Western New Yorkers love Buffalo sports. While other areas of the country may ignore this great city, many locals are infatuated with its regional teams. So here it is: The BV’s take on all things Buffalo sports.
Sabres
While the franchise will never put it this simply, the Sabres have continued the tanking process this week. Their draft pick collection increased as they sent winger Chris Stewart to the Minnesota Wild for a second-round pick. But the biggest unload from Buffalo was their decision to send goalie Michal Neuvirth to the New York Islanders for Goalie Chad Johnson and a conditional pick.
Perhaps one of the few remaining bright spots on the Sabres’ roster, Neuvirth will at least be able to take his talents into the playoffs for a thriving first-place Islanders team. With only Johnson and Anders Lindback maintaining the net, the Sabres’ goaltending may just be bad enough to capture the coveted first overall pick come draft time.
After a surprising 6-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks one week ago, the Sabres have fallen back into their losing habits as they dropped games to both the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Buffalo still holds sole possession of last place in the NHL—but watch out—they are only three points worse than the Edmonton Oilers. The Sabres will face the Ottawa Senators tonight at 7:30 in Ottawa.
Bills
The Bills continue to add stellar quarterback after stellar quarterback to their franchise. They added their latest golden arm as they traded for former Minnesota Vikings QB Matt Cassel, sending two undisclosed draft choices to the North Star State. The 32-year-old is expecting to “compete” with youngster E.J. Manuel come training camp.
Cassel is known for his 10-5 record as the Patriots QB in 2008. The veteran has 96 career touchdowns to go with 70 interceptions.
The Bills also added running back LeSean McCoy from the Philadelphia Eagles in return for linebacker Kiko Alonso. While the Bills already have a dominan defense, this move takes their offense in a new direction. Alonso missed all of the 2014/2015 season with a torn ACL (which he also tore in college).
The Bills have added a healthy offensive presence and have traded an injury-prone linebacker. A smart move for a franchise in need of guidance.
