Dreeeeeeeeeeeew Stafford!!!

Was it the benching? Was it the vote of confidence on the penalty shot? Was it the thirds?


Maybe it was all three, but Drew Stafford was on fi-yah last night.

Last minute holiday shopping?

Whatever you do, please don't go looking for the Clint Malarchuk McFarlane action figure, unless the intented recipient is both a Sabres fan and sadist.

Happy Holidays!

To get the juices flowing ...

I'm interested to see the concepts that result from Drew's post (see below) and I thought I throw a few old designs out there just to get things rolling. The first set are updated versions of old Buffalo jerseys, while the last set are new concepts. Yes, the Slugs jersey is a joke. These were made at various points mostly in response to people saying "I'd like to see ..."



I'm working on some others, but show me what you've got!

(Giving credit, where credit is due: the actual sabres and the buffalo on the middle concept of the second group came from John Slabyk. I modified the buffalo and the free floating idea was my own.)

New Third Jersey Speculation

Carpandean's last post got me wondering about the Sabres' potential new third jersey next year. Half the fun of the possibility of new jerseys is all the speculation on what they might look like. It gets fans talking and builds excitement.

If any of you reading this have any ideas, mock-ups, or ideas, please send them our way via the comments section, or hit us up via email at info@sabresnotslugs.com. We'll post your ideas and discuss them at length.

Given a switch is likely ...

Here's my idea of what our uniforms should look like next year:

I've been slacking ... but Patty has not!

Whether it was the beautiful jerseys, the conditioning stint in Portland or the fact that DiPietro is due back soon (putting Biron on the trade block), Patty Lalime had the best game of his Sabres' career when he needed it most. Stopping 39 of 40 shots, Lalime looked a bit like Miller in net on Friday. Big win for Patty, big win for the Sabres and big win for the Thirds!!

At least one Sabres player knows how to play in the thirds

Goose showing again that he's a leader on this team. Unfortunately, nobody showed up in the second and a nice tip in OT left the Sabres with just one point for his effort.

Thirds work in hostile territory, too.

Tyler Ennis pots his first NHL goal in his first NHL game, as the Sabres battle to a 3-2 win against the Flyers without Stafford, Grier and Lydman. Great game with the exception of one awful PP.

That's more like it!

Myers played on one knee just to make it fair and the Sabres still won 6-2.

Sabres look for a big start, but come up short.

Third jerseys and a 6'8" defenseman:

What more could they need?

Puck luck? Less lively boards? (Props to Gionta's hands.) Scoring on two of their 35 shots?

The Lawrence Confirms the Slug is Toast?

It has long been the worst kept secret in town that the current third jersey will become the primary, and be matched with a road white for the team's 40th Anniversary. But it was also believed that the current home blues, with everyone's favorite Reebok-imposed limp excuse for a logo, would become the third jersey. But that now seems like it may not be the case.

If you skip all of the excuses, half-truths, and pandering spin in the latest interview with The Lawrence himself, Larry Quinn, you'll hear him confirm that a new white uniform is coming next year for the 40th. But that's not all.

He actually says that we're making a permanent uni switch, complete with an all-new third jersey. What does that mean for the ol' sluggaroo?

Could we really be completely slug-free next year?

Let's hope so.

City of Hockey? Oh well, that's not what caught my attention.

Where's our slimy yellow friend? That's right, once again he's absent.

Edit: anyone else read anything into the ad on page 2 ...

OK, a bit of a stretch on that one.

Quinn Says It Again - The Slug Dies in 2010!

Perusing Icethetics.com yesterday, I found something VERY exciting - a reader named Kevin sent word that Larry Quinn was on Leafs Lunch yesterday, confirming that the Slug will die in 2010!

I'm listening to the archived episode now, and there's no way to skip forward, so I don't know exactly what he says. Here's the link, though, for the more patient of us heh

http://www.640toronto.com/HostsandShows/LeafsLunch/Audio.aspx

If I make it through to when Quinn speaks, I'll edit this to add what he says.

Guess what is back on center ice this year?

Signs, signs, everywhere are signs ...

I give you the new Sabres.com:



Something is missing ... but definitely not missed!

Ok, ok, there's a faded one, but it's covered by a full-color third (is that still the right name?) logo.

Slug ranked 9th in suckitude amongst all sports

http://sports.espn.go.com/

I would have guessed higher (heck, the Bills got 4th), but since it is all major league sports, I can accept that.

