I know I might be overly optimistic and too quick about it but now that the preseason is over, even if it doesn't mean much, there are a few things that we can't overlook.

Derek Roy had a fantastic preseason with 10pts in 5 games, a scoring touch that we all know he have but he always seemed to struggle at the start of the season. It seems like he won't have a slow start this year.

Thomas Vanek had a disappointing season offensively last year, but I think he matured a lot. He made tremendous progress in his defensive game and his attitude. From what we saw at the end of the year, he was turning his game on and ready to go on a mission. That might happen this year. Just remember 2 years ago in the first 30 games. And now, he could have great linemates to keep up with him.

An then, there is Drew Stafford. He's been a disappointement for some years now, but he always had potential. And now it looks like he finally understood. Will he have a breakout year and become a 30-goals, 60-points guy? I don't know and I'm not sure what his potential is. But what I saw, is that this year he looks very different from the last 2 years. His teamates are saying so in interviews, they have confidence he could become a go-to guy, the big power forward RW we always needed. The one Roy and Vanek always needed.


So this is just some thoughts I had after this preseason: Can they become a feared 1st line around the NHL? Are they better than the Hecht-Connolly-Pominville line? Where do Ennis and Gerbe fall into this?

Debate!

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LET'S GO BUFFALO!

We have a good, balanced offensive attack, which will wear on teams.

This is going to be a magical season for the Sabres.

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Wheelhouse

Drew Stafford has looked downright dominant in preseason. He's got 7 or 8 points, partially thanks to a 4-point night tonight. If he can convert that into regular season production (finally), look out.

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mechaphil

Drew Stafford has probably been the most exciting player during preseason. I'm really looking forward to what kind of year he'll have. Roy has been great too... But I am a little bit worried about Vanek and if he can stay healthy. I'm kind of worried he's starting to become prone to injuries...

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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hockey Night in Buffalo

sorry to say, but I wouldn't call a puck to the face, a sliced muscle (thanks boychuk!!!) and an ellbow/knee to the neck "injury prone" - show me just one player who wouldn't be injured after such incidents. it's just worrying (or telling) that opponents take more and more (cheap)shots against vanek.

Preseason.

That may be, but an inside source tells me that he has a tattoo that reads, "made in China". I'm just saying,

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"I love that you know how to do that." Cheryl/Carol/Crystal

"And I love that I have an erection that doesn't involve homeless people." Kreiger

I'm not saying he's Tim Connolly, but it is a little worrisome to see him missing some time, that's all.

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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hockey Night in Buffalo

Buzzkill.

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"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." ~ Han Solo


We truly are not worthy of Miller!

Even Connolly isn't exactly injury prone. A massive crushing check to land him on his head, a heavy stick to the spine, and blocking a shot with a foot are all things that will land a player on IR most of the time.

I really don't like that term at all. It's over used and never really makes a lot of sense. Next thing people will call Kaleta injury prone too. Hitting hard and getting hit hard will cause more injuries, simple as that.

As for the first line, again this season there really won't be a "first line". We'll have two scoring lines, a checking line, and a physical line that hopefully have a little more scoring and physicality to them. I guess it will be...

Hecht-Connolly-Pominville
Vanek-Roy-Stafford
Ennis-Niedermayer-Grier
McCormick-Gaustad-Kaleta
Gerbe or Ellis as the 13th forward depending

Last season Buffalo was pretty well off with injuries until the playoffs. They'll need more luck again this season.

I can make a prediction, as I did last year, before the season started, based on who I think is trending up and down, and other various factors.

Thanks for spotting my posts though. Really appreciate it.

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Wheelhouse

I refuse to get excited about this team until they earn it. Even when they win the division they shit the bed so why would I get excited about some low budget, amatuer back room preseason fluff girl work?

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Wheelhouse

Yeah okay, maybe I shouldn't have used the term "injury prone". How about "gets injured a lot". I'm worried that Thomas Vanek might be showing a trend that he gets injured a lot, like Tim Connolly.

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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hockey Night in Buffalo

I haven't made my predictions yet, but I have Stafford pencilled in for 28 goals. Why? Contractyearitis.

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mechaphil

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A series of 1-year contracts in Staff's future...

Ham

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Do you believe yet?

the pessimist in me says staff is going to have an awesome year, we sign him for a decent chunk of money for 4 or so years, and he just flat out blows

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PSA: I am an overly sarcastic person. If you take me at my word, then i will most likely anger and offend you.

I like this team.. and I say that every year but this team is good. You can just tell. We have the rookie of the year back... we have young guys coming in that are good.. we have a another veteran on the team.. and we have our "core" lighting the lamp too.. I have a really good feeling about this team. And you can say PRESEASON! ITS JUST PRESEASON! and become ferret and still explain why we needed to sign drury and brier again but this team is going to do well.. really well. Just stay healthy..

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The Board Drunk.