Undefeated Sounds Nice - Let's Keep It That Way

Dear Buffalo Sabres,

You did it! For a little while I wasn't so sure you would, but you actually beat Ottawa - for the second time in a row, in fact. I know it's just one game, but it's one game that ended with us getting two points. Were there things you could have fixed? Of course. Did the power play look downright awful at times? Sure. But you had grit, speed, and the ability to clamp down defensively when it mattered most - and that's all I can ask for. Thanks for giving this city a sports team to smile about - even just for tonight.

Dear Derek Roy,

Allow me to sing you this letter: "You made me love you. I didn't want to do it." Our relationship is tumultuous at best, Royzie, but tonight you earned some major points in my book. Here's hoping that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship (or fan-player relationship, to be more accurate).

Dear Tyler Ennis,

I really think I'm going to love you. Us tiny people need to support each other, and I'm pretty sure if you keep playing as hard as you did tonight I won't have any trouble supporting you.

Dear Chris Neil,

I wish Goose or Rivet or McCormick or Kaleta or anyone else would have punched you in the face. I wondered how long I could keep disliking you and your dirty play and ugly face, and I think I learned that the answer is forever.

Dear Ottawa Senators,

You looked bad then; you looked bad tonight. I love it when you look bad. Please continue to do so.

Dear 7 p.m. Saturday,

Are you here yet?

Game Five Thank-You Notes

Dear Buffalo Sabres,

Now that is how you play a hockey game! I think I speak for all Sabres fans when I say thank you for showing us that you do have the heart, grit, and character to keep us believing. Thank you for giving us a lot to cheer (and cheer loudly about) last night, and thanks for showing the Bruins that they can't push us around as easily as they would like to think. Keep it up on Monday, and I can't imagine the excitement you'd be coming home to for Game Seven. One win at a time, though - just go out and play in Beantown like you did last night, and it would be tough for anyone to stop you.

Dear Paul Gaustad,

Thanks for setting the tone early and reminding the Bruins often of that physical, relentless tone. I have to admit, my beloved Goose, I was worried about your game before last night. Kudos to you for showing all of us that you hadn't disappeared and showing it with authority. From each hit to the face-off win on Grier's goal to taking on Chara at the end, you made a huge impact last night, and made me proud again to call you my favorite.

Dear Tyler Ennis,

I have a feeling Tyler Myers better get used to having you as a roommate next year - you're never seeing Portland again if you keep playing like this. You remind me of a young Danny Briere, with a heart and enthusiasm twice your size. I've always liked you because us tiny people have to stick together, but I forget how small you are when I watch you play. Your hustle, skill, and love for hockey has impressed not only the fans but Lindy as well, which is no small feat. You deserved everyone of those noogies and facewashes you got last night - that goal was a thing of hard-hustling beauty.

Dear Mike Grier,

What else can be said about you? The team turned around the day you were signed, and your calm, veteran presence has truly led the Sabres to where they are right now. The news of your signing came out on my birthday, and it was honestly my favorite present this year. Blocking that shot with your head is the kind of thing that just shows what a dedicated example you are for all of these young kids on the team. All I can say thank you for today is just for being you - playing hard and with heart.

Dear Ryan Miller,

First of all, long live the "Millerstache!" Thank you for giving us something to talk about with merely your facial hair. Now, onto actual hockey matters, thank you for giving me the biggest thrill of the night when you jumped into that scrum. It wasn't just that you did it - it was that you were grabbing Satan, which made it even better. In that one moment, you showed what has been different about the team this year - it's ability to stand up for itself as a whole and for each other.

Dear Patrick Lalime,

Thanks for the best ice dancing I've seen since the Olympics! I don't think I've laughed that hard in a long time, and I wish there was a video of it to share with everyone.

Dear Zdeno Chara,

I really don't like you. I have nothing to thank you for but for being beaten down by three Sabres last night, giving me the most pleasure from this series since I went to Game One.