Buffalo Bills White Throwback Uniform...

Been pretty slow around here awaiting to hear anything new on the Sabres front, but I imagine it does take awhile to pull one's own head out of their ass. In the meantime, if you want to see a sneak peak of the new Bills' white throwback jersey, take a look at Brian Moorman in the RBK photoshoot.



The pants are not true to the authentic originals of the late 60's and early 70's with the gapped striping and I kind of get a NY Giants feel with them, but I'll take it over the excessively striped monochome lameness they wear now.

With it more than likely the Sabres going to a white throwback style jersey in time for the 40th and the slug delegated third or even mothballed, maybe Russ Brandon will ditch his Tom Donahoes for some new Brandon Britches.

Third Logos All Around

Not much to get excited about when watching the Sabre-less playoffs yet again. However, in watching the Sabres Lunch Hour, I noticed how prominently the third logo is being featured:


While I hope it isn't the only change of the Summer, a move to that logo full time would certainly be a welcome one.

Vanek, Sabres and Thirds Finish Strong

(Yes, Tellqvist made that save.)

A meaningless game, for sure, but a strong one for the Sabres, sinking the Bruins' bid for the President's Trophy with a 6-1 victory. Thomas Vanek hit the 40-goal mark for the second time in three years (he has 37 in an "off year" last season) with two goals. Finally, the thirds finish with an astounding 12-4-0 record on the season (plus, a 2-1-0 record when using the third logo helmet with the slug jerseys) as compared to the odd 9-10-8 record in the slug jerseys and helmets. In the thirds, they captured 75% of their available points; with just the third helmet, 67%; and with the slug, a paltry 48%. Even more amazing are the win percents for each: 75% in the thirds, 67% in the slug with third helmet and just 33% with slug helmet and jerseys. Your honor (Larry Quinn), we rest our case!

Sabres/Thirds Look To Finish On A Positive Note

For the second year in a row, the Sabres will finish the season with a meaningless game against the playoff-bound Bruins. The only question remaining is whether the third jerseys will finish 12-4-0, 11-4-1 or 11-5-0. Any of those would be impressive, but our cause would be best supported by one more victory ... perhaps its last as just a third jersey.

Versus Commentators Jinx Thirds

OK, really it was just a case of the (much) better team winning, but it didn't help when mid-game the versus commentators talked about the "magical jerseys" that the Sabres were wearing, pointing out their (previously) 11-3-0 record. Oh well, 11-4-0 is still impressive and they will have a chance to finish 12-4-0 against Boston in the final game of the regular season. Unfortunately, in a case of déjà vu, that game will probably be a meaningless game for the Sabres, just like last year, as the Sabres will likely be around that same 90-point mark, a few short of the final playoff spot.

After two straight seasons defining mediocrity, what better time for a change of image? Hopefully, we'll be seeing a new away jersey next year to match the new homes jersey (current thirds.) Though, I hope that's not the only move that they make this offseason.

Miller Unveils New "Third Jersey" Helmet

As first broken by Phil in March, Miller has a new helmet to go with the third jerseys:




Not sure that I see the third jersey connection and there are neither Sabres (except the one on the back) nor Slugs. Interesting, but not my cup of tea.

Thirds Face True Test

The third logo on the helmet wasn't enough to overcome a 3-goal deficit against New Jersey on Saturday, but tonight the Sabres will don their full third uniforms. They will need ever ounce of power that they and the thirds possess to overcome the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings, but prevail they must.

Sabres Hold Off Leafs In Miller's Return

Well, they certainly turned a 4-0 lead into an interesting game as they allowed the Leafs to score three fluky goals, but Goose sealed the deal making it 5-3. The goal completed Paul's so-called Gordie Howe hat trick (a goal, an assist and a fight.) Timmy C also potted two and Hecht got a classic-form Jochen goal in the win. The thirds' record climbed to 11-3-0 (plus another 2-0-0 when wearing third logos on their helmets with the slug jerseys) with the victory.

Sabres Face Leafs in Thirds ... Again

For the fourth time (three at home, one on the road), the Sabres face the Leafs in their third jerseys (that might explain why they are the only team below them that they have a decent record against.) With just nine games left and being five points out of 8th, the Sabres are in full-on must-win mode now. Good time to wear the thirds.

What do I spy with my little eye ...

The Sabres channeled a little piece of the third logo power into a big third period comeback. How many games have they lost with the slug on their helmets?

