30 in 15: Buffalo Sabres Season Preview

*Offense:’ Despite the lack of a serious superstar, the Sabres were actually one of the higher scoring teams in the East last year. Thomas Vanek is a legitimate scorer, while Derek Roy has been very productive in recent years. Youngsters Tyler Ennis and Drew Stafford have alot to offer, and provide, at the very least, a solid amount of depth to the Sabres offense.Grade: B’'’Defense:’’’ With plenty of solid veterans on the blueline, the Buffalo defense has a history of being stingy. Captain Craig Rivet and sophomore Tyler Myers will get some added help from former Capital Shaone Morrisonn, but Buffalo isn’t exactly the deepest on the back end. As long as they don’t hit a bad run of injuries, the Sabres should be fine defensively.Grade: B+Goaltending:How much more can be said about Ryan Miller>? After winning the Vezina Trophy last year by pretty much singlehandedly carrying the Sabres into the playoffs, and helping Team USA win a silver medal at the 2010 Olympics, Miller will have very high expectations on his shoulders this season. Veteran Patrick Lalime is a capable backup, but he can’t be relied on for more than ten to fifteen games, so if anything happens to Miller, the Sabres could be in trouble.*Grade: A’