First time for everything

         For the first time tonight I watched my Buffalo Sabres with out the man I thought was indestructible, Lindy Ruff. Usually with the change of coaches comes new culture and often a shot of hope to the fan base. Except not this time, Rolston comes in as a well established AHL coach. Known for his ability to progress a players career to the next level. Touted  mainly for winning 3 gold medals in IIHF U-18 Championships. If the Sabres were a young team like the Oilers or Islanders I could see the connection. But as a team with an aging core, the second highest payroll in hockey, and a slew of players in make or break years this change is little more than a band aid. Perhaps Mr. Pegula is shortening the leash on Darcy a little bit, covering all bases in case he has to make a GM change. Even worse would be bringing in a new coach under Regier and then being stuck with him once you part ways with the GM. So I think I get it, however that wont lessen the blow to the fan base  The fan base that is paying for tickets at the highest price hike in the league. The fan base that stuck through bad ownership with sub par production and still came out and filled the building. The same fan base who hasn't pitchforked, witch hunted or martyrized a coach or gm in 15+ years. We have been through bad contracts, diva goaltenders, hints of bankruptcy. Yet were still here. Currently off to a  6-11-1 start to a lockout shortened season, still here. If Ron Rolston cant turn it around and the team continues to sputter the fan base is likely to go nowhere. But at some point the return the fan is getting has to rise. You want to charge obscene amounts of money to go to a game,  buy a jersey or eat a hot dog. Now show me why I'm paying this much. Right now were footing the spending spree of a Billionaire's fantasy to run a hockey team.