Buffalo Boy's Blog

Here it is, the shortest offseason in sports is over. The Buffalo Sabres are back at it and though it will be a challenge to accomplish their goal of returning to the playoffs with a much improved and rejuvinated Leafs team, a stocked up Montreal franchise the Sabres will embark on that goal tonight against those hated Habs.

Thats exactly what I am going to refer to them this year, the Hated Habs. Of all the teams in the East who do we hate the most? For me its the Habs. Some might go with Philly but honestly, I've softened on them somewhat. The Habs are like the Yankees of hockey, easy to hate and when they suck you hope they suck more.

I didn't get to my usual position by position season preview with the exception of the centers so briefly Ill give you my run down of this Sabres team:

Forwards: They got more physical in the offseason and though they didn't sign a high profile free agent to lead the offense they did sign a high profile leader. Mike Grier returns.and if he has life left in the legs and can still add the piss and vinegar he brought three years ago this is a great signing, maybe not on the score sheet but definitely in the lockeroom and as a physical presence.

They also re-signed Drew Stafford which was probably the most important part of this season. Drew has big expectations now and has to show that he can be the player we all think he can be. He does it in spurts but this year has to be consistent.

If Tim Connolly plays 70 games this seasaon this team makes the playoffs without a sweat. Last year he put up 47 points in 48 games, that translates to about 80 points. Id take that and this team could use that all season long.

The population of Pominville needs to exceed 20 this year. 30 would be good, 35 better and 40 would be awesome but it will take a consistent season from Clarke Macarthur for Pominville to do that.

Defense: They got tougher and bigger by signing Steve Montador and giving Tyler Myers a shot.

Myers is huge at 6'8" dominated juniors last year. Its nice to see a team that usually preaches patience with their youth give a 19 year old a shot to make the club out of camp. They need his size and if he can keep up hes going to be a Chara-like presence for this team with a bit more scoring touch. Lets hope hes not Mike Wilson part 2 and uses that 6'8" body to his advantage.

Montador makes this team tougher and though he was relatively unknown when signed brings a toughness to the blueline that will help Craig Rivet not have to carry the physical burden all by himself.

Sekera and Butler are both back and hopefully both will play ahead of Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman more often than not.

Goaltending: Ryan Miller looked to be in mid-season form throughout the pre-season, that is good enough for me. Hopefully they can rotate Lalime in there and find the right balance to keep Miller sharp and rested as needed throughout the year.

Coaching: Lindy is on a short leash this year. Hes got what this team was lacking last year: Leadership and toughness in Mike Grier, Steve Montador and ultimately Tyler Myers who if he uses his 6'8" frame should be incredibly tough to play against.

Tonight against the Hated Habs Sabres 5 Hated Habs 3.