I think our division happens to be ripe for the picking right at the perfect time for us.

Florida has heavily depended on Luongo, Jagr & Mitchell. As they tail off, it remains to be seen how that'll affect the overall team.

Stamkos might not come to Buffalo, but his loss will hurt Tampa. The "triplets" line isn't gonna have as much room without him to take pressure off them. Also, they might have to trade Bishop now, bc he's UFA after next year. Is Vasilevskiy ready?

Detroit has a weird goalie issue. Datsyuk night leave for Russia next year, but he & Zetterberg are old anyways. They've got some good young forwards who are starting to come into their own, but defense is a big problem for them. Pretty mediocre for the most part.

Boston seems like they overachieved to me. They're about to miss the playoffs. And Chara just isn't what he used to be, which is probably why Radk has looked erratic at times.

Montreal is probably going to make some big changes. Even with Price coming back, they've proven they're a mess. Remains to be seen how the upcoming changes will affect them.

Not to worried about Ottawa. They're average at best, and that's if they can find a way to pay their good young players. Seems like they'll have to let some go though.


So it looks to me like we are on the rise,
When everyone else is starting to slip a bit.
We could be the "surprise" team of the NHL next year with a couple nice moves by Murray & rebound seasons from guys like Ennis & Girgensons.
And consistent play from guys like Bogosian, Foligno & Larsson.

I don't think this team is far away from success
- jdfitz77

I think this is all quite accurate. IF we are able to steal Stamkos from TB and somehow add a top pairing defenseman, I gotta think we are the division favorite.

Hey guys, been gone last week on buisness seems I missed a lot.

While it's nice the Sabres have been playing well lately against weaker teams I still don't think this present roster is enough to beat teams like Washington, Tampa or the beasts of the West. We're not fast enough or defensively sound. And we barley get any shots on net. We still got owned for most of the season against playoff teams and what does that get you in the end? An average season and an average Joel Armia, Drew Stafford type draft pick... I like the progress the younger guys have made but having Gionta, Larsson and a few of the other vets playing well recently does nothing for the future of this team. It only hinders it. Look at Columbus last year as a prime example.

22 point drop from year 2 to year 3

4-8 point drop of from year 3 to 4

he should be on the hot seat, but won't
- homiedclown

AVs lost Stastney & O'Reilly up front
Big losses

I think this is all quite accurate. IF we are able to steal Stamkos from TB and somehow add a top pairing defenseman, I gotta think we are the division favorite.
- Deuce81

I wouldn't say division favorite...
But I'd put us right in the mix with Florida, Detroit & Tampa
I'd prob expect all of us to finish fairly close to each other, with Montreal possibly in the grouping depending on how Price comes back & what other moves they make

Ok, I'll try it again. This time it's HockeyBuzz2 password is hockeybuzz I guess hardhat is getting me from beyond.

http://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/#/league/129172

If it doesn't work this time I give up.
- Wetbandit1

I'm in

Hey guys, been gone last week on buisness seems I missed a lot.

While it's nice the Sabres have been playing well lately against weaker teams I still don't think this present roster is enough to beat teams like Washington, Tampa or the beasts of the West. We're not fast enough or defensively sound. And we barley get any shots on net. We still got owned for most of the season against playoff teams and what does that get you in the end? An average season and an average Joel Armia, Drew Stafford type draft pick... I like the progress the younger guys have made but having Gionta, Larsson and a few of the other vets playing well recently does nothing for the future of this team. It only hinders it. Look at Columbus last year as a prime example.
- bluengold12

Well, lucky for us, THIS teams season is over in 2 games.

Hey guys, been gone last week on buisness seems I missed a lot.

While it's nice the Sabres have been playing well lately against weaker teams I still don't think this present roster is enough to beat teams like Washington, Tampa or the beasts of the West. We're not fast enough or defensively sound. And we barley get any shots on net. We still got owned for most of the season against playoff teams and what does that get you in the end? An average season and an average Joel Armia, Drew Stafford type draft pick... I like the progress the younger guys have made but having Gionta, Larsson and a few of the other vets playing well recently does nothing for the future of this team. It only hinders it. Look at Columbus last year as a prime example.
- bluengold12

Going by the 2nd half of the season, we'd be on pace for 90points
Account for progression from young guys, & bounce back seasons from a couple guys who disappointed, and then some more consistent play from guys like Bogosian, Foligno, Larsson, etc...
That's at least got us in the mix for the playoffs
A couple key additions & we're for real IMO
Definitely a team that can make some noise in the playoffs
Not quite a Cup contender, but well on the way

