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Buffalo Sabres – Signs Point to Another Improved Season

By Brian Sieteski |
Mar 31, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (15) skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (15) skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Sabres and their fans should have several reasons for optimism heading into the 2016-2017 season. Making the playoffs might still seem like a stretch to some, however it’s no longer considered an outright joke.

The passion we’ve seen come out of the World Cup of Hockey has been exciting thus far. All the excitement surrounding hockey in September has many of us fans more amped up than ever for the start of the regular season. The Buffalo Sabres now have 4 players currently participating in high level hockey, fingers crossed no injuries occur. Watching hockey is great, and the quality of entertainment has certainly been there. I can’t help but feel like the pride of rooting for our home team is missing. With no Buffalo Sabres players on team USA, my team of choice to root for has been team North America.

So, what reasons are there for another significant improvement for the Buffalo Sabres this upcoming year?

  • Another year of development and progression for our young core. Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, and Rasmus Ristolainen are scratching at the surface of their potential.
  • Ryan O’ Reilly has no off-season distractions, and comes ready to go after playing for team Canada.
  • Robin Lehner has been vigorously training and is ready to prove his doubters wrong.
  • Evander Kane will be playing with a chip on his shoulder to start the season. One last chance at redemption is how he should view this season.
  • Kyle Okposo will be wearing a Sabres uniform. His possession driving play and surprisingly good shootout skills will be a huge factor.
  • Dmitry Kulikov will build on his strong playoff performance with the Panthers and experience gained from playing with team Russia. His presence on the back-end will allow Ristolainen to take the next step in his development.
  • Justin Bailey should be a full time contributor. This kid is ready to take the next step, let’s hope he gets the chance.
  • Tyler Ennis has had time to heal. I for one am rooting for a strong comeback season from Ennis.
  • Zemgus Girgensons and Matt Moulson can’t possibly be any worse than they were last season. I have optimism for Girgensons at least.
  • Jake McCabe and Zach Bogosian should make for a formidable second pairing. When played together last season they posted a positive +/- in comparison to the rest of the team.
  • The enhanced rivalry with Toronto (Matthews vs Eichel) will enable Eichel to strive to become an even better player.

Add in any additional reasons I may be missing

If you can think of any reasons that I may have failed to mention please shout them out in the comments section. I know I may have more optimism than a person from Buffalo should, but you can’t blame someone for hoping for the best. Let’s go Buffalo!

Next: Buffalo Sabres 2016-17 Predictions: November

Thank you as always for reading, I look forward to hearing from you in the comment sections. Please let me know if there are any additional topics you would like for me to cover in the future.

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