Stonehenge, a megalithic monument built out of unwavering stones, put together to serve a purpose that has long been speculated. Every piece used has an intrinsic value to the whole structure. Everything in sync and well balanced. Possibly a healing center, or an ancient computer of the sun that was used to predict solar eclipses or other astronomical phenomenon. When the moon covered the sun on April 8, 2024, Buffalo was in the path of totality. Perhaps at that very time our hockey fortunes infinitely improved. The gods of puck might have been looking down on us that day, opening up an opportunity to decisively construct something out of rock solid, complimentary components.

Our organization has finally given themselves a window to create a juggernaut out of the ruins. The right coach, money to burn, and prospects galore brings a myriad of possibilities to the table. The decision to walk barefoot across the burning coals has been self-chosen, but it was the only option for the higher ups. After infuriating the fanbase for far too long, a scenario of another failed season would be catastrophic. When you are in the eye of the storm you have to have conviction to survive. Well Sabres faithful, we will see if management has what it takes to bring us out of this quagmire of despair. Implosion will not be palatable for any of us. The levy has been breached, and Kevyn Adams, along with his compadres, are treading water in the flood. The community will throw you a rope, but you have to show us the determination to grab it. With a decent draft pick to dangle, and a core group in place, there is no excuse to not tremendously improve this team. There is no reason why we can’t assemble a unit that can get into the playoffs and compete for the cup. We have weathered the tempest of inadequacy and won’t take it anymore. No more looking at the avalanches and tidal waves while doing nothing, we have endured enough. A spin of the wheel, or a blockbuster deal, own your stagnant process and turn it into a story of glory. It is time to turn the volume up to eleven.




OK, I had my moment to entertain myself. Sometimes, even if you don’t get my long-worded attempts to reference a movie that many of you are too young to have seen, at least I try when our heroes are on the golf course. Switching gears, let’s have some fun and look at the teams that made it to the final sixteen, and the players who have seen ice time that once were property of the blue and gold. I think if you analyze this list closely, you might find some of the group to be worthy.

Forwards:

Brandon Hagel RW, Conor Sheary LW, Kyle Okposo RW, Sam Reinhart C, Evan Rodrigues C, Jimmy Vesey LW, Hudson Fasching RW, Evander Kane LW, Mark Jankowski C, Ryan O’Reilly C, Casey Mittelstadt C, William Carrier LW, Jack Eichel C

Defense:

Dmitry Kulikov, Brandon Montour, Jake McCabe, Ilya Lyubushkin, Tyler Myers, Nikita Zadorov, Colin Miller, Brayden McNabb

Goalie:

Linus Ullmark

Notes from watching the Rangers perplex the Hurricanes –

Seeing Alex Lafreniere make a step forward this year shows us all that sometimes it takes time to develop and be prolific in the NHL. After three average years, he seems to have figured it out. At 22 years of age, his early bust prognosis is fading fast.

When I talk about guys having the ability to have out of body experiences when things are on the line, there are some that rise to the task. Buffalo born Miles Wood, son of Randy (Robo) Wood (the consolation prize in the Pat Lafontaine trade), scored an impressive overtime goal against Dallas the other night. The cliché, “looked like he was shot out of a cannon”, fits this game winner. Take a look for yourself if you have not seen it.



Lastly, I want to touch on the situation regarding Jeff Skinner. I have to say that I do have an affinity for number 53, but his days in the Queen City might be numbered. After having a career high 82 points in his previous campaign, this year’s 46 was a drop off of major proportions. With his quirky interviews and mischievous smile, he somehow reminds me of Eddie Haskell. When he is on, and his production level is consistent, the high salary is digestible. He can get under an opponent’s skin, and is one of the better agitators when he wants to be, but unfortunately it disappears like his scoring for long stretches. It is not his fault that the organization had to throw the brinks truck at him. They were desperate to appease the public to mask the failures in the standings. It was a forced gesture of commitment. If he is on the bench on opening night, I will surely root for him. If there is an agreement to part ways, I would wish him the best, but would understand the move.

I am looking forward to how this all plays out in the upcoming months.


Thanks for giving me an outlet,

Brad Lohr
Aka: Lumberhacks

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