{"id":788913,"date":"2012-01-03T07:45:19","date_gmt":"2012-01-03T12:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/2inthebox.wordpress.com\/?p=2304"},"modified":"2012-01-03T07:45:19","modified_gmt":"2012-01-03T12:45:19","slug":"questions-are-plentiful-as-sabres-enter-2012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesportsdaily.com\/news\/questions-are-plentiful-as-sabres-enter-2012\/","title":{"rendered":"Questions are plentiful as Sabres enter 2012"},"content":{"rendered":"

The last calendar year for the Buffalo Sabres was quite eventful. Judging the current state of the team, the first half of 2012 will need to be quite eventful as well. \"Questions<\/a><\/p>\n

To offer a brief recap, Terry Pegula swept in at the beginning of the Sabres’ unlikely run to the playoffs shortly before spring had fallen in WNY. The magic surrounding his arrival certainly fueled the dim hopes many Sabres fans had. His support brought additional results to the run that had begun shortly before his official takeover.<\/p>\n

Acquiring Brad Boyes was huge. His contributions were a major reason the Sabres reached the playoffs. Sadly, he disappeared during Buffalo’s first-round loss. However, the summer brought more change. Laser beam Zambonis<\/a>, sweeping renovations to the arena and a deep pocketbook for Darcy Regier to utilize. Utilize he did. Regier acquired Robyn Regehr for a song and inked two high-priced free agents. Perhaps that is where the downfall began.<\/p>\n

Fall and the early winter, while devoid of snow was filled with nothing but doom and gloom for “Hockey Heaven”. A promising start has since fizzled out and many are thinking lottery pick before planning a parade downtown. The overall lack of mental and physical toughness has reared its ugly head many times this year, the constant complaints from fans regarding the core remain and just about every fan is sick of the goaltending, no matter which goalie they tie their allegiance to.<\/p>\n

With 2012 beginning, the Sabres will need another outstanding run to the postseason. Much like the one they went on last season. While their chances of advancing with a deep run seem unlikely, a playoff berth would certainly trump an early start to the golf season. While numerous changes can be expected, many wonder which changes will be made. In addition, will the necessary ones be made?<\/p>\n

Here is a rundown of a few changes, expectations and questions that should feature prominently as the season winds down, the offseason begins and as the franchise moves forward into the 2012-13 campaign.<\/p>\n