Some fans have criticized co-Owners Terry and Kim Pegula for not being more publicly visibleGETTY IMAGES
There might not be a "bigger disaster as an organization in the NHL" than the Sabres when combining a "lack of postseason appearances, organizational turmoil, wasted assets and opportunity, and a growing revolution among fans," according to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN.com. The team is set to miss the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season despite having the "third-largest current salary-cap hit in the NHL. Meanwhile, the Sabres' average tickets "distributed per game is 17,146 (90.8% capacity), down from 17,908 (93.9%) last season." On Saturday, there will be a "Sabres fan protest called Pack The Plaza." One complaint fans "appear to share" is the "public absenteeism" of Sabres Owners Terry and Kim Pegula. Club GM Jason Botterill said the Pegulas are "frustrated" with the path of the team. Sources said that the Sabres were "looking for a president of hockey operations-type last season." But they "never hired one, and seemingly cooled to the idea." Wyshynski wrote if Botterill remains in his role, he "can't see a scenario in which he doesn't have someone above him to help facilitate this turnaround." But Botterill "didn't exactly seem down with the idea of having a new boss between himself and the Pegulas." Botterill: "I feel comfortable with the management group we have, and we understand that we have to continue to be better" (ESPN.com, 2/6).
MIXED SIGNALS? In Buffalo, Mike Harrington wrote the growing perception from fans is that the Pegulas "don't care about this club and that the Sabres have become the forgotten stepchild to the Bills." However, that "doesn't meet reality." The Pegulas "regularly attend games near their Florida home," and they "were in Sweden" for the team's game against the Lightning. Terry Pegula is "not the kind of owner to sit in the center-ice suite so the TV cameras regularly catch him." The Pegulas "want to win," but they "simply don't know how to." The Bills have gone to the playoffs twice in three years, and the Sabres are "much further behind where they should be." The organization needs a "veteran president of hockey operations." Botterill "doesn't want to have an intermediary between him and the owners," but the Pegulas "should tell him after this season that's what they're going to do" (BUFFALO NEWS, 2/5).