Dear Sabres fans,

Thank you for showing that we still have faith. The shots of the Plaza last night were amazing, and I could barely hear RJ on my radio because the crowd was so loud. Down 3-1, the fanbase could have easily become less passionate, but the reverse seemed true. Being a Buffalo sports fan is something special, and I love putting myself in a category with all of you.

My Christmas List this Year

Dear Santa,

I'd like to think I've been a good girl this year. I even sacrificed blogging to do big-girl things like get an internship and write a thesis. I try to be nice (except when it comes to Chris Neil), and I try not to overreact (except when properly labeled "Overreaction Central"). I've even stopped throwing things at the TV during Bills games (which may have more to do with apathy than actually being good, but that's beside the point).

With those things in mind, I hope you have it in your heart to deliver at least one of the things that I, as a Buffalo sports fan, am dreaming of this Christmas.

I would like a Sabres win against the Senators on Saturday. Any variety of win would do - I'm not picky. I would just like to see Chris Neil and Jarkko Ruutu, who are always naughty boys, lose to nice ones like Paul Gaustad and Ryan Miller for once.

I would like a young, passionate new coach for the Bills next year. Again, I'm not picky, but someone outside of the current organization would be nice.

I want Paul Gaustad to make Team USA like I haven't wanted anything since that Barbie Dream House when I was seven years old.

I want this year's Bandits season to be even better than last year's, and I want those passionate lacrosse fans to get rewarded with many big wins by their team.

I'm wishing like crazy for Ryan Miller to stay healthy for the rest of this season and for Patrick Lalime to continue to play well so Miller can get some rest.

I want more intermission features like last night's Festivus one with Drew Stafford. I love when the team and Lindy show how much fun they can be because you know that they are in a good place.


And Santa, I would like to send a wish from all of the long-suffering Buffalo sports fans out there. We've been very good and very patient for a very long time. We believe in our teams with the blind faith that kids have in you. I can only hope that, someday, we are rewarded for that undying faith with a championship. Please, Santa, all we're asking is for a reason to believe again.

Finally, I really want nothing more than a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season for all of the fans, bloggers, and readers out there. They and their families deserve the merriest of Christmases.

~Katie

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season!

Mail Bag

Dear Marshawn Lynch,
I've tried really hard to like you; honestly, you have no idea how hard. Last season, I was willing to forgive the whole "hit-a-random-lady-with-you-car" thing because people don't exactly abide by proper street-crossing etiquette on Chippewa. You play hard and battle for us in every game, which is something I've always admired about you. While it's tough for me to embrace guys who act irresponsibly off the field, I was willing to accept that incident as the accident it was, and you were on the verge of becoming a favorite of mine.

This, though, this I can't excuse. One time, it's an accident. Two offseasons in a row, it's a habit, and it's not what I want in a player that I root for. Faces of franchises should not be getting high in a car where police could pull them over - not to mention faces of franchises should not have loaded guns in their car.

So I guess I just want to say that it's over, Beast Mode. I think we could have had something great together with our player-fan relationship, but you know what I wanted in a favorite player. I'm not shy about it - I like "my guys" to play with heart and to use that heart to help make Buffalo better away from the game, too. "Good players and good people" is an often used tag over here for a reason; there are plenty of role models for you. On your team alone there's Brian Moorman, Poz, and Donte Whitner.

If you want another example of how to act like the Buffalo superstar you could become, look no further than Ryan Miller. There's someone who always represents his team and his city in a positive way. You could have been loved like that here, Marshawn, but I'm not so sure that can happen now.

Sincerely (hoping you won't go to jail),
Katie

Dear Paul Gaustad,
I'm so happy to see you back on the ice tonight. As Ryan so perfectly put it, I just like this team better with you in the lineup. You bring the desire and heart that I felt were lacking against Carolina and will be much needed tonight and from now on. You've shown the ability to change a game with your physical play and sheer will to win, and effort like yours can make a huge difference on a team that likes to take some nights off.

Here's to staying healthy for longer than a few weeks! I can't wait to see the havoc that you and a healthy Rivet can cause.

