of these lingering issues that this team seems to constantly have.
Whatever the problem may be in the front office, just resolve it quickly. Maybe LaFontaine is the only one to go, maybe not. The Sabres have already done enough damage with the news on Saturday. Get that sorted out, and make the trades and acquisitions you need to do this summer.
By the time next season starts, I'm hoping that we're in a different boat, because this one is currently sitting at the bottom. I would hope that things are running smoothly, with a legitimate captain (who will be here for a while) come October.
The fans in Buffalo don't deserve this, and the Sabres need to restore faith, especially in a season like this.
As always, thank you for reading!