Mark Mulville/The Buffalo News"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end..."
This line from Semisonic's "Closing Time" perfectly captures the feeling in HSBC Arena during Buffalo's 6-1 win over Boston. Sure, the win was great, but there was a palpable feeling in the air that something was ending, something bigger than even the regular season.
Maybe it really was just the feeling that another season was ending, this time before my eyes. I've never been to the last game of the season before, so maybe this is how it feels when a playoff-less year concludes on home ice. However, there is no denying that big changes seem to be in store for this offseason, and the tension was evident all around the arena.
Last season, there were a myriad of excuses that both the team and fans gave for missing the playoffs - learning new roles, changes in how the game was being played, growing up...
This season, those excuses will fall on deaf ears if anyone is naive enough to even try and use them. There are simply no excuses for what happened this time around; if they aren't grown up by now, I have a feeling what we're facing is a case of terminal adolescence.
There's no doubt that some changes will be made this summer; nothing stays the same in professional sports from year to year. The pain of this season had me asking a lot of questions about what I was seeing:
Did I just watch Teppo Numminen play in his last NHL game? If so, there was a great sign across from our seats that said "Thank You Teppo," and it brought a sad smile to my face. That man deserved a Stanley Cup.
Did I just see Lindy Ruff's last game behind the Sabres' bench?
Will those people in the section over from me be right with their "We want Darcy fired" chants?
Did I just see the last game in a Sabres uniform by Jaro Spacek? Henrik Tallinder? Jochen Hecht? Who will be here when this ice is laid down once again in the Fall?
No matter the letdowns, I've come to love the guys on this team since 2005. In my mind, tonight is the end of an era. My gut feeling is that some part of this team that I've come to love will be gone by next year. There's going to be a shake-up, and I feel like this game was the last time all of the faces I've come to associate with the Buffalo Sabres will be in HSBC Arena together.
Make no mistake, I want changes to be made. I would not be satisfied to see this same team trotted out in late September. This team needs a "new beginning," but I know that it won't come without a cost.
When the team saluted the fans after the game, I'll admit to getting emotional. Did they make me furious at times this season? Yes. However, you can't tell me that this team doesn't know and appreciate the fans here.
In 2005, it seemed like we were just at the beginning of a great journey with this new "core" of young rookies. In 2009, that beginning has ended, but we have no idea what the next one will hold.
8 comments:
1) The "we want Darcy fired" chant may be the worst one I've ever heard. Probably the same people who get the cadence wrong for the "Let's Go Buffalo" chant.
2) I have never used the word "myriad" in my entire life.
3) Semisonic may be a one hit wonder, but I do know the follow up album's name: All About Chemistry. I don't think that's a coincidence...
1.) I was seriously ready to punch the Darcy chanters in the face. They wouldn't shut up the whole game. My sister had to restrain me. Haha
2.) "Myriad" is a great word. Embrace it.
3.) All About Chemistry. I don't think that's a coincidence...
Sad but true...
Well now I have that song stuck in my head...
Caroline, I used that song in a speech I gave at my high school graduation, and it's been perpetually stuck in my head ever since. Sorry 'bout that... ;)
All About Chemistry, eh?
Makes a lot of sense - the talent has been here, the chemistry, leadership and heart is what's missing.
http://hockey-sense.today.com/2009/04/14/the-season-in-review-the-2008-2009-buffalo-sabres/
Makes a lot of sense - the talent has been here, the chemistry, leadership and heart is what's missing.I agree with your assessment to a point, Norm. I do believe that there are far too many players who have tried to get by this season without playing 100% every night. However, there are some guys who do have the leadership and heart that we need - guys like Goose, Miller, and Rivet. It's just that there sadly aren't enough of them.
"It's just that there sadly aren't enough of them."
That's my point exactly. Too many passengers, not enough drivers.
You named three of the top drivers........go ahead and add Kaleta, Connolly, Mair and even a couple others. But unfortunately, it's not enough to cover for the unusually large number of passengers on this squad.
http://hockey-sense.today.com/2009/04/15/nhl-playoff-preview-round-1-part-1/
That's my point exactly. Too many passengers, not enough drivers.Good analogy, Norm. It's the fact that the guys who show leadership aren't exactly the ones who can score the big goals that is really problem. You're spot-on with this.
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