Keep the intensity

The Sabres came out fast and blew the Thrashers out last night.

I just hope that they keep the intensity and the work ethic and don't revert to "this game is easy" mode.

One good thing is that Vanek finally broke the seal and got on the scoresheet. Hopefully that allows him to grip his Warrior twig a little lighter and he starts finishing more of the chances that he gets.

He scored on 1 out of 3 shots last nights. If he can keep that rate up over the next few weeks, the Sabres will be in a lot better shape.

Spector is killing me

Lyle's latest THN Blog Post

Rumors that Nieuwy & Burke have a history so Brad Richards could end up a Leaf before the season is out?

Are you trying to kill me over here?

Dear Jerry,

Jerry Sullivan's latest column

Has buying out Tim Kennedy had a small impact on why the Sabres stink right now?

Probably.

But, a much bigger reason is the fact that Vanek and Connolly have stunk to high hell, Tyler Myers is in need of a massive sophomore slump buster, and the PP that was putrid last year may be even worse this year.

And rather than pine for Tim Kennedy or Henrik Tallinder, I'm pining for the types of players that Darcy Regier hasn't brought to Buffalo.

I'm pining for Brad Richards. You know, a real top 20 center who is currently 2nd in the league in scoring and has a Stanley Cup on his resume.

I'm pining for Tomas Kaberle who has 4 PP assists already this season. The entire Sabres blueline has 2 PP pts so far this season.

I'm pining for a back up goalie like Ty Conklin who had a couple of the sickest saves you'll ever see for the Blues the other night. Or even Cory Schneider who is a stud prospect who is stuck behind Roberto Luongo in Vancouver.

I like Tim Kennedy and I wouldn't have been upset if they kept him even at the overpriced arbitration award of $1 million.

But, the issues with the Sabres are more about who they've kept [Connolly & Vanek are at the top of my list right now] and less about who they've let go.

Drew Stafford - Contract Year

Bucky took a look at how Drew Stafford looked this pre-season.

It will be interesting to see what the contract year effect does to Drew Stafford.

Then it will be interesting to see what the Sabres do with Drew Stafford if he does get a big contract year bump in production.

Knowing the Sabres approach, they will reward Drew with a nice, fat contract extension and bank on that he'll maintain that level moving forward, or maybe even improve.

Personally, I hope the Sabres deal Drew Stafford if he does have a big jump in production this year.

He's never been a guy that has earned my trust as a fan. And one big contract year season won't change that for me.

• The Rangers waived Tim Kennedy? I hope Tim has waived his agent.
• Vanek & Kaleta having neck injuries worries me. Lalime having a groin issue makes me wish the Sabres had gone another route at back up goalie. Like say signed Jose Theodore....
• I hate MSG & Dish Network.