Buffalo Sabres fans at HSBC Arena are brutal

[ClusterFreak]

If you've watched any of the Sabres home games this playoff season, you might concur. First, when Sabre Brian Campbell levelled the Flyer player in game one of their first round series, the fans cheered wildly when the devastating hit was replayed on the jumbotron. Yes, cheered and encouraged to do so by the Sabre/HSBC production staff who replayed the hit more than once after it happened. This guy was hit cleanly, at least within the NHL rulebook, but was absolutely tagged into the next area code. He was dazed and confused and needed to be helped off the ice. He did not return to the series with a concussion.

Then in the last two home games against the Senators, more boorish behaviour from people who should really know better. Especially in game four last night, repeatedly yelling "Fraser sucks!!" (i.e. referee Kerry Fraser), and then turning on their team when they lost the game. Fans chucked debris on the ice, including brooms some had brought in anticipation of a four game sweep. Oh, you mean you deserved a sweep from your team, they owed it to you? Over the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference? Brutal IS the word. When I was a young kid (25-30 years ago), I was a big Sabres fan and went to many games with my dad. I loved Gilbert Perreault, he was my idol. Anyway, my how times have changed. I don't remember fans at the old Auditorium acting like such spoiled assholes as I have seen, admittedly on TV broadcasts now, over the last couple of weeks or so. Grow the hell up people. I mean, sure you folks are starved for a winner (Buffalo Bills went 0 for 4 in the Super Bowl and the Sabres have been to the Cup finals twice, losing both times), but show some class, will ya?

[Robbie Michaels]

1. Oh boy

This happens at all NHL arenas and it's been going on for at least 20 years.

[ClusterFreak]

2. So the "happens" part you acknowledge.....good...

That's my point. Wherever this happens, it makes the fans look bad, that's all. It's not a Buffalo phenomenon, but I was watching a Sabres home game and saw some stupid shit going on, so I commented.

Oh boy.

[Robbie Michaels]

3. No worries

I've seen worse fan behavior.

[devilgrrl]

4. Their behavior reflects what this country has turned into under the BFEE

Snotty, boorish and arrogant.

What's especially disturbing is that it's Buffalo fans, they were never like that when I grew up there. Then again, there is a bitter history between the Flyers and Sabres that could account for the over-enthusiastic response to the Umberger hit (a clean hit btw). As for the Senators, they've given the Sabres absolutely no respect throughout this series and I personally thought Fraser made some shit calls - he has a habit of injecting himself into games as if people are there to see him. Whatever the case, I have to agree that Sabres fans should settle down some.

Let's Go Buffalo!!!!

[Robbie Michaels]

5. The rivalry might have something to do with it

If my Kings were playing the Sabres, we'd probably yawn. If we were playing the Stars, Avalanche, Ducks or Sharks, you'd hear me do the "(fill in the team name) suck!" chant at the top of my lungs with the rest of the audience. I even do that at home when I watch Fox Sports Net.

Seventeen years after the fact, I still love how "Oilers suck!" rolls off my tongue when we play Edmonton or some of our old Smythe Division rivals.