As you all know, for the past couple of years, I've remained optimistic about this team; from Darcy Regier all the way down to Mike Weber.
While most people are counting us out due to a lack of upgrades on paper, the more I think, the more I see the Sabres finishing in the top 5 in the eastern conference... possibly even the top 3, as I see Boston slipping from last season, and the Sabres vying for first in the Northeast.
Here is a list of the top 5 reasons the Sabres will take the NHL by storm this season.
- Core Players, Prime Ages
The average age of the Sabres core of Roy, Vanek, Pominville, Connolly, Gaustad, and Stafford is 26. Statistically, most players really hit their strides at that age. These players know the kind of effort it takes to make the playoffs, as they were there just 2 years ago. I think you'll see a much stronger group effort out of them this year, partly because: - New System, New Success
Last year, I became a huge critic of Lindy Ruff due to the style of system he was running. Theoretically, his defense first approach and play tough nature should work. But you have to have the right players for the job. Our set of small, speedy forwards cannot effectively run that system. It's a miracle that we even came close to making the playoffs. You often heard of players being unwilling to buy into Lindy's system last year. That's the reason why.
This year, Lindy is utilizing the talent we have to draft the system, rather than the other way around. You're going to see a very aggressive Buffalo team this year. The puck pressure and relentlessness in the offensive and neutral zones will remind you much of some certain years prior, only with less odd man rushes and more defensive responsibility; a hybrid. You can see the players are much more passionate about playing under Ruff's rules now, and you can see how excited he is to get the year under way because of it. - Veteran Presence Has Returned
Another reason I was critical of the team last season was the lack of veterans at forward. So what did Regier do this offseason? He brought in three of them. Jeff Cowan, Cody McCormick, and Mike Grier will all give the locker room the extra drive that it was lacking last year, not to mention add a tremendous physical edge. As a bonus, Grier will help out big time on an already successful penalty kill unit. - Rookies and Depth
I'm sure Darcy and Lindy's heads are spinning trying to figure out who they're going to keep up and send down after tremendous camps out of Gerbe, Kennedy, and Myers. Successful teams have multiple lines that can score goals, and both Gerbe and Kennedy are ready to fulfill that requirement for Buffalo.
In addition, Tyler Myers. Enough said about that.
- Ryan Miller
Players at camp said that he appears to be in mid season form. Are we about to see a Vezina calibre performance out of Ryan Miller this season? I wouldn't rule it out. The 29 year old has a lot riding on this season, between leading the Sabres to their first playoff appearance in 3 seasons, and beating Tim Thomas for the starting position on the olympic roster.
Still think my predictions are a stretch? Lets take a look at least season.
1-5 versus Ottawa, and 0-4 versus Atlanta. Lets say we salvage 8 points out of that situation. That would have left us with 99 points, good for 5th in the east.
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for the ride of your life in 2009-2010.
LETS GO BUFFALO!
Only a little. Honest.
