Are the Buffalo Sabres for real?

by Steve

Alright enough Yankee bashing and Bills talk for oh, ten minutes. The Sabres season hasn't fully started yet since it is still football season, but the team is off to such a blazing start something needs to be said. After nine games, the Sabres have one of the best young defenseman in the game (he's only 19 and yes he is staying), their goalie is playing lights out and they are alone in first place. But are they for real?

Really it is tough to say. They haven't beatin anyone great or perhaps even good outside of Detroit but you only play the teams you play. The N.E. division is up for grabs and if Millsie continues to play as well as he is currently, there is no reason to believe this team won't be contending for a division title.

Somethings are noticeably disconcerting with this team including the back up goal tender (Lalime), Roy and his zero goals, Vanek and his zero assists, Jochen Hecht (only because of his contract) and ... that's pretty much it. I would say Stafford and Pominville but Pommers appears to be picking it up and Dreeeew isn't killing me. Plus it is still only nine games.

There are however positives of this team that keep me hopefully of a playoff round victory or two. The defense is killing it in front of Millsie. There is only one player that is a minus (Sekera and he has only played three games) and the depth at D is ridiculous. Also the contributions of Mike Grier on the ice (three goals) and off it are undeniable. The entire team appears to be playing with more grit and determination. Kaleta appears to have more offensive prowess then previously thought, Kennedy looks solid and Montador has given more than anticipated.

Overall I wouldn't be shocked if the Sabres finished in the top four in the division but a fall back with a tough November schedule wouldn't be all together unexpected. Ruff has the team playing and with Millsie in net there is no reason to think this squad is a fluke right now.