Love always,
Katie

Dear Nate Gerbe,
I know you were trying very hard to score for me, as in the absence of Goose I latched on to you as my interim favorite, but I'm glad that you're heading back to Portland for a while. You were painfully pressing against Toronto, and some time in the AHL should remind you that you can score regularly like you so desperately want to. The NHL is a different animal, but I have faith that you can really succeed in Buffalo. Just remember, points will come but not if that's all you measure your play by. You have the ability to be a playmaker, but numbers aren't always the most important thing (example: Goose). In the NHL, you can't let anything take away from your effort, and I was afraid that you were getting too distracted by not scoring goals.

See you soon (I'm sure),
Katie

Dear Buffalo Sabres,
Just win. I hate the Flyers. You need the points. It can't get more simple than that.

I'll be watching,
Katie

Dear Santa...

With only three days left until Christmas, I figured that Muckers and Grinders needed to get into the holiday spirit.

With the blizzard around us and the clock ticking down for last minute shopping, I figure that even the athletes of Buffalo must be thinking about what will be under their tree come Christmas morning.

With that in mind, I present a look at some of the Christmas wish lists of our very own Bills and Sabres, written in their own words to the big man at the North Pole:

Dear Santa,
This Christmas, all I would like is a win to close out the season. When I said I wanted consistency last year, I didn't mean having the same record all the years I was a coach. That makes me very frustrated, and if you could see my face right now, I'm certain you would know. All that being said, I have tried to be a good coach this year; ignore all those "naughty" people who may say otherwise.
Enthusiastically waiting for your arrival,
Dick Jauron
PS: I've heard many people say that I should ask for a personality this Christmas. I do not know what that is, but it sounds great - maybe you could leave one in my stocking?

Dear St. Nick,
I don't know what I did to tick you off last year, but it had to be something big to get that 10-game losing streak under the tree. If you're thinking of that again this year, just send coal; I can use it to light a fire under my team.
Lindy Ruff

Yo Santa!
i know i wuz pretty naughty this summer and everything, but i tried to do right by taking the blame for the running game being so bad (when even u know that wasn't my fault). i guess all i want this year is for everyone to forget my little "problem" this summer - oh yeah - and a new offensive scheme that gets me more carries would be nice, too.
Thanx!
Beast Mode!

Santa,
Save all the gifts for the poor and sick children of the world, all I'm asking for is world peace.
Sincerely,
Paul Gaustad

Dear Mr. Claus,
As Yoda says, "A Merry Christmas will you..." - oh screw it! I just want a job next season, ok?
The best third string QB ever,
JP Losman

Dearest Santa,
I tried to be a good boy this year, taking my naps on time and sticking to the system as best as I could. All I really want are some better hockey sticks, maybe ones that aren't made of glass that shatter on contact.
Thank you oh so much,
Jason Pominville

St. Nick,
I'm just going to keep asking for the same thing every year until I get it, and I'll hold out the milk and cookies until I do. I want BIG $$$. I know that my Pro Bowl status should be enough to convince you of how nice I've been; don't listen to the fans who only pay attention when I mess up.
No treats for the reindeer either if I don't get it,
Jason Peters

Santa,
Take Max back to the North Pole with you this year. I'm sure he'd like it up there; he can give away things for a living then.
Emphatically,
Sabres fans everywhere

Wow...That was Really Bad

Be prepared, this post is an example of Overreaction Central at its finest, so if you're looking for calm analysis of the Sabres 2-1 loss to Toronto, I suggest you look elsewhere.

Now that all I have left are the Negative Nellies like myself, welcome friends, and let's get down to business. This was not a fun game to watch by any stretch of the imagination. When the two best things in the game happened during the Sabres Show (Jaro Spacek getting an entire segment to show off his best Cookie Monster impression and Drew Stafford in yet another fake moustache), you know that it's going to get pretty snarky around Muckers and Grinders.

This should never happen. Leafs should never be smiling in our arena. They should be cowering in a corner, begging for us to show them mercy.

Things I liked about the game:

Toni Lydman's goal because I love it when fantastically self-deprecating defenseman score goals. Goose's hit on Ryan Hollweg. Way to be a "big animal" out there again, Goose! There was also a shift where he and Paille (I think) led a pretty ferocious forecheck that kept the puck in our zone when I was sure numerous times that Toronto was going to get it.