Well, lucky for us, THIS teams season is over in 2 games.
- seedy

Gmtm is expertly adding pieces each year. He'll add a couple of more pieces this offseason (obvious but prob a LHD and a winger for Eichel) and the team should take another step forward. Wildcards are if we win the lottery or the Stamkos bidding

Gmtm is expertly adding pieces each year. He'll add a couple of more pieces this offseason (obvious but prob a LHD and a winger for Eichel) and the team should take another step forward. Wildcards are if we win the lottery or the Stamkos bidding
- turbo044

I kind of want to see the Oilers win the lotto, madness would ensue

Hey guys, been gone last week on buisness seems I missed a lot.

While it's nice the Sabres have been playing well lately against weaker teams I still don't think this present roster is enough to beat teams like Washington, Tampa or the beasts of the West. We're not fast enough or defensively sound. And we barley get any shots on net. We still got owned for most of the season against playoff teams and what does that get you in the end? An average season and an average Joel Armia, Drew Stafford type draft pick... I like the progress the younger guys have made but having Gionta, Larsson and a few of the other vets playing well recently does nothing for the future of this team. It only hinders it. Look at Columbus last year as a prime example.
- bluengold12

The assumption here is that their place in the standings is literally the only way to improve this team or that they don't plan on improving beyond picking the next drew stafford, which is ridiculous.

Columbus is not a prime example. They go where Bobrovksy takes them, this team thankfully isnt build around its goaltender. There are no illusions about what this team needs and what can be repeated next year.

Going by the 2nd half of the season, we'd be on pace for 90points
Account for progression from young guys, & bounce back seasons from a couple guys who disappointed, and then some more consistent play from guys like Bogosian, Foligno, Larsson, etc...
That's at least got us in the mix for the playoffs
A couple key additions & we're for real IMO
Definitely a team that can make some noise in the playoffs
Not quite a Cup contender, but well on the way
- jdfitz77

This would be cherry picking, ignoring an entire half of the season. Progression from young guys is a safe bet, expecting disappointments to suddenly turn it around and more consistent play from guys who's careers have been wildly inconsistent may not be.

I kind of want to see the Oilers win the lotto, madness would ensue
- Mentalorgasm5

If that happens they'll quickly put in place on non-repeat clause, which they should have done this year. Something like if you get the top pick in one year your ineligible for the top pick for the next two years and if you get a top 3 pick in one year you Cant get a top 3 pick the next year

This may be my NHL 16 Gm talking but how would everyone feel if we traded:

Ennis, Moulson, Psysk 2016 First

for

Muzzin and Gaborik

They get a young winger young defensemen, high draft choice
We get our #2 defensemen and our second line winger to play with Eich and Reino

Any thoughts?

This would be cherry picking, ignoring an entire half of the season. Progression from young guys is a safe bet, expecting disappointments to suddenly turn it around and more consistent play from guys who's careers have been wildly inconsistent may not be.
- Sabresfan-365

I'm not at all ignoring the 1st half

The 2nd half just goes to show the progression this team is making

It's just common sense that, even though we added a lot of talent, tht it would take a while for everyone to mesh. And in a new complicated system.

Going forward, it's sensible to assume a continued upswing.

It's not like I took 10random games...
I used the entire 2nd half of the season
That's a sizable sample size

As far as guys like Foligno & Larsson becoming more consistent...
It's definitely not a sure thing,
But most young guys take years to really put it all together
Not everyone comes into the league like Eichel & Reinhart
Those guys are bottom 6 anyways though
Not that they aren't important, but our success doesn't exactly hinge on their nightly play either

Let's look at all the guys we expected more from offensively this season, or hope to be more consistent

Even if just 3 of Kane, Girgensons, Ennis, Moulson, Gionta, Larsson & Foligno live up to expectations...
That still helps our overall team quite a bit IMO

This may be my NHL 16 Gm talking but how would everyone feel if we traded:

Ennis, Moulson, Psysk 2016 First

for

Muzzin and Gaborik

They get a young winger young defensemen, high draft choice
We get our #2 defensemen and our second line winger to play with Eich and Reino

Any thoughts?
- realsabresfan11

I don't see why LA would do it
The 1st is nice for them
But it's a clear downgrade in the other 2 spots
They're a team that's winning NOW
Plus they'd have to take on Moulson
It's not really unfair,
Just doesn't make sense for that particular team

