Sabres take stock

[looooob]

Well I don't think we can roll with the big dogs who have posted their teams thus far, but the Sabres are looking forward to the new season. After a typical Sabre season where they had prolonged periods of good and suck they were in a dogfight for a late playoff spot, which like they do about every 2nd year, they achieved. They then won a playoff round upsetting the mighty Bruins, before falling to the Hurricanes. This leaves Sabres fans hungry for more in 08-09.

New faces in: Patrick Elias, Sergei Fedorov, Toni Lydman, Steve Begin, Adam Hall, Darryl Sydor, Tomas Marcinko, Kamil Kreps, Shawn Thornton
Old faces out: Steve Reinprecht, Johnnie Oduya, Adam Mair, Wade Belak, Francois Beauchemin, Tomas Fleischmann
Demoted: Chris Simon, Greg Devries
Promoted: Tom Gilbert, Tobias Enstrom
Signed from the ECHL : Tuuka Rask, Alexander Hellstrom
New to the ECHL: Josh Bailey, David Toews, Roman Josi, AJ Jenks, Dustin Tokarski, Joonas Rask

Goalies:
JS Giguere (83)
Wade Dubie (72)
CPHL reserve Sabourin (71), AHL reserve Rask (N/R)

This continues to be the Giguere show, as usual he will carry most of the mail, and Looooob will remain patient with him if he falters, the hope would appear to be to wait for Tuuka Rask to work his way to a good backup rating, and until then hope for Dubie and Sabourin to win the odd game when they play.

Defence
Mike Green (77) Nick Schultz (75)
Tom Gilbert (76) Toni Lydman (76)
Tobias Enstrom (74) Darryl Sydor (74)
CPHL reserves Pratt (70), Walker (69), AHL reserve Devries (73)

The Sabres have been patient with 3 young guns Green, Gilbert and Enstrom and this year the patience should be rewarded. Each should provide solid offence and is paired with a more calming defensive partner. This is a solid puckmoving blueline, with veteran dependable help in the names of Pratt, Walker and Devries in case of injury. Sergei Fedorov can also play defence.

Forwards
Ryan Smyth (79) Patrik Elias (79) Joffrey Lupul (76)
Dustin Penner (76) Sergei Fedorov (75) Wojtek Wolski (74)
Alex Steen (74) Matt Stajan (74) Ruslan Fedotenko (74)
Adam Hall (70) Dave Scatchard (70) Jed Ortmeyer (69)
CPHL reserve Begin (68), AHL reserves Lucic (71), Bergenheim (70), Kreps (69), Steckel (68)

This group is definitely missing a game breaker or two, the first line being weak by CPHL standards, however lines two and three are likely above average CPHL trios and could provide solid two way play. the 4th line is interesting with a motley collection of veterans holding the fort while superior younger talent awaits in Rochester.

Analysis: This team has above average depth, but is missing a game breaker up front, a Norris caliber Dman and a backup goalie. It would appear Looooob is in little rush to address these obvious deficiencies.

Top Prospect listing TBA

[simmer2]

I like the team you've put together...you were patient with some very talented D-Men and that has really paid off for you. Your team overall is quite well rounded and while you are missing a game breaker, this team should hopefully be consistent enough to win a few more games this year.

[RT14]

Well I think your D is much improved on last season so that should hopefully translate into more W's for you. Giguere is one of the best goalies in the CPHL so you've got nothing to worry about there. Forwards are still decent enough and you have good depth so I think you should be a playoff team this year again. Good job!

[JiriHrdina]

Yeah that's a pretty impressive D that's going to be even better in a year or two.

[Sylvanfan]

Fart another team better than mine...I say this every time somone does one of these previews. No real star players (besides Giguere), but a solid group of players for sure.

[nyrcrisfer]

Sabres defense looks pretty good. It's deeper than most teams and with Giguere in net the Sabres should play close games. Up front, as you said they're missing a gamebreaker. But the top 2 lines have a good mix of vets and young guys that hopefully will come together. And the 3rd line is solid. I think the Sabres should make the playoffs again.

[Goffie]

You have built a very solid defense and Giggy is always solid. if one of your forward lines can step up and put up big numbers I would say you will make a return to the playoffs.