2005 Atlanta Hawks Hockey Preview
Welcome to the 2005 Buffalo Sabres Preview page. The NHL Hockey Season is around the corner and what better way to remind the public how exciting the NHL can be with a 2005 season preview from Maddux Sports. Remember if you are betting on NHL hockey look no further, as we are one of the few sports handicapping services that offers NHL picks against the hockey betting line and can help you be a winner this NHL betting season.
2005 Buffalo Sabres Hockey Season Preview
The Sabres finished the 2003-04 season in ninth place and six points out of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. The question regarding Buffalo’s hockey club for this season is have they really improved their chances of moving into a playoff birth? That query is difficult to answer.
Unlike many other teams in the Eastern Conference the Sabres made no earthmoving signings. In fact the headlines revolved around the teams decision to not ink a deal with mainstay wingman Miroslav Satan, who in 2003-04 compiled 57 points, second highest on the team.
The Buffalo franchise did retain their leading goal scorer and assist man Daniel Briere, who played center and scored 28 goals with 37 assists during the 2003-04 NHL season. Briere, who was named Co-Captain with center Chris Drury, has spent the last 2 of his 3 seasons in a Sabres’ uniform. Many consider him to be the most talented player on what is a young team. One question—will this be the breakout year people have been expecting from him for so long? Of his eight NHL seasons five have been spent commuting between the AHL and NHL. Only during the last three years has he been comfortably ensconced in the Buffalo lineup.
Co-Captain Drury, who has six NHL seasons behind him, scored 53 points in 76 games for Buffalo in 2003-04. Drury will help create stability on a young team.
One major debate among Sabres fans revolves around three possible goalies presently in camp. The obvious choice for this position is Martin Biron who has spent four full seasons with the team. The other two choices for the position are the talented Finish goalie Mika Noronen who had a goals against average of 2.01, and Ryan Miller, who in the past two seasons has never played a full NHL schedule.
Can the Sabres change their fortunes with this lineup? The only answer to that question is a big, “maybe.” One thing is for sure: they have not replaced the ubiquitous Satan.
