Buccigross's Outlook

[imyourhuckleberry]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/column...ohn&id=2128758

Buffalo Sabres
Very curious. I thought for sure Tom Golisano was going to spend some of his billions to add to this interesting roster. There isn't much left out there via free agency. Perhaps their plan is to keep plenty of cap space, give their young players another year to develop and go for it next year. If the NHL is truly an exhibition of speed and skill, Buffalo is ahead of the curve. But I just don't see much semblance of any defense here, and I still believe we will not see an explosion of goals this season. Defense will still win the Stanley Cup.

Similar to what we all think....

[jBuds]

I just think that with all the rule changes, an influx of goals is inevitable. Adding Vanek, possibly Pominville, and getting more out of Maxi as well as a full year with Roy, it might be a bit better than the last season. Still not good enough though.

[Kruschiki]

I see one defensemen missing from a team that can make the playoffs.

[Tra La La]

Originally Posted by jj@jj.com

I see one defensemen missing from a team that can make the playoffs.

Yeah still need another top 4.

[Hawerchuk10]

The link doesn't work for me. Dunno?!

We need a solid D guy brought in and our goalies to play like the second coming of "The Dominator" and we got a legit shot at the playoffs.

[Kruschiki]

Originally Posted by Hawerchuk10

The link doesn't work for me. Dunno?!

We need a solid D guy brought in and our goalies to play like the second coming of "The Dominator" and we got a legit shot at the playoffs.

We need steady, predictable goaltending. There will be no second coming.

[Hawerchuk10]

I know, I was reaching on the second coming, huh?

OK, how about the third coming then?

Seriously though, if our goalies can play VERY well, you've seen it first hand with the '99 Sabres, just how far a team can go (without a bunch of superstars). Trouble is, will they turn it on when needed the most?

[Kruschiki]

Originally Posted by Hawerchuk10

Seriously though, if our goalies can play VERY well, you've seen it first hand with the '99 Sabres, just how far a team can go (without a bunch of superstars). Trouble is, will they turn it on when needed the most?

This is a big question mark if you ask me. I don't suspect we'll see many more defense-oriented teams making runs with a neutral zone trap. Well, let's hope.

[joechip]

Originally Posted by jj@jj.com

This is a big question mark if you ask me. I don't suspect we'll see many more defense-oriented teams making runs with a neutral zone trap. Well, let's hope.

I hate to be the angel of death or anything, but I'm worried that the lack of two-line pass will result in more of the German 1-4 or 1-3-1 and less of the hoped-for home-run pass for a breakaway.

I really hope I'm wrong about that.

Ta,