from Emily Kaplan of ESPN,

For this week's column, I did a big notebook dump to tell you about the 10 storylines I'll be following for the next two months: everything from trade deadline goalie controversies, to coach firings, to which teams could find themselves sneaking into the postseason picture. Let's roll:

1. Can the Buffalo Sabres save themselves, or are we looking at another implosion?

Terry and Kim Pegula bought the Sabres in 2011. The team made the playoffs that spring, lost in the first round to the Montreal Canadiens, and hasn't been back to the postseason since. Buffalo is now on its sixth coach in that span, and third general manager. And for the second straight season, a promising start by the Sabres has been derailed. Entering this week, Buffalo is 10 points out of a playoff spot. Fans are frustrated. Word is the owners are, too.

If the Sabres end up making the playoffs, it's likely because Jack Eichel -- having a Hart Trophy-worthy season, already setting a career-high with 31 goals through 51 games -- dragged them there. If they miss, it's because Eichel didn't have enough support.

read on plus nine more storylines....