2010/2011 Buffalo Sabres Season Preview
It’s finally here! At 7:30PM EST tonight, the Buffalo Sabres kick off their 40th anniversary season on the road against long-time hated rivals the Ottawa Senators. Here is Black & Blue & Gold’s season preview, featuring team roster, farm club roster, 5 things to watch through the season, and a little more.
Buffalo Sabres Roster
Tyler Ennis-Derek Roy-Drew Stafford
Thomas Vanek-Tim Connolly-Jason Pominville
Jochen Hecht-Rob Niedermayer-Mike Grier
Cody McCormick-Paul Gaustad-Patrick Kaleta
Nathan Gerbe
Shaone Morrisonn-Tyler Myers
Jordan Leopold-Steve Montador
Mike Weber-Craig Rivet
Chris Butler, Andrej Sekera
Ryan Miller
Patrick Lalime
Portland Pirates Roster
Luke Adam, Corey Tropp, Matt Ellis, Mark Parrish, Mark Mancari, Jacob Lagace, Paul Byron, Felix Schutz, Derek Whitmore, Tim Conboy, Colin Stuart, Travis Turnbull, Dennis McCauley
T.J. Brennan, Dennis Persson, Drew Schiestel, Nick Crawford, Alex Biega, M.A. Gragnani
Jhonas Enroth, David Leggio
5 Things To Watch In ’10/’11
1. How does Tyler Myers handle preventing the sophomore slump? How does Tyler Ennis handle the expectations of his first full NHL season?
2. Do Drew Stafford, Derek Roy, Tim Connolly, and Jason Pominville finally bring the consistency that’s been required of them? Can Thomas Vanek keep up a torrid pace if he bursts out of the gate again?
3. Beyond Tyler Myers, how does the rag-tag defense hold-up? Will Mike Weber and Andrej Sekera find their old chemistry?
4. How will the team handle over 50% of the season being in back-to-back format? Will they show up and give some goal support to Patrick Lalime?
5. Does the power play improve significantly? Will a respectable man advantage combine with a lethal penalty kill to lead the Sabres back to prominence?
Top 5 Minor-League/NCAA Prospects
1. Zack Kassian, RW – Windsor Spitfires, OHL
2. Brayden McNabb, D – Kootenay Ice, WHL
3. Connor Knapp, G – Miami (OH) Redhawks, NCAA CCHA
4. Mark Pysyk, D – Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL
5. Kevin Sundher, C – Chilliwack Bruins, WHL
Ladies and gentlemen, here they are…your Buffalo Sabres!
