Sabres-Use of Enforcers

[buffjoe]

I've never really had a problem with Lindy Ruff but this year is really making me scratch my head. Take the Rob Ray fight with Salvador in the second period. The basic rule of thought on fighting is that you never drop your gloves when your team is in the lead unless one of your team-mates is brutally run into the boards or injured. Buffalo had a two goal lead, St. Louis was completely asleep and the game was in Buffalo's control. Ruff decides to send out Ray (wearing the "A" I might add) and sure enough he fights Salvador for no reason. Within ten minutes the game was tied and St. Louis was awakened. If that wasn't bad enough Ray had a chance to redeem himself when he locked up with Jackman during the Mair/Nash altercation. He and Jackman were both ready to go but Ray refused to force the issue. If Ray does go with him they are considered second altercation and both would receive five and ten thus taking Jackman and Ray out for the rest of the game. If you are the Sabres coach wouldn't you be happy to get Jackman (who was taking a regular shift all night)off the ice and make them go with five d-men? And where where was Ray for the last 6 games when we were down by one or two goals. Shouldn't he be fighting to jumpstart the team? That's his role.

[sabrfan]

I agree that that is is role or is trying to be a Tie Domi. and to wake up a sleeping giant is just dumb. if we are going to play losing hockey then play physical and lets have some fights to at leasty get our attention for chissakes:poundu:

[bduff54]

Lol, Ray sucks. Just ger rid of him, he can't play the game at all. Look at domi a great fighter and decent player too (11 goals this year). The Rob Ray era is over, he is an embarassment to the game!

[TITUS]

Bduff: You should've quit while you were behind, bro. Before we coronate Domi as the next heavyweight champ, let's see him and Worrell go at it.
And while I agree its time for Rob to cede the duties of enforcer to Boulton, he is by no means an "embarassment to the game." Rayzor has been a loyal team player and community-minded citizen for several years.

Buffjoe: You said Lindy sent him out for no reason at all? If Salvador didn't do anything, all I can guess is that Lindy has finally completely ran out of ideas and now hopes that unprovoked fights will jump-start the team. Sad if true.

[Mouldsie]

That was a little off-base duff

[bduff54]

sorry guys but i think Rob Ray is a horrible NHL player, he has virtually no hockey talent!

[bduff54]

Domi just scored his 12th!

[PUCKER]

An embarrassment to the game??? Why???Come on! I know you dont like him,but give him a break. Just because he cant score 5,10,50 goals? Hes a darn good fighter,even if he does lose some. I for one am glad hes on our team!

[bduff54]

"i know you don't like him"??? That is not true, i used to like Rob Ray a lot. I still do actually, he is great for the community but as a hockey player he is horrible, his ice time could be used by a younger player!

[Sabres#1chick4life]

Ok,ok,ok... I've heard enough of this rob ray bashing thing.
Lets get the record stright for most of you.

I will start by saying... BuffJoe .... I don't think you watched the same game I did.And if you did you weren't paying attention well enough ;)
Sabrfan... You make no sense.You agree with him yet say that there should atleast be fighting to make it exciting. Humm...
Either what you were trying to say came out wrong or your just really confused.
As for Tie Domi... i won't even go there. Two different teams that hate eachother with two potential good fighters. It's bound to become a beating dead wood issue. They both can fight and both have kicked the sh*t out of eachother at one point in time.No good wasting good breath on the issue. If Ray were to retire I believe Domi should too!

