For the First Time in a long time....

[CatScrap]

This time of year I'm usually pissed about the lack of moves or horrible deals or state of the Sabres roster. For the first time in many years I am looking at it and I'm pretty happy with the strength of our team.

Pending a signing of Enroth as our backup goalie, our team looks like this.

Forward Lines

Vanek Roy Stafford
Ennis Leino Pominville
Gerbe Hecht Boyes
McCormick Gaustad Kaleta

with Kassian, Adams, Gragnani and others in the minors ready to step into a role in case of injury

D-Lines

Myers Ehrhoff
Leopold Regehr
Sekera Weber

with Gragnani and Morrisonn as the 7th and 8th d-man

And of coarse THE MILLER with Enroth backing him up. It seems as though Ruff has confindence in Enroth, so maybe we don't burn THE MILLER out this year before we attempt our playoff run.

 

[DChero]

I have to say, it definitely looks like a big upgrade from last season. Strength at center was something that should have been addressed a long time ago, and Leino does help there. The defensemen look great on paper, and Myers has another year under his belt so he should have a stronger year than the last. I think that I might rank them number two in that division at this point, and certainly worthy of a playoff spot.

 

[SLY]

Sabres I believe definitely are making the playoffs barring any major injuries.

 

[SLY]

Still one of my picks to go to the ECF.

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

I have to say, it definitely looks like a big upgrade from last season. Strength at center was something that should have been addressed a long time ago, and Leino does help there. The defensemen look great on paper, and Myers has another year under his belt so he should have a stronger year than the last. I think that I might rank them number two in that division at this point, and certainly worthy of a playoff spot.

Yeah, the Leafs are looking pretty scary this year.

Oh...

 

[dash]

It's a great combination having an owner that's also a big hockey fan...Sabres fans should be excited.

 

[Eddie_Shack]

I think the Sabres are going to be really tough to play next year. They have kind of a Nashville feel to them, with great goaltending, a very good defense, and some good defensive forwards. I think goals will be tough to come by for Buffalo next year, they will probably make their hay on the power play. I could see them making the playoffs and possibly even getting to the ECF. I personally don't see enough firepower up front to win it all, but they are making steps in the right direction.

 

[CatScrap]

I think the Sabres are going to be really tough to play next year. They have kind of a Nashville feel to them, with great goaltending, a very good defense, and some good defensive forwards. I think goals will be tough to come by for Buffalo next year, they will probably make their hay on the power play. I could see them making the playoffs and possibly even getting to the ECF. I personally don't see enough firepower up front to win it all, but they are making steps in the right direction.

If that's the case, That is what the trade deadline is for. I think now we'll be players then too.

 

[jerseyjigroe]

I have to say, it definitely looks like a big upgrade from last season. Strength at center was something that should have been addressed a long time ago, and Leino does help there. The defensemen look great on paper, and Myers has another year under his belt so he should have a stronger year than the last. I think that I might rank them number two in that division at this point, and certainly worthy of a playoff spot.

Leino plays on the wing. Is Buffalo really going to play him at center?

 

[CatScrap]

Leino plays on the wing. Is Buffalo really going to play him at center?

Leino played at wing for the Flyers because they had no other place for him. If you research him a bit, his natural position is center. He never played winger until he came to the Flyers.

 

[DChero]

Leino plays on the wing. Is Buffalo really going to play him at center?

I'm assuming that he'll be at center. He looks to be the best option.

 

[Eddie_Shack]

Leino played at wing for the Flyers because they had no other place for him. If you research him a bit, his natural position is center. He never played winger until he came to the Flyers.

He never played center in Detroit either, I'm guessing he was a center when he played over in Europe?

 

[CatScrap]

Yeah, Before coming to the NHL all he ever played was Center.

 

[jerseyjigroe]

Yeah, Before coming to the NHL all he ever played was Center.

Ahhh ok, because I know that he only ever played wing in Philly and Detroit. It will be interesting to see how it works. He is a good play maker but is not very physical.

 

[CatScrap]

With Gaustad, Kaleta, and McCormick I think we will be ok Grit wise. I think this year how far we make it in the playoffs is going to simply come down to chemistry. If we can get all 3 top lines clicking and the PP going, we have a chance to make it to at least the ECF.

 

[elocomotive]

This time of year I'm usually pissed about the lack of moves or horrible deals or state of the Sabres roster. For the first time in many years I am looking at it and I'm pretty happy with the strength of our team....

And of coarse THE MILLER with Enroth backing him up.

Glad to hear there is hope.

Also, that lineup looks rough to play against.

 

[SLY]

those are some damn good D pairings

 

[CatScrap]

Hopefully THE MILLER can pull out another Vezina year with some real support from a good defensive core.