Buffalo Sabres 09/10 season preview

by Steve

The Sabres open up the season tonight in Buffalo vs the Habs as everyone knows. Also, everyone knows the season doesn't really start until after Bills season. Luckily for Sabres fans that could be as early as 7:30pm tomorrow if the Bills lose to a back up QB and a bad 0-3 Dolphins team.

The Sabres did next to nothing this offseason. Grier is past his prime, Montador is maybe a #7 defenseman on a good team, Peters sucked and won't be missed, Myers will play 9 games and be shipped back and yocal Kennedy is only on the roster because Mair is hurt. Those are the only 4 players that are new from last season.

So what does that mean? Evidently Darc/Quinny/Linda think Pominville and Hecht are going to magically get exponentially better after proving they weren't worth the money last year. Roy is too small, Vanek's contract is crippling and Miller needs to majorly step his game up because of that contract. Vanek will have a big year along with Connolly. The Sabres are going to need more than them two however.

The Sabres are an anomaly. They could be a top 4 or 5 team or they could end up in 10th place again. The defense is average at best and the rookies are going to have to contribute for this team to battle with Boston for the division. More likely the Sabres will finish 7th or 8th depending on the play of Lalime.

I'd like to think Regier and Ruff are on the hot seat but the odds of one or both getting fired/let go after another disappointing season is remote. The owner and managing partner are lost and love continuity. I'm just hoping for no injuries because I am sure as fuck I don't wanna hear that excuse in mid April next year.