Sabres Edge

Preseason announced

The Buffalo Sabres announced their preseason schedule today, and they'll be visiting
"Hockeyville" and "Hockeytown." They won't be visiting their own town much, which is good for people who don't like paying for exhibitions yet bad for those interested in seeing who might make the team this year.

Only two of the Sabres' seven exhibitions will be played in HSBC Arena, and the games will be on back-to-back weekend nights. The Sabres host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 27 and welcome the Minnesota Wild on Sept. 28 in a pair of 7 p.m. games. Those are Saturday and Sunday outings.

Ticket information will be announced later.

The Sabres begin the preseason Sept. 22 in Toronto, then play what may be their most intriguing game the next night. The Sabres meet the Montreal Canadiens in Roberval, Quebec, in the 2008 Kraft Hockeyville Game. Roberval won a contest designed to find Canada's most passionate hockey community, and the Quebec town captured the majority of the 5.5 million votes cast in one week via phone and Internet.

The Sabres also play Oct. 1 in Minnesota and Oct. 2 in Columbus before visiting the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings in Hockeytown on Oct. 5. The regular season begins with a home game against the Canadiens on Oct. 10.

---John Vogl

Teppo talk

Darcy Regier told me today the Sabres are negotiating with Teppo Numminen to bring the veteran back and it appears the parties are getting close to a deal that I imagine would be for one year and at quite a bit less than last year's $2.6 million. Hmmmm. Here's what I see:

Pro-Teppo: He's a great guy, a class act. He'll be great in the locker room and on the bench in crunch times -- he was badly missed last year. He'll be a great influence on the young defensemen like Nathan Paetsch, Mike Weber and Andrej Sekera. Still has puck skills.

Anti-Teppo: He's 40 years old and coming off heart surgery!!!! How will he hold up to physical play? He played surprisingly well in the season finale at Boston but that was his one appearance. Can he really be expected to play even 10-15 minutes a game for an entire year? Will he need nights off on some of those 17 back-to-backs the Sabres have?

So are you thumbs-up or thumbs-down to getting Teppo back in the fold?

---Mike Harrington

Miller: A buy-in to Buffalo

Ryan Miller certainly left money on the table by not entering free agency next summer but wasn't all that interested in exploring the open market. That was one big point of today's press conference to officially announce Miller's five-year, $31.25-million extension. There wasn't much new ground broken from what Miller told me Friday.

Larry Quinn said after the season ended in April that the Sabres were interested in exploring a long-term deal. Miller said negotiations quickly progressed once they began on July 1 and he was fully committed to the Sabres in part  because of the commitment they've shown to their young players.

"It was a difficult season for us but I got the sense they felt like I put a lot of effort into it and I could still be a franchise player, Miller said.

Added GM Darcy Regier: "This is another chapter along the way to what we hope and expect to be a championship for Ryan and this group of players. It's a very good time for the Sabres. When you look back a year ago to all the [personnel] losses, we also knew this day would come. We're in a good place."

---Mike Harrington

Larry, Darcy and Ryan at the podium

Larry Quinn, Darcy Regier and Ryan Miller will meet the media today at 10:30 to discuss Miller's new five-year extension but I'm sure there will be several other topics broached with Quinn and Regier. Tops on my list are Jason Pominville, the potential of signing another defenseman and a timetable for designating games under the team's variable pricing structure (which I've been getting a TON of emails about).

Keep it here for the latest.

---Mike Harrington

Next stop: Pominville

Ryan Miller signed Friday and GM Darcy Regier said the focus now turns to Jason Pominville. He's making $1.375 million this year and will then be a restricted free agent.

"I'm hoping he wants to stay like [Paul] Gaustad and [Ryan] Miller and I have no reason to believe otherwise," Regier said. "I had a brief conversation with him last week and [Thursday]. We'll get to work on that."

Because Pominville will only be an RFA next summer, the Sabres hold a lot more cards with him than Miller or any potential UFA. Still, they want to get him locked up longterm and would be wise to do that before he gets in the 100-point range.

Derek Roy got a six-year, $24 million deal prior to last season. I would certainly say Pominville may be worthy of being a $4 million player as well, perhaps more. How about four years, $18 million? Or maybe, for old times sake, kick the can again for five years-$25 million? (Relax, just kidding. Couldn't resist).

You be Darcy. Make Pominville an offer in the comments section.

---Mike Harrington

More Miller chatter

We'll have plenty more on Ryan Miller's signing in Saturday's paper but here's a sampling of some comments made today by the key principals:

Miller

On needing a way to find more rest: "As a goaltender, it's tough to [play] every night and get charged up. The whole gameday is a process for me. It's not just about going and playing the game. Going through that preparation 76 times was a new experience for me."

"We had two short summers, a lot of games and a lot of hype. It turned out that got us off on the wrong foot last year. We're going to have more time to prepare this time."

On having a more qualified backup in Patrick Lalime: "I'm excited about that. I've heard he's a great person.. I'm always excited to meet people like that in hockey and just another aspect of the team that can help us."

GM Darcy Regier

On getting a deal done in less than three weeks: "It's very nice. Everyone on the organization side thought it was very important and obviously Ryan thought it was important as well. ... It was really the focus from ownership. Tom [Golisano] talked about it. Larry [Quinn] talked about it. I think it's a huge commitment on the part of Tom in particular. Ultimately these decisions, because of the financial magnitude, you have to give a lot of credit to the ownership."

On the size of the deal being one of the biggest for a goalie: "In a lot of cases, it's not always about statistics, it's about supply and demand in the marketplace. It came down to this is a goaltender we believe in, this is a goaltender who's only going to get better and this is a goaltender who ultimately we think we can win a championship with. ... The marketplace is the marketplace. you have to acknowledge it, respect it and make your decisions inside of it."

On Miller's desire to not have his contract situation linger to the trade deadline, a la Brian Campbell: "He talked to us in terms of what he didn't want to do. He didn't want to become a rental player or a short-term player or go to a team on a one-year basis to try to win a
championship. He wants to do that here."

Agent Mike Liut

On Miller's willingness to get a deal done: "The core of the team are guys he's gone up with. There were just lots of reason to stay. It was not hard to accomplish. He wasn't looking to make any statements by going for the biggest deal. This is where he wanted to be. When a player feels that way, usually that means you know it would get it done."

