There is no doubt in my mind that hockey is by far one of the most unpredictable sports in the world. What I am trying to convey is that an underdog, that is perceived to be overmatched, can win a decent percentage of the time. That being said, it is inconceivable that the Sabres haven’t made the playoffs in thirteen years. Frankly, it is almost impossible. It’s like throwing 16 bones in a pen of 32 dogs over a dozen different times, and having one of the mongrels never coming up with a bite. Each of these animals is chosen by a different owner, and he has the chance to bring in an alternate beast every time the snacks are thrown. He has incentive to change the course of his luck, because there is a reward that can be obtained if he beats the 50% odds. You can also just sit on your paws and hope the canine learns from his hungry belly to be on the ready and be aggressive. It’s that whole Pavlov thing. There is psychology to this whole endeavor, your trainer and team of consultants should be able to make sure you and your pet doesn’t starve to death.

See what I am saying? We could go on about the inept coaching and roster changes over the years. What we can all agree upon is that it has been a deplorable state of affairs. Long haired or short, big and muscular, or small and fast, our team of pups are just not getting it done. Management finally understands why we as a fan base are disgruntled? After years of suffering, we decisively got a hound to represent our interests. Lindy will not let us leave the trough with an empty stomach. He is a gambler who knows how to play the game and has the instincts to show his guys what it takes to survive. I believe that he is the man that will become Buffalo’s best friend.

When I spoke about how arbitrary the game can be when the puck is dropped, I truly meant it. I do believe in systems, coaching, talent throughout the lineup, and analytics to a certain point, but that is not everything. It is remarkable how so many things are overthought by an organization and the media. Perceived problems can be scrutinized down a path that leads to nowhere. Sometimes it is just passion and camaraderie that seizes the moment. The eye test should not be overlooked. It can also be staunch synchronicity over long stretches of time, regardless of the physical and mental challenges. On many occasions your alpha mutt clears the ice and can put a smoke screen around how mediocre you really are. These guys have a higher gear and talent that very few possess. They have out of body experiences that last for weeks, and they carry the weaker components of their team through grueling schedules. It is like you are getting two players in one. The 82 games that are played do matter, but it is a training ground for the chance to grab the ultimate prize. Did you realize that 18 out of the 20 top point getters this year guided their franchises to the post season? Only Kaprizov and a fellow named Crosby were unable to do so. Are you going to tell me that all of these squads who got a sniff at Lord Stanley are well coached and don’t have flaws? That ownership hasn’t put some of them in salary cap purgatory by over paying top end skaters that has led to gaping holes in the bottom of the lineup? Anyway, you get my drift. It is blatantly discernible that the leaders of the pack who carried their teams from October through the middle of April can be consciously mitigated with a well-rounded opponent. This is where coaching, character, roster constitution, and mental toughness comes to the forefront. The playoffs are a much different reality than a Tuesday night with the snow falling after a long road trip.

What do we have to look forward to? Are you with me when I stated that it was beyond belief that we haven’t seen a seven-game series in years? Well, the landscape of our NHL world is going to change for the better. Through all of this suffering, the one thing that the front office has done well is that they have been relatively conscious with how they have handed out money. With a bountiful prospect pool, and a decent core to build around on the big club, we are poised to easily take the next step and be a contender. Our best components are spread out through all of the positions. Our Sabres just have to be extremely calculated in regards to what they add. On so many occasions I have preached about acquiring one or two top end veterans that still have more in the tank, and my stance on this has not changed. Be brave enough to cut ties with assets that have run their course. Find something that compliments what you are trying to create. Don’t let your needs get clouded by complacence. We have come this far, eradicate our despair by finally showing us that you are here for us. Take the choke collar off and let that pooch be the first one to that marrow filled snack.



Notes from the Kennel –

I understand I can go on some goofy tangents, but after watching the last two games between the Bruins and the Leafs, I am confident that we are ready to be one of the representatives in the Eastern Conference. While I am acutely aware that the Canes, Rangers, and Panthers would be currently insurmountable matchups for us, what I have seen from the other clubs is vulnerability. What happened? Does Boston have any discernible manhood left? Some of the worst playoff hockey I have seen from both sides in quite a long time. Turnovers, missing short passes, over-skating pucks, and so much more. I give Toronto credit for giving everything they have to survive without Matthews, but I am being lulled to sleep. It is just my opinion, but these two organizations, along with the Islanders and Capitals, should be worried about us next year.

I will hopefully go into depth about who we should retain and or consider letting go in the near future if I don’t stray off the path. I definitely want to have your input on my thoughts in regards to that as well. I will leave you with the Oettinger save on Stephenson the other night in the critical waning moments. A beauty for sure. I have no love for Vegas so I am enjoying that the Stars have made it a series.



“Does not the gratitude of the dog put to shame any man who is ungrateful to his benefactors?”
Saint Basil -

Thanks, and go fetch,
Brad Lohr
Aka: Lumberhacks

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