Things I disliked:

Pretty much everything else.

I'm not even really sure what to say about that effort, especially in the third period when they needed it the most. All I know is that it may be the worst game I've watched this season (mind you, I missed the Nashville game).

Dear Sabres PP Units,

Way to turn a 6-minute powerplay into one of the most inept displays of hockey that I have ever witnessed. One shot on goal? I told my dad that if we ended up losing the game, I was going to blame that stretch of time, and I hold to that blaming. If a great kill is a huge momentum booster, then a lousy powerplay is a huge momentum-killer. Be better; I don't think there's anything else to say.

Dear Drew Stafford,

When the net is open, the puck is supposed to go in it. Please try to remember this for next time.

Dear Lindy Ruff,

Bag skates for all of them, right now. I don't care if they have a game tomorrow; effort like this cannot be tolerated. I know that you will chew them out properly, and for that I am truly thankful.

Dear Buffalo Sabres (yes, all of you),

I hope you are all thoroughly ashamed. You let the Maple Leafs come into your house and outplay, outwork, and outclass you in the period when you needed it the most. I don't know how you can play so well for three games and then do things like this - running around in your own end, forgetting to go hard to the net, losing every battle along the boards...It's disheartening that you seem to get so cocky after a few good games; I expect more from you, more effort and a lot more heart in a game like this. After a night like tonight, I think we need to go on a "break," and no, it's not me - it's you...

Dear Toronto Fans,

I hate all of you. I hate how you think you own our arena. I hate how you jeer our goalie when he's actually the only one playing decent hockey. Screw you (and I mean that in the nicest possible way).

Jason Pominville Appreciation Post

Happy 26th Birthday, Pommer!

WooHoo!!

To My Lovely Pommer on your Birthday,

I hope you are thoroughly enjoying spending a day off with your very attractive girlfriend and all of your Sabre-bros. I'm sure that Goose got you a special new blanket for nap buddy time and Ryan played you a nice birthday song on the guitar. I hope Spacho let you be Pigeon of the Day at practice today. I also hope you did not ruin your birthday by watching that horrid Bills game that I will not even acknowledge with more than a sentence.

Here's to a hat trick tomorrow to celebrate, and I hope you didn't go Soupy-style in your celebrating downtown to the point that I can find youtube videos of you and Goose playing some bad cover song and yelling obscenities. Although I think you would indulge with cupcakes and milk rather than rum and Coke.

~Katie~

In addition to these birthday wishes for everyone's favorite "system-abiding" Sabre, I promised to reveal why I chose his jersey over all the other candidates. When push came to shove, it was the most logical choice. Cap'n Craig and I have been fighting lately (really since he stopped fighting with people on the other team). I still wonder if he's playing hurt, but back to Pommer.

With Pommer's jersey, I still get my dream of having a letter on the front (albeit an "A" rather than a "C"), and he is part of The Core that we all love so much and the Trio (Goose, Pommer, and Miller) that I hold so dear. He does a lot of work in the community and just seems like a genuinely good person. Add to that the fact that he is pretty sweet on the ice as well and that he's my sister's favorite, and I made my decision rather quickly under growing pressure from my mother.

So now I will have the two best roomies ever side-by-side in my room (or at least their jerseys...)

Finally, no Jason Pominville Appreciation Post would be complete without this picture:

I hope you don't have this much trouble with your party hat, Jason!

Now That's More Like It

This lovely pic of Millsey courtesy of sabres.com

Dear Buffalo Sabres,

Thank you for winning. Thank you for not ruining my Halloween party by losing in embarrassing fashion once again. I've let you off the hook lately because I've been in my cold-induced haze, but thanks for making it easy to watch you again.

PS: Isn't defense fun? You should keep trying it every game!

Dear Ryan Miller,

I was so worried you'd give up your patented shutout-ruining goal in the last minute that I made everyone stop playing Apples to Apples just to watch you. You totally deserve Pigeon of the Game, by the way.

