Buffalo is in a rare predicament right now.
Both of the city's primary professional sports teams are actually really good. In the past, fans asked which team was worse: Bills or Sabres? In recent years, the Sabres have been impressive while the Bills have struggled mightily. But this year, 2011, nobody really knows which team is better.
First things first: the records. The Sabres are 3-1 while the Bills dropped to 4-2 last weekend. The Sabres' best win came against the Penguins, but otherwise, the squad has played middle-of-the-road teams.
The Bills have beaten an incredible New England team and a playoff contender in the Oakland Raiders. Buffalo's two losses have come on the road to two 4-2 teams, so there's no reason to panic as the Bills head into the bye.
Next, examine the ESPN Power Rankings. Not too much stock can be put into these rankings, but they still represent an expert's take on the squads. The Sabres are ranked seventh in the latest NHL rankings, while the Bills are ranked tenth. Keep in mind that there are 32 NFL teams and 30 NHL squads.
Still, if you factor in the difference, the Sabres are ranked higher.
The Sabres have shown in recent years that they're the more reliable team. The Bills have shown flashes of brilliance and then faded away several times. I do think this Bills team is different, but the Sabres have been more consistent.
The Sabres are currently the better-run organization. Sure, the Bills are winning ballgames with no-name players, but Terry Pegula has shown that he's willing to make any move necessary to get his team (and Buffalo) a Stanley Cup.
Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier is in his 14th season, while Bills GM Buddy Nix is in his second with Buffalo. Nix has done a fantastic job to date, but Regier has been around the block; he knows what he's doing in Buffalo.
I love Lindy Ruff and Chan Gailey. Both are extremely experienced, so I'll call the coaching matchup a stalemate.
Now let's check out the teams' leaders.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has been like his squad: extremely good at times and frustrating at others. I think he's an above-average player, but he's not an upper-echelon quarterback.
Fred Jackson has been the most successful Buffalo Bill so far this year. He's racking up yards and touchdowns like nobody's business, and I consider him among the best rushers in the league.
Thomas Vanek is one of the most talented forwards in the NHