The Buffalo Sabres continue to be one the major models for success in the new NHL. I completely agree with those detractors that are quick to point out that this success was heavily based on luck. GM Darcy Regier had built a relatively decent team heading into the lockout but, following the rules changes (and the development of top players like Vanek and Miller), the Sabres emerged as one of the new NHL's frontrunners. Darcy Regier had done somewhat in drafts, trades, and the like, but the fact remains, Buffalo was never going to contend, at least consistently. The system was full of players not cut out for the old NHL (Connolly, Briere, etc), and salary escalation meant that the Sabres could not afford to improve via FA or through the acquisition of any major veteran talent.

With the introduction of the new NHL, however, it quickly became clear that the Sabres, and their quick, skilled roster was perfect for the NHL. It combined skill and agility (Afinogenov, Briere) with toughness and leadership (Drury) to make the perfect up-tempo team. However, their success wasn't solely based on the rules changes. The Sabres had great organizational depth, and what's more is that that depth was beautifully integrated into all levels of the organization. During the lockout, for example, head coach Lindy Ruff worked the Rochester Americans, the Sabres' AHL affiliate, to ensure that the future of the organzation knew what to expect at the NHL level. Players like Vanek and Miller emerged as future all-stars from Rochester, and the Americans continue to develop NHL-ready talent in forwards like Drew Stafford, Clarke MacArthur, and Michael Ryan. The draft has been key to the Sabres' success, as much of the organization's depth is a result of the middle and later rounds of the draft, not based on the success of their first round picks. In fact, the Sabres have only picked in the early portion of the first round once in the last decade or so, selection Thomas Vanek.

All things considered, it shouldn't be surprising that even with 8 regulars out of the starting lineup, the Buffalo Sabres continue to win, and continue their hold of 1st place in the Eastern Conference and their battle (with Nashville) for 1st place in the NHL overall. If and when the Sabres lose both Drury and Briere, the sound goaltending of Ryan Miller, the bend-but-don't-break, offense-first defense, and the solid two-way play from their forwards will leave this team in contention for years to come. Believe it or not, Lindy Ruff, Darcy Regier, and the rest of the management team, are and will continue to beresponsible for this success now and in the future.