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It has been a while! After taking some much needed time to focus on life, I am pleased to return to writing on hockey again. Since my last article, I have changed careers (again), witnessed the birth of my daughter, and have regained work-life harmony for the first time in seven years.  Changes in life, however, were not the only reason. Hockey, for as long as I can remember, was enjoyable to watch, play, and discuss with friends and family. My first ever NHL game was the Buffalo Sabres vs the Vancouver Canucks in 1998 and I was falling in love with the game evenRead More →

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In: Atlantic Division, NHL
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The first quarter of the NHL season for the Buffalo Sabres has been a rollercoaster ride to say the least. With a new head coach (Ralph Krueger) with limited NHL experience, who could predict realistically how the team would start. Despite added defenders, the forward group was largely the same. Fans were excited with the their ability to win games off the hop but I feel most involved in the world of advanced stats saw the Sabres coming down to Earth. Embed from Getty Images Winning only one game in the month of November, how will Jason Botterill, as well as the coaching staff, rightRead More →

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After firing a three-time Stanley Cup winning head coach, a General Manager must definitely prove it’s the correct decision. With some questionable choices, such a bold move now puts Stan Bowman, Chicago Blackhawks GM, on the hot-seat. Late runs as the playoffs approach inspire hope amongst fans but history shows it does not indicate success the following year. Notable Players In: Robin Lehner (G), Olli Maatta (D), Andrew Shaw (F), Alexander Nylander (F), Zack Smith (F) Embed from Getty Images Notable Players Out: Artem Anisimov (F-Ottawa), Henri Jokiharju (D-Buffalo), Marcus Kruger (F-SHL), Chris Kunitz (F-Retired) First Key Game: Winnipeg Jets – October 12, 2019 OddsRead More →

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In: Atlantic Division, NHL
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What can I say about the Buffalo Sabres that has not been said? Last season’s second half plunge resulted in a coach firing as the entire team looked out of sync. With a new head coach in Ralph Krueger, fans hope that someone can finally get this group to be on the same page. Even with more additions than subtractions, I find it hard to forecast significant change in the near-term. The long-jam of league-wide RFA’s has definitely halted GM Jason Botterill‘s ability to make a blockbuster, which they may really need to change for the better. Notable Players In: Colin Miller (D), Marcus JohanssonRead More →

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Time sure flies, evidenced by the close of 2019 Buffalo Sabres’ Development Camp just a week after the NHL draft. Sabres’ management, including fixing the roster, prioritizes development of its prospects. The past 4 days were all about acquainting the youngsters with needed components to be able to play in the NHL. As always, camp concludes with the French Connection 3-on-3 tournament. Despite officials and coaches being present, the scrimmage is a less structured means of observing the current prospect pool. Coming off a disappointing season, the organization hopes its fans regain confidence by viewing potential Sabres in the loose competition. Success in the scrimmageRead More →

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NHL Draft Day is here! 31 management and scouting teams have prepared for months while millions of fans await the big event. For some, it will be franchise changing while for others it is about adding to the future. The top-two selections are all but official, with Jack Hughes likely to go first (Devils) and Kappo Kakko immediately after (New York Rangers). Where serious interest lies is in the following 10 picks. No one has any idea how it will proceed but there is potential to be very good prospects from pick 3-12. If your favorite team is picking in those spots, you should doRead More →

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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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In: Atlantic Division, NHL
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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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In: Atlantic Division
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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 →