It's about that time..

Even though it's still preseason, if you ask me hockey season has begun. Watching Monday night's beautiful win over Carolina ignited all of those familiar feelings that I've been missing since the season ended. Its been far too long since the last time I got to write about the Sabres, and I'm eager to get started with the 2011-12 season.

I have to start by saying goodbye to Tim Connolly. That long overdue trade was the best move Terry Pegula could have made, it showed how dedicated he was to making this a Stanley Cup-worthy team, rather than one that holds onto players for their sentimental value.

Now it's time for the important stuff. I am absolutely in love with the Gaustad, Gerbe, Kaleta line. How could anyone not be? Three goals, one for each guy on the line and they hustled every time they got out on the ice. Not only that, but Kaleta's ability to draw penalties clearly hasn't been diminished as he's progressed and grown into a more skilled overall player. He still has the hustle and motivation of a rookie vying for a permanent spot, but he's learned to do more than just throw his body around and start fights. His passing, his assists, even his skating have developed into those of a veteran player. Veteran skills with a rookie's hunger, what better combination could there be? Gaustad's performance was familiar and reliable, save for a few face plants and ass slides through center ice. And Gerbe, he's got that same hunger that Kaleta has and it's paired with a complete disregard for the fact that he's only 5'5". I can't wait to see how he produces for the rest of the season, if it's anything like last year we're in for quite a show.

I'm still on the fence about Ville Leino. I know he's a phenomenal player who has produced awesome numbers for his previous teams but he didn't impress me last night. I'm hoping he's still getting into the swing of things and he'll fall into his groove sooner rather than later, the regular season isn't far off.

Keeping it short, sweet, and always entertaining, that's all I have for now. It's good to be back and writing about what I love, let's go Sabres!