On Miller being able to avoid the in-season distraction: "They didn't want it to linger and frankly I agree with that. With a player of Ryan's stature, it shouldn't linger. He should not be in that spot. The natural tendency is for people to check out at some point because they know deep down there's not going to be a next year in a place. Once they get out on the ice, guys can put that aside some of the time ... Part of you says you're playing for the cause but you know it's going to end and you don't know where it's going. He'll be able to stay away from all that."

On Miller handling a huge workload: Once you get over 65 [games], you have to be careful because you can get into a diminishing return situation. Even with better travel now with charters, the mental aspect of the game is something you have to nurture during the year. You can't get so physically and mentally exhausted that the game is becoming perfunctory again with no emotion anymore.

"It's managing your time, practicing for less time. You just can't go to the whip every day for 187 days and it's not possible. But he really likes to be prepared. Drilling is important and he's very analytical about it. Missing practice is not the answer for him either. They're just going to have to work together to find a common balance."

---Mike Harrington

Miller: We'll have a better plan

I just talked to Ryan Miller (he's getting ready for his brother's wedding in East Lansing, Mich.) and he's understandably happy and relieved about his new deal. You can read some of Miller's comments and listen to Darcy Regier's press conference at our updated Web story here.

One thing Miller was adamant about was that he understands he has to do a better job of handling his workload and he's ready to do that next year.

Said Miller: "If they put me in the same amount of games [as] last year this time, I'd be better prepared. We all want to put a better plan in place and I've approached them about that. We want to be smart about things, not get caught doing 30-some games in a row. As a goaltender, it's tough to do that every night. The whole gameday is a process for me. It's not just about going and playing the game. There was preparation 76 times and that was a new experience for me."

Miller knows he's getting paid like an elite goaltender now (I'm still juggling figures but it looks like he's going to be No. 5 next year). He's going to have to play like it and Lindy Ruff is going to have to allow backup Patrick Lalime to give Miller some nights off.

Giving Miller $6.25 million a year isn't a break-the-bank contract, particularly when the Sabres decided they weren't going to pay Brian Campbell the wild sums he ended up getting and bungled the Briere-Drury summer. You've got to feel good about how this summer is going but the Sabres really had no choice. Miller is the face of the franchise (name another Sabre who would get a national commercial deal!). The way the market is going, it might look like a great contract if he's playing at an All-Star level in the final years of the deal.

The Sabres, and Ruff in particular, have to be smart with Miller. If there's any hope of playoff runs, they can't burn him all season long. It seems reasonable to think 65-68 games would be a good number for Miller.

---Mike Harrington

Bulletin: Miller deal gets done

No distractions come training camp: Five-year extension for Ryan Miller through 2013-14. Darcy Regier to meet the media at HSBC at 12:45. More to come

---Mike Harrington

Speak on the schedule

So the Sabres' 2008-09 schedule is out and we've all had a few hours to digest it. Now the floor is yours for discussion. Here's some points to ponder:

1). Buffalo fans get to see the Wings and Ducks. Plus the two visits from the Penguins, Capitals, Flyers and Rangers as well as the three meetings with the Habs, Senators, Bruins and Laffs. So is there really anything to gripe about regarding the home schedule other than no trip here for Patrick Kane and Brian Campbell?

2). How worried are you about a 13-game January schedule that's laced with 10 road games -- including a killer trip that goes Edmonton, Calgary, Phoenix before ending Feb. 2 in Anaheim?

3). What's the one roadie you might think about making?

4). The NHL changed the scheduling format this year, cutting division games from eight to six to ensure you'd play every team in the other conference at least once. Now that you've seen the change in action, what do you think?

---Mike Harrington

Breakdown by days

The home schedule has 22 Friday and Saturday games so the Sabres -- and the ticket-buying public -- have no complaints there. Although when the variable pricing structure is announced, there will be plenty of chances for the team to designate some extra weekend games gold and silver to make up for the loss of one visit apiece by the Leafs and Habs.

By my calculation, the home schedule breaks down like this:

Friday -- 14 games

Saturday -- 8

Wednesday -- 8

Monday -- 4

Tuesday -- 4

Thursday -- 2

Sunday -- 1

---Mike Harrington

No Soupy for you

First thought on the Sabres' schedule out today: We're going to have to wait two years to see if Brian Campbell gets booed? No trip to Buffalo for the Blackhawks this year. What a bummer. But we get the Blues, Blue Jackets and Predators again.

No offense to Lee Stempniak but my first reaction to no Chicago visit is: boooooooooooo!

More to come.

---Mike Harrington

(Photo: Associated Press)

It's Schedule Day

Keep it here for updates when the Sabres 2008-09 schedule is released, which is expected to happen today at noon. After surviving a 3:30 a.m. shutle bus ride through the Bronx early Wednesday morning after the All-Star Game (you should all do that once in your life), I'll be in the safety net of the home office at One News Plaza to discuss the pros and cons of the 82-game slate.

It might be tough on the Sabres but it's great for fans that the Sabres' three at-large games announced Wednesday are Detroit, Anaheim and Phoenix. That means we see the last two Stanley Cup champions in HSBC Arena and get to check in on Wayne Gretzky's progress as a coach with the Coyotes. Something was missing last season when the Cup champions didn't come to Buffalo. Not having the Ducks was a big hole on the schedule to me and getting the Wings here again this year is great. Now let's see if we get Chicago here again to see Patrick Kane and Brian Campbell, although my guess we likely won't see the Blackhawks, St. Louis, Nashville and Columbus here this year.

Another big announcement Wednesday was the two-year, $2.25 million deal for Daniel Paille. You certainly wondered if some team was going to come in with an offer sheet for Paille, an RFA who had 19 goals last year and has loads of potential for more. With this contract, he gets decent money and, as Darcy Regier likes to say, gets another kick at the can for a bigger deal when this one is over because he'll only be 26 then.

I didn't think that theory worked for Brian Campbell, who would have been 31 when the four-year deal the Sabres were offering him would have ended (and knew he was looking at far more coin as a UFA anyway). With a younger guy like Paille, it's a good move for both sides.

---Mike Harrington

The skinny on the schedule

With lots of chatter all over the Internet about when the 2008-09 NHL schedule will be released, here is the latest word from the Sabres:

1). The current plan is for the full NHL schedule to be released Thursday at noon.

2). There may be a couple small pieces released Wednesday. Several outlets are reporting that teams are going to be given the go-ahead to announce their openers and perhaps a couple of other key games but the full schedule will still be held to Thursday while it's finalized.

