The lack of 'enthusiasm' in the arena isn't new IMO, the last 2 or 3 years it has been mighty tame (lame). Could there be a direct link between the product on the ice and the intensity of the fans, perhaps?

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Sure as hell wasn't lame last year. I went to a few games last year, losing or winning, we were loud.

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

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You would certainly think so. Yet, look at the difference between the noise levels at Saturday's and Sunday's games. It was quite loud in Toronto, and they haven't had much success in almost 10 years. So why does winning matter so much to Sabres fans in comparison to Leafs fans?

Because we have never won....we all know the stories. We're so used to blowing it or sucking it that we have all just assumed we'll be treated like whores....um...I mean that we'll lose.

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Idk, they were pretty loud when I was at a game this year. Maybe it's because I was at the home-opener....

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Sophomore Bitches! Class of 2014!
R.I.P. Molly B. 5/28/96-5/23/11

Toronto hasn't won in 43 years.

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

Toronto hasn't won in 43 years.[/quote]

Do I really need to rip off the scab and talk about three Super Bowls....the No Goal etc etc etc? I think Phil is right in that we as Buffalo sports fans in general have become sceptical and cynical. I also think that going from as good as the Sabres were in 05-06/06-07 to not making the playoffs really took a chunk out of the cheering section. The ups and downs have worn on the fans I think. Toronto has kinda sucked for a long time where we tend to flare up then go back into hiding like hemorrhoids.

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Actually, Toronto fans, in their minds, win every year, have the best team/goalie in the league, have the best prospects, and best management. That's why they cheer for their team. They're on fucking shrooms.

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

There are some good points here in that yeah, I think Phil is right in saying Buffalo fans expect the worst. DF is right in (I think) implying that enthusiasm in Toronto can be explained by the fact that they've been so bad for so long that the improvement they've made this season has a bigger effect.

But I don't think that those things excuse the lack of enthusiasm in Buffalo. If you're not excited about being at a Sabres game, don't go. If you're going to shell out the fifty bucks or whatever to go, well, it's your right not to cheer, but I don't see the point. Going to games is fun, so have some fun and shout and scream your lungs out.

In comparison to the 90's (I wasn't very old...but I still remember) the arena has been significantly quieter, in my opinion.

Now 05-roughly 07 were exceptions. Those were usually loud crowd years.

But the last couple years have seen much more "family" orientated. A lot of kids and a lot of teenage girls that aren't going to be screaming. I remember hearing a lot more "hey fuck you brown!" or "Fucking pummel him!" (during fights) a lot more than I do the last few years.

It used to be comparable to Bills games, and now it's not even close, despite the Bills having some rough seasons.

Goto the party in the plaza during the playoffs (PLAYOFFS?!?!) and that's usually the loudest environment you'll find Sabres fans in.

Even I, started a "Vanek" chant during game 1 of last season 0_0

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Riiiiiiiiight..

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Personally, I'm a lot less rowdy at games than in years past. I'm just as engaged in the team, and more knowledgeable of the game itself. In no way does that mean I enjoy it any less. Maybe I'm just getting old!

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I was agreeing with you. Hence the "yup yup"

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I suppose sesame street responses can be taken either way!

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Sorry....in my mind it made complete sense...which is a sure sign that no one else will get it.

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I can hear the cricket noises in there all the way out here on the west coast.

can you hear it now?

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Of course, tonight it sounds quite loud on the Versus broadcast!

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