It was with a heavy heart that Sabres fans celebrated the team's win over Ottawa last night, with the passing of French Connection legend Rick Martin still weighing heavily on everyone's mind. At least we can all take solace in the fact that last night's game was one that Rico would have loved with goals aplenty and a Sabres win. Today's Sabres links are dedicated to the memory of the great Richard Martin.
Ottawa 4, Buffalo 6: Sabres out-duel Jason Spezza - Silver Seven
Recap of Ottawa's loss to Buffalo from our friends at Silver Seven.
Richard Martin, 1951 -- 2011 - The Buffalo News
TBN's tribute to the former Sabres great.
Former Sabre Rick Martin dies of heart attack - TSN
A lengthy article on #7.
Rick Martin - Buffalo Sabres Legends
A real nice recap of Martin's playing days for those of us too young to remember.
Thoughts on the passing of Rick Martin - THE BEST OF NICK MENDOLA . . .LIVE
A thoughtful article by Nick on Rico's passing from the fan's perspective.
#7 - Buffalo Wins
A Martin perspective from one of us who wasn't old enough to watch him play, but is old enough to appreciate what he meant to the team, the city, and especially the fans.
Richard Martin Remembered - WGR 550
Audio clips from the great Rick Martin's career.
NHL execs gather in Florida to examine state of the game - The Globe and Mail
Concussions expected to dominate discussions this week.
GMs' challenge at meetings: Figure out how to make game safer while maintaining the game itself - ESPN
At their annual meetings next week, NHL GMs face one of their biggest challenges in years: figure out how to make the game safer while maintaining the game itself.
Unyielding demands for change not helping hockey - THN
Analysts and fans who use incidents like the Chara-Pacioretty hit as an opportunity to belittle the NHL for being unwilling to change should look in the mirror.
Passing over Chara, NHL permanently bans stanchion after Pacioretty hit - Intent to Blow
A little bit of levity in the still-debated Chara/Pacioretty debate.