Are the Sabres for real?

The Buffalo Sabres are second in the Eastern conference through the first half of the regular season. Wait, what?

Yes, that’s right. They only trail the New Jersey Devils. So that means their ahead of the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Boston Bruins. So what’s the problem? Well it seems like other people aren’t comfortable with this hockey team. I am kind of on the fence.

They have one of the best goalies in the NHL. They have a pair of young D-men that look extremely promising in Butler and Tyler “The Giant” Myers. A group of forwards that do play well as a group. However, I think the reason some aren’t believers is because we are still comparing this team to the two teams they had just a few years ago.

But this team is actually a lot like the Sabres teams in the late 90’s, winning with strong goaltending, and a stay at home defense.

So what’s wrong with that?

Again, people probably miss the way they used to play. Scoring a lot of goals, and stretching the ice. To be honest, this team can’t play that style anymore. There is proof of that due to the fact that they failed to make the playoffs the past few years. I think if fans are going to buy into this team, their going to have to realize this team is going to play a defense first mentality. Don’t expect blowout wins. Sure, there will be some great games like Pittsburgh and Atlanta, but expect more of a 2-1 type games.

However that doesn’t mean this team is ready to contend. I think that Darcy Regier should evaluate his roster and see what needs are necessary.

If you ask me, they need another shooter, because it looks like Thomas Vanek may have a 20 goal regular season. Yeah, that seams crazy and sure there’s 41 games left, but another guy who could fire the puck and take some pressure off of Vanek would be very beneficial.

Whether the upper management is willing to do so remains a question mark and you never know with Larry Quinn, and the owner who doesn’t even live in New York State anymore.