We all know Ray can fight but he just can't beat up a goaltender.
So...after all this time hes been through 2 different coaches,can't scored a goal even if it was to save his life... but has the
all - time NHL record for fighting/penalties. So what ... thats why hes still here.
I don't blame Ruff for Ray.He's on the team...midas well play him.
Hes a fighter and gets the team going and loves to pyscologically brain screw his opposing teammates. SO,Whats wrong with that??? Atleast hes doing SOMETHING!!! I thought we went over this kinda stuff with the whole Zhitnik issue.Zhitnik is my favorite player but I agree in trading him.YOU KNOW WHY??? B/C he doesn't do ANYTHING!!! Atleast Ray will go out there and DO SOMETHING!!! SO WHAT IF WE HAD A 2-0 LEAD AND RAY FOUGHT !!! Ohhhh...... ahhhh........WOW!!! Big deal!!!
This team has not won a game since they were unbeaten for what 14 games??? Big deal!!! If this team is going to win...they will enforce it in all of themselfs as a TEAM to win.I am sorry but 1 guy fighting can not change 23 other guys willing to score goals to win a hockey game!!! ;) Now,thats what i call "being REAL Politically correct" people. It's the truth ...just b/c most of you don't like hearing the truth that your favorite team sucks..... Doesn't mean you should have lil' faith in the players that you all fell in love with. The Sabres need a miricle.It's not going to happen at this point. Atleast not for awhile.GET OVER IT!!!If you don't like hearing the truth I suggest you find liking to a new WINNING team. As of right now being a fan and getting other REAL Sabres fans to UNITE and fight for our team as fans and getting us all to contribute to this team staying in Buffalo and further down the road helping contribute to this team winning a Stanley Cup... we do not need SABRE BASHING.It's not the time to hear all this crap and its certinly not the time to starting picking favorties off this team.None of these guys are my favorite right now due to the fact that they are not fighting to win thier fans back (by winning) and not giving themselfs the confidence to move forward.I am sure and i understand that there is good reasoning into why these guys aren't trying to make a come back.If i were them I would get fired b/c of trying to get this team on its feet.I am sure none of them want to loose their jobs and thats why they are playing the way they are. Who knows!!!
But I do know that when this team does get off its feet again there will be a time for the REAL fans to bitch on who they think should be here and what not....but right now.... NOONE has a say in anything. Being a fan and going through this kinda thing with a team like this and their situation were only making things worse by saying all this crap and esspecialy bringing it all to light with shows like hockey hotline and calling WNSA and such.I bet they are just loving fans modesty right about now.(Sarcasium)
Its a hard time for everyone and i am sure the guys on this team and the fact that they r loosing is really starting to get under your skin. Just remember tho'........ after the smoke clears ...there comes a new day.When that day comes and we get ownership,maybe new coaching and new players and this team starts rock'n again i am sure all the real fans and The NEW n' IMPROVED BANDWAGON fans return ...this team will be the talk of the NHL. I can't wait for that day to come personaly b/c PAY BACKS ARE A BITCH... Smiles :grin: at all the old and new sabres present. But untill then... just be a dedicaded fan and stick up for this team ,wait patiently and then hopefully when the smoke clears we will all be in our glory.
Who knows...with the luck were having now... Ray has just as good of a chance at scoring a goal right now like anyother player on this team. Why bitch about Ray when you have a whole team that can't DO ANYTHING EITHER??? UMMm...HELLO???
<~~~ CHECK PLEASE!!!

Obviously... he can't be that bad if Ray came to the NHL made it past one coach and now to Ruff and noones got rid of him...he must be doing something right!.
I believe Ted Nolan was the last coach we had???
I have heard many talk crap but recently you guys all whined and wanted him back... so don't try saying Ted is dumb for keeping Ray.Because most of you cried to get him back this year (Ted).
Anyhow... aside beating dead wood.... I don't mind Ray...
I like him. I like his style and I like that he has balls enough to take on the best. Theres not alot of guys in the NHL that I can recall up to date that would take on ANYONE who crossed there path .... rather they wanted to fight or not Rayzor got em' a' swing'n. He's quite a character and has a good sense of humor about it all too. I can understand that he doesn't score and this team is loosing... BUT WHEN HAVN'T WE LOST???
It's not like we won a stanley cup years ago and Ray came here and ruined it all for our generation. Not even close. It's sad to think that the players who played in 75' ...who had the best chance to win one for us will not be able to see the day when the BUFFALO SABRES DO BRING ONE HOME!!!
It's just never going to happen at this point. If you think it is... i suggest you dust yourself off and find a team that does win and buckles your fancy and stop trying to beat DEAD WOOD!
What don't you people understand... its been 30 years.........we still havn't won a cup !!! Do you really think ESSPECIALY NOW????????? It's going to happen?????
Your all freak'n CRAZY!!!
We already know that this team doesn't have an owner let alone someone to dish out money to get this team some real players!!!
So whats the problem here??????
Youve known this since day one!!!!
It's not going to happen!!!