So get your pens and your road maps ready. It looks like Thursday at noon.

---Mike Harrington

What piece of the Aud would you want?

When you grew up as a Buffalo child of the 70s like I did, it's hard to see the fence that now sits around the soon-to-be-demolished Aud and not think back to all those wild nights you spent in the old barn. Then I saw that demolition crews broke through the outer wall of Detroit's Tiger Stadium on Wednesday (click link to see a neat photo gallery). It had sat idle since 1999  -- Aud still has it beat by three years. And then I read Rick Reilly's column on ESPN.com about how Derek Jeter wants to swipe something before Yankee Stadium is torn down.

All these things shook me the other day, made me realize the Aud is definitely coming down, that 2008 is finally the year. It's sad but it's certainly time. I have one of those old "Pieces of the Rock" souvenirs they sold 20 years ago from War Memorial Stadium. Would love to get my hands on some Aud stuff too.

I know they're going to sell the blue seats and it looks like that's all we're going to have a chance at. But if you could get in there one more time, what would you really like to swipe from the Aud? A piece of the boards? A plate from the old scoreboard that says "Sabres"? One of those weird sound mufflers that always swayed on the ceiling? What?

---Mike Harrington

(Photo: Harry Scull/Buffalo News)

UPDATE: In the comments section PDSki posted a link to an amazing photo gallery taken inside the shuttered Aud. Obviously we don't condone breaking and entering but the pictures are terrific and I wanted to bring the link out here so more folks saw it. -- MH

Attention moves to Miller

Backup goalie -- check.

Strong leader on defense -- check.

Now it's Miller time.

It's encouraging that Darcy Regier has told the media twice in the last few days that he's had contract talks with Ryan Miller's agent and that he thinks Miller wants to stay in Buffalo for the long term. But the bottom line is this: A new deal for Miller has to get done before the season starts and preferably before training camp.

You think the Brian Campbell situation last year was a distraction for both player and team? Just wait for the circus that would ensue if Miller was unsigned. It's the first question he'd get from the media every day and I'm not just talking about the local corps. Miller would be dealing with hordes in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and how about an early trip to Detroit?

One all-over-the-place theory is that Miller is just playing out his deal to return home next year to play for the Wings. It showed up again the last few days near the bottom of this piece on SI.com. The Wings' one-year signing of Marian Hossa sure could be a way to use that money for a year and then have it available for Miller in 2009. Still, Detroit has a top goaltending prospect in Jimmy Howard and I'm not so sure Miller would thrive under the scrutiny of his hometown team.

The Sabres have to make sure it's a scenario that doesn't happen. Miller may have had an up-and-down season last year but the fact is that he is the face of this franchise. Act now and get the deal done. Don't add another name to the those-who-got-away list.

---Mike Harrington

More on Rivet deal

Just spoke to Darcy Regier about Craig Rivet. He had the usual plaudits any GM might have about a new player just acquired in a trade and then ended the thought with this succinct point that was the perfect summation: "He's someone we need."

The thing I found most interesting was that Regier did not discount the possibility of getting another defenseman. And he specifically mentioned the Sabres are still talking and interested in Teppo Numminen. Maybe a one-year deal for $1 million might be something for both sides to consider there.

As for Steve Bernier, I find it odd you quickly ship out the guy you got for Brian Campbell but Regier pointed out there's a glut on the Sabres' right wing (could that really mean Max is staying?). He discounted any notion the team was unhappy with Bernier's conditioning or work ethic.

UPDATE: Forgot to mention Rivet is signed through the 2010-11 season and will make $3.5 million each of the next three years.

---Mike Harrington

Another deal: Sabres get Rivet

The Sabres have just announced another deal: They've traded their second-round pick in 2009 and their second-rounder in 2010 to San Jose for defenseman Craig Rivet and a seventh-round pick in 2010. More to come.

---Mike Harrington

Orpik: Sabres never made offer

Well, you can't lose what you don't try for. Brooks Orpik says the Sabres never lost out on his services because they never even made an offer for the East Amherst defenseman.

"They called my agent and asked what we were looking for," Orpik said. "That was the only time we heard from them. They never came close to making a contract offer. They were way on the outside, to be honest."

As I said, you can't lose what you don't try for. But you can't win it, either. Orpik had many of the qualities Buffalo could use.

"He provides the kind of physical presence you need on a Cup contender," Penguins General Manager Ray
Shero said after re-signing him to a six-year, $22.5 million deal.

---John Vogl

My trade idea

I'm doing research for Wednesday's story for the paper, and I found what I feel would be a trade that works for both teams. To let you know, this is just a thought. This is not a deal that's in the works, at least not that I have heard yet. So, with that disclaimer out of the way ...

Maxim Afinogenov for Jay McKee.

Now, before anyone gets on the "you News guys just won't let go of the past players," hear this out. I was told today Brooks Orpik is in the $5 million per year range, and Darcy Regier said only that the marketplace for Orpik is going to exceed what they want to spend. They might be willing to spend $4 million on a defenseman. McKee makes $4 million. He is defensive-minded and tough and a leader, qualities the Sabres have needed since the departure of ... Jay McKee.

The Blues were 26th in goals last year. They need a right winger who can score. The only two players on the right side of their depth chart with pop are Brad Boyes and Lee Stempniak. Afinogenov certainly has the talent to boost them.

The money is nearly a wash, with $3.5 million going to Max this year. McKee has two years left, and he's only 30 (though I'll admit it could be considered an older 30 with the punishment he's delivered and absorbed). I think it works.

---John Vogl

Darcy getting calls

Darcy Regier just said Day Two of free agency is differing from Day One in one interesting regard. On Tuesday, Regier was calling the agents. Today, it's the agents calling him. There are still defensemen left on the market, and the ones who think they fit the Sabres are giving the Sabres' general manager a call, he said.

Regier reiterated trades are the most likely route to fill their needs on the blue line.

---John Vogl

Reading up on free agency's opening day

Brooks Orpik, Marian Hossa and Mats Sundin are still mulling big offers and we still don't know what's going to happen with Jaromir Jagr. So there are plenty of unanswered questions even after more than $300 million was handed out on the first day of NHL free agency -- with $57 million of that somehow going to Brian Campbell from the Chicago Blackhawks. They either got the perfect guy for their blueline to make them a real contender or just woefully overpaid. We'll see. There's no gray area when you're talking those kinds of dollars.

