from Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News,

You have to hand it to the Sabres. No sports franchise has such an infinite gift for failing miserably and having it come off as a grand strategy.

Three years after the tank, which was going to turn Buffalo back into Hockey Heaven, they finished dead last in the NHL, a staggering 34 points out of a playoff spot. But last week, the Sabres finally won the draft lottery, which means they'll get Rasmus Dahlin.

Dahlin is a genuine stroke of great fortune. There are no serious doubts about this kid, as there are with the Bills' new franchise quarterback, Josh Allen. Dahlin might be the best defenseman to come into the league since Nicklas Lidstrom, a true generational talent.

Throw in the fact that Kim Pegula is taking over as Sabres president and, my lord, we might as well clear the streets for a Cup parade. Never mind that she's unsuited to preside over one pro franchise, never mind two. This is progress, and the team's more gullible fans will quickly forgive the sins of the past.

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