Buffalo Sabres have had some tough seasons the last two seasons. It seems like it all stems from injuries also. This year Ryan Miller went down and they struggled to win games with out him in net. Patrick Lalime had a real rough time of it this season. At the trade deadline the Sabres brought over Mikael Tellqvist. Who helped them win a few games and try to make the playoffs. They fell short again for the second year in a row after having their best season ever just 2 years ago now where the got the president trophy.
Buffalo isn't the youngest or the oldest team around at forward. Derek Roy led the team in points at 70. Thomas Vanek led the team in goals at 40. While Jason Pominville led team in assists at 46. Losing Maxim Afinogenov might hurt them too at offesne. They need some of there young guns to step up next season and produce some points and stops.
Buffalo isn't young at defense. They'll be losing Numminen and Spacek possible to free agency. I doubt they'll sign either of these guys at the ages they are at. Losing those two defensemen though is going to be putting a lot of pressure on lesser known defensemen or younger defensemen. That doesn't usually allow for great success during a season unfortunately.
There is no competition for the net minder job in Buffalo. As long as Ryan Miller is healthy it's his. He is a great goaltender with some suspect defense and no goal support at times. The Sabres will be an interesting team to see what they do to try to make the playoffs next season. They might be one of the few teams willing to make those crazy trades.
By:Shane Murray
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