The Fifth Liners

It's all go in New York State. Buffalo Sabres today announced that GM Darcy Regier and head coach Ron Rolston have been fired. The decision was made after the team beat the 2012 Stanley Cup winning LA Kings on penalties. Go figure. Long term though, the Sabres have been struggling with suspensions and general ability to not concede goals. The team currently sits bottom of the league and change has been on the cards for a while. Former Sabre captain, legend and current Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine has been hired as director of hockey operations to sort things out. "It's going to take a team from top to bottom and we don't have all the pieces in place." LaFontaine said, confusing hockey with a Puzz 3D. He also said that he won't be taking the GM job, but will head the search.  Ted Nolan has been appointed as interim coach, tasked with changing the culture within the squad. Nolan last coached the team in 1997 when despite winning the Jack Adams award, he was ...

I think the Internet is angry at the goings-on in Buffalo. In case you can't make out the naff quality pic (sorry), it says: General manger - Fire Darcy Regier Head Coach - Fire Ron Ralston Hell hath no fury like an internet scorned.

The Patrick Kaleta issue is turning into a story which won't go away. After Kaleta's ten game suspension for his hit 'n Jack Johnson ran out, the Buffalo Sabres decided to place him on waivers, rather than allow him to return to the team. No other teams were in the market for the 27 year old so today he was assigned to the AHL's Rochester Americans. So what's next for the suspension prone forward? Aside from a big slice of humble pie, Kaleta has a good chance to turn his career around, although taking Matt Cooke's offer of help is probably best avoided.  This is mixed news for the Amerks, currently 11th in the Western Conference. Kaleta, when he's on his game is a handy right winger. The Angola, NY native last plated for the Amerks in the 07/08 season. Scoring one goal, and 109 penalty minutes in 29 games.  For Kaleta to turn over a new leaf, he's going to need to perform like an angel game after game. This here presents an issue. The Ame...