At least on the ice, Patrick Kaleta is a tough guy to like. That’s basically the point.
Working for the same cause can raise sympathies - getting to know someone often proves that they’re not the “monster” they seem - but it’s understandable when that takes time.
New Buffalo Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma admits he’s still fighting that feeling with the super-pest, as the Buffalo News’ John Vogl notes.
“I have a hard time not wanting to kill him,” Bylsma said. “I’ve told him that.”
Bylsma on Kaleta: "I let him know, 'I’m trying to like you. I’m trying to put it behind me,' but ... he still does inspire that in me." 2/2
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) September 19, 2015
Imagine, for a second, the meetings Bylsma had in which he evaluated players with Ray Shero during those great “24/7" episodes ... only this time he’s saying to Tim Murray “well, I want to destroy Kaleta less than usual today.”
All joking aside, it’s refreshing that Byslma acknowledges the disdainful elephant in the room.
One would guess that Raffi Torres took time to gain the respect of his teammates in San Jose, among other situations.
The real question, honestly, is if Kaleta can help Bylsma win. Success has a way of easing certain tensions, after all.