This October (hopefully) the cold, brisk air will surround the First Niagara Center. The 2012-2013 Buffalo Sabres will be on the ice in front of their typical sold-out crowd. All 18,690 will be in their seats while viewers across Western New York and beyond will be tuning in to Rick Jeanneret for yet another season of intense. Doug Allen will sing the anthems, The whistle will blow, the puck will drop and Sabres hockey will begin again!
But not yet.
We are only in the first few weeks of free agency. General manager Darcy Regier still has some work to do and possibly some moves to make. However, Sabres fans should already be excited about the team this upcoming season. There is plenty of young talent, along with some additions that have made the team look tougher. After failing to make the playoffs last season, the Sabres will look to get back into the postseason.
Leading the charge will be captain Jason Pominville, who played in all 82 games this past season, collecting 30 goals and 47 assists for 77 points. Pominville has played in every Sabres game in five of the past six seasons, and that consistency is something the Sabres need.
While the Sabres may not be done making moves, offense is needed. The Sabres scored 218 goals last year, good for 11th in the Eastern Conference. After dealing Derek Roy, a first line center, Buffalo are in need of players that can score. During this off season, it is imperative that the Sabres find those key players.
Returning for yet another season behind the Sabres bench, coach Lindy Ruff will try to put Buffalo back into the playoffs this year. He is currently the longest-tenured coach in the NHL and is the all-time winningest coach in Sabres’ history.
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