Buffalo Sabres officially suck

by Steve

I'm not positive, but I don't think its possible to drive home the fact that Darcy Regier and Lawrence Quinn ruined the most exciting, profitable, successful hockey team in the history of the Buffalo Sabres in 1 day. Well, it wasn't just in one day it was over a span of about two years but it boiled down to the start of free agency this past July and those two hacks failed us miserably.

By failing to sign either Drury or Briere or even both before they became free agents, Darc/Quinny destroyed something "magical". The Sabres currently sit in a tie for 10th place in the Eastern Conference with 11 points. They're dead last in the Northeast division, milking a two game losing streak and are playing like shit.

Yes, it is still really early, only twelve games in, but can anyone argue this team is even a shell of its former self? Twelve games in last season they were 11-1. Granted that was one of if not the hottest streaks in franchise history, but 6 games worse? The team has no true leader, no consistent captain, no one to replace either Drury or Briere.

"But bu.. the leaders will come from within, there is still a lot of talent on this roster" Bullshit, Roy(5 goals 10 points) Vanek(4g 10p) and Afinogenov (3g 5p) are gripping tighter than Andrew Peters to the final days of his NHL career. Two of the three of them just got paid big time and none are playing worth their contracts and certainly don't look ready to step up as the leader of this team. Tim Connolly? One goal, the next great thing Drew "Staffinfection" Stafford? Two goals and four points.

Scoring isn't even the main concern right now either. Ryan Miller is looking as mediocre as it gets and the team defense while with injuries and a few rookies playing, looks as bad as it ever has. They are lacking physicality and at times just seem to be going through the motions out on the ice. The problems are many and the solutions are few, someone needs to step up ASAP and I honestly can't picture anyone doing so. Hecht? Gaustad? Pick your poison neither one has shown me much.

Things aren't going to get any easier for this once proud franchise either. Their next 9 games are against division opponents and all 8 games remain against the division leading Ottawa Senators. November is a crucial month for the 'bres and if they don't start winning the season could be in an irreversible tailspin.