Sabres looking for better start in the regular season

With a disappointing record of 2-5-1 in the preseason, good for 29^th in the league, the Sabres will look to have a better start in the regular season.

It is going to be no easy task since the Sabres will play against the Western conference finalist, the Detroit Red Wings, for their first game of the season, and then play the Stanley Cup Champion, the Ottawa Senators, in the next one.

Against the Red Wings, Michel Therrien has decided to go with the following lineup.

Steen – M.Richards – Brown

Dupuis – Staal – Eberle

Schenn – B.Richards – Talbot

Prust – Eakin – Moen

Hjalmarsson – Doughty

Jackman – Faulk

Johnson – Diaz

Lehtonen

Vokoun

On offense, the top 9 is pretty much set, except for Schenn.  If he is not able to produce regularly, Prust might get a chance to play on the 3^rd line.  There is also the possibility that GM Blanchard bring another player via a trade.

On defense, the plan was to start the season with 6 quality d-men.  The Sabres were able to get Diaz and Johnson via trades so the 6 available spots have been filled.  Again, there is also a possibility that GM Blanchard try to improve one spot via a trade down the road.

In goal, Lehtonen should see the majority of the starts, but in case he does not perform well, Vokoun will be ready to compete and steal some starts.

In the AHL, the Americans finished the preseason with a record of 7-1-0.  Preseason is only preseason but it clearly indicates that they are ready to defend their title.

The Americans will start the regular season against the Grand Rapids Griffins.  Here is coach Cooper’s starting lineup.

Toffoli – Johnson – Atkinson

Carcillo – Flynn – Palushaj

Clune – Agozzino – Parros

Larsson – Tarasov – Quailer

Despres – Drewiske

Tinordi – Ellis

Schilling – Almquist

Kuemper

Campbell

Even if the Sabres are not really looking to move any guys, Moen, Palushaj, Parros, Drewiske and Clermont might be available.  If you are interested, send your offers.