Sabres Get A Little Moore, But Come Up With A Little Less.

Dominic Moore notched his first goal as a Sabre, but the team couldn't hold off the high-flying Flyers forwards, losing 6-4. Former Sabre Marty Biron kept the Sabres forwards in check, while fellow former Sabre Danny Briere scored twice. It was just the third loss in the third jerseys this season, moving them to 10-3-0.

Another Third Game, Another (Pretty Much) Must Win

Yet again, due to their poor performances in the slug, the Sabres are facing another game that they can't afford to lose in their thirds. Tonight will be a true test as the Sabres have yet to win against the Flyboys, despite being tied going into the third of the last two. Can the thirds convince them to play a full 60 minutes?

Score of 3-1 leads to 10-2 record

Thomas Vanek's fir...SECOND goal back from his broken jaw killed the suspense, and Patty Lalime's epic play in the Sabres' crease led the Blue and Gold to a 3-1 victory against the Panthers. The Sabres are trailing the Panthers by two now - two points out of 8th. Next up are the Flyers on the 20th.

"Must Win" Third Game

If you have to play what, at this point in the season, is as close to a must win game as it gets (they won't face a true "must win" game for a little while, yet), then you might as well do it in your 9-2 third jerseys. Tonight's so-called "four point game" against the Panthers could be the spark that gets the Sabres headed back to the playoffs or it could be the straw that breaks the proverbial camel's back for the second straight season. Let's hope the thirds' run continues and the Sabres get headed back in the right direction.

Miller honors the third jersey with new mask

I know this isn't the usual subject matter we would focus on here at Sabres, Not Slugs!, but I found a cool little tidbit regarding Ryan Miller. Stowed away on his website, http://millertime30.com/, Ryan talks about a BRAND NEW MASK he's having finished up to be worn SPECIFICALLY with the third jersey!

In honor of my mask contest I am hoping to have a new design on the ice when I return from injury. Ray Bishop is putting the finishing touches on a mask that I can wear with our third jersey. I wanted to have a little fun and do something different so I have a mask coming that uses traditional Japanese tattoo symbols including a dragon and a tiger which both have great meaning (which would take a long time to explain). I am a big fan of tattoo art but I am too big of a wimp to actually get any work done so my mask becomes that canvas. It will have some very subtle references to the Sabres and some great examples of the classic tattoo art so I am excited to see it as a finished product.

I'm excited to see it, too. Yakuza tattoo art and Sabres logos on a mask together? Sounds epic. I hope to see a ton of pics as soon as he returns to action.

Sabres trash Habs, 5-1

In one beauty of a game, featuring the departure of Ales Kotalik and the return of both Thomas Vanek and Max Afinogenov, our Sabres trounced the Canadiens by a final score of 5-1. Both Roy and Goose scored twice (Goose with a PP goal AND shorthanded goal), and Spacek used a move on a defenseman I don't think any of us thought he had in him. This win moves the Sabres to within one point of being back in the playoffs, but (almost as importantly) improved their record in the third jersey to 9-2. Congrats, boys - keep doing that logo proud

Post-Deadline Thirds Game

With a little over an hour left before the deadline, it remains to see who will be wearing the thirds. So far, we may see Tellqvist backing up Lalime and everyone will cringe a little more whenever Tim Connolly takes a hit. Hopefully, more will be coming ...

Either way, we need the team to look good (playing-wise; we know they will jersey-wise) tonight in their thirds.

Costly Victory

What could possibly be worse than losing your top goal scorer, the fastest to 20 goals in the league, for as much as 6 weeks? How about losing your franchise goaltender. A three point effort by Derek Roy and strong 4-2 win to pass the Rangers in the standings was severely tainted by a high ankle sprain for Ryan Miller after being run by Gomez in the third period.

Thirds return

The last time they wore their thirds against the Rangers, it turned out well.
The last time they wore their thirds at all, it did not.
Time to play like they deserve to wear these uniforms and put down a conference rival in a critical "four point game".

Ugh ...

Not much more to say than that. One point in a home-and-home with the Sens? Like their loss earlier in the season to the Maple Leafs, they didn't deserve to wear their thirds tonight.

