What is the primary X-Factor for the 2022-23 Buffalo Sabres?

The Buffalo Sabres will head into the 2022-23 season with higher expectations than they’ve had in years. But what will determine this team’s success?

Cam Lewis of Daily Faceoff wrote an incredible and well-detailed preview of the 2022-23 Buffalo Sabres. After reading the article, Lewis and myself come to pretty similar conclusions over how the Sabres will finish on the ice this season. Here is what Lewis had to say in the prediction portion of his article:

"“Expecting this team to be in the mix for a playoff spot is obviously a big stretch, but the Sabres will be a pesky opponent in the Atlantic Division, one that is far from the pushover they’ve been in previous years.” – via Daily Faceoff."

I echo those words, since I don’t believe the Sabres are quite ready for a playoff run. However, I can see them contending well into the season for a wild card spot. And I can also see them pulling off their fair share of upsets all season long in the process.

But what is the ultimate X-Factor in the Sabres 2022-23 season that can bring them up a notch, or down several notches? One thing stands out.

Goaltending is the ultimate X-Factor facing the Buffalo Sabres in 2022-23, and it’s not even close.

For one, I couldn’t ask for a better crop of forwards in a team full of youngsters looking to take that next step. There is a solid mixture of seasoned veterans in that lineup, along with a couple of rookies and a plethora upstart forwards. Plus established players like Alex Tuch and Victor Olofsson on the cusp of breaking into their prime.

Ditto for a defensive rotation that has two former number one picks plus a revelation in Mattias Samuelsson. Add in an experienced sledgehammer like Ilya Lyubushkin and the top four looks good. Henri Jokiharju and Jacob Bryson are also no slouches.

But the goaltending will head either north or south. Either Eric Comrie, who was outstanding with a 19-game sample size last season, is either capable of starting a full year or he isn’t. Craig Anderson is 41, and last season he was either injured or inconsistent.

Comrie may come out and put on a show. Or, he may hit a wall in what should be his first season in something other than spot starting. Maybe Anderson can stay healthy and at least remain mildly consistent. Or maybe age will completely take over the 20-year veteran.

Make no mistake, I’m confident in this group of players. I like Comrie and Anderson. But I’m also cringing when it comes to goaltending. For the Sabres to play to their full potential, Comrie and Anderson need to show up and remain consistent. But that is also asking a lot from a career backup and a man whose body seems to be breaking down.

Article Source: 2022–23 NHL team preview: Buffalo Sabres by Cam Lewis