2006 Buffalo Sabres Preview

2006 Buffalo Sabres Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 Buffalo Sabres Hockey Season Preview

In last year’s third round of the Cup, the Sabres took the Canes to a seventh game and then lost to the Stanley Cup champs-to-be. During the off-season, Buffalo lost two if its best special teams guys and locker room leaders—Mike Grier (RW) and Jay McKee (D). Very little has been added to the team, but that may be because this is one of the best-balanced clubs in the NHL with one of the finest motivators behind the bench—Lindy Ruff.

The offense is about as synchronized as an offense can get. Scoring leader Maxim Afinogenov (22 G, 51 A, 73 Pts) on right wing makes a deadly combo with star center Chris Drury (30 G, 37 A, 67 Pts), while 9 other Sabres who had 40 points or more last year return. On the power play, the team was third in the league.

On paper this defense may not look impressive, but it’s what on the ice that counts. This is a fast flying, crisp passing group that should be even better with the addition of free agent Jaroslav Spacek (12 G, 31 A, 43 Pts). Last season, the Sabres were second on the penalty kill. Brian Campbell is a fine two-way player with the shot blocking mentality of the departed McKee.

In goal, Ryan Miller (48 GP, 30 W, 14 L, 3 OT, 2.60 GAA, .914 SP) proved to be the real thing, ranking in the top ten in wins, goals against and save percentage. He was stellar in the playoffs, notching series wins against Philadelphia and Ottawa. Backup Martin Biron (35 G, 21 W, 8 L, 3 OT, 2.89 GAA, .905 SP) is more than capable.

With some of the best forwards, defensemen and goaltending in the league, the Sabres, with speed and an amazingly balanced scoring attack, could slash and cut their way to the Cup finals and a championship.

For more information on the 2006 Buffalo Hockey Club check out the Sabres team website.