The Sabres missed their big bodies (Vanek, Goose) in front of the net:

Third Straight Thirds

For the third consecutive home game, the Sabres will be donning their third jerseys. They are 2-0 on that stretch and a miraculous 7-1 for the season in the thirds. Hopefully, they will extend that to 8-1 tonight as they finish a home-and-home against the Senators. They will do so without Vanek, Goose or Sekera, but with the addition of firecracker forward Nathan Gerbe, who was called up from Portland (actually, he just stayed at HSBC after last night's Pirates game there.)

Sabres hold off Habs

A hard fought and well earned 3-2 win over a very good Montreal Canadiens team extended the third jersey's impressive record to 7-1 on the season. Man, that's amazing. A message from the hockey gods, perhaps?

(Note: I picked this photo in honor of my jersey and the great play Mair made to setup Paetsch for their second goal.)

Sticking with the hot hand

The Sabres look to continue their third jersey domination, trying for 7-1 with a win tonight (hopefully, that will be the score, too, so that we can avoid any confusion in the game summary post.) It would also mark the first time that the Sabres have won two straight games since beating the Panthers on January 19th.

Vanek and Miller make it 6-1 with 5-0 victory

With the incredible (15 saves lol) effort of Ryan Miller in net, and Thomas Vanek's fourth career natural hat trick (and fourth consecutive, no less!), the Buffalo Sabres advance to 6-1 on the season in their new third jerseys. It was a great effin' game. Look for Stafford's goal to be a Top Highlight on TSN.

Back home

After a season-long road trip, the Sabres return home tonight to face the Leafs. Our boys with be wearing their thirds and there's a good chance that the Leafs will be wearing their (white) thirds. Let's keep our third jersey and 2009 records strong, boys.

Even our opponents know what our symbol should be.

From sabres.nhl.com:



From coyotes.nhl.com:

Yeah. That says Yashin.

What could possibly explain this? Was this whale fart huffing diesel fuel? I never thought I would say this, but (deep breath in) I really hope that's their last name on the back of that Vanek jersey. Because if it's not....... That's just fucking retarded. One of the biggest dissapointmemts in NHL history. Thats bad enough. It's like that tub of shit you see walking into Buffalo wild wings with a Ryan Leaf jersey. Except its on a Bills jersey. And it has barf with tiny chunks of cheetos on it. What amount of baby shaking produces a brain capable of such tomfoolery? Yeah I said tomfoolery! I am freaking the fuck out. Listen. I'm gonna make a cocktail and sit down for a minute. Just continue to stare in awe. I have nothing else to say.

P.S. I lied. This jersey should be set on fire and put out with a fifty gallon drum of hobo piss. Now I'm done.

Confirmation of a switch!

So, I was listening to Schopp & the Bulldog today and they were discussing the Bills celebrating their 50th Anniversary. They were talking about which year should be the 50th given that they were founded in 1959, but started playing in 1960. This led to discussion of the Canadiens' 100th and then Bulldog asked Mike Schopp, "don't the Sabres have one coming up?" Schopp replied "yeah, I learned this when I interviewed Larry ... that they will be going to a white version of that throwback jersey that they wore against the Rangers the other night, because they want a more classic look ... that will be in 2010-11."

Sounds like Larry did, in fact, confirm the switch! Don't know if I can handle another season of the Slug, but at least the light at the end of the tunnel may finally be in view.

***EDIT by Charlie***

Wanted to again give an idea of what the updated white jersey would look like from one of Carpandean's past ideas.

And while I'm at it, it's about damn time. Whether the slug was RBK's idea or not, thank you for distancing yourself from such a ridiculous logo. Now give Frank Cravotta some overtime and get hot working on this white jersey. I don't care if he is on salary or not!

4-0 in 2009; 5-1 in third jerseys!

The Sabres took a helluva lot of time to get rolling, but they posted a shootout victory over the Rangers tonight, advancing them to 4-0 in 2009 and bringing the third jerseys to 5-1 on the season. Miller's .977% performance looked great in his alternate sweater. Now we've gotta wait almost a whole month to see them again - Feb. 4 against the Make Me Laughs

Third Game Night

I love that, since they waited until November to premier the third jerseys, every other home game is in the thirds. Unfortunately, since they only play three home games in Buffalo during the month of January, tonight is your last chance to see them before February. Enjoy it!

How keen are your Sabres Not Slug senses?

What was different about their uniforms last night verses other non-third home games? Here's some help:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Sabres over Leafs 4-1 (5-1 really; it was in before the net came off.) Lol, that's kind of ironic given Phil's comments in the last post.