Where We Are: Losers of two in a row. Tenth place in the conference, even with ninth place Atlanta who has two games in hand on us. Only two points behind eighth place Montreal with a game in hand ... making this almost a must-win.
Where They Are: Tied for first in the Northeast with Ottawa with 77 points but with three games in hand, so you can imagine they are thinking they can start seizing the division crown by winning tonight.
Who To Watch For: Team USA star Ryan Miller - without Scott Gomez to injure him and end the Sabres playoff hopes like last year, Miller should be able to easily handle our pop-gun attack. Buffalo added Raffi Torres to their lineup at the deadline and he promptly assisted on the game-winning goal against Philly. Torres has a five-game point streak going back to before the break. Thomas Vanek has been disappointing this season but is always a threat. Patrick Kaleta is certainly worth watching, as he will likely try to decapitate a Ranger to two. Tyler Myers is just amazing to look at in a 'Zdeno Chara gigantaur I can't believe he is human' kind of way.What To Watch For: In the past Hank hasn't looked the greatest when coming off of a forced night off, see how he reacts this time around - especially considering what happened in his last game (hung out to dry and make 50 saves ... only to lose). Marian Gaborik's health and effort. Former Islander Tim Connolly trying to stick it to us yet again.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: A better effort than the Rangers have put out in the last four periods. Gaborik to score. Hank to face less than 55 shots and to shine better than Miller. Kaleta to get his comeuppance. The population of Pominville to stay right where it is.
Also Check Out: Shots off the Crossbar and SBN's Die By The Blade.
"Peepin' Foes: The Buffalo Sabres - A Season of Rebuilding and Rebirth"
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL, some teams find themselves in the midst of transformation. The Buffalo Sabres are one such team. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the Buffalo Sabres' 2021-2022 season, exploring their journey, challenges, and the promise of a brighter future.
Chapter 1: A Fresh Start
The Sabres entered the season with a new sense of optimism. With a revamped roster and changes in leadership, including head coach Don Granato, they were eager to put the struggles of previous seasons behind them.
Chapter 2: The Young Guns
One of the most exciting aspects of the Sabres' season was the emergence of their young talents. Players like Rasmus Dahlin, Dylan Cozens, and Casey Mittelstadt showcased their potential, offering a glimpse into the team's future.
Chapter 3: A Tale of Two Halves
The Sabres' season was marked by contrasting halves. In the first half, they showed flashes of brilliance and competitive spirit, hinting at a team on the rise. However, the second half saw a decline in performance, highlighting the challenges of consistency in a long NHL season.
Chapter 4: Goaltending Conundrum
Goaltending has been a topic of discussion in Buffalo for several seasons. The team's netminders faced adversity, with injuries and inconsistent play. Addressing this position will be crucial for the Sabres' future success.
Chapter 5: Trade Deadline Moves
As the trade deadline approached, the Sabres made strategic moves to build for the future. Trading away veteran players in exchange for draft picks and prospects signaled a clear commitment to the rebuilding process.
Chapter 6: A Dedicated Fan Base
Despite the team's challenges, Sabres fans remained passionate and dedicated. Their unwavering support, whether at the KeyBank Center or from afar, is a testament to the strong hockey culture in Buffalo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are the Sabres on track for a successful rebuild?
A1: While the Sabres faced challenges during the season, their commitment to developing young talent and accumulating future assets through trades suggests they are moving in the right direction.
Q2: Which young players have stood out for the Sabres this season?
A2: Rasmus Dahlin, Dylan Cozens, and Casey Mittelstadt have been among the standout young talents, offering hope for a promising future.
Q3: What should Sabres fans look forward to in the coming seasons?
A3: Sabres fans can anticipate continued growth and development from their young core, along with the potential for high draft picks that will further bolster the team's prospects.
The Buffalo Sabres' 2021-2022 season has been a story of rebuilding and rejuvenation. While they faced challenges and inconsistencies, the emergence of young talent and a commitment to the future paint a hopeful picture for Sabres fans. The team's journey may have its ups and downs, but the promise of a brighter future shines through, making the Buffalo Sabres a team to watch as they navigate their path to success in the NHL.
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