With the sale to Pegula finally made official, and the Sabres sitting 6 points out of the 8th playoff spot with 5 games in hand (and 6 points behind Carolina with 3 games in hand), I wonder how this group of players will respond.

Today, they reminisced on their history. Golisano came in and reminded the players of the glory of winning; of past teams that made the city of Buffalo proud, and of moments that made themselves proud.

I can't help but think that the players in the locker room this morning who were part of those teams didn't take a second to remember what that felt like.

Additionally, with a new owner coming in, each and every one of these guys knows that they're trying out for the future Sabres.

My point? I think we're going to see a hungry, opportunistic Sabres team tomorrow night.

Atlanta lost two games this week, and Carolina lost tonight. They've been placed into the perfect position to charge into that final spot.

It's on their shoulders. Time for them to show us what they're made of.

_________________
Wheelhouse

excellent post, and well said, and i think your right, ill be at the game so i also hope ur right haha

_________________
Buffalo born, Buffalo Bred, Ill love my hockey, till im Buffalo dead!

Unless Darcy and crew have a change of philosophy, it will be more of the same of not getting good value at the trade deadline b/c they don't want to overspend as they will be making the decisions and will only listen to Pegula's input, but stated that they don't have to follow it.

_________________
If your having goal problems, I feel bad for ya son....we got 99 problems but Vanek ain't one!

In most cases, when a new owner steps in and runs the ship, a new message is sent to all parties involved. If Pegula says one thing and the management team does another, chances are they may not be in their position for too long due to not listening to orders.

Now, none of us know what Pegula has in store for this team. We know nothing of what his agenda is going forward for the Sabres. He may want to play out the year and then make a complete overhaul over the summer, or he may be like the owner of a restaurant when he's down some help in the kitchen. He may walk in and dive in up to his elbows in the mess. Reports have said he's a very hands-on passionate guy, so if that is the case I'm expecting there to be a different message sent that will be followed. If it's not, then I’d assume someone who can follow orders will be put in place.

We'll have to wait and see...

_________________
If it's a tight squeeze, spit on it! - NyI

He's a middling AHL player who had the good fortune of a drunk arbitrator. - The Squanto re: Tim Kennedy

I agree completely. If we don't see a charged, hungry team I'd be surprised. If you don't play with passion and like your future depends on it during this ownership change then fuck you, get the fuck out.

_________________

Basically, here's the way I look at it. Everyone's job is on the line, here. Everybody should be playing balls to the wall from here on out because this ownership has no loyalties to this core group of players. Management will be trying whatever they can to make this team better to prove to their owner that they are the guys that belong here.

_________________
Girgensons for captain. Team Keep Nick DesLauriers forever.

@TJLuckman550

I expect a spirited effort tonight, just out of rest and some adrenaline, not out of fear for their individual futures. Nobody is going to get traded that was otherwise going to be part of the team's future. Only the UFAs have to worry, but probably not McCormick or Montador. Even Connolly may be safe if they move closer to the 8th spot, being the only skill center left on the roster.

Pegula's at the game tonight for sure, I wouldn't be surprised if they show him on TV tonight. We're playing against the Pens, and it's not going to be an easy win by any means. I see us in a win-win scenario. All the players know now that their contracts are on the line. Some will be gone, whether it be free agency or traded, and those that want to stay for more money, they need to play their asses off plain and simple. We'll win because we'll see who wants to stay and what they're made of, and we'll also win because we'll be able to see who slacks off and could most likely want off come trade deadline or end of season.

_________________

Well fuck that optimism.

_________________
Wheelhouse

lol. same old.

Optimism is sooooooooo over-rated. Especially for us Sabres fans

_________________

I hope Pegula knows who he wants to get rid of now, and I hope it looks like a Connolly to the unemployment line.

_________________

I think the Sabres did fine yesterday. On the other hand I hope it makes them play even harder in the future.. That will surely win them games...

_________________