Buffalo Boy's Blog

The Sabres last year were to me weak at center. They had Adam Mair playing on scoring lines....a guy who hasn't scored more than 8 goals in a season. That 8 goal season was last year. That was playing on scoring lines with Thomas Vanek and Derek Roy.

If we see that this year this team has problems. If Tim Connolly and Derek Roy both stay healthy the Sabres have the best first and second line centers in the Northeast Division. They both are capable of 80+ points if healthy.

A big reason for Jason Pominville's drop off last year and Jochen Hecht is their inconsistent centers. They had a different guy between them every night and that might have resulted in them not being on their game.

Third line center I think is Nathan Gerbe's to win or lose. With that said, 1st through 3rd line the Sabres have centers who average from 160 pounds (Gerbe) to 190 pounds (Tim Connolly), not very big up front. Paul Gaustad has to play on the fourth line if Gerbe makes the team unless they move Gerbe to wing and insert Gaustad for some size in the third line.

That would give the fourth line to Gaustad or Mair depending on what happens with Gerbe.Adam Mair to me is much better suited on the wing on the fourth line and he can do spot duty at center on a penalty kill or if there are injury problems. 

Overall not a bad bunch but health is the key especially for Connolly.

At center:

First Line: Tim Connolly

Second Line: Derek Roy

Third Line: Gerbe/Gaustad

Fourth Line: Gaustad/Mair