Welcome to the Pre-Season

Let’s start in the east and move west. Ironically because I’ve watched the oilers and moved on better with them. Save the long winded rant for last.

So, what about the Sabres. Well first off, I’m accepting of their lack of the best luck during some of their games. They’ve been putting an impressive and great amount of strain on their rookies. They’ve been switching up the lines, I’ve noticed this and it actually pleased the hell out of me. The main team (what I call the not-rookies) play one game to get their conditioning and training in, and the rookies and prospects play their own game as to let Darcy and Lindy get a look at what they can do. The cuts did surprise me a little bit, in no way did I expect to see Ennis go back down to Portland. I thought his size would most definitely seal his place.

Another thing, Go K3! Kaleta scored the sealing goal between the Sabres and Capitals in Washington. I don’t know what happened, but something changed Patty. He’s the rough and tumble boy we knew, but he’s also apparently capable with a puck. I knew Kaleta COULD score goals, but I also figured it took him a little time to get into that feeling.

Again, I said east. So we’re just gonna discuss something in the Division that’s a bit stressing and upsetting to me…

Boston…what the fuck?
Excuse my crass measure, but seriously. Let me explain myself….I’m not an admitted Boston Fan, but I’m proud of my hometown. I always will be proud of Boston. Boston is my sports center when Buffalo and Edmonton can’t be . I follow the Red Sox and Patriots religiously. Buffalo Fans….you say I can’t be the fan of another team in the division, I respect that. But you’ve got to respect heritage.

So…back to my original statement. If anyone didn’t hear (and why wouldn’t you) for 3 pitiful draft picks, Boston lost one of the most important assets to their team. And gave it up to another team IN THE DIVISION.

You don’t date within the division, you don’t trade within the division, certainly not the most promising, defensive sniper on your team!

For 3 draft picks, Boston gave up Little Philly from Down the Lane to the maple leafs. Now. I’m currently giving you the view from a fan’s position, We’ll enter a more serious position (more of an agent’s view) in the next segment, but as a fan…this is terrible. Being from Boston, there was no game that Phil wasn’t on the news. He was a sniper. 36 goals last season…and the leafs, per a press release, don’t want to see 36 goals as a peak, it’s just a benchmark. Oh no, they’re gonna nurture him and make him a scary, formidable opponent. And Phil is very excited to be there, he’s said he wants to do all he can to help the team.

Oh shit.

Now. I’m gonna be serious and explain it all. This is excellent for the leafs, perfect for Phil. Like I said above, the Leafs WANT Phil, they want to nurture him and they want to use him to the best they can. They want him to be an excellent goal scorer and they’re gonna try to make him that. Phil will work back against them and try to be the best that he can be. It’s a mutually beneficial agreement. If I was mature, or a leaf’s fan, I’d be the happiest girl in the world. Unfortunately, I’m only sorta mature. I’m still a college freshman…you can expect me to be mature in a year or two.

So…Like the pioneers, we go westward now.

You’re in Oil Country

Well, coach Quinn isn’t Craig MacTavish, but he’s doing a good job. I’m gonna miss MacT’s mannerisms, the way he breaks things, the way makes funny faces. He WAS the last player to not wear a helmet…

But his job is hard enough. Seriously, the Oilers have some of the best prospects in probably most of the NHL right now. Between the old guys and the new, there’s definitely some assumptions to be made. The fact that some guys I know and love might not make the cut (Schremp, Puliot, Nanner) is as terrifying as having to learn all the mannerisms of a new player (Eberle). However, the potential Eberle posts is phenomenal…and he doesn’t scare me as much as he could possibly do so.

The oilers have dominated and worked well with their pre-season time. Even on games that are prospects/rookie based, they’ve shown immense skill and really…have gone a good long string without letting me down. Good work boys.

Well, later tonight the Sabres are hosting the Maple Leafs for the last pre season game at home. Pictures from the red carpet and commentary will come tomorrow morning, I promise

-Pj