Take a team on the decline, like Vancouver or maybe Boston or Montreal decide to blow it up
Those are the type teams that might make that deal

Ok, I'll try it again. This time it's HockeyBuzz2 password is hockeybuzz I guess hardhat is getting me from beyond.

http://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/#/league/129172

If it doesn't work this time I give up.
- Wetbandit1

I'm in Thanks bandit

I don't see why LA would do it
The 1st is nice for them
But it's a clear downgrade in the other 2 spots
They're a team that's winning NOW
Plus they'd have to take on Moulson
It's not really unfair,
Just doesn't make sense for that particular team

Take a team on the decline, like Vancouver or maybe Boston or Montreal decide to blow it up
Those are the type teams that might make that deal
- jdfitz77

They do need to shed money for their big contracts coming up next year, that's what I was trying to take advantage of maybe drop Moulson, add girgensons and a second? Sets them up for the future while giving us proven vets that have playoff experience

I'm sorry i'm am glad we have Eichel thrilled but, we should have McDavid. Kid is unreal, we got screwed.

Just got Salens yea when the Sabres play the Kings or Ducks it's blacked out for me.
- SABRES 89

I pay for NHL Center Ice in Atlanta and have never missed a game since moving here in 94. Even when it was blacked out for Thrasher games, I still got the Buffalo broadcast with R.J.
I work for the biggest airline in the world and fly for free so I bring back Sahlens, Bison chip dip, Webers mustard and Millers horseradish a couple times a year... Oh yeah and ROR's favorite coffee in 2lb cans

I pay for NHL Center Ice in Atlanta and have never missed a game since moving here in 94. Even when it was blacked out for Thrasher games, I still got the Buffalo broadcast with R.J.
I work for the biggest airline in the world and fly for free so I bring back Sahlens, Bison chip dip, Webers mustard and Millers horseradish a couple times a year... Oh yeah and ROR's favorite coffee in 2lb cans
- 22sabresQ

I try to come home once a year and I fill up a freezer bag to bring back.

I try to come home once a year and I fill up a freezer bag to bring back.
- SABRES 89

Pack a medium size cooler and duck tape the lid ... Keep it under 50lbs !
When I'm up there I stay in The Falls and usually get pizza and wings at La Hacienda on Pine Avenue, Joeys on Buffalo avenue or Buzzys on Niagara Falls blvd. Steak and cheese subs at Violas - Military road are the best.

Pack a medium size cooler and duck tape the lid ... Keep it under 50lbs !
When I'm up there I stay in The Falls and usually get pizza and wings at La Hacienda on Pine Avenue, Joeys on Buffalo avenue or Buzzys on Niagara Falls blvd. Steak and cheese subs at Violas - Military road are the best.
- 22sabresQ

I go to mighty taco
start drinking
poopmyself stupid
drink til sabres game starts
get poopfaced/pissed when sabres lose
consider going to the strip club
pass out

Gmtm is expertly adding pieces each year. He'll add a couple of more pieces this offseason (obvious but prob a LHD and a winger for Eichel) and the team should take another step forward. Wildcards are if we win the lottery or the Stamkos bidding
- turbo044

That was basically my point, but with less words.

I kind of want to see the Oilers win the lotto, madness would ensue
- Mentalorgasm5

The assumption here is that their place in the standings is literally the only way to improve this team or that they don't plan on improving beyond picking the next drew stafford, which is ridiculous.

Columbus is not a prime example. They go where Bobrovksy takes them, this team thankfully isnt build around its goaltender. There are no illusions about what this team needs and what can be repeated next year.
- Sabresfan-365

It's a big way to do it. We don't have a great history of picking past top 10 in the first round. I get that was all Darcy but getting 1 more blue chip top 5 prospect this year could give us the potential to build a dynasty. Now if we're lucky we make a move or two and could become the next Sharks or Blues. Make the playoffs be a great time but lack the complete dominance needed to be a perennial contender. Obviously Eichel and Reinhart are blue chippers better than any prospect San Jose or St. Louis has drafted (Sans Taresenko) But still not on Chicago levels.

We could possibly trade for some guys but they don't grow on trees and usually are being traded for one reason or the other. Besides Stamkos there is no one ever on the UFA market who could be the reason you get to the cup. You need to draft those players and seeing the "3rd line" and a few overpaid defenseman produce points against mediocre and bottom feeder teams doesn't really show me much improvement. More so the fact we brought in four new forwards this year and all four are top in points on the team. That's not an indictment of the team improving its and indictment of those four elite players coming in. Three of them top 5 picks.