KevinJames

Buffalo, NY • United States • 23 Years Old • Male

Buffalo Searching For Top Six Forward

The Sabres lineup has not seen many moves since the beginning of the off-season. The loss of Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman didn’t surprise many fans. The addition of Jordan Leopold and the expected call up of Mike Weber will replace the openings those openings.

The Sabres have depth at forward but do they have enough scoring power remains the question. The team is fairly intact from last season and last year it was good enough to win the division and come in third in the Eastern Conference, while totaling 235 goals. However, the 235 goals is the lowest Buffalo has seen in recent years.

At the moment the Sabres top six forwards look are Vanek, Roy, Pominville, Connolly, Stafford and Hecht. Lindy Ruff’s teams have always relied on a good two way forwards, solid defense and goaltending. The Sabres leader in points last season was Derek Roy who finished with 26 goals, 43 assists, and 69 points.

The leading goal scorer was Thomas Vanek who recorded 28 goals in 71 games, which was significantly lower than his average over the three seasons prior where he averaged over 39 goals a season. Buffalo saw three players record over 60 points and Vanek just outside the 60 mark.

Does this mean that the Sabres need to acquire a better goal scorer or someone who can help Vanek get the puck more?…YES. Connolly and Roy disappeared with most of the Sabres when goals were needed. Vanek, Grier and Ennis were the best players in the playoff series against the Bruins. The answer may very well rely in the spark that Tyler Ennis can bring to the lineup if he plays on a regular basis.

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