Slugs win 1st of season

I don't know if it was the uniforms that were making the players sick or if they just caught the flu, but the Sabres got off to a really rocky start this season. With coach Craig McTavish sick, the team played Boston on opening night without a whole lot of organisation and structure. The quick start to the season left a lot of the Sabres newcomes with little chemistry, and it showed on opening night. Follow that up with losses to the upstart Panthers and the free-spending Leafs and The rocky start got worse.

Last night, the Sabres showed what they were capable of, putting 6 goals past the Coyote's combination of Dunham and Thibault. Briere and Jokinen lead the way with 3 points apiece.

If you recall, the Sabres got off to a horrendous start last season, starting the year 4-11-1 before turning it around and becoming cup champs. lets hope they start a little stronger, and finish just as well.

The play of Ryan Miller has been a little alarming, as the rookie has had trouble adjusting to the pro game and handling the responsibility of being the #1 on a cup contender right out of the gate. but with little support in Danny Sabourin, expect management to ride the youngster and let him figure things out on the ice.

Jaromir Jagr has had an interesting start, registering only 5 shots and no hits, whilst racking up a team high 14 PIM. Not a typical Jagr stat line. That said, the veteran has 3 points in 4 games and is a +1, so he can't be playing that badly.

Once again, the best line is what ever line Scott Hartnell is on. The youngster, who had a legendary Cup finals last year against the Jackets continues to inspire those around him, and although he's not scoring himself, his linemates (Briere and Nash) are. Watch for this line to continue to be a force, as the Frolov-Jokinen-Jagr line takes all the heat and attention.

The Sabres have a day off before facing a struggling Canucks team, who is also looking to get their season started.All this reporter can say is...

GO SLUGS!!!

That's all...for now

Buffalo Bill
Hockey Editor for the Buffalo News
 

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