Vs


Sometimes we watch NHL hockey to appreciate the skill and speed of the league's top players. Other times we tune in to see the tough, physical play of the game's bruisers. Most of the time we're watching because of the points race for the playoffs. This is the motivation of the typical NHL hockey fan for at least 95% of the games each year.

However, every now and then a game comes around that transcends all of the normal motives, and becomes something much, much bigger. Something larger than the divisional standings or the appreciation of the skills of the players, and even bigger than the playoff race itself.

Sometimes it's about vengeance, respect and redemption. This game is such a match.

The Sabres have been humiliated, beaten and dominated by Ottawa so thoroughly, so completely, on so many levels, for so long, this "game" has morphed into a contest of reclaiming manhood, demonstrating courage in the face of our perpetual antagonist, and overcoming epic defeats and traumatic physical poundings.

The Senators walk in with the swagger of a team that has imposed their will upon the Sabres, beaten our minds as well as our bodies, and left us staggering in the clutches of a defeatist complex whose vice-grip refuses to budge an inch.

I don't need to tell you about how many times they've beaten us in a row, how lopsided the series record has become, or specifically cite the countless beatings and cheap shots they've meted out over the years. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. It's not about "who's hot and who's not", "goals against average", or "special teams" as we approach this night. Chuck all of those stats out the window, for none of it matters anymore when we face them.

The time is now for us to to arise and crush our wretched nemesis. May we be blessed on this night, at long last, after suffering for seemingly an eternity of defeat and despair, to walk the walk of ruthless retribution, and imbibe drunkenly in the sweetness of victory in battle over motherfucking Ottawa.

Amen.

~ETC

I already left Schumer a nasty note.

That is an awesome battle song ETC, name of it?

I see, it's off of Rocky's soundtrack.

Thank you...my game face is on and it will not come off until we've succeeded in crushing motherfucking Ottawa.

Lee Stempniak will be a Sabre by the trade deadline...that'll give us that right winger we're looking for.

Lydman + 3rd to Toronto for Stempniak as rental, and possibly longer is my guess.

Their fans really, really want us in the playoffs. Almost all of them think we are an easy mark and that they own our ass.

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=726785

This must end.

Regular season means jack shit ETC.

And like someone in that forum said, the Sabres have beaten the Senators 3 out of 4 times in the playoffs.

People are still underestimating this Sabres team that has been in first all season except maybe a week total.

Kind of an oddball thing to post here, I know...unfortunately I guess Eklund also posted that...so fuck me.

I heard the rumor last night however, from my contact who works for NHL Network in NYC.

Burke is looking to stock pile picks this year, after the Kessel debacle, he wants to be able to collect picks and have some bargaining chips at the draft.