Disappointing End to a Great Season and Big Naturals

Ultimately the 2005-2006 Buffalo Sabres season will go down as a disappointment. Despite the fact that no one expected this team to get a games reach of the Stanley Cup Finals at the beginning of the season - as the season went on I think just about everyone "believed" they could win it. This obviously makes the loss in Game 7 to the Carolina Hurricanes that much tougher.

Still, this will go down as my all time favorite season as a Sabres fan. I think most mostly everyone else in my age bracket would tell you the same exact thing. I'm feeling very confident that this core group of guys (most if not the whole roster should be back next year) will be competing for the cup late in the playoffs the next couple of years.

The main factor holding them back obviously this year were the injuries. I feel confident that McKee (who they MUST sign this off-season to a FAT contract), Tallinder, and Kalinin will be back and healthy next year. Connolly and Teppo are different stories though. Connolly who in my opinion is the Sabres best offensive weapon when not concussed has yet to prove he can stay in the lineup. Teppo is old, I think they will get a solid season from him next year, but him going down this playoffs is not surprising. Think of the upside of just about every player on the current roster. Miller, Roy, Pominville, Gaustad, Vanek were essentially all rookies. All with the exception of Vanek played well in the playoffs and all of them should get better. I also think Vanek once he tries 100% of the time will be MUCH BETTER. Drury, Briere, Dumont, Hecht, Grier, McKee, Tallinder, Lydman, Campbell, and Kalinin are in their primes. Only Teppo is old, but is still good for another year or two.

I guess what I'm getting at is that we've got an awesome team that can win a Stanley Cup. I can not wait until next year. Feel free to discuss in the comments section.

Related - Bucky Gleason (who predicted the Sabres would fold after losing game 4) manages to put some positive spin on this season.

Now, if you are still depressed about Thursday nights heartbreak, go watch Keeley talk ALL about her BOOBS - (NSFW). via whatevs
Please feel to comment in the comments section since there is not much to discuss here.