Great start, better ending

Like the rest of Sabres Nation, I was disappointed by the team's 5-4 shootout loss to Atlanta earlier this evening. Going in, I knew the Thrashers posed a tough test. And, as always, it would have been nice to see the Sabres set a record for a team's best start to a season.

I was encouraged, though, by the Sabres' show of heart and desire. They came back four times, including Jochen Hecht's goal with just 1:44 remaining in the third period that forced overtime and, ultimately, the shootout.

Equally impressive, I believe, was the HSBC Arena crowd, standing as one at game's end, and applauding the team's NHL-record-tying 10-0-0 start. In return, the Sabres' players, to a man, saluted the crowd. It was pure class, all around, if you ask me.

It made me proud to be from Buffalo and Western New York.