The Sabres, of course, got their backup goalie when they signed Patrick Lalime but have dropped out of the Orpik sweepstakes and won't be netting any big fish from the free agent waters as John Vogl and Bucky Gleason report in today's News.

Here's a morning look at some of what's being said elsewhere:

Hawks sign Campbell -- Chicago Tribune

Campbell turned down Sens' six-year deal -- Ottawa Sun

Campbell speaks -- to the Hawks' Web site: "The organization started to make the city take note and provide a lot of entertainment and something the fans could hold onto. I think that’s pretty exciting. I’ve been involved with that, especially in Buffalo the last couple of years. When you get a city behind you, things just go up and up."

Rangers sign Redden, keep Roszival -- As this New York Daily News story points out, the Rangers will be paying nearly $33 million to just five players (Wade Redden, Michal Rozsival, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez and Henrik Lundqvist) for the next four years. That's a good way to land in salary cap jail. Better not keep losing in the second round.

Pens still waiting on Orpik and Hossa -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bruins sign Habs' Ryder -- Boston Globe

Isles nab Habs' Streit -- Newsday

Who's Jeff Finger? -- I had the same question Vogl did yesterday. In this Toronto Star article, new coach Ron Wilson insists Leafs fans will find out. But Star columnist Damien Cox says it's still Laffland with this kind of deal.

---Mike Harrington

Orpik not coming to Buffalo

I just got off the phone with Darcy Regier. The Sabres will not be in the final running for the services of Brooks Orpik.

"We did have conversations," Regier told me. "I don't expect to be a part of that going forward."

Well, what do you think?

---John Vogl

Sabres' new backup goalie -- Patrick Lalime

The Sabres have signed Patrick Lalime to a two-year, $2 million deal to back up Ryan Miller. Lalime was with Chicago last season behind Nikolai Khabibulin. The 33-year-old went 16-12 with a 2.82 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage.

Fans may remember him from his time with Ottawa in 1999-2003.

"He's excited to be coming to Buffalo," Lalime's agent, Ian Pulver, said by phone. "He's happy to be coming back in the Eastern Conference.

"He's a great personality. He's strong in the dressing room. He understands his role with Ryan Miller and looks to make Buffalo his home."

---John Vogl

Sabres re-sign Gaustad

The Sabres have taken one of their restricted free agents off the market, agreeing to terms with Paul Gaustad on a four-year deal worth $9.2 million. The big forward and fan favorite will earn $1.7 million this season and $2.5 in each of the three years after that.

The 6-foot-4 center was a long shot to make the NHL in 2000 after being drafted in the seventh round, but he continued improving and was in the middle of the Sabres' third line last season. He 10 goals and 26 assists. He is coming off sports hernia surgery but will be fine before the season begins in September.

---John Vogl

Ryan Miller chatter

LEWISTON -- Darcy Regier and Ryan Miller's agent have begun preliminary discussions about a contract extension for the goaltender. Nothing can happen officially until the free agency season opens Tuesday at noon, but Miller just told me by phone he expects a call.

---John Vogl

Defenseman and a goalie

I feel bad for but also envy my counterparts in Pittsburgh. With 12 Penguins up for unrestricted free agency (including some of the biggest names in Marian Hossa, Ryan Malone and Brooks Orpik), the writers there are going nonstop, as my numerous conversations with one of them has shown. It's tough chasing down all those agents and rumors. We did it last year with Chris Drury and Daniel Briere.

Of course, I also envy them because they've got something going on. It's boring here, especially compared to last summer. The Sabres' plans are simple: get a defenseman and a backup goaltender. That's about it. Sure, they might have to get their defenseman by trading a forward or two, but that won't become clear until after the blue-line market shakes out Tuesday when UFAs can sign.

Nonetheless, The News' look at free agency and the Sabres is in Sunday's paper. Here are some polls on what two guys the Sabres should sign for their two needs.

---John Vogl

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Opinion Polls & Market Research

A big shot of continuity

LEWISTON -- The Sabres hope they solidified their future this spring by signing Tim Kennedy, Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth and Dennis Persson. Two of the talented guys, Kennedy and Gerbe, are occasionally skating on the same line at the Sabres' development camp. The skill is evident, but so is something else.

"I think combined we're about 6-foot-8, so that might not work too well," Kennedy said with a smile. "But we'll stay together, and that's a good thing for the future."

Gerbe continues to make fans, as I expected he would. The 5-5 forward is always one of the last guys off the ice (just like he was when I watched him at the Team USA world championship camp), and he's been signing autographs the longest for the kids gathering at Niagara University.

---John Vogl

Rhett Warrener available

Calgary waived former Sabres defenseman Rhett Warrener today.

---John Vogl

Orpik and the RFAs

LEWISTON -- The Sabres aren't allowed to talk to other teams' free agents until July 1. But the Sabres' prospects can talk to their brothers, so they've got that going for them, which is nice.

Andrew Orpik, the East Amherst native who was the Sabres' seventh-round pick in 2004, lives with his brother, Brooks, in the offseason. The elder Orpik is exactly what Buffalo is looking for on the blue line (big, tough, mean), and he's about to become a free agent unless Pittsburgh pulls out a stunning offer.

"I actually live with him in the summer so I'm with him every day," Andrew Orpik said Wednesday. "Whatever decision he ends up having to make, he'll make the right choice. He's going to want to go to a team that's going to be a contender, and obviously Buffalo always is one.

"He's going to have a few offers, I think, on the table, and he's going to pick something that fits for him. Who knows where he's going to end up. July 1 will be the interesting day for him.

"I think Buffalo is a place he'd definitely want to come. He grew up here and he's got a special bond with the place, but like I said, it's a business, too, and it's his way of living so we'll see what happens."

Buffalo has the money and the cap room to sign the former first-round pick.

In other news, Mike Harrington tells me people are itching to find out if the Sabres extended qualifying offers to Steve Bernier, Paul Gaustad, Daniel Paille, Clarke MacArthur and Mark Mancari, their restricted free agents. They did.

---John Vogl

GM For A Day

OK, folks, prepare your machetes, sharpen your knives and make sure the guillotine is working. It's time for me to become GM for a day -- with a columnist's salary, of course -- in an effort to get the Sabres back into the playoffs.

The challenge last year was keeping the Sabres under a $44 million payroll without losing Chris Drury or Daniel Briere. It wasn't easy, but in the end almost everything was in order. The big mistake was misjudging Derek Roy's value, but what the heck? The guy would have been a third-line center on my team behind the two co-captains, but he was elevated to a first-liner after they left.

