Buffalo Sabres

Update - Oct 5 - Pre-season nearing end

As I sit here watching the Sabres play their final pre-season game, a few comments on the pre-season:

I generally hold very little import to the pre-season record, but was a bit disturbed by the lack of scoring punch they have shown, but the columbus game made me feel a little better. I expect better defensive play from this team this year, but they are not going to win many games when they only score 2 goals.

Though there are a few cuts to go, the line-up for the regular season is pretty much set. There are currently eight defenseman - today playing are pairings of Sekera-Spacek, Tallinder-Numminen, and Rivet-Lydman. Butler and Funk were the last two sent down, but no surprise to that. This is what can be expected to see in the regular season, and I expect you will see Mike Weber sent down to Portland soon, with Paetsch being kept as a seventh D.

On the offense, the Sabres interestingly picked up Matt Ellis from waivers…this sort of surprised me (and many others) since there offensive depth is pretty solid. I can’t imagine you make that pick-up if you don’t intend to have the guy play. It doesn’t make sesne that you would do this just because Paul Gaustad is out 3 to 6 weeks with a thumb injury. Connoly hasn’t been playing (injured again?) but is claiming to be 100% sure that he will be playing in the opener. Lindy Ruff mentioned that he needed to see more from MacArthur and Stafford…I have to imagine Stafford’s spot is secure. The following certainties - Roy, Vanek, Afinigenov, Pominville, Hecht, Connoly, Paille, Kotalik, Mair, and Stafford, with Peters likely to have a slot…if you assume 13 forwards, then with Gaustad out you have 2 slots left….and Kaleta, Ellis and MacArthur to fill them. Don’t have much of a feel who will be the odd man out.

I’m heading to the home opener in 5 days, and am curious to see what they do about the captaincy. Today, Toni Lydman is wearing the C. I suspect the Lindy Ruff will continue with the monthly rotation, which I and many fans don’t care for…but Lindy claims it works for the team. I would have more confidence in the concept if he hadn’t used it as well back in 03-04 on a lousy team. I personally think you need on-ice consistancy. Just because you name someone the leader doesn’t mean he’s the ONLY leader, but gives you some-one to turn to center the team.

Right now it’s still 0-0 in the second. The Sabres appeared to score in the first period - the puck was a foot in the net, but they didn’t stop play and didn’t call it a goal on review…i don’t quite get it..but if it’s gonna happen it might as well happen in a meaningless game.