Sunday Sabres Roundup

- Garth over at Hockeybuzz has some so-so close analysis of the Sabres woes of 2008-2009, but alas, it’s off the mark. Blaming the Sabres goaltending for their inability to keep a lead is inexplicable – it rests on the inability of the skaters to play 60 minutes. Wonderful intangible sentiment like “leaders led” doesn’t make up for the fact that a.) Vanek was a nonpresence in his preseason opener b.) Roy had more turnovers than he did chances. “Boys becoming men” as a way for the Sabres to end their streak of early offseasons makes me cringe.

- The Buffalo News has a piece on Cody McCormick and where he’s at in training camp. Improving his skating is good – the Sabres play fast and play hard, and he needs to keep up with the Eastern Conference’s game – but he didn’t show even close to enough grit in his preseason opener to make his case for being in the lineup when the Sabres open the season. He’s gotta have both grit and speed in his resume.

- The Sabres are saying they’re more accountable than last season. But it’s easy for NHL players to say the right thing without saying much at all (welcome to every soundbyte anyone other than Jeremy Roenick has ever produced). Now they’ve gotta demonstrate it – and there’s some bright spots, in that Montador and Grier aren’t the kind of guys to take excuses lightly in the lockerroom. Hopefully they can help Rivet ride herd on the team.

- The Hockey News is anticipating a 7th place finish for Buffalo this coming season. At least somebody thinks we can do it, eh?

- C.