The Sabres are for real, but I’m still not a happy camper

So I’ve been sitting here, trying to figure out what to write about the Sabres. Call it writer’s block (Or deciding how to eat crow). I decided to go back to my season preview logs. I wrote that the Sabres were a 7th seed, at best. However, I did write that the only way they could go from the bottom of the playoff picture to the top four of the conference, was if Ryan Miller became an elite goalie. Mission accomplished.

Miller has been a world beater and the biggest reason the Sabres are in 1st place in the division. The reason I picked Miller as the X-factor was because I didn’t think we had seen his full potential. But that is something that I really can’t say for the top 2 lines for the team.

But that’s the problem with my view of the Sabres, I’m just kind of bored with their on ice product, especially their top two lines. There’s nothing flashy about them. The top two lines score here and there, with the majority of the players teetering on the brink of overstaying their welcome.

Yes, their in first place and I should be happy. And I am happy…it’s just, I’m kind of bored, maybe bitter, I don’t know.

Back to my on the ice product theory. I’m an offensive guy. I like when the lamp goes red and they play cheesy old 90’s songs at the Arena (Only in Buffalo). Unfortunately with the Sabres, the jukebox is kind of stuck on some annoying ass techno music to pump up the crowd.

I’m so sick of inept offensive teams in Buffalo (Spilling to the Bills here), that I just want to hurl. I know fans in Buffalo love the blue-collar type player who scores 10-15 goals a year and is tougher than a Jim’s Steakout steak (sorry, hate their sandwiches). But I don’t need 20 of them on my team, because it reminds me of how tough Buffalo is. I like athletes who can score, who can be flamboyant. That’s why I was so into the T.O. signing.

I know what you’re thinking. Am I just channeling my inner Jerry Sullivan? Maybe. Could I just be a fair weathered fan? Nah. I think it’s just bitterness on my end.

I’ll be frank, I miss those 2005-2007 teams. They were fun and spoiled a lot of hockey fans, who were new to the sport because the Sabres scored at will. They spoiled me because for years, I was use to the old Lindy Ruff team’s from the late 90’s, who were still successful, but you’d be lucky to see the Sabres score 2 goals or more.

I just can’t get over my old girlfriend, that’s the problem. More importantly, I’m still bitter how they broke my heart. Yes, I know, get over the contract squabbles, but call this my intervention if you will.

Look, the Sabres are good, not exactly “scary” good, but good enough at this point. Yes, it’s still early in the season, but the last three games proved a ton to me. They beat two of the leagues premiere team’s in Washington and Chicago. Their back-up goalie proved that the defense deserves some credit for making Miller look good. They played well without Grier and Goose (which I still think media members were milking the injuries waaaaaaaay to much for the reason they lost 2 straight against NYC and Jersey last weekend)

Yes, their not as much fun as my old girlfriend, but its up to me to open my heart (that was manly) to my new girl. They are trying, it’s just not love at first sight.

However, I will say this. The one thing about this team that’s different from the 05-07 teams is they really have to make a move for offense. Not only to show the public that it’s not the “status quo” Sabres from years past, but because I’m not sure how this team would fair against a team like the Penguins and Capitols, who have so many offensive weapons. If the Sabres don’t do this, I will be back to me bitter stage of the game.

Overall, its time for me and other Sabres fans to get over the past, and look towards what we can build on with this team (Or at least till they lose 4 straight).