The new canvas has been laid out, and we are all waiting in anticipation as to how management is going to successfully paint the landscape of success. With our coach in place, and Adams preaching a do or die edict, we are going to witness if he has the connections and respect to significantly improve our squad. With some integral pieces in place, I do believe that we are not that far off. With our new experienced messiah behind the bench, we are that much farther ahead of where we were three weeks ago. The expedited process of procuring his services was surprising to say the least, but also advantageous in so many ways. Ruff has hit the ice skating, and the public relations department has jumped on his back and seized the opportunity. A feel-good story to sell tickets, interviews galore, billboards proclaiming the return of a long-lost buddy. I am happily going to ride on this ship with all of you. I just hope it navigates the storms, and it has the ability make quick and decisive decisions when necessary. It now has a time-tested captain who understands his responsibilities, and the consequences if they are not strictly adhered to. Get a few top-notch veterans to help us on this journey, and we should easily make it to port playoffs.

I have to put a few things out there in regards to how this process of obtaining our rescuer unfolded. I do however need to reiterate that I love the acquisition and support it vehemently. Lindy is a general, and one of the best we have ever had. He will immediately be recognized by the players as hierarchy, and he will establish a pecking order that they are going to follow, period. He will be a friend, but they are going to know who is in charge and a system of integrity will be followed. Although I have no verification, it is my opinion that Kevyn recognized what he needed, and already had his noggin made up after New Jersey cut ties and the end of our season was darkened by an eclipse of failures. Adams was an assistant on his staff, they faced each other in the conference finals, they have lived in the same community for years. NHL people congregate and talk. They are part of a club and they show up together. It is as simple as that. I do think that proper due diligence was done in contacting other candidates, but I know for a fact that they knew each other long before Adams was drafted in the first round by the Bruins.

In the late eighties and early nineties two friends and myself were fortunate enough to participate in a weekly summer skate as fodder, where the person in charge knew a lot of the Sabres, as well as current and former guys who played in the league. It was always fun to see who would randomly show up and just toy with us. Getting muscled and burned by Burridge half trying, being pummeled by Dykstra and tasting a little blood from the lower lip. Some good memories for sure, but also an indicator of a gap that I would never physically be able to cross. There clearly is a difference in those who have it and the ones that don’t. Anyway, I remember Adams and his dad showing up once in a while. A few of those times a current New York Ranger at the end of his career named Ruff was there as well. In his equipment and just wearing a baseball cap, he just had that way about him. You knew his toughness from his days in Buffalo, he was warrior who had earned the attention even back then. These two-gentleman have known each other for quite a long time. To assume that there were no conversations regarding the possible vacancy is hard to believe. I am just saying…

OK, let’s have some fun since we aren’t watching our boys play tonight as the summer slowly creeps in. We need to come up with a representative anthem for Lindy and his new army. This is jokingly mine. Any of you have something better? If so, bring it to the table. Lol..



Notes from the boat as we jealously watch fanbases root for their teams though May and hopefully June -

It would be sacrilegious of me if I didn’t mention the passing of the great Bob Cole. To be at the pinnacle of your profession like our boy Rick, you have to have a style of your own that unequivocally stands above the efforts of others. Cole just had that way of keeping you engaged with epic calls, and an artistic way of describing the game. With his bellowing voice and naturally creative tone and pace, Cole was one of the best.



Some great hockey being played as three of the eastern conference series are being dominated. I chose the Panthers, Tampa tilt as the one to follow more regularly than the others. To root for Reinhart is really easy. We definitely messed up on that one. Giving him a bridge deal and making him one of the scapegoats just wasn’t fair. He was consistent and played hard all of the time. Very unfortunate. The kind of guy we are looking for at this very moment. Anyway, this save by Bobrovsky was incredible. If you have not seen it, you simply have to. The thirty five year old journeyman is showing that he still has it as he anchors the crease in Florida.



How about just signing free agents Stamkos and Kane. Unrealistic, but it would probably work. All kidding aside, I hope there is a plan in place. Once again, too many prospects and not enough spots on the big club, as well proven veteran leadership needed. The math isn't there. Had intentions of discussing the roster and the nature of the game, but ended up going in a different direction. I guess it will be next time.

Thanks,

Brad Lohr
Aka: Lumberhacks

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