Five reasons to root for the Sabres (and against the Desert Dogs) tonight

You know for a team with a proud 45-year history of professional hockey, it’s really sad that I even have to write this piece, but yes – here are five reasons to root for the Sabres to win tonight.

1) History – As I said, the Sabres have a long and proud history, from the Fog Game to May Day. Yes, we never won it all but that no reason to take a shit on the Blue and Gold. Even for one night.

2) Those we’ve lost – Punch Imlach, Tim Horton, Ted Darling, Rick Martin… The Sabres have lost a lot of greats over the years. Men with integrity. It's not a stretch to think these gentlemen would ever root against the team they proudly represented. If these guys are supposed to be role models, then why aren't we all following their lead? Yes, that’s a guilt trip – but sometimes guilt trips can be used for good, not evil. I’m sure that’s a saying cause it definitely sounds like one.

Wasn't this thing supposed to be worth like $200 by now?

3) Eichel/McDavid could flame out – If the names Chris Phillips, Alexandre Daigle and Radek Bonk ring a bell – you know No. 1 picks come with a lot of hype. And sometimes that hype is just that, hype. Even the great Eric Lindros was derailed pretty quickly by injuries. Meanwhile, the slew of draft picks and assets he was traded for went on to dominate the NHL for more than a decade (Peter Forsberg, Mike Ricci, Adam Deadmarsh and eventually Patrick Roy). 

4) A No. 1 pick won’t solve everything – Look at the Oilers. They had No.1 picks in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and they’re still near the bottom of the league. The top pick is just a piece of the puzzle not the entire picture. Let’s keep things in perspective here.

5) Integrity – McEichel is a shiny new toy. It’s retail therapy. I know this last one is going to be a hard sell but is your integrity worth that? Sabres fans will be the laughing stock of the league if we’re seen on TV cheering for a loss, with YouTube clips preserving that embarrassment for future generations. Yes, in 30 years you’ll proudly be able to pull up the clip and show it to your grandkids.

“Look Rex and Terry. Here’s where grampa took a big ol’ shit on the team you love. I wish you could have been there…”