What the hell happened to the Buffalo Sabres?

I can sum up the Sabres problems in 2 words, Darcy...Regier. His reluctance to engage either Drury or Briere in negotiations until too late cost Buffalo their 2 best players. Sure there's a cap but one and possibly both could still be in Buffalo if he'd gotten off the dime. As for this season, Miller has let in a soft goal every game, and Afinogonev has been disappointing. Lindy is a great coach though and he will do the best with what he has. It is too bad because Buffalo is arguably the best US hockey town and the fans deserve better

Lets look at a few things.

1. The Sabres defensive corps are not very defensive minded. People don't seem to realize the game plan is basically to hang Miller out, and hope to make a few difficult saves and win something outrageous like 6-5. You can't do well with 7 offensive defensemen. The only defensive minded blue-liner they have is Nolan Pratt, who they just signed this past week.

2. They lost their leadership and no one has stepped up to claim the spot. I was calling for Connolly, except he has looked dumb with 1 goal this season (though 11 assists is good, he isn't finding the net as he needs to). Connolly is the replacement for Briere, except with more defensive ability and has better stickhandling, and a reasonable price tag (Briere was never worth $5 million seeing as he is not physical, never had 100 points, or 40 goals). Drury was the best bet to have stay in Buffalo, but Regier pooched that when he didn't get Drury to sign on the dotted line.

3. Where is Vanek? 4 goals is decent, but for $7 million, you better be able to put in 50 and play every night. Where is Stafford, who looked like a 25-30 goal scorer last year (13 goals in 41 games)? Where is Max (3 goals, 2 assissts, -6 rating)? Right now Derek Roy and Jason Pominville lead the team with 5 goals. Connolly has 1 goal, and plays with the puck a lot. He needs to put it in (see above)

4. Goaltending. Miller won't put up the steallar numbers in Buffalo's attempt at a run-and-gun offense, but he isn't even solid. Yes, there have been quite a few deflections by his own teammate (and the game winner Boston had was scored with a high stick), but he is letting in too many soft goals. Thibault is doing worse.

5. Effort. Sekera needs to go back to Rochester, as he is getting beat to the puck too many times. Paetsch needs to stop looking lost. Vanek needs to play hard every night. Someone needs to step up and be a leader. Lydman is overrated as a defenseman.

It also doesn't help that Spacek (4 goals, 4 assists, plus-2 rating) is out with a shoulder injury, Numminen is out after heart surgery. These guys might have been the ones who needed to lead when things started getting down. But they are now not there. This is a very young team in terms of experience, despite their 2 consecutive Conference Finals appearances. They need to right the ship and make a run at the right time, and try to take the tough road through the playoffs if they want to prove themselves.

They had a great start to the season last year. From new years on they were middle of the pack. After you remove their co-captains there has to be an effect.

They still have some very talented players but it may not Be as easy for some of them now as they are seeing most teams number 1 checking line now. Last year that line would have been focusing on Briere.

Sabres are decent and will improve. Miller has looked off so far also.

As a habs fan I hope they lose tonight- Go Habs

amdd-- true true

well i know Miller hasent been on his game probably because of the death of his cousin who he was really close to and well we dont have as much offence as we did last year i think once they win a couple games more they will get their confidence back and some one also needs to step up in the locker room tonight and say something to build up their confidence this month is a big month with all the divisional games that they are playing

You probably answered your own question in the additional info. The Buffalo Sabres lost their two co-captains---a hard hit for sure. I think they could get it together and still make the playoffs though.

So much dynasties!!

Injuries on the blueline, mediocre goaltending (yes, I mean MIller. He's a good goalie but not great. Sorry folks) and putting the franchise on Tomas Vanek's shoulders is not the way to go.

They have too many ahl players on a nhl roster.

they lost Chris D and they lost Daniel Briere

were feeling the loss of briere and drury, but we'l get back to normal when connoly gets it together

we're a drinking town with a sports problem. c'est la vie.