The question still remains: will the Sabres finally get back into the playoffs? Or will they miss them for a third straight year?
The standings are pointing towards yes, but watching their games may point to no, or at least a first round exit.
The Sabres lack physical toughness, not many players finish their checks, and fights are a rarety in Buffalo. Many believe that if the Sabres enter the playoffs with this kind of toughness, they will go nowhere. All teams that are in the top eight need to have a physical mentality. That's the kind of team that wins championships. Buffalo relies on its finesse offense, which still doesn't score very much, and without hard work they will go nowhere.
Thomas Vanek and Derek Roy have the potential to do great things, when you see them out on the ice however, it seems they just don't care and they skate around waiting for the game to end.
The only players I can give credit to for coming to play every night would be the likes of Patrick Kaleta, Adam Mair, Matt Ellis, and of course, Ryan Miller. Miller is our X-factor. Without him, we would be absolutely nothing. Fans witnessed that last year when Miller became injured and the Sabres missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. With mistakes being a rarity, he comes to play every night.
Another key player for this team is Tyler Myers, who has more points than the rest of our defense and a lot of our offense. This kid is a strong candidate for the Calder Trophy, and is one of the few bright spots on Buffalo's defense. I have a feeling he might not do well under the pressures of the playoffs, though.
Many of the players have faced the playoffs before, seeing how Buffalo went to the conference finals in 06 and 07. But without captain clutch (Chris Drury) and 95 point scored Danny Briere, these guys might be lost. If the Sabres can manage to stay in the top 8 or even win the division, I don't really expect anything out of them, a first round upset at best but we definitely won't get past the second round.
Raffi Torres hasn't done much since we've picked him up. It seems he's just another one of the Sabres annual trade deadline scrub.
I'm getting sick and tired of the way this team plays. Something needs to happen. whether it be changes in the lineup or a new coaching technique (it wouldn't hurt for Tom Golisano to stop being a little baby and start spending a little more either.) If they don't change their game, making the playoffs won't mean a thing. Everyone in Buffalo wants a cup. and nothing less.
Thomas Vanek and Derek Roy have the potential to do great things, when you see them out on the ice however, it seems they just don't care and they skate around waiting for the game to end.
The only players I can give credit to for coming to play every night would be the likes of Patrick Kaleta, Adam Mair, Matt Ellis, and of course, Ryan Miller. Miller is our X-factor. Without him, we would be absolutely nothing. Fans witnessed that last year when Miller became injured and the Sabres missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. With mistakes being a rarity, he comes to play every night.
Another key player for this team is Tyler Myers, who has more points than the rest of our defense and a lot of our offense. This kid is a strong candidate for the Calder Trophy, and is one of the few bright spots on Buffalo's defense. I have a feeling he might not do well under the pressures of the playoffs, though.
Many of the players have faced the playoffs before, seeing how Buffalo went to the conference finals in 06 and 07. But without captain clutch (Chris Drury) and 95 point scored Danny Briere, these guys might be lost. If the Sabres can manage to stay in the top 8 or even win the division, I don't really expect anything out of them, a first round upset at best but we definitely won't get past the second round.
Raffi Torres hasn't done much since we've picked him up. It seems he's just another one of the Sabres annual trade deadline scrub.
I'm getting sick and tired of the way this team plays. Something needs to happen. whether it be changes in the lineup or a new coaching technique (it wouldn't hurt for Tom Golisano to stop being a little baby and start spending a little more either.) If they don't change their game, making the playoffs won't mean a thing. Everyone in Buffalo wants a cup. and nothing less.
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