Behind Enemy Lines: The Buffalo Sabres

In this recurring post, I ask some questions to a staff writer or editor of an opposing team’s FanSided Blog.  This week, I interviewed one of the editors of the Buffalo Sabres blog, Sabre Noise.

Oct 10, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing

(71) flips Buffalo Sabres defenseman

(6) during a fight in the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Columbus Blue Jackets had a huge win over the Washington Capitals last night and hope to continue their streak in Buffalo tonight.

U&B: What has been the biggest strength of the Sabres so far?

Caitlin: Since the defence has been shaky and the Sabres rarely score more than 2 goals a game by default the strength of the Buffalo Sabres has to be the goaltending. Both Ryan Miller and Jhonas Enroth have stepped up to the late to help keep the Sabres floating in the NHL. Both goaltenders will be representing their receptive countries at the Olympics so despite being the 30th ranked them the Sabres will be sending both netminders to the Olympics. When Miller and Enroth are on their games the Sabres stand a legit chance at winning any game which is all a team can ask for.

U&B: Who should the Blue Jackets be wary of?

Caitlin:  Aside from the goaltenders, the next most dangerous player has to be Zemgus Girgensons. The kid has been a beast this season and as a result has earned playing time on the top line alongside Matt Moulson. There is no quit whatsoever in this kid, doesn’t matter if the Sabres are down 8-0 or up 4-0 this kid is still going full out Every. Single. Shift. He draws penalties and plays a very physical game to compliment his offencive skill. He’s the complete package right now and we can’t wait to see him in a year or two.

Oct 10, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Nick Foligno (71) checks Buffalo Sabres center

(28) during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

U&B: Who do you see as the biggest threat TO the Sabres FROM the Blue Jackets?

Caitlin:  I’m going to go with two guys for this one if you don’t mind. Personally I have always been a fan with Nathan Horton and the way he plays the game. He’s a blue collar player who can certainly put points up and is dangerous every shift. He may just be returning from injury but that shouldn’t be taken lightly at all- Horton is always dangerous.The other guy is the guy between the pipes, Sergei Bobrovsky. The Buffalo Sabres have A LOT of trouble scoring goals. When an opposing goaltender is on his game the Sabres are in trouble.

U&B: What is one area in which your team has struggled this season?

Caitlin: I may have mentioned this but the Buffalo Sabres have issues scoring goals. Unless their goaltenders stand on their heads and push the game to OT or a shootout the Sabres have a real difficult winning hockey games. The Sabres have scored 2 goals or less in 25 games this season and have been shutout in 6 of those games. The Sabres will be hard done by to score 150 goals this season… that pretty much sums up their season.

Oct 10, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman

(47) and Buffalo Sabres center

(8) fight during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

U&B: What are your expectations for this game? 

Caitlin:  I think the game has the potential to be a very fast but a very low scoring game as both teams have excellent goaltenders who know how to shut the door when their team needs them the most. Probably a 2-1 game with both netminders standing on their heads. I think the Sabres Steve Ott, Zenon Konopka, and John Scott will win the physical battle.