I’ll be gathering some team stats and the regular, “Tale of the tape” BS to add into this one a bit later, as well as streams when they become available, but first I wanted to share my take on not only the game, but the entire event of what a game day in down town Buffalo has been like from our own experiences on (home) opening day.
Usually we roll into town from the QEW around 9’ish am
and keep right to HSB… I mean the FN Center for morning skate. Walk around the arena and check out the newest additions for displays and changes from last season.
Hook up with Phil and Missy to exchange greets (Along with the occasional Alexander Keith’s and Lafontaine jerseys)
and then wander around the rink for a bit hashing over the usual; heavy metal tunes, plays from recent games and offer insight as to what line combos Lindy may start out with for the game . Then, head out back to snag some autographs
Then check in at the hotel, dump our shit there and take in everything that the city has to offer. Either Fat Bobs or Pearl Street Pub for a Beef on Weck & Widow Maker of train wreck.
Having a chance to see some of the amazing architecture the downtown scene has to offer, I gatta say, there are more works of art in the downtown district than any place I have been before. Some of the buildings (Churches included) might just rival that of old Montreal.
Getting closer to game time, it’s time to hit the pub for another round of Beers (I usually have my last pre-arena beer in the form of a Sabres Edge) then follow the sea of Blue & gold down to the foot of Washington Street where you may not know the person next to you, but there is always a common bond. Also, gathering for a few beers in the plaza with awesome friends & gearing up for a fresh start on the season is always a great photo op
In the past if all went well, there was always the stop on the way out for a post Sabres win with Mel, and then it is off into the night with the chants of, “LET’S GO BUFFALO!!!” still ringing in your ears.
It kills us that we won’t be there to take in this home opener, the first under the new regime but we’ll be there in spirit. We already have our beast ready to cook for Beef on Weck, beer is chilling in the fridge, jerseys have been washed and the hockey stick chairs have been given one last tune up for this one.
It’s go time!
LET’S GO BUFFALO!!!
