from John Vogl of the Buffalo News,

Here are some things to keep an eye on as the Sabres start a new era of watchable hockey.

1. Jack Eichel. The future (present?) superstar is the reward for years of suffering. He’s already shown he can be worth the price of admission.

The first time he wore a Buffalo uniform, in a prospects tournament, Eichel assisted on the tying goal in the closing minutes and scored the winner in overtime on a breakaway. In his first preseason game, Eichel scored the winner on a breakaway while short-handed. He has the ability to turn any game into a must-see event.

“I want to come in and find a role and make a difference for this team and help them win games,” Eichel said. “That’s why they drafted me, and that’s why they’re giving me this opportunity.”

2. Evander Kane. Flashy on and off the ice, Kane is an open book and an enigma at the same time. No one may ever know the whole story of what happened in Winnipeg, but anyone can see Kane lives a high-dollar lifestyle through his pictures of beaches, sports cars and model girlfriend.

read on