Better Know a Contender?

What do you get when a team models their mascot after a grade school computer game?

Why you get the Buffalo Sabres, of course!  America's team!  And aren't they cute?  You have to love any team whose two greatest moments occurred 40 years ago, and not even during an NHL-sponsored event, respectively... And both were losing efforts!  But we are talking Buffalo here, kiddies, where losing is an institution.  But not just losing, losing as painfully and as often as possible.

Let's take a look at this team's history shall we?

In 1973, the Sabres make their first playoff appearance only 2 years after the teams inception.  The team features the fabulous French Connection consisting of Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert.  The team loses to the Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs.  At the conclusion of game 6, the fans chant "Thank you, Sabres!" once the game is over, even though the series is lost... And so, losing becomes acceptable for the start. (Greatest moment #1)

Two years later, the Sabres would make the Stanley Cup and take part in the infamous Fog Game.  During the game, Sabres center Jim Lorentz went all Manu Ginobili on a bat with this stick, killing the winged creature on contact.  Buffalo fans, horrified by the thought of an innocent, weak creature being killed (even though they live in a town called "Buffalo"), believe this is the reason they eventually lost the Cup that year in 6 games.

Nothing happens over the next 25 years, and then in 1999, the Sabres find themselves in the Stanley Cup once again after Buffalo turns to the Dark Prince for assistance.  However, once again, it was the power of Good talent that overcame Bad inability.  What's that?  Brett Hull was in the crease?  The Lord works in mysterious ways, I guess.

10 years later, Sabres goalie Ryan Miller will be granted netminding responsibilities for Team USA in the Vancouver Olympic games, even leading his team to an extraordinary victory over a heavily-favored Canadian team during match play.  However, like the poor slut that he is, Miller would leave his legs spread open just long enough for Canada's Sidney Crosby to force the puck in there, giving Canada gold, and the US silver.  Miller would eventually receive a rousing ovation from the Buffalo crowd once the NHL resumed play, once again proving Buffalo's tolerance for prolonged disappointment and failure.

So, how will the Buffalo faithful respond to their team's inevitable second-round loss to the New Jersey Devils this season?  I'm calling for a parade.  And hey, maybe Miller will even wear his silver medal on the float as a constant reminder that Buffalo will always and forever be second-rate.

Players to Watch:

Thomas Vanek - In the midst of his worst year since 2005, Vanek is the most balanced player in the Sabres lineup.  He can playmake and score and this year he seems to be doing both in utter moderation.  The Sabres are doing okay in terms of scoring, but with their defense allowing over 31 shots per game, they're going to need a lot more of it, and mainly from Vanek.

Tim Connolly - It took him ten years in the league, but the centerman is finally having his breakout season.  Similar to Joe Thornton in his game, Connolly is one of the league's best setup men.  However, the most goals he has scored in a season is 18, and with Buffalo's defensive accessibility, Connolly is going to need to start finding his shooting touch, in addition to the open man.

Raffi Torres -  One more time!  After posting 19 goals with the Blue Jackets, the Sabres though they were going to be adding a scoring threat in Torres, only it hasn't worked out too well, thus far.  In 7 games, Torres has logged 2 assists and 0 goals.  Sure, it may take some time to adjust to Buffalo coming from... Columbus... But either way, if Torres doesn't pick up the pace, he'll be adjusting to the offseason before he knows it.