:)<~~~~~~~ NOT TONIGHT!!!~

I donno...... this is so long that i donno what else to write ....
Its all true but you guys just need to make up your minds rather your REAL sabres fans or not. I am just sick of hearing people whine when they knew what they were getting into from the git-go'. ITS NOTHING NEW......GET USED TO IT OR find another team to suck the life out of.
This wasn't typed to hurt anyone ... its a truth be told, take it or leave it opinion.

Take care and have a great day.


*The CHICK * :car:

[Sabres#1chick4life]

{"i know you don't like him"??? That is not true, i used to like Rob Ray a lot. I still do actually, he is great for the community but as a hockey player he is horrible, his ice time could be used by a younger player! }



I can very much so understand what you mean Duff 54. But he barley gets ice time now let alone plays a game.

[LALAFONTAINE]

He was taking ice from Boulton until Boulton got hurt.

[Sabres#1chick4life]

like it matters....... either one doesn't score goals.....

they fight and show presence. To me that matters most.

[bduff54]

if fighting and showing "presence" matters most i clearly see why the sabres are the worst team in the league!

[The REAL Sabres]

Everyone needs to remember: Ray has been and should have been handicapped in all the fights he's fought in for the last 7 or so years!!!

Back when the NHL hated the Sabres they implimented a "Rob Ray Rule". Does Domi have a rule named after him? No. His fighting style was never cramped by the NHLs "rules and regulations"!!!

[bduff54]

thats because ray was a loser and insisited on taking off all his clothes when fighting. What kind of man does that? And Domi has his own best-selling video he has a brand new contract, he has achieved way more than your boy Ray

[The REAL Sabres]

Originally posted by bduff54
thats because ray was a loser and insisited on taking off all his clothes when fighting. What kind of man does that?

Well, every boxer and some professional wrestlers for starters.

Originally posted bybduff54
And Domi has his own best-selling video he has a brand new contract, he has achieved way more than your boy Ray

NHL Awards won by: Ray 1, Domi 0...zip...ziltch

[bduff54]

What award did Ray win for his play on the ice?? Ray talking off his shirt made hockey look amateur. The guy has embarassed himself and the sabres for long enough. His time is up!

[The REAL Sabres]

The 98-99 King Clancy which really isn't on-ice, but still!!!!

[bduff54]

sabrejeff i have never said he is a bad guy, he is great guy and was once effective in this league but right now he is done. He is one of the worst players in the league right now!

[fweber73]

Rob Ray is on this years team as a reward for everything he has done for the Sabres and the city of Buffalo over his career. I doubt he'll be back next year. Personally, I'm glad he is still on the team for now. Everybody knew the Sabres would have a terrible year so who cares if they have one extra "bad" player. The fans still love him and that counts for something.

As for Domi, he's nothing but a punk. Rewind to his cheap shot on the Devs Niedermayer in the playoffs a couple of years ago. One of the worst I've ever seen. He's done things like that since day one in the NHL. I'll agree that he has more skating skill than Ray, but Ray has much more class.

[bduff54]

yeah domi has done plenty of dirty things in the past. But i will take his 12 goals and winning attitude anyday.

[Thumper]

Don't talk about Rob Ray "embarassing" himself while in the same breath blowing hot air up Domi's ass. If anyone has been more of an embarassment to this league, it's Domi just for his cheapshot antics. Ray used pull out of his shirt during fights....That's one thing. But you'd never see him almost kill someone who can't defend themselves from behind with an elbow to the head.

[Thumper]

And for the record, I've seen Ray dominate a fight more with his shirt on than when it used to come off.

[BironsGirl43]

bduff.. you seem kinda fascinated with Ray.. you mention "taking his clothes off" a couple times.. geez if I didn't know any better.. I'd say you had some *feelings* towards Ray.. now don't deny it.. it's ok.. let it all out.. you'll feel better that way.. ;)

I'm just teasing ya.. don't get your panties in a bunch..

