I always think the real part of the hockey season starts after Christmas. Its when its real cold out and it feels like winter. Plus its less then 50 games to go, you start thinking playoffs and where you possibly stand in the conference. Games get tougher, games get better, it just feels like hockey now. Its cold, snowy and theres nothing else you want to see but guys on ice hitting each other. But where are the Sabres after Christmas?Is this a team that has a chance or just trying to get into the playoffs and flame out?
Current standing
After living in the bottom of the conference standings for most of the year and making everyone believe that Drury and Briere were the Sabres, the young sabres have found their identity and have been surging up the ranks. The Sabres are currently 4th in the division and 6th in the conference. But are only 1 point out of 4th and with 2 games in hand. In my opinion that means they are 4th in the conference. People were leaving this team for dead 1 month ago. And just being on fire for the past few weeks, has let them back in the game. Of course if they have a bad month, they'll be back in 13th, and left for dead.
Who are the leaders?
Well with the rotating captaincy its tough to tell who the real leader is, but you can get the idea of who it maybe. Brian Campbell is the current captain. And if you wanted to associate success with term of captain, I guess you could say Campbell has been the best captain. But I don't use that logic. If I had to give out the "C" and 2 "A's" I'd give the Captain to Jochen Hecht. I just feel he is a leader in that locker room, and his play on the ice is always consistent and a go to guy. Jaro Spacek would get 1 "A", his play has been outstanding this year, he hits, he scores and just plain consistent. Hopefully he stays healthy the rest of the year. The second "A" goes to Toni Lydman and when Teppo comes back, he'll take it. Toni just seems to me a very capable leader and someone guys look up to. Yes I picked a all European captaincy, because the North Americans on this team are young and just not ready. Ryan Miller is a leader, but he needs to just concentrate on goaltending.
Where is the offense?
Though not as potent as last year, the offense is still there and still coming from everywhere. 7 guys have 20 points or more. Derek Roy is leading the team in goals with 13, justifying his new contract. Jason Pominville is leading the team in points with 30, having 21 assists. Showing he has taking over Briere's playmaking ability. Tim Connolly is the playmaker we thought, when healthy. Brian Campbell is the player needed on the blueline and Thomas Vanek is finally coming around. With Hecht, Kotalik, Afinogenov and Stafford filling out the lineup. No big point getters like last year, just a bunch of guys with similar numbers. I'd rather have 7 or 8 guys in the 70 point total then a couple in the 100's.
Most important player?
Its Ryan Miller, hands down, this team goes nowhere with Miller playing bad. When he's on, this team will not be beat. They have a good amount of offense, and with him keeping pucks out of the net, he gives the forwards and defense the confidence to take chances in the defensive zone.
This team starts from the net out.
Next month
The next month is a huge part of the season, they must keep up the good play, because there are some tough matchups. 3 games against Ottawa, 3 games against New Jersey and 9 of 14 games on the road. Including a 7 game road trip starting on the 19th. They don't have a home game from 1/18 to 2/6. Thats about 3 weeks away from home. But the next month of so will define this team. And come the All Star game I think we'll have a feel about where the Sabres stand and their chances in the playoffs.
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