The biggest thing the Sabres can do to be successful

[ksl66]

SCORE THE FIRST GOAL!!!! If they can get out early on teams then they won't have to worry about teams backing things in and clogging up their entries into the offensive zone. It is the simplest thing they can do to open things up. By coming out slow and not forcing teams to play their game, they are putting themselves behind the eight ball. The European style of lining up 4 skaters at the blue line has been killing the Sabres so far this year. Teams aren't even forechecking with more then one skater once they get a goal. I heard it said when the league announced the new rule changes, that it was just a matter of time before teams abandoned the trap and went to this style. The Sabres are among the fastest teams in the league, but also the smallest, they are not a dump and chase team and they have never been very good on retrievals. Tonight won't be an issue because Toronto doesn't play that style, but the "new trap" teams are going to frustrate the hell out of the Sabres unless they start to get out of the gates quicker.

[JLB]

stay away from injury plague.

[ksl66]

That too

[Thumper]

If the Sabres scored the first goal, they would have teams opening themselves up to play catch up. What that means is that the Sabres speed and skill players would be playing in a more wide open game because the opposition would have to gamble now and then to try and tie the game. You're right ksl66. It is absolutely crucial for the Sabres to play a perfectly sound defensive and patient game early on, wait for that chance to strike, and capitalize...They can't go down early. If they take care of their own end first, their chance to score will come. Then the game can open up a bit more, which only benefits this team.

[Carl J. Ironsides]

Trade for a leader?

[Thumper]

Trade for a leader?

Shotgun move. Not yet.

[Papaduke]

The biggest thing the Sabres can do to be successful.... WIN

[sabres4cup]

thank you ...