Dominik Hasek. (Associated Press)

1998-99 record: 37-28-17, 91 points, 4th Northeast Division
Coach: Lindy Ruff (73-55-36, two years as Sabres coach)
New faces: D Cory Sarich, G Martin Biron, RW Maxim Afinogenov
Losses: D Darryl Shannon, RW Dean Sylvester
Strengths: G Dominik Hasek will be around for one more season. The world's best goaltender took the Sabres to the Stanley Cup Finals last spring and one wonders what he has in store in his last tour around the NHL. Several Sabres came into their own last season en route to the Finals, especially youngsters like C Curtis Brown and LW Erik Rasmussen. C Michael Peca, already one of the league's top checkers, had a career season offensively. RW Miroslav Satan is coming off a 40-goal season and LW Michal Grosek and RW Dixon Ward contributed 20 apiece. This blue collar team is a direct reflection of Ruff, who already has established himself as a solid coach. He was given a contract extension for his work.
Weaknesses: G Dominik Hasek will be around for one more season. Never has there been more of a "win-now" situation. Dwayne Roloson figures to back up "The Dominator," but the Sabres would like to get some time for Martin Biron. Buffalo needs more consistent performances from C Stu Barnes and LW Geoff Sanderson. It will be interesting to see how the Sabres bounce back from Brett Hull's controversial Stanley Cup-winning goal. It was obvious during the offseason that Ruff and Buffalo fans are still smarting. While Ruff coaxes contributions from many, he could use more snipers like Satan.
Ruff says: "It's going to be a very demanding year, very demanding on the players. Expectations are at an all-time high. It's great to have expectations because some teams don't have them. Our expectations are to contend for the Stanley Cup and hopefully win it."