Buffalo Sabres 12-13 Season
Posted 1:34 PM ET | Comments 7
I wont believe that Derek Roy isn't a Sabre anymore until I see it Sunday 1/20/13 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Sabres didn't make any moves for a true NHL caliber number 1 center, but I do like the moves that they made in the off-season (a very long off-season.) Buffalo Sabres traded Derek Roy for tough guy Steve Ott and dman Adam Pardy. They also acquired enforcer John Scott and recently just resigned Jochen Hecht.
I like that the Sabres got Steve Ott, he's gonna go out and give it his all every shift. He'll motivate teammates and put up 30 maybe 40 pts. I've heard nothing good about Adam Pardy so I don't think we'll be seeing much of him this season, but he's there for extra defensive depth. John Scott adds more toughness with Ott making the Sabres a tougher team to play against. If Hecht can stay healthy than its a good pickup but regardless its a 1 year deal so its not a big risk.
I've read a lot of articles that say Buffalo wont be that good of a team this year, but I disagree. If you look back the past few years the Sabres have always been on fire out of the gate, than fall into the depths of hell just to go on a tear to give the fans hope, than fall short of the playoffs.
This year I think the Sabres will make the playoffs, not as a top 4 team in the conference. I think they will give Boston a run for their money for a division title early in the season but will fall short. Boston is too good of a team and will win another division title this year. I see Buffalo getting into the 2nd round of the playoffs but don't see them going farther than that, seeing that their lacking a true number 1 center.
I hope Grigorenko can be another Tyler Myers but that's wishful thinking and most likely he'll be sent back to the 'Q for seasoning.
Thomas Vanek will lead team in goals and points.
Ryan Miller will be near perfect.
Leino, Ennis and Hodgson will have a breakout season.
Ruff will continue to use Nathan Gerbe wrong
The Sabres didn't make any moves for a true NHL caliber number 1 center, but I do like the moves that they made in the off-season (a very long off-season.) Buffalo Sabres traded Derek Roy for tough guy Steve Ott and dman Adam Pardy. They also acquired enforcer John Scott and recently just resigned Jochen Hecht.
I like that the Sabres got Steve Ott, he's gonna go out and give it his all every shift. He'll motivate teammates and put up 30 maybe 40 pts. I've heard nothing good about Adam Pardy so I don't think we'll be seeing much of him this season, but he's there for extra defensive depth. John Scott adds more toughness with Ott making the Sabres a tougher team to play against. If Hecht can stay healthy than its a good pickup but regardless its a 1 year deal so its not a big risk.
I've read a lot of articles that say Buffalo wont be that good of a team this year, but I disagree. If you look back the past few years the Sabres have always been on fire out of the gate, than fall into the depths of hell just to go on a tear to give the fans hope, than fall short of the playoffs.
This year I think the Sabres will make the playoffs, not as a top 4 team in the conference. I think they will give Boston a run for their money for a division title early in the season but will fall short. Boston is too good of a team and will win another division title this year. I see Buffalo getting into the 2nd round of the playoffs but don't see them going farther than that, seeing that their lacking a true number 1 center.
I hope Grigorenko can be another Tyler Myers but that's wishful thinking and most likely he'll be sent back to the 'Q for seasoning.
Thomas Vanek will lead team in goals and points.
Ryan Miller will be near perfect.
Leino, Ennis and Hodgson will have a breakout season.
Ruff will continue to use Nathan Gerbe wrong
What exactly is the right way to use Nathan Gerbe, as much as I like the kid he is not a top 6 winger and is too small to play on a shut down line
if miller plays perfect, vanek leads the team in scoring and leino, ennis and hodgson have breakout seasons, this team will make the playoffs and probably win the division...boston is the favorite, indeed, but how will tuuka rask handle the responsibility of being a #1 goalie?...big difference between a back-up and a starter
Message Posted
How many true NHL number 1 centers were available?
I think the Sabres will surprise alot of people this year. Grigorenko is the real deal and will probably make Leino a productive player again. He strived w/ Briere and Hartnell, which is similar to a playmaking center (Grigs) and Tough guy who can score (Ott). We shall see.
the last thing miller is...... is perfect. i do agree that Ruff will use Gerbe. he is not a top 6 forward but if he plays with talent he can score goals..... but again lindy Ruff is not a good enough coach to get this team to a championship.
I remember a stat from last season that the Sabres were worlds better when they had their complete D together and when Ennis is in the line up as well. If they can stay healthy, which I think they will already got their "injury bug" out of the way, they can definitely give Boston a run. On paper we have the best team in the NE by far its just a matter of the team coming together as a TEAM and it looks like they have. I mean Leino was smiling on the ice during the scrimmage, thats always a good sign.