Claude_Verret Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 I scanned the first two pages and I didn't see a thread on this. I know there was one last year and it's always fun to look back come April and see how wrong we were. Anyway here I go... Sabres will finish with 96 points good for 6th place in the conference. I see a very similar season in comparison to last year, only the Sabres aren't abysmal in the shootouts this year so we end up getting into the playoffs. Stanley Cup re-match: Pens vs. Wings. Wings in 7.
deluca67 Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 85 points - 11th in conference. As roster is currently constituted. Could improve if the Sabres decide to address the lack of depth and toughness at forward. Habs vs Canucks in the Finals
frisky Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 I think they squeak into the playoffs at 8th this year but another horse race to the finish. I still think they'll have spells (like the 3-4 game type) where they lack focus.
Swedesessed Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 I say the Sabres right now are a 12th place team in the East. I agree with a lot of what Deluca pointed out. Stanley Cup: New Jersey Devils vs San Jose Sharks
awill29 Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 6th in the East with 97. The team has a little more leadership and experience, but not enough to get past round 2 in the playoffs. Next year is when we'll see the major overhaul, with Kotalik and Connolly and Afinogenov all as UFAs. Plus by then we'll have Gerbe and Kennedy in the minors for a year.
carpandean Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 7th in the East with 95 points. I agree that we are better this year, but that the changeover in the next two years (what devendorf23 listed for next year, as well as Lydman and Tallinder the following year) should allow for continual improvement. Habs take the upset over Detroit in seven to celebrate their 100th and we have to listen to silly frenchies laughing "bohn-hohn-hohn" all summer long.
tom webster Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 85 points - 11th in conference. As roster is currently constituted. Could improve if the Sabres decide to address the lack of depth and toughness at forward. Habs vs Canucks in the Finals The Canucks???
R_Dudley Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 Damn I hate when somebody already posts my same numbers makes me want to change them so I' don't feel like I'm copying,,, Oops, sorry that's for next Thursday. 7th in conference 96 pts(just to be 1 different from Carps and my original guess) upset the higher team in round 1 and Loss in round 2. SC Final; New Jersey vs Detroit (D in 6) 1st back to back SC champ in many moons.
tom webster Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 Based on the roster now I see a team with potential for a fourth place finish with around 100 points but that potential is based on a couple of big ifs. Three actually, 1) Connolly's health 2) Max (remember. Montreal tried like hell to trade Kovalev last year and he had a career year, so who knows 3) Vanek, he has the ability to take this team on his back if his head is right. At this point, however, too many ifs so I go with a struggle between 7th and 10th. Stanley Cup Rangers beat the Stars.
vasabresfan Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 These aren't mine, but I did find this particularly interesting: http://www.sportsline.com/nhl/preview/expertpicks All of it seemed fairly reasonable. No huge surpirses and probably fair as to our squad. And then we get to the end. Look who Ross Devonport predicts will be the first player traded. Truly insane. I don't know if that was a guess that was submitted before the re-signing, but it makes no sense to me whatsoever. That being said, maybe it is good that he didn't get the 'C' considering our distinguished history of trading or letting our captains go to free agency. All their predictions aside, I don't care where we finish so long as it is in the top eight. I don't like watching other teams play in May and June.
carpandean Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 7th in conference 96 pts(just to be 1 different from Carps and my original guess)upset the higher team in round 1 and Loss in round 2. I wavered between 95 and 96, so if they finish in 7th with either 95 or 96, we can share the "glory" (whatever that's worth.)
Stoner Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 I am far more bullish on the Sabres than most I guess. Then again, I didn't think there'd be a huge dropoff last season, so... I'm all goosebumpy when I think about this season. I see so many things lined up in the Sabres' favor. The main thing is that old human emotion of wanting redemption. Not only Lindy and the team as a whole are looking to get back to where they were, but individually you have a bunch of guys whose jocks should be burning for personal comebacks -- from Miller and Vanek, to Tallydman, to Max. Nice long term contracts over the past year for Roy, Vanek, Miller, Pominville, Hecht and probably some others I'm forgetting, along with the addition of Rivet, have cleansed the bad taste of Drury and Briere from this team's mouth. Yet, a team that went to consecutive conference finals is fighting for respect, flying under the radar. So this kind of feels like 05-06 again. I see the window opening now, not next season. The Sabres can score goals in bunches, but I'm convinced this is the year Lindy gets back to defensive fundamentals. This team easily makes the playoffs and takes a nice stab at Lord Stanley.
