Sabres Start Strong, Have 75 Games Left

Excellent Article

When you look at the 2 short handed goals – obviously those cannot be counted on in any consistency.

Depth is what can make a good playoff run (to the playoffs and in the playoffs) and it seems like this team has that.

However, as you point out – very, very early.

I think the difference between this year’s teams and previous teams is exactly the things that you pointed out. Those things (bottom 6 scoring, coinciding clearly with even strenght scoring) are what makes this version of the Sabres better. However, I think the Sabres are playing worse the last two weeks then they started. I know, you’re thinking, they scored 19 goals in 4 games. I realize this is a nice output offensively. As pointed out in the statistics by DO, this sort of thing is not something that the Sabres of past were not capable of. In fact, last season they were 10th in goals scored and the year before 3rd. Obviously scoring goals has never been this team’s problem. It’s the stopping goals that gets you into the playoffs. Which is why I am alarmed at the last few outtings by the Sabres. I know it was a blowout to NYI and Florida, but those late, lazy goals are a problem with this team. They haven’t finished well the last few games and it’s beginning to worry me.

Hey, I’ve only commented a few times before but this article made it necessary.
Great article, dude.
This should make its way to Puck Daddy.
Worrying about this stuff has been making me lose sleep, lol.

The book on the Sabres coming into the year was good forwards and goaltending, but the team would not go far due to questionable defenseman play. So far, we’ve gotten better than expected play from our blueliners, and spectacular play from our starting goalie, which I think has carried us to the surprising start. Of course, as you said, it’s still very early – lets see how things look at the end of November. Some tough games coming up.

Speaking of strong starts – the Pens were down 2-0 to the Panthers, and came back and won in a shootout. They look scary.

David, one more thing – I noticed your “Introduce yourself to DBTB” post is closed to commenting. Is it supposed to be?

The reason the Sabres are winning is because they’ve adapted to the style of play that now wins in the post-lockout NHL … toughness along the boards and in the corners,dumping and chasing and heavy forechecking. New additions like Grier and Montador fit that style very well and they’ve made a big difference so far. The whole team appears to have bought into the system and they’re playing tough, smart and disciplined. It’s a long season and they’ll have their streaks of lazy play and soft defense like any other team will but they certainly look a lot better than last year. No more razzle dazzle tic tac toe passing plays and pretty goals … those days are over,but this style will win games. We’ll see if they can keep it up.