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There were plenty of positives and negatives for the Buffalo Sabres last season.  Injuries were a big reason why they stayed at the bottom of the Atlantic Division.  Their defense was as bad as anyone's in the league.  Sam Reinhart failed to take a step forward.  On the other hand, they had the best power play in the league, Jack Eichel was outstanding and their goaltending, notably Robin Lehner, was excellent.  Out went Dan Bylsma and Tim Murray, in comes Phil Housley and Jason Botterill.  It's time for a return to the playoffs for the Sabres and they have the talent to make it back.  How the team improves tactically under Housley and how much the defense improves will be the major factors.  Let's see what my hometown team are working with:
On Wednesday, I said the following about Patrick Eaves: "He played on the first line and first power play unit right now so Eaves is a top end streamer while that’s the case. You could even hold him." Well, he showed why that's the case on Thursday night as Eaves had a hat trick in the first period against the Blackhawks. He finished the game with those three goals and six shots on goal. He has to be held now or picked up where available as long as he's on the first line. Here's what else I saw the last two nights around the league: