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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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The 2019-20 NHL season is well under way now. Some teams have had hot starts, while others are struggling to find a win. Which teams have had the hottest starts though? We sat our writing team down around the table to get their opinions on which teams have been dominant and have made the most of their early fixtures.   Colorado Avalanche – Carl There’s nothing more dominant than getting a point in every game so far this season. At the time of writing, the Avalanche sit atop the standings with a record of 7-0-1, a pace that certainly will not be maintained. But canRead 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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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 new talent hasn’t disappointed so far in 2018-19. The Calder Trophy is normally a good indicator of a young player’s future. So far, there have been several standout candidates. These players are the new lifeblood for their respective franchises and could well spell great things for their future. Drafting these young guns is never straightforward, but these gambles are paying off. Here are three potential Calder Trophy candidates, along with a few honourable mentions: Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks) Embed from Getty Images Until a nasty hit by Mike Matheson caused him to be sidelined with a concussion, this 19-year-old Swede was flying. In his firstRead 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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Every season it happens — those woebegone teams who have struggled for seasons on end once again get left behind in the dust of discussions about “contenders.” But every season, it also happens that some of them get good and mad and surprise us all . . . or some of us at least. This season, let’s look at just a few that will bring enough shock and awe to make the post-season or at least come close enough to smell it. In order of surprise by season’s end, let’s go: #1 – Buffalo Sabres People talk about Rasmus Dahlin and Jack Eichel, maybe evenRead 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 →