Making a Statement

I'll admit it - I was nervous about this game. Very nervous.

This game was a true test for the Sabres. Calgary is a physically and mentally tough team that has the ability to pound its opponents into submission. Not to mention the fact that they have one of the greatest leaders in sports, Jarome Iginla, on their team.

The Sabres had faced what I saw as two tests last week and failed both miserably. Against two of the better teams in the NHL, they crumbled, and I was afraid that the same thing was going to happen tonight. In short, I was losing faith already, and I thought this game had the potential to be the nail in the coffin.

Was I excited to see Calgary, one of my favorite Western Conference teams? Was I excited to watch Iginla lead his team into HSBC arena?

Yes, I was excited, but I was also nervous.

Then, the puck dropped.

Though the team fell in a hole early (which I did not see because I was at work), they dominated the first period. Throughout the game, the team was physical with the Flames, proving that they would not be bullied. I especially enjoyed Goose taking on Phaneuf - not only because it was Goose but because it once again proved that this team (or at least definite players on it) is dedicated to standing up for one another.

Shootout wins are always especially exhilarating, but this was more than just a win. It was a true statement - to the other teams in the NHL, to the fans, and to me personally (the last of which I'm sure they care so much about).

This team is not going away quietly into the night, and I, for one, could not be happier.

Happy HONK!!

Thank you, Darcy Regier.

Last year at this time, I was a wreck. We had lost both Danny Briere and Chris Drury, and my vacation to Cooperstown was pretty much ruined.

This year, July 1 could not get much better from my perspective. I'm back from a nice, relaxing two days at the Baseball Hall of Fame, and I get to come home to news like this.

Paul Gaustad. Four years. $9.2 million.

Four more years of Chris Neil poundings, aluminum can recycling, community helping, and, of course, rally helmets.
So thanks again, Darcy. Thanks for rewarding hard work and relentless dedication. Thanks for making it clear that what someone contributes off the ice is sometimes as important as what he contributes on it. Thanks for showing everyone that pure effort really does make a difference.

And thank you, Goose. Thanks for making it clear that you want to stay a part of this team, this community. Thanks for showing that you love us as much as we love you. Thanks for being so gosh-darn humble in an age of athletic prima donnas:

“I’m pretty speechless that I have a four-year deal in the National Hockey
League,” Gaustad said by phone from Oregon. “I’m extremely excited to have
the opportunity to be back in Buffalo. It’s just a great place to play. I
really do think we have a chance to win, and that’s a big factor for me.”

Sure, other things happened in free agency today. The Sabres got a new backup goalie, Patrick Lalime, from Chicago for $2 million over 2 years. I promise to properly welcome him tomorrow when I'm less Goose-focused.

The Blackhawks won the Soupy Sweepstakes, signing Brian Campbell to an 8-year deal worth $57.12 million. Have fun with the spin-o-ramas now, Chicago, they get old fast. Private to Soupy: if you do anything to corrupt my precious Pat Kane, I will hurt you.

I know we still need a defenseman, but right now I'm too happy to really think analytically about anything.

This is my happy HONKing dance.

Let's just hope this signing helps Goose's two BFFs in their Sabre-signing decisions:

Now, back to my happy HONKing dance...