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He has us finishing behind Ottawa in the Northeast, which is what I'm figuring as well.
2. Buffalo Sabres (Last season: 53-22-7; Coach: Lindy Ruff)
Key return: Center Tim Connolly's return (he missed last season due to a concussion) is magnified by the loss of Chris Drury and Daniel Briere. His skill helps the team remain an elite one. Key to the season: We're still bullish on Buffalo, despite the loss of star C's Briere and Drury (69 goals combined). G Ryan Miller (.911 SP) is a terrific stopper, helped by an agile group of defensemen. The team plays hard every night for Ruff. That's huge. As is the upside for talented young two-way F's Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy, Maxim Afinogenov and Jason Pominville, who are all 28 or under and getting better. If the team improves its PP (ranked 17th) and PK (20th), Sabremania will continue into another postseason.
Key stat: 4. The Sabres had more 30-goal scorers than any team in the NHL last season. Two of them, alas, are gone.
Key return: Center Tim Connolly's return (he missed last season due to a concussion) is magnified by the loss of Chris Drury and Daniel Briere. His skill helps the team remain an elite one. Key to the season: We're still bullish on Buffalo, despite the loss of star C's Briere and Drury (69 goals combined). G Ryan Miller (.911 SP) is a terrific stopper, helped by an agile group of defensemen. The team plays hard every night for Ruff. That's huge. As is the upside for talented young two-way F's Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy, Maxim Afinogenov and Jason Pominville, who are all 28 or under and getting better. If the team improves its PP (ranked 17th) and PK (20th), Sabremania will continue into another postseason.
Key stat: 4. The Sabres had more 30-goal scorers than any team in the NHL last season. Two of them, alas, are gone.
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