[thegame]

We have no need for Ray. Boulton is a better fighter, younger, better skater, and actually has some semblance of talent. Ray is nothing more than a novelty anymore.

[bduff54]

the game sees sense. And i remember Rob ray butt ending Bryce Salvator last year so don't pretend he is some angel!

[Thumper]

I'm not pretending he's some angel....I'm not even saying he should be on the last place team in the leagues roster. I'm saying what I said. Read it again if you want to.

Ray is done. Boulton is the guy who should be dressed every night. Ray is one of the most classic Sabres of all time. He had a great run, a long run. We'll always love Rob Ray here in Buffalo. It'll be sad when he hangs them up, but it's probably over due.

[bduff54]

that's all i'm saying. he was awesome and a great leader but now his time is up.

[Sabres#1chick4life]

***** JUST FOR THE RECORD ******

Ray ...... if you knew Ray at all you would know that one biggest reason why Ray ***Made it look like *** the other player took off his jersey or what not is if you knew anything about fighting or boxing you would know that trying to grab someone ESSPECIALLY ON ICE that when you would go to grab him to punch him you couldn't b/c your hands would slip right off their sweaty skin!!!!

You would fall on ur face before you were able to grab a hold of Rays muscular body and give him a what-for!!!
Grabing the jersey while trying to pound a 225 lb. guy is the ONLY balance and chance you got as for trying to beat the living piss out of someone!!! The jersey is what gives you the balance against 225 lbs.
Ray knew this.... fanagled the bagle without making it seem obvious. It didn't look obvious untill everynight when Ray would fight people started to notice he was missing something... perhaps his clothes equipment???? (LOL)
Ray is a VERY SMART NHL fighter.
Not his fault other fighters didn't catch on. ;)
this is why he was re-warded. He was smart and took the penalty game after game just to show the fans a good ass beating everynight. He was hockeys biggest heavey weights ... esspecialy b/c he was smart. His personaltiy reminds me of my own .... A.K.A...... (((( SMART-ASS )))) :grin:

Domi's ONLY chance at becomming a good fighter was his height.
It's just as hard to fight a short guy as it is a guy way over 6 feet. Take #3 Chara.... Who in the hell would fight this guy???
I would run. LOL
He looks whimpy but trying to balance yourself with alomst a 7 foot guy is almost impossible... but only in the NHL... will you see some smart-ass come along and have no fear like Rayzo does. :)


Have a great day :)

*The Chick * :theband:

[Sabres#1chick4life]

Also... Why do you think Ray's fights have been pretty mellow of late??? It's b/c of the "Rob Ray rule". He knows it. It's no exciting that much for him anymore. I talked to him at this years carnival... he seems pretty down and bored with everything.
Says "He need a rest".
Roby and I have a Rob Ray tape. It's 3 hours long and It's got all his fights since the begining.It's AWESOME!!! It's also funny as hell.
Jenerettes got some great "sayings" in it as well.
I am fasinated with Rob Ray and when his time comes to hang up the skates... I will be pretty upset with it.It will be a sad time.
I just wish myself as a fan, I could be there to say one last good-bye.I will truly miss him when he leaves.He was a GREAT fighter and a great all - around person ON and OFF the ice.

Go Ray...go,go,go Ray!!! :theband:

:sabres:

[Thumper]

I think everyone knew why he "allowed" his jersey to come off....They wouldn't have made the "Rob Ray Rule" if no one knew why his sweater always came off. He used to stitch his shoulder pads to his jersey, so that they would come off with his shirt. He was smart for thinking of it, but he could fight either way. It gave him an unfair advantage, so they made the rule.

[bduff54]

I just think it was pathetic of him to do all that stuff, he should fight like a man. But i agree he can fight anyways and didn't need to do that stuff!

[LALAFONTAINE]

Anyone else could have sewed their pads to their jersey too.

[bduff54]

ofcourse they could of but they don't because they knew it was silly and they considered themselves to be hockey players not just som sideshow!

[LALAFONTAINE]

Fighting's a part of the game. This helps fighting. No different than adjusting your curve on your stick.

