Buffalo Sabres Preview

Departures
Jaroslav Spacek, Maxim Afinogenov, Mikael Tellqvist, Dominic Moore, Teppo Numminen

Arrivals
Steve Montador, Joe DiPenta

Forwards
The Sabres have long been a team that promotes from within. That trend will continue this season when youngsters Nate Gerbe and Tim Kennedy get a shot at cracking the line-up. Thomas Vanek is the Sabres offense. He has scored over 36 goals in each of the past three seasons. Pominville, Stafford, Hecht and Paille are all going to have to increase their production if they want to be playing in the post season.

Defenseman
The future is now for defenseman Tyler Myers. The 6’8″, 19-year-old will be given every opportunity to make the roster. Captain Craig Rivet (who is from North Bay) will once again be the anchor on the blueline. While the loss of Spacek and Numminen will sting it will allow Chris Butler to have more, much earned, playing time.

Goalies
Ryan Miller is the face of this franchise. A leading candidate to start in goal for team USA at the Olympics is capable of stealing games. He loves pressure situations. If he stays healthy the Sabres could sneak into the playoffs.

Strengths
- Back to Ryan Miller. The rangy 29-year-old has won 30+ games in each of his first four full seasons. If he is capable of playing 65 games the Sabres will be in contention for the playoffs

- The Sabres have a lot of potential for offense up front. They’re not just a small team anymore with Gaustad, Kaleta, Mair and MacArthur they have a lot of grit with skill.

– Chemistry. The majority of these players have been playing alongside each other for years now, starting at the AHL level. Their familiarity should help them succeed

Weaknesses
- This is virtually the same team that finished 10th last season. Players will have to step up if the Sabres are going anywhere.

- The defense are a capable bunch but they don’t have a stud back there that other teams fear.

Analysis
Same players as last season should provide the same results as last season. The other teams around the Sabres have done much more to improve. Barring a Vezina calibre season from Miller (which is entirely possible) the Sabres will once again be outside looking in.

Prediction: 10th in the East