Peepin' Foes: Buffalo Sabres

Sorry about the delay on this, I had some work today and then was completely obssessed with the series finale for Battlestar Galactica. As someone who grew up loving the original and then revering it's revival, I have to say that they did a soso job ending it. But that is neither here nor there. What is here is a huge weekend for the Rangers with back-to-back games - first the Sabres on Saturday and then the Sens on Sunday. The fact that the Blueshirts can make a legit claim to home ice advantage by sweeping these two games is scary, especially with the playoff ticket costs how bad this team was just a few weeks ago.

Where We Are: Veni, vidi, victum: I came, I saw, they conquered (I think that's right, online translators suck). The Rangers edged out the Habs in the talent competition on Tuesday to take two points away from Montreal. That's six wins in the last eight games and sit in seventh place in the East, one point behind Carolina and four behind Pittsburgh and Philly. Philly has a game in hand on the Rangers while the Blueshirts have two games in hand on the Canes and Pens. A first round 4-5 against Philly is a scary thought but one that can be entertained with just 11 games left (and the last two against the Flyers? What drama!).

Where They Are: Without Ryan Miller, the Sabres are in desperate need for some wins if they are to make the playoffs. They slipped down to 10th and trail eighth place Montreal by five points. Tonight they got bit by Briere for two goals that turned a 3-2 lead into a 4-3 deficit - if only Chris Drury can have the same impact against his former team tomorrow ...

Who To Watch For: Former Ranger Dominic Moore had a goal and an assist in that loss to the Flyers, snapping a six game scoreless streak. Bobblehead Tim Connolly got that fat paycheck last month and has just two assists in his last six games. Derek Roy and Thomas Vanek are as dangerous as always, as I am sure Patrick 'Killer' Kaleta is. Hopefully he manages not to severely injure any Rangers and the Blueshirts avoid going out of their way to hurt him.

What To Watch For: If the Rangers relent and give Roy or Vanek room to create, watch out. They are two extremely skilled players and they have been able to get the puck past Hank in the past. It is doubtful that the Sabres would go hunting for Scott Gomez as he is the one who collided with Miller (and got my first star for it) but if the game gets out of hand for the Rangers (one can only hope), it is a definite possibility.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: It will be Saturday night hockey in New York so perhaps the Garden can get rocking with a another strong effort from the boys. Let's hope that Sean Avery can continue to keep his emotions in check and play smart hockey as the Sabres can key on him and get him frustrated. They pretty much took him out of the second round playoff series two seasons ago. Buffalo brawler Andrew Peters hardly plays anymore so a heavyweight tilt against Colt is quite doubtful.

Also Check Out: Sabres Insider, Sabres Not Slugs! and SBN's Die By The Blade.

 Peepin' Foes: Buffalo Sabres - A Look at the Team in Transition

The Buffalo Sabres, a team with a storied history in the NHL, find themselves in a period of transition and rebuilding. As we delve into the world of the Sabres, we'll explore their journey, key players, and what the future holds for this franchise that has faced its fair share of challenges.

A Franchise in Transition

The Buffalo Sabres have undergone significant changes in recent years, both on and off the ice. After years of struggling to find consistency and success, the team made a deliberate decision to rebuild and invest in their future.

Key Players in Transition

Rasmus Dahlin: The young Swedish defenseman was the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. He represents the future of the Sabres' blue line and has shown flashes of brilliance in his early career.

Dylan Cozens: Cozens, another first-round pick, is a promising young forward with the potential to become a cornerstone player for the Sabres. His skill and versatility make him an exciting prospect.

Victor Olofsson: Olofsson has displayed a knack for scoring goals, particularly on the power play. His offensive abilities make him a valuable asset as the team continues to develop.

Challenges and Highs

The Buffalo Sabres have faced their fair share of challenges in recent seasons, but there have also been moments of hope and promise:

1. Jack Eichel Saga: The Sabres faced a high-profile situation with former captain Jack Eichel, who was traded in a blockbuster deal. While his departure marked the end of an era, it allowed the team to acquire key assets for the future.

2. Young Talent: Buffalo's commitment to rebuilding has led to the emergence of young, talented players who are gaining valuable NHL experience. This development phase is essential for the team's long-term success.

3. Goaltending Stability: The Sabres have sought stability in goal, and players like Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have shown potential. Goaltending is crucial to a team's success, and Buffalo is working to solidify this position.

FAQs About the Buffalo Sabres

What is the Sabres' long-term plan for success?

The Sabres are committed to a patient rebuild, focusing on developing their young talent and acquiring future assets through the draft and trades.

How has the departure of Jack Eichel impacted the team?

Eichel's departure was a significant move, but it allowed the team to acquire assets and move forward with a fresh outlook.

Are there any promising prospects in the Sabres' system?

Yes, the Sabres have a promising pipeline of young talent, including players like Owen Power, who was selected first overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.

When can Sabres fans expect to see a competitive team again?

While the timeline for a full rebuild can vary, the Sabres are focused on building a competitive and sustainable team in the coming years.

The Road Ahead

For Buffalo Sabres fans, the journey ahead may require patience, but there is hope on the horizon. With a commitment to developing young talent, making strategic moves, and building a strong foundation, the Sabres are laying the groundwork for a brighter future. While the road to success may have its share of challenges, the Buffalo Sabres are determined to rise once more and become a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.