He also performed like one.

At least my plan made more sense than the one that played out. Just remember, I suggested last summer that the Sabres dump Maxim Afinogenov and Teppo Numminen and consider a trade involving Dmitri Kalinin. It looks like they're coming to their senses this year, a year late, which will free up some dough for pressing needs.

Ryan Miller's contract situation needs to be addressed. Plus, there are restricted free agents who need to be signed. Can they dip their toes into the pool of unrestricted free agents and keep payroll under $50 million? My plan is outlined in Wednesday's paper.

Unlike Tom Golisano, you'll know where to find me.

--- Bucky Gleason

Is Buffalo a Sabres town or a Bills town?

Is Buffalo a hockey town or a football town?

Sports columnist Bob DiCesare posed the question in Friday's Buffalo News.

His column has an online poll where you can register your vote. Or you can click here to go to the poll.

The Dominator

Love him or hate him, Dominik Hasek is without a doubt one of the two most talented Sabres players ever. He changed the way goaltenders played, and the Buffalo fans loved him for it. He forced his way out the door, and the Buffalo fans booed him for it. He was unique, without a doubt, and has officially announced his retirement (again, for good this time).

Someday, his No. 39 will be raised to the rafters. But, odds are good, not for a little while. And that's what we're here to find out. How do you remember The Dominator? As the two-time MVP, or a two-timer? And will you ever change your mind? I remember him as the greatest Buffalo Sabres player of all time (and, yes, I saw Gilbert).

Click here to see video of Hasek's retirement press conference.

---John Vogl

Portland news conference

The Portland Pirates have called a news conference for 1 p.m. Tuesday to announce their new NHL affiliate. Don't be surprised when the Sabres schedule one for that day, too.

---John Vogl

Kalinin's departure a two-way street

PITTSBURGH -- It was March 4 in Philadelphia when Dmitri Kalinin's eight-year run with the Sabres came to an end. He was skating laps around Wachovia Center, and coach Lindy Ruff was in his face screaming, "Show some [expletive] passion!" Sure, the mistake-prone defenseman likely deserved it, but with unrestricted free agency coming up, why would he go through it again?

Agent Jay Grossman said by phone last week he had not had one discussion with the Sabres, who reportedly aren't interested in Kalinin, either. It was clearly time to split ways, something that's been obvious for sometime. The 1998 first-round pick can start anew elsewhere. Hopefully, the quiet and gracious guy can live up to his potential there.

Now it's off to the Penguins' dressing room as they try to avoid elimination again. Hopefully, Game Six of the Stanley Cup finals is just as exciting as Game Five.

---John Vogl

Kennedy feels at home

DETROIT -- Tim Kennedy, the 22-year-old South Buffalo native who starred at Michigan State, signed a two-year deal with his hometown team for $635,000 per season. The Sabres acquired his rights through a draft-day trade in 2005.

""I've been waiting for this since I knew who the Sabres were, since I could realize what professional hockey was, so since I was 5 or 6,'' Kennedy said by phone. ""I knew that this is what I wanted to do someday.''

---John Vogl

Sabres sign Enroth

PITTSBURGH -- The Buffalo Sabres signed their No. 1 goaltending prospect today, coming to terms on a three-year deal with 19-year-old Jhonas Enroth.

The Sabres selected Enroth in the second round of the 2006 draft, and the goaltender's stock has risen in the past year. He backstopped Sweden to a silver medal at the world junior championships and performed well in the Swedish Elite League. There are questions about whether the 5-foot-10, 174-pounder is big enough for the NHL, but there are no questions about his skill. He had a 2.13 goals-against average and .932 save percentage for Sodertalje.

---John Vogl

Sabres' ticket prices go up

So, Buffalo Sabres season-ticket holders, anything interesting come in the mail today? Odds are good you received your renewal form for the 2008-09 season (if you didn't, it's on the way). Prices are going up $3 to $6 per seat, per game. That's an average of 8 percent (200 Club) to 18 percent (300 Level III).

It was to be expected. The salary cap is going up, and the Sabres will need to generate more revenue to spend on players. Also, managing partner Larry Quinn told The News today, the Sabres have to increase their revenue in order to maintain receipt of revenue sharing, per the rules set forth in the collective bargaining agreement.

The general complaint I've heard from ticket holders (and complaint might be too strong a word ... disappointment, maybe?) is that no one knew this increase was coming. Quinn said the team would have sent out info had it been a significant increase, but he figured most fans would accept this.

A typical argument against the increase would be the Sabres were a nonplayoff team, and they still are asking people for an extra $200 per seat. The Sabres' argument for the increase is the average price is $48.75, which is still less than the $49.01 it cost when Tom Golisano bought the team.

So, justifiable increase or not? And for more from Quinn, see Friday's Buffalo News.

---John Vogl

Sabres sign Schutz

For the second straight day, the Buffalo Sabres signed one of their prospects. The team agreed to a three-year deal today with forward Felix Schutz, who was the rookie of the year in the German Elite League.

Schutz, 20, was taken in the fourth round of the 2006 draft. He had 12 goals, 13 assists and 76 penalty minutes in 46 games last season with ERC Ingolstadt. Schutz (pronounced SHOOT-z) played two seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before returning to his native land.

"Felix is a great competitor who plays at a high skill level,” Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said. “His experience in both the QMJHL and German Elite League last season has rounded his game perfectly for the professional level.”

Schutz, 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, represented Germany in the 2007 world championships and world junior championships.

---John Vogl

Sabres, Balsillie and The News

People on this blog, in e-mails, on other message boards, on talk radio and in the offices of HSBC Arena have asked: A) why didn't we have much on Tuesday's Toronto report saying Tom Golisano talked to Jim Balsillie in December about selling the Sabres; and/or B) whether The News and its writers have an "agenda" against the team.

The answers are easy. Let's start with A. While the sale talks from December might be considered news, it's hardly breaking news. Here is an excerpt from Bucky Gleason's column that ran Feb. 10:

"Over the past several weeks, there have been rumblings about the Sabres going up for sale. It sounds like Flip This Franchise. Make cosmetic changes, such as the uniforms, give fans a little ride and watch its value soar. Meanwhile, they've stripped the insulation, in this case the scouting department and farm system.

