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In: Atlantic Division, NHL, Review
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At the beginning of the season I said that predicting the Buffalo Sabres would be challenging. Other than some roster improvement, I would say this statement has been true. Few imagined that there would be a 10-game winning streak in the first 43 games and hold a playoff spot (wildcard). Most fans might be placated by being in the playoff bubble as it is still better than being in last place. Now fans have the luxury (I use this term loosely) of worrying if the Sabres will stay in a wildcard spot. If the last 7 years were not so terrible, I feel people wouldRead More →

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Through the month of October, it is hard to believe that the Buffalo Sabres are 8th in the Eastern Conference. After 13 games last season, they were below .500 (4-7-2) to kick off a last-place finish. Despite selecting a defenseman thought to be generational (Rasmus Dahlin), most have expected growing pains to continue. Truth be told, the blue and gold have had ugly moments. On the other end of the spectrum, Buffalo has had some bright spots. And going into Saturday night’s game vs the Ottawa Senators, the Sabres have a winning record (6-5-2). Embed from Getty Images GM Jason Botterill‘s changes have shown promiseRead More →

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The theme of the season so far has been that goaltending is carrying the Buffalo Sabres. Carter Hutton showed strongly as the team split the first 4 games followed by Linus Ullmark‘s shutout. With a 3-2 record, despite being out-shot almost every night, play certainly has improved but there is a need to control play. Good goaltending is needed but Buffalo’s five skaters must progress in terms of puck possession to get to the next level. If not, the losses will be like those against Boston and Colorado. Embed from Getty Images Tonight, the Sabres continue their road trip as they attempt to sweep theRead More →

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Buffalo Sabres fans, rightfully so, were apathetic after the season opener (4-0 loss to the Bruins). The play looked like all of the previous season. It also did not help that the Bills had given the “Mafia” much to cheer for. There was a need of relief that went unsatisfied. Now that their season is 3 games in, the Sabres find themselves above .500 for the first time in October since 2013. The Halloween month has not been kind to this franchise and there are signs that they could be going in the right direction. Through this homestand, Carter Hutton has been the key toRead More →

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After ridding themselves of the goose eggs in the win column (vs. Rangers), the Buffalo Sabres look to string two, or more, together. Heading into today’s matinee (3pm. Also a Hi Sticking game. Play it on Twitter), the 31st place team from last season faces one that was in the Stanley Cup Finals. Despite matching records, the Vegas Golden Knights have proven to be a fast team, which is typically the achilles heel for Buffalo. The Sabres have acquired faster hockey players though it has not made game-play much better. Game 1 was horrendous while they scrapped by the New York Rangers in number 2.Read More →

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Anyone hoping that the Buffalo Sabres would be their relief after the Bills (football) mess probably turned off Thursday’s game after two periods. The second major sports team in this small city was as bad the other. Despite all of the noted changes to the roster, the Sabres dropped their home opener to the Boston Bruins without a goal. After being the worst goal scoring team in the NHL, losing 4-0 is not a good start. Though if you are being an optimist, the Bruins were shutout the night before. Let’s not beat around the bush: the Sabres’ performance sucked. There were still some ofRead More →

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The opening night roster, barring unforeseen circumstance, is all but set. Despite the latest move of claiming Remi Ellie (Dallas) off waivers, the roster has been trimmed. Alex Nylander and Brendan Guhle were assigned to Rochester yesterday with Tage Thompson making the initial cut. To no one’s surprise, Rasmus Dahlin has made it and Matt Tennyson is up to be an extra defenseman. There are question marks surrounding the oft-injured Zach Bogosian as he was recently sidelined (lower body) but it is better if Tennyson/Nathan Beaulieu sit in the press box than Guhle. The Buffalo Sabres need for improvement is the understatement of the year.Read More →

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In: Atlantic Division
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Today, the Sabres announced roster cuts that will define opening night. Justin Bailey, Nick Baptiste, and Matt Tennyson were all waived while Alex Nylander, Tage Thompson, and Brendan Guhle were retained and Lawrence Pilut was sent down. Nylander and Thompson (forwards) had a very strong camp, as did Pilut (defense), while Guhle (D) was not as strong. Injuries on defense resulted in the aforementioned staying in the lineup or they might otherwise be in Rochester. For the forwards especially, competition was tight as Bailey, among others, had nice preseason showings. These roster battles were evidence of GM Jason Botterill‘s upgrades on the wing as skill and speedRead More →

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In: Atlantic Division, Central Division, General, NHL
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Sunday night ended any speculation about Center, Ryan O’Reilly, being traded to the St. Louis Blues. He is no longer a Buffalo Sabre. GM Jason Botterill was essentially given what he asked for. Two roster players (Patrik Berglund, Vladmir Sobotka), a prospect (Tage Thompson), and two higher draft picks (1st-2019 with conditions, 2nd-2021). Scoring and forward depth plagued Buffalo but Berglund and Sobotka will improve the bottom-six eventually. Thompson likely starts in the minors and could elevate someone from Rochester (C.J. Smith, Sean Malone) if they are ready. A first round pick never hurts although it is Top 10 protected. The Blues, adding two centersRead More →

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The Buffalo Sabres held their annual development camp this past week, followed by the 3 on 3 scrimmage. For some, this was the first chance to view Rasmus Dahlin, the highlight, in a game-like setting. Yesterday’s scrimmage results ended with 2017 1st round pick, Casey Mittelstadt‘s, group winning the tournament, again. Over 40 draftees, signees and invitees worked on skills, on and off the ice, while concluding the camp with some game simulation. Season ticket holders filed into the Harbor Center in downtown Buffalo to watch potential pros. Though not that close to an real game, the youngsters had the opportunity to show off. EmbedRead More →