Dear Thomas Vanek,

Carry on.

More on this tomorrow when I've watched the highlights properly and am (hopefully) not as strung out on cold medicine.

Weekend Recap

Now that was a great weekend!

On Saturday night, the Buffalo Bandits won the NLL Championship game 14-13 over the Portland LumberJax. Now, I've been to a few Bandits games in my life, and those fans are some of the CRAZIEST I've ever seen - in the best possible way. There has been much debate about whether this counts as a "major" championship in Buffalo. I know that I would rather have a Super Bowl or Stanley Cup win, but this is a still a Buffalo championship in a profession sports league, and I, for one, am very proud to be a card-carrying member of the Johnny Tavares fan club today. My two best friends are season ticket holders, and both of them have been so intensely into the NLL season that I've actually decided to go along with them for next year. So congratulations, members of "Banditland" - can't wait to join your ranks next season!

I think I'm in love with Mark Steenhuis and his magical orange shoes

And now for some hockey...

Yes, it was sad watching Derek Roy and his fellow Canadians get ousted by Ovie and the Russians in OT at the IIHF World Championships, but that was all forgotten because of this:

My Second Favorite Team is headed to the Stanley Cup Finals!!

Now I did not get to see the game in its entirety yesterday, but I would like to offer some specific congratulations:

Dear Ryan Malone:

Congratulations to my favorite Pens Mucker and Grinder on your two goals! I love when hard workers get rewarded on the big stage like that. And also, thank you for being SO good looking - it makes me miss Goose and Pommers slightly less:Dear Jordan Staal:

Another goal! Even though I still want to feed you chocolate chip cookies and cocoa after what happened to your grandpa, I would rather you go out and keep winning for him. The cookie offer still stands, though...

Dear Max Talbot:

Thank you for this photo.

Mascot appreciation is good sports karma - keep it up.

Dear Sidney Crosby:

PROTECT THE CHOPS! I don't care how ugly they are, they are winners and so are you. You know I love you (for reasons I still do not understand), and these pictures make me love you even more:

Sometimes I forget just how young you are, and then your face lights up like a Christmas tree, and I remember you're pretty much a little kid hanging with the big boys.

But you're also a very smart Captain, who knows what to do with a trophy that isn't the BIG ONE:

> > >>

Tonight's Game: Wings at Stars 8 p.m. I'm kind of pulling for the Stars now, even though I said Wings in 7.

And on a completely unrelated note, my dance studio won big at our competition this weekend, with my tap team coming only 4 points shy of a perfect score! So it was a very good weekend.

Also, Happy 15th Birthday to my little sister, Amy (who I'm sure you will be hearing about a lot over here)!!

Putting the Broom Away...

Dear Pittsburgh Penguins:

That's ok. We all know you just want to win at home. Just try to come alive before the 3rd period next time, even if I really did think you were going to tie it up.

Dear Philadelphia Flyers:

Way to almost choke away a 3-goal, third period lead in the Conference Finals. It's too bad that the Pens didn't tie it - I was ready to have another counterargument to Jerry Sullivan's "former players never gave up leads EVER" column.

Dear Marty Biron:

Hearing you on Versus tonight reminded me of how much I miss you. I still love you, but you're a Flyer now, so I hope you're back in Buffalo with your cute new baby as soon as possible.

Dear Sidney Crosby:

Just because you have tiny amounts of facial hair now does NOT mean you are tough enough to fight whenever you feel like it. Now, I know you want to be a Mucker and Grinder because you want my unending love, but Mario looked like he was going to kill you after you started fighting Richards.

As much as I love watching you try to prove you're a gritty Captain, you're totally GROUNDED when you get back to Casa de Mario

Dear Ryan Malone:
Now you are a true Mucker and Grinder; gritty is your middle name (Ryan Gritty Malone - works for me). Way to stick up for Jordan towards the end of the game. You also may rival Marty for prettiest eyes in the series.

Dear Jordan Staal:
Two goals! I was so happy for you! I think you made your grandpa very proud.

Now that is love...Not to mention the beauty that is Danny's expression in the background