Buffalo Boy's Blog

But Im not ready to castrate them just yet. Im giving them till December 1st to get this ship turned around.

A 2-0 loss last night isn't helping them last night though. I was driving home after my class and for the 10 minutes of third period action I listened to for it being a 1-0 game, you thought that RJ and Harry Neale were ready to take a nap.

Thats not the type of atmosphere you expect out of a Buffalo-Montreal game. But I didn't hear one exciting play on my way back home. So I did what any respectful fan would do after hearing that, I turned it off.

I am however, not giving up. Here are somethings that I need to see before November closes on this team:

1. Thomas Vanek- Hes been invisible. I know hes only 23 and got the richest contract in franchise history but still, he just game off a 43 goal season and is loaded with talent.

2. Derek Roy- He needs to pretend its preseason again and score 13 points in the next 6 games. That kind of production would win 6 games in a row.

3. Ryan Miller- Heres my plan if Im Lindy Ruff, Sit him for a week. Give him all the time he needs for the next week to get away from the game and rest his mind and put himself at ease. After the week, get him refocused and back into games and be very up front in telling him that this team will not win with out him playing at a high level, which he has not. I have yet to see him look comfortable in a game this season. I don't know if its from losing his cousin or what but we need him back at 100% mentally and physically. I Think its more mental.

4. I don;t care who, but someone on this team, needs to step up and let this team know that they are not going to win on talent alone. That is what they have been playing like. They have been playing as if a win is going to be handed to them just for being them. This team is dripping with talent, they ooze talent, but they are not working hard. I have never in the last  two years of watching them, seen them stop skating and get into penalty trouble because they refuse to work more than they have in the first month of this season. Its time to start working if they expect to start winning.

5. If the above don't start clicking, Darcy Reiger needs to make a move. Not a huge move, but one small enough to keep the core intact yet big enoug to bring in a solid verteran leadership guy with some grit and sandpaper to his style of play. I keep seeing Jovo Cop is available he would be very nice and he would provide just that.

If none of the above happen by December 1st, Im going to start getting somewhat critical. Until then, they have 8 more division games this month. Time to start winning boys.