SMIRNOFF Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 I believe a year after the Rangers were President Trophy winners, they also did not make the playoffs the following year, then went on to win it all the following year. So, why not. Yeah, they haven't played a game yet, but it's fun to think...
LabattBlue Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 I don't see the Sabres contending for the division without Miller and the play in the defensive zone improving A LOT, Pominville & Roy would have to duplicate their seasons from last year and Vanek and Stafford both need to produce more. Without all of these, I can see a comfortable finish in 7th or 8th and if they get a few breaks, maybe even 5th or 6th. This team just has too much talent to miss the playoffs.
nfreeman Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 I am far more bullish on the Sabres than most I guess. Then again, I didn't think there'd be a huge dropoff last season, so... I'm all goosebumpy when I think about this season. I see so many things lined up in the Sabres' favor. The main thing is that old human emotion of wanting redemption. Not only Lindy and the team as a whole are looking to get back to where they were, but individually you have a bunch of guys whose jocks should be burning for personal comebacks -- from Miller and Vanek, to Tallydman, to Max. Nice long term contracts over the past year for Roy, Vanek, Miller, Pominville, Hecht and probably some others I'm forgetting, along with the addition of Rivet, have cleansed the bad taste of Drury and Briere from this team's mouth. Yet, a team that went to consecutive conference finals is fighting for respect, flying under the radar. So this kind of feels like 05-06 again. I see the window opening now, not next season. The Sabres can score goals in bunches, but I'm convinced this is the year Lindy gets back to defensive fundamentals. This team easily makes the playoffs and takes a nice stab at Lord Stanley. Nice! I think it's also worth noting that 4 pretty good forwards in Max, Connolly, Kotalik and Stafford (not to mention MacArthur and Kaleta), and 3 pretty good defensemen in Spacek, Teppo and Sekera, are in their contract years. We might not like to admit it, but professional athletes usually play better in their contract years. As for my prediction: 99 points, #4 in the East. We completely crapped the bed last year and ended up with 90 points. I think we should be 9 points better this year. That's less than one more win per month. I think we will win at least one round in the playoffs. For the cup, I'll take Detroit over the Devils.
spndnchz Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 The Sabres will finish the season and somebody will win the Cup, but what do I know. :rolleyes:
stenbaro Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 Its gonna be an up and down season with no flow I predict..Eighth spot if theyre lucky with the roster it currently has...But at least its HOCKEY TIME...Hockey Night in Canada starts in 45....
wonderbread Posted October 9, 2008 Report Posted October 9, 2008 92 pts 8th in the confrence and the Stars win the cup.
Two or less Posted October 10, 2008 Report Posted October 10, 2008 Not sure points, but i will say Sabres and a very competitive team this season. They finish 5th place in the East. Around the 98point mark. Montreal wins the East top seed but loses in the playoffs due to goaltending. Carey Price is great but i feel he was rushed and once again he will fall during the post-season and when the media in French Canada gets ugly, watch out. Stanley Cup? Philadelphia vs. Calgary. With the Flames winning the Cup. I really like the moves they made, i think Cammalleri will be a great player and i think big Bert is bound for a big season. I think Flames are good for a 4-5 seed but are build for the playoffs really well.
deluca67 Posted October 10, 2008 Report Posted October 10, 2008 The Canucks??? Why not? Best Goalie in the NHL. At some point he has to play in the Finals.
WayneGibbous Posted October 10, 2008 Report Posted October 10, 2008 Sabres will finish first in the division, conference and league and win the Stanley Cup in four games.
Eleven Posted October 11, 2008 Report Posted October 11, 2008 Second in the division and somewhere between sixth and eighth in the conference. Despite last night's win, I think the division belongs to Montreal this year.
Taro T Posted October 12, 2008 Report Posted October 12, 2008 Coming a little late to the party, but I'll say Sabres end up w/ 101 and 5th in conference. Habs win division and #1 seed. Either Habs or Strangers come out of the East and take the Chalice. Red Wings end up President Trophy winners but don't go to the Finals. I'll go totally off board and say that SJ comes out of the West. If the Thornton lack of playoff leadership continues as I normally expect, then I'd say Dallas comes out of the West.
FGD59 Posted October 13, 2008 Report Posted October 13, 2008 10TH Place. Too many of the same player. Not enough size on the blueline. Not enough ability to make the other guy pay the price. Not enough size and talent to work themselves out of a slump. A goalie who is good, but not good enough to carry this team for streches. Not enough talent.
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