Buffalo, NY ~ The Buffalo Sabres are preparing for training camp, set to open Tuesday, September 2nd. Players are beginning to arrive in Buffalo as early as today, taking physicals, and begining the task of transporting their equipment to the locker room. A lot of them have not been in Buffalo since the offseason, instead spending the majority of the time back home in their native country. The players though all expressed their great excitement to be back and getting ready to start a new season.
Earlier the Sabres made a move to acquire former Sabres Dmitri Kalinin from Vancouver. Mike Peca and Denis Wideman were sent to the Canucks in exchange. This move was made to solidify the blueline without tapping the good prospect reserve the Sabres have built. They also went out and aquired former Sabre Mike Grier, who will add a solid defensive presence to the third line along with UFA Matthew Barnaby and veteran Dave Scatchard.
Looking forward to the season, we decided to do a preview of the Sabres predicted lines. Nothing has been set in stone yet since the Sabres have yet to hit the ice, but we feel this could be the look of the Sabres come opening night.
First Line
Morrow - Drury - Gaborik
The Sabres first line should be able to provide a 40 goal scorer in Marion Gaborik, while it is not out of the realm of possibility to have both Chris Drury and Brendan Morrow to eah net at least 30 goals apeice. Morrow brings a big body presence to this line, while Drury and Gaborik bring the wheels. Morrow will be able to do the dirty work in the cornors, but can also be a deadly offensive force when needed. Drury is known for his timely goals, but the most important aspect he will bring to this line is his heart and dedication to winning. He will do whatever it takes to put the puck in the net, and with wingers like Morrow and Gaborik, his job will be that much easier. Gaborik is Buffalo's only true game breaker. He can change the game in a matter of seconds, with his immense offensive talent. Having played under Lemaire in Minnesota last year, and now under Lindy Ruff here in Buffalo, he also knows how to play in his own zone, which will not only make this line Buffalo's top scoring line, but it's best defensive line as well.
Second Line
Hecht - Briere - York
The Sabres should call their first and second lines, Line 1A and Line 1B, because when it comes to deciding who is the true top line, it is like splitting hairs. Hecht, Briere and York are all players who know who to score. Each one should be able to amass at least 20 goals, if not more in a good year. Briere, although small in stature, can be one of the most productive centers in the league. York and Hecht are both excellent two way players, having the ability to score at any point in the game, but also having the ability to play against the opposition's top line. The Sabres second line may be one of the better 2nd lines in the league.
Third Line
Barnaby - Scatchard - Grier
Mathew Barnaby will move to the left side to allow recently acquired Grier to play the right side. this line has it all, if in "all" you mean grit, courage, intensity, and attitude. Barnaby may not have the size, but for what helacks in that cateogory, he more than makes up for in his insanity. Scatchard is a veteran center who knows what it takes to win, and how to get through the battles to win the war. He is a top faceoff man and an excellent penalty killer. He will also add a veteran leadership presence to the lockeroom. Grier is a big body who can bang with the best of them. He has the ability to pot about 15 goals a year, but thats not what the Sabres will pay him to do. As the third line, they will be the line called upon to frequently shut down and "agitate" the opposition's top line. And all three know how to throw their weight around. This line will be a great up tempo line to watch.
Fourth Line
Avery - Mair - Laraque
Speaking about great lines to watch. This line mgiht be one of the scariest lines inthe OTHL. Chicago is the only other team in the league that might be able to even come close. Avery is lain out crazy. He has been knwn to skate completly through a goalie just to put the puck in the net, and that was during WARMUPS! Mair is a great leader, on and off the ice. just becasue he is young, does not mean guys dont listen to him. He has allt he heart in the world, and always gives 110%. If some of the superstars of today's game had half thier skill but all the heart that Mair has, they would be twice as deadly on the scoreboard. And then, last but certainly not least, for fear of my but getting kicked, is George Laraque. Unanimously, the msot feared player in the OTHL. Only the dumbest of the dumb challenge this guy to a fight. And if he cant punch his way out of the corner, he will just pick the opponent up and physically move him This line will be the most exciting line for the fans to watch. The NHL may have given up on the physical side of hockey, but the OTHL has thhrived becasue we all know it's importance. When push comes to shove, drop the gloves and settle it like men. This is the OTHL baby, and the Sabres are ready for the 05 Season!
First Defensive Pairing
Hill-Morris
Sean Hill returns to the Sabres after testing the UFA waters and deciding to remain a Sabre. Morris, like hill, also enters his first full season as a Sabre. Both players are very capable in their own end, but also excel at the offensive side of the game, something that will be of greator value this year due to the league's crack down on clutching and grabbing. This pair will line up against the opposition's top offensive line, and should hold it's own.
Second Defensive Pairing
Kalinin-McKee
Kalinin is back in the red and black, and paired with his old defensive partner Jay Mckee. Kalinin is a very good up and coming young defenseman, solid in his own end, and begining to show his true offensive talent. Mckee is a solid veteran, kown for his tough physical style of defense, and can also chip in a handful of goals. They may not be one of the best second pairings in the OTHL, but they are definitly in the upper tier.
Third Defensive Pairing
Pitkanen-Tallinder
This pair is obvisouly green. Pitkanen has a great upside, and big things are expected of him in the coming years. Tallinder also is a former high draft pick, and much is expected of him as well. This pairing will show signs of their youth, but being pout on as the third line, they won't be matched up a great deal of time against the opposition's top line. However, they will be able to hold thier own when they do. they have solid instincts and a great deal of talent, and as they play more, the inexperienced mistakes will slowly dissapear.
Goaltenders
1. Giguere
Giguere should bounce back to his NHL form, as last season, although a very good season, was subpar if you consider how well he played in the NHL. He is the type of goaltender who can steal a game, or even a series for his team, and even though the Sabres dress a very solid and deep lineup, they are by no means the top contender. they will look for giguere to win them some games by himself, and if he can do that, it is not unrealistic to see the Sabres come late June.
2. Hurme
Hurme signed with Buffalo in the offseason as a UFA. He knows his job is to be the backup, and will do that job very well. He can play very well in games, but tends to struggle when giving a big workload, and therfore he will be used mainly to spell Giguere, or should JS go down with an injury, split duty with Ryan Miller.
Reserves
Vanek (LW), Roy (C), Patrick (D), Eminger (D), Miller (G)
Vanek represents the future superstar of the Sabres. He has the type of goal scoring talent that only comes around every few years. He will see some actino later in the season once he signs a contract.
Roy is the future number one center, and will develope more in the OTHL minors. Some may argue he does not need it, but currently, there is not a starting spot for him. In time though, if he can show he deserves to be in the lineup, it may make one of buffalo's other centers available.
Patrick is nearing the end of his career, however he still has a lot to give. He is solid in his own zone despite his age. He can slo chip in offensively, becasue he still has his great offensive instincts, his speed is just a tad slower. He will be a vital player in spelling the top 6 d men, and teaching the young defenseman how to play the game like a veteran.
Eminger is another young defenseman the Sabres will expect a lot out of in the near future. He proabbly won't see a lot of ppaying time with the big club unless injuries arise, however down the road he should be a top 4 defenseman.
Miller is the Sabres future star netminder, but how soon that happens is up to him. With no spot open on the big club, if signed, he will take over the netminder jopb in Rochester. If he plays well enough howefver, the team may just find a way to get him some playing time behind Giguere.
Overview
All in all, the Sabres dress a very deep and solid lineup, mixed with some key veteran role players, and some very good up and coming youngsters. This team should expect to bein the playoffs this year, and has the ability to do some damage. They also will be in the thick of things for years to come.