Who says Buffalo can't support major league teams

Buffalo News

You have to love it when the fans take over a building on the other side of the country.

I know that speaks a lot to the transplants and the economic issues here in Western NY. But, it is nice to see after the Sabres have to deal with the invading Leafs fans.

Tied for 1st in the East

NHL.com

47 games played 66 points

Tied for 1st in the East with the Capitals and the Sabres have a game in hand.

I guess all the people that were freaking out during the offseason because the Sabres didn't make any huge moves like firing Regier and/or Ruff and didn't turn over the roster big time should be looking up crow pie recipes on the internet.

While I never really expected Regier or Ruff to go, here are some things I've been wrong about so far this season:

- Complaining about the Tim Connolly extension - Tim has stayed healthy (so far) which was my #1 concern with the extension. And while he started off slow, he is on fire right now (a point in 12 straight). I'm really hoping that by the end of next season, I have to eat a huge piece of crow about this one.

- Thinking that the Sabres needed to move Tallinder and/or Hecht - Tallinder has been reborn as Tyler Myers' defense partner and Jochen Hecht has been OK in a variety of roles on LW. The really interesting thing will be what do the Sabres do with Tallinder given that he's an UFA this summer.......

- Doubting that the team had grown up enough or that the locker room had changed enough - I like both the Montador and Grier signings for bringing some grit and veteran presence to the locker room. But, I was worried that it wasn't enough to change the issues that have plagued the Sabres the past two seasons. Thankfully, this year's team hasn't had the major lulls (so far) that the previous two additions have had. Who knows if Montador and Grier (and Myers & Kennedy) have been the difference or it has been the maturation of the "core" of the team. Either way, this team is doing well and I'm glad to see it.

Now let's see if management is willing to add a piece or two before the trade deadline to shore up areas like say a PP QB on defense to help put this team over the top.......