[bduff54]

come on man, taking off your shirt and running around like a rabid monkey was stupid. i'm sure Ray would even admit it.

[TITUS]

Originally posted by bduff54
What award did Ray win for his play on the ice?? Ray talking off his shirt made hockey look amateur. The guy has embarassed himself and the sabres for long enough. His time is up!

Uuummmmm...no. McSorley using Brashear's head for batting practice made hockey look amateurish. And Duff, you still haven't told us who would win if Domi went against Worrell.

[The REAL Sabres]

Originally posted by bduff54
come on man, taking off your shirt and running around like a rabid monkey was stupid. i'm sure Ray would even admit it.

Uh, am I missing something!?! What about boxers and wrestlers????

[bduff54]

Wrestling is stupid and boxing is entriely different. Domi and worrell have fought before. this is from hockeyfights.com.

Comments:_As the puck drops on a faceoff the two decide to drop em and go. Domi gets off the first 4, missing completely as Worrell puts his hands up in defense. The attack seemed to catch Worrell off guard (possible that Worrell didn't realize Domi was a lefty). The two then spin around a few times as Worrell tries to recover his balance. Worrell throws a wild right, grazing the temple of Domi. They strugglesome more until Worrell gets his right free and throws 5 fast shots, landing on 3 or 4 (one of them appeared to hit Domi's helmet - Worrell's hand injury). The red mark was visible on Domis cheek. Worrell then threw 2 more, landing on one. (Worrell has a big smile on his face and is sticking his tongue out at Domi). The two then migrated across the ice clenched to each other. Domi then gets free and seems to gain the advantage, landing 2 of his own. Big Worrell then has enough and grabs Domi with his usual bear hug as they reach the boards. Worrell then rips Domis helmet off and gives him the "Worrell noogie" as the linesman quickly come to seperate the tiring fighters. At first, Worrell seemed to have trouble with the shorter Domi, but recovered well.

[LALAFONTAINE]

No. Ray getting his shirt ripped off during a fight undoubtedly attracted new fans (not me). Domi's battery of Niedermayer was an absolute disgrace to hockey; it was a complete embarrassment. A cowardly act by a gutless *****.

[bduff54]

yeah it was a disgrace and i will be the first to admit, but that doesen't take away from the fact that Ray's act makes hockey look amateur! Once again you try to switch it over to Domi thinking that I will defend him, i am not some biased fan who thinks all the players are angels. Will you defend Ray Butt-ending Salvator last year? Or will you agree that he is a disgrace too?

[LALAFONTAINE]

I've got nothing wrong with Ray's jersey coming off intentionally. How does it make hockey look amateur?

Ray's play has been disgraceful for several years. I respect everything he's done in the past, but he has not been an enforcer the past few years. He's picked his spots. That is a disgrace.

[bduff54]

running around wildly like some kind of baffoon makes hockey look amateur. Look at bob probert he would rop his gloves beat the crap out of somebody and skate to the box, Rob ray will taunt and point at the fans if he wins a fight it is embarassing for hockey.

[LALAFONTAINE]

What does this have to do with Ray's jersey coming off? Domi and Barnaby are by far the biggest self-promoters after a fight. With Barnaby, it's part of his game. With Domi, it isn't.

[bduff54]

why is it part of the game for barnaby and not Domi? Either way i hate that crap.

[LALAFONTAINE]

Because Barnaby's game is supposed to be a pest, Domi's is to be an enforcer. Barnaby's antics are part of being a pest. Domi's aren't.

[PUCKER]

Originally posted by bduff54
running around wildly like some kind of baffoon makes hockey look amateur. Look at bob probert he would rop his gloves beat the crap out of somebody and skate to the box, Rob ray will taunt and point at the fans if he wins a fight it is embarassing for hockey.

Hes just trying to pump up and rile the fans. Cant see anything wrong with that.

[The REAL Sabres]

Originally posted by bduff54
Will you defend Ray Butt-ending Salvator last year?

Once doesn't make up for once a season.

[bduff54]

is that true sabrejeff??? Give me 10 examples of Domi cheap shots.