"Talk about nice flips, Minnesota sold for $260 million nine years after it was founded for $80 million. Edmonton is going for $200 million, while 10 years ago a group of investors pooled together $85 million for the club. Investors have a $206 million package for Tampa Bay, which Bill Davidson bought for $115 million in 1999.

"Golisano bought the Sabres for about $60 million, although some argue it was $92 million. Regardless, Forbes had the Sabres' value pegged at $162 million, which would amount to a pretty good score.

"Blackberry founder Jim Balsillie, who could line up $100 bills from here to his native Hamilton, wants an NHL team. I could see him being interested in the Sabres. Great hockey town, solid future, close to home."

There was a reason Balsillie's name was there. Believe it or not, we actually talk to people and research our stories. We don't just make stuff up.

And therein lies the rub. People don't believe we research our stories, or they do believe we make stuff up. A poll a few years ago revealed that only 25 percent of people think the honesty and ethical standards of journalists are "high" or "very high." It's a tough bias to overcome, even though a study showed journalism is one of the country's most morally developed professions.

Our job on the Sabres beat, in general terms, is to deliver to the readers what is going on at the foot of Washington Street. That's our only agenda. We don't control whether the news is "good" or "bad" in the eyes of fans. As Bucky has said, it's funny that we only get an agenda when the team goes from first overall to missing the playoffs. No one claimed we had an agenda when the team was making the right roster moves and going to consecutive conference finals.

As an aside, I've been dreading writing this for two days now. I don't believe in the mantra of he who yells loudest and longest gets their point across best. I have little desire to toot our paper's horn, so to speak, because I think (or used to think) people notice quality work without getting beat over the head with it. I don't spend much time discovering what people think of our last story, because after it's written, it's time to think about the next story. But the misinformation and outright bashing have been so pervasive during the last few days that even I noticed it.

---John Vogl

Gerbe makes his choice

Nathan Gerbe has decided to go pro, multiple sources have told The News. The Sabres will be getting an electrifying player and a dynamic person.

---John Vogl

Gerbe's choices

After spending parts of four days talking with and watching Nathan Gerbe in hockey rinks, I have little doubt he has the talent to play in the NHL. How well he will do when he gets there is up for debate and the style of the play the league embraces. A skating league, he's got star potential. A clutch-and-grab league, he could have trouble.

He would be a great addition to the organization. He's straight-forward with his chats and a wizard on the ice. The top of his 5-foot-5 head touches only the shoulders of 6-3 skaters on the ice with him, but he's strong enough and fast enough to handle that. A few other stories since he turned the Frozen Four into his personal playground talked of how he used to push the family car in order to build leg muscles.

Now it's up to the Sabres to make it happen. He seemed genuinely shocked the team had yet to talk with him. He understood they may have wanted to give him time to celebrate his national title and work out with Team USA, but he seemed to expect more input.

As he said in the story, he has two great options. He can get paid to play hockey, or he can live it up as a college senior in Boston, one of the country's best college towns. He said he's 50-50, but it seemed like he was eager to test his skills at the pro level. I'm hoping he does. He's fun to talk with, and he's more fun to watch.

---John Vogl

Pominville a gentleman

Sabres fans now have at least one thing to root for this spring. Sabres forward Jason Pominville was named today as a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy.

The award is given to the player who exhibits the best sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability. Pominville is as classy as they come, and he's quickly emerging as one of the NHL's more potent players.

The nomination shows respect for Pominville is growing rapidly in the eyes of writers around the league because the locals never lobbied for him. He earned the honor solely on his own. Combined with Wednesday's announcement that Patrick Kane is a Calder Trophy finalist, the NHL award show June 12 in Toronto certainly is more interesting from a local standpoint.

---John Vogl

No Crosby-Ovechkin

You know those goofy letters to the editor or talk-radio calls that claim the NHL (or NFL) has a conspiracy against Buffalo and that's why our teams lose? I hope Game Seven of the Flyers-Capitals series puts that kind of stuff to bed forever.

Seriously now, don't you think the NHL was dying -- absolutely dying -- to have a Crosby-Ovechkin matchup to push for NBC and Versus? But look how the Caps lost this one: A non-call directly led to Philly's second goal and a penalty called in overtime created a power play for Joffrey Lupul's winner.

Now in fairness, Tom Poti's trip in OT was a penalty. But in overtime of Game Seven? When no calls had been made in the third period? And how about Patrick Thoresen's shove of Shaone Morrisonn that knocked Cristobal Huet out of the play and created the Flyers' second goal? Looked oddly like interference, didn't it?

The Caps didn't get too many calls from the stripes in this one. So now we have East matchups of Flyers-Canadiens and Penguins-Rangers. Juicy for sure. But not Crosby-Ovechkin. What I saw Tuesday was just another reason to add to my loathe the Flyers' feeling.

So that's six straight Game Seven OTs that have been won by the road team. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the last home side to win one was the '97 Sabres (on Derek Plante's Tugnutt-ed slapshot that beat the Senators).

Couple other points: The Flyers' win means it's possible we could have a Drury-Briere Eastern Conference final (although you've got to believe it's more likely to be Habs-Pens). And Brian Campbell lives on as well as the Sharks pulled out Game Seven over Calgary.

Oh but I forgot: Tom Golisano wants the media to stop living in the past.

---Mike Harrington

(AP Photo: Ovechkin and Poti watch the Flyers celebrate)

Miller becomes a playoff blogger

Give a welcome to the world of blogging ... to none other than Ryan Miller!

The Sabres goaltender doesn't have much to do in April and May this year so he's going to be blogging through the playoffs on Maxim.com. I'll give you the link to his blog here -- but don't ask for any other Maxim links!

Miller's latest post, entered Wednesday morning, talks about how he's in Chicago visiting his girlfriend and hasn't seen too many games. But he does weigh in on the Sean Avery controversy: "The NHL weighed in and will now interpret any actions like that as interference. Ya think? It is like when a kid is trying to annoy someone by getting as close as they can without actually touching them…the whole time yelling "I'm not touching you…I'm not touching you!"

In his first installment, Miller talked about driving back to East Lansing, Mich. from Buffalo last week and included this nugget: "I got to hang with my godson, Riley, for the first time in eight months. We played a little basement hockey… the only hockey I will be playing for a few months." So that apparently answers any lingering questions some of you have had about him possibly playing for Team USA in the World Championships.

Miller is also doing weekly radio segments for Maxim on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. on Sirius 108.

---Mike Harrington

Calling Afinogenov fans

I'm curious about something, and it has to do with last week's story about the Sabres putting Maxim Afinogenov on the trade market. There's a feature on our Web site at the bottom right of the pages that tracks "Most Popular Stories, Last 24 Hours." Usually, a story will go up in the morning, stick around the popular side for a day (maybe two), then get replaced by something newer. The Max story, which went up Friday, was still in the top 10 this afternoon. I've never seen staying power like that before.

I know there was already a little blog asking if Max should be traded, but I want to know what it is about Afinogenov that makes his fans so passionate. What is there that makes a story about him retain interest for that long?

He is not the face of the franchise, doesn't do big autograph signings like some other players and is secretive as can be about even the smallest aspects of his life, yet his jersey was one of the league's top sellers. So what is it about Max that draws so much interest?

---John Vogl

Some big high-fives

A few thank-yous this morning:

---To the  Penguins, for putting the Senators into a 3-0 hole and for probably putting Bryan Murray out to pasture if they wrap up this series quickly.

---To Colin Campbell, for swiftly reacting to the Game Three shenanigans of Sean Avery. 

---To the Predators, for stealing a win from the Wings to keep their series interesting at 2-1.

---But the biggest high-five goes to all of you in the blogosphere. Sabres Edge surpassed one million page views Monday, a tremendous milestone for The News after its inception 13 months ago. It's a credit to the passion of Sabres fans from Amherst to Afghanistan (where we've had some comments from), and everyone else in between.

As you can see, we're not going to stop the chatter just because it's the offseason for the Sabres. Hopefully you won't either. So thanx again!

---Mike Harrington

Butler ready to work

If Chris Butler's actions match his words, Sabres fans are going to warm to him in a hurry. The 21-year-old defenseman had just signed his first professional contract this afternoon when he uttered: "I can't wait to start working out tomorrow."

Rather than revel in achieving his dream of getting an NHL contract, he's immediately going to work toward making that NHL contract pay off. Butler, who just finished his junior season at the University of Denver, is leaving school to join the Sabres. He signed a three-year deal.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder is an all-around talent who might have a chance to start in the NHL as soon as next season. Mike Weber showed that first-year pros can make the team, and the 21-year-old Butler is a year older. With possible departures by unrestricted free agents Dmitri Kalinin, Nolan Pratt and Teppo Numminen, the opportunity is there.

"A lot of that is up to me," Butler said.

---John Vogl

Get Gerbe

I didn't spend much time watching any playoff games Saturday night. That's because I was captivated by the Frozen Four championship game featuring Boston College mighty mite Nathan Gerbe (left). He had two more goals in the final to spark a 4-1 win over Notre Dame in what has to be his final college game. (By the way, one of BC's assistant coaches is Greg Brown, who played 49 games on defense for the Sabres in the early '90s after being their second-round pick in 1986.)

Gerbe is only 5-foot-5 but he plays much bigger. He's feisty, shifty, puts the puck in the net and is a winner -- in other words, just about everything Maxim Afinogenov isn't!

Now that he finished second for the Hobey Baker Award and won a championship, you would think the Sabres are going to have to come up with the rookie maximum of 875K or very close to it to sign Gerbe. Ditto for Michigan State's Tim Kennedy, the South Buffalo native who led the Spartans to last year's title, and Denver defenseman Chris Butler.

UPDATE: The Denver Post is reporting Butler has agreed to terms with the Sabres.

Darcy Regier said at the wrapup press conference that talks had not begun with Gerbe because the Eagles were still playing. BC is done now and it's time for the Sabres to get moving and get Gerbe signed. Didn't Larry Quinn say they're trying to win the Stanley Cup? Then make the statement. I think the Sabres realize Gerbe is a must-get and it will happen quickly.

Who watched Gerbe in the Frozen Four and what did you think?

---Mike Harrington

(Photo: Gerbe in BC's celebration/Associated Press)

All Maxed out?

So, Darcy Regier acknowledged it may be time to send Maxim Afinogenov packing. Who will miss him? Who thinks it's a good move? I firmly believe that $3.5 million next season can be spent much better elsewhere.

---John Vogl

What would you ask?

The final act of the Sabres' season will be played out Thursday morning when managing partner Larry Quinn, General Manager Darcy Regier and coach Lindy Ruff meet the media. We'll have plenty of questions, but if you were there, what would be your first question and who would you ask?

---John Vogl

Roy in elite company

Couple stat nuggets from the Elias Sports Bureau: Derek Roy ranked third among NHL scorers after Jan. 1 with 51 points (19 g, 32 a) in 41 games -- and the only players above him were Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin. Jason Pominville was seventh (18-31-49).

Given their ages, it seems like you can build a team around the two of them and Thomas Vanek.

---Mike Harrington

Free agent roll call

We talked below about Teppo Numminen's surprise words Monday that he's interested in playing for the Sabres next year. For the record, here's the list of other Sabres who are heading into free agency:

---Unrestricted -- Defenseman Dmitri Kalinin and Nolan Pratt, forward Michael Ryan and backup goaltender Jocelyn Thibault.

---Restricted -- Forwards Daniel Paille, Paul Gaustad, Steve Bernier and Clarke MacArthur.

The Sabres are expected to look into multi-year deals for Paille, Gaustad and Bernier and all three said Monday they'd be interested in working something out with the team. It's pretty certain the Sabres are not interested in Kalinin or Thibault.

---Mike Harrington

Teppo wants to stay

The Sabres cleaned out their lockers Monday and the shock and disappointment of missing the playoffs certainly hung heavy in the words and faces of every player in the room. One of the only players with something to celebrate was defenseman Teppo Numminen, who finally got in a game Saturday night in Boston after missing all season after heart surgery. He said he could have played another one Monday if it was on the schedule.

"It was huge," Numminen said. "There were so many times during the year I thought they were was no way I'd be skating. ... I'm glad I got that game in. The next day, you kind of realize how big the game was mentally and physically. I'm back. I'm healthy and I can still do the things I do. It was huge for me."

Numminen, 40, said he intends to play next season. He's an unrestricted free agent and it seems unlikely the Sabres will bring him back. You'd think he'd be so aggravated that the team put him on the suspended list most of the year that he'd want to go somewhere else. But that's not the case -- in fact, he said Buffalo is "my first option."

Plenty of hockey experts said Numminen's injury hurt the Sabres in the leadership department as much as the losses of Chris Drury and Daniel Briere. So what do you think: A one-year deal at a much lower price than this year's $2.6 million? Thanks but no thanks?

---Mike Harrington

Playoff matchups are set

With Sunday's scores in, here are the matchups and seedings for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They start Wednesday and the league is going to get all its schedules done probably by tomorrow morning.

East

Montreal (1) vs. Boston (8)

Pittsburgh (2) vs. Ottawa (7)

Washington (3) vs. Philadelphia (6)

New Jersey (4) vs. New York Rangers (5)

West

Detroit (1) vs. Nashville (8)

San Jose (2) vs. Calgary (7)

Minnesota (3) vs. Colorado (6)

Anaheim (4) vs. Dallas (5)

As for the Sabres? The draft lottery is Monday night at 8. You can see it live on Versus, the NHL Network or streamed on NHL.com. Yeeeeesh.

---Mike Harrington

Give out your awards

It's April 6 and, incredibly, the season is over. Game Seven at Carolina in 2006 was on June 1 and Game Five against Ottawa last year was on May 19 so this is going to be one verrrrrrrry quiet spring. The Sabres will gather for the final time in HSBC Arena on Monday to clean out their lockers and we'll have plenty of comments and coverage.

(The Hurricanes, by the way, are paying a big price for winning that Cup. Washington's win Saturday makes Carolina the first team in history to miss the playoffs two straight years after winning it all.)

So for today, I'm interested in hearing your reflections on the Sabres' performances on the ice. Specifically, go to the comments section and fire away with your choices. Which Sabre would you put in these categories?

1). MVP

2). Unsung Hero

3). Biggest Surprise

4). Biggest disappointment (Remember, players only. Tom Golisano and Larry Quinn aren't eligible!)

---Mike Harrington

Vanek and Roy

BOSTON -- You've watched them play and now you've read what they have to say. So, what are your thoughts on Thomas Vanek and Derek Roy? Are they the pair the Sabres can build around?

---John Vogl

Teppo, Thibault and more

WILMINGTON, Mass. -- A few of the Sabres who have watched their team fall short of the playoffs are going to get a chance to play in the final game. Coach Lindy Ruff said today that Teppo Numminen, Jocelyn Thibault, Michael Ryan and probably Andrew Peters will be in the lineup Saturday when the Sabres face Boston in the season finale. The only person who is definitely coming out is Nolan Pratt, who has a sore groin.

I'm glad Teppo is getting the chance to play. His first day of the season was so terrible that I hope the finale at least makes up for it a little.

---John Vogl

Add another to comeback list

Much has been made in recent days about the Sabres' six blown two-goal leads at home. But on the flip side, Tuesday's shootout win in Toronto is the fifth time Buffalo has won a game when trailing at some point by two or more.

Strangely enough, all five comebacks are against the Laffs and Lightning (which probably says more about them than about the Sabres' resilience). And only one of them, the six-goal third period March 19 against the Lightning, was completed in regulation.

Here's the list:

1). Oct. 15 vs. Toronto (down 2-0 after two; won in OT, 5-4)

2). Oct. 27 at Tampa Bay (down 2-0 in second; won in OT, 4-3)

3). Feb. 20 vs. Tampa Bay (down 3-1 in third; won in OT, 4-3)

4) March 19 vs. Tampa (down 4-1 after two; won, 7-4)

5). April 1 at Toronto (down 2-0 after one; won, 4-3, in shootout)

---Mike Harrington

No help, almost no chance

So, what else did you expect? A little help? Forget it. The Sabres haven't been able to help themselves for weeks and no one else has helped their cause either.

It continued Saturday night as Washington won at Florida, 3-0, and the Flyers wiped out a 2-0 deficit to rally past the Islanders in a shootout, 4-3. Mike Richards got the tying goal with 4:22 left in regulation and Daniel Briere got the only goal in the shootout.

So it all comes down to this: A Buffalo loss Sunday against the Bruins -- in regulation or overtime -- and it's all over. And realistically, it's over anyway. The Sabres have to win their last four games to finish with 92 points and still need tons of help even if they do that because they'll have to finish ahead of two teams in the group of Philly, Boston, Washington.

Cue "Dandy Don" Meredith: Turn out the lights, the party's over.

---Mike Harrington

Thanks for nothing, Senators

There was no help coming today in Boston as the Ottawa Senators laid an egg and were blanked by the Bruins, 4-0.

So Boston temporarily moves into seventh in the East with 90 points. Philly is eighth at 89 pending tonight's game on Long Island. Washington, which plays tonight at Florida, is ninth at 86 and the Sabres have 84.

The Sabres' last chance of catching Boston is a win Sunday. And if Philly wins tonight and the Sabres don't win tomorrow in regulation, the misery will be over and the Sabres will officially be done.

---Mike Harrington

The news gets worse and worse

Still feeling sour over last night's meltdown against Montreal? Check out these nuggets. They won't make your mood any better.

---The Bruins have scored twice in the second period and have a 2-0 lead over Ottawa. Twenty minutes left for the Senators to give Buffalo some help.

---Habs center Saku Koivu and defenseman Mark Streit will both miss tonight's game in Toronto with foot injuries suffered when they took shots from Ales Kotalik in the opening minute of the first period Friday. Both recovered to play the entire game -- with Koivu making the key play from behind the net on the Habs' overtime goal and Streit assisting on the final three Montreal tallies -- before their pain grew overnight.

---The Sharks clinched the Pacific Division title with last night's 3-1 win over the Ducks. So for those keeping a Brian Campbell scorecard, San Jose is 14-0-2 since he was acquired from the Sabres at the trade deadline and he has 15 points (2-13) in those games. The Sharks are unbeaten in regulation in their last 18 games (16-0-2). Any Steve Bernier sightings lately?

---Mike Harrington

Sabres for Team of the Year?

Given the rubble this season has just about turned into (kudos to Tracy Joy's comment below for that bit of smack), it's kind of funny to hear this bit of news: The Sabres were named today as one of five nominees in the category of “Professional Sports Team of the Year” in the inaugural Sports Business Awards presented by Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily.

The other four nominees are the Boston Red Sox (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS) and Hendrick Motorsports (NASCAR). Pretty elite company.

But hmmm, last I checked I don't think ownership in any of those places sold its fans down the river by not committing to keeping a winning team together.

The awards recognize excellence and achievement in the business of sport for the calendar year 2007. I'm betting the Sabres don't get nominated in 2008.

---Mike Harrington

Miller tells it like it is

I would have liked Ryan Miller to take a little more respo