Chris Ostrander

How quickly things change

December 1, 2010September 17, 2012Chris OstranderLeave a comment

Yesterday The Hockey News and The Buffalo News each broke stories that the Sabres were being shopped, albeit quietly, by current owner Tom Golisano. Each report pegged Pennsylania billionaire, Terrence Pegula, as the prospective buyer.

As the day grew older the reports intensified. In fact, rumors circulated that Pegula was heading to New York to meet with Gary Bettman in regards to the sale – that report later added that Pegula would be introduced at the Board of Governors meeting next weekend. Continue reading →

Vote for Cody

November 20, 2010September 17, 2012Chris OstranderLeave a comment

I am stealing someone’s idea. Only because it was a really good one. Back in 2007 ~~current Buffalo Bills quarterback~~ former Buffalo Sabres defenseman, Rory Fitzpatrick drew the admiration of a young Canucks fan. This fan took it upon himself to try and get Ftizpatrick voted into the All-Star Game. He even had a website.

That being said, this morning I was thinking – it was a pretty big step for me. While perusing the NHL Fan Balloting I realized it would be cool to get a guy voted in like Fitzpatrick almost was a few years back. So I am taking it upon myself to get Cody McCormick in the All-Star Game.

Just think about it. The dude is a beast, he works his tail off every shift and is a damn good fighter to boot. See below:

So, do the right thing. Write in Cody McCormick to the 2011 ASG Fan Ballot.

Net Issues

November 19, 2010September 17, 2012Chris OstranderLeave a comment

You might think that having the reigning Olympic MVP and Vezina Trophy winner tending goal for you as a dream scenario. Perhaps, for the Sabres, it isn’t.

Now, Ryan Miller has not been bad this season for Buffalo. There is no Vezina/Olympic hangover. He tweaked his knee, or hip, or ankle, or – suffice it to say it was a lower body injury. He missed some time and he certainly wasn’t 100% while trying to play through it. Continue reading →

NHL overhauls All-Star game

November 11, 2010September 17, 2012Chris OstranderLeave a comment

Recognizing that the current All-Star format had grown cold, the NHL has decided to overhaul the format.

According to this TSN article, the fan voting for the starters will remain. After that, NHL hockey operations will select the remaining pool of players and two captains. It will be these captains that pick their own teams.

Continue reading →

Last chance for a win?

November 11, 2010September 17, 2012Chris OstranderLeave a comment

Entering this season there were only a few games I had circled as potential victories for the Bills. As the NFL season has unfolded these potential wins have changed too.

Between the Bills “defense” and the evolution of a couple of these teams (Peyton Hills and the Browns), the Bills chances for victories has grown thin.

Ryan Fitzpatrick needs to make some clutch plays if he hopes to lead the Bills to a win.

As Detroit comes into Buffalo for Sunday’s tilt, the Lions are without quarterback Matthew Stafford and should have Shaun Hill under center. Although, Hill is recovering from a broken arm and may not be 100% for the game. It doesn’t really matter he has been torching defenses this year. Add to that Jahvid Best, the Lions attack doesn’t really match up well for the Bills defense. Continue reading →

Skidding Sabres

November 10, 2010September 17, 2012Chris OstranderLeave a comment

I wanted to let the dust settle, on both Buffalo sports teams.

The Sabres were sleepwalking their way through their first dozen games and the Bills have continued to find interesting ways to lose. But there were all of these different opinions floating around each squad, I wanted to let everything settle down before making a judgment on either.

That brings me to the Sabres. Everyone keeps asking, ‘what is wrong with them this season?’ There are a few common threads and a few things no one has really brought up. Continue reading →

Bills go Lights Out

November 3, 2010September 17, 2012Chris OstranderLeave a comment

Buddy Nix made another great roster move today. He placed Cornell Green on IR.

True story, the swinging door at right tackle will not see the field for the remainder of the season. The real news is that the Bills needed to make room for Shawne Merriman. Continue reading →

I guess we know what James Wisniewski does on the weekend

October 11, 2010September 17, 2012Chris OstranderLeave a comment

I understand that nobody goes to Islanders games. I get that. I think it is also safe to assume that not too many people watch the games either. But still, YouTube is a very real tool and James Wisniewksi just found out how useful it is.

Here is some visual evidence of James likely talking to Sean Avery about something very civilized.

Continue reading →

Second period…

October 10, 2010September 8, 2011Chris Ostrander1 Comment

Ok. I gave you my Eastern Conference preview. I like the Captials to win the regular season, but I don’t see them getting past the second round of the playoffs. I think the East will be a crapshoot again this season. Much like 2009-10 when the Flyers came outta nowhere to win a trip to the finals.

The West however, is another story. There are some great teams and a ton of talent. The top-five will have to punch each other out for a chance at Lord Stanley. Here is how I see it.