So last night was my first Buffalo game of the season. I am not convinced they are a playoff team yet. The division is tough, I don't think they make a spot, and the east is strong so the wildcard battle will be tough. Here are my reasons.
- I am not sold on Hutton being a guy who can play at a high level for the 60 games it would likely take
- Right now, the wins are coming on the back of an unsustainably hot PP. I was impressed with the movement and all of that, but it isn't going to run at 60% forever. In fact, if it ends the year at 30% I would be shocked.
- While this can be corrected with coaching, I am still seeing the same break downs that have costed them in previous years. Buffalo has started strong the past few years, but it seems like the consistency demanded of an 82 game season is what gets them.
Eichel had a good game, but I still saw him dogging it defensively on multiple goals. It seemed at times the team either stopped skating or forgot how to play hockey.
I am not sure if a coach is enough to overcome some of the mentality issues that have plagued the team. What is going to happen when the PP goes cold and they hit their first big losing streak? Are they going to just give up on the season like in the past? It's hard to say with new coaching.
Also is Oolf going to remain shooting 30%? What happens when their depth scoring regresses to their average?
I am not sure. Sabres are in the same tier as Edmonton for me where they need to prove it before they get the benefit of the doubt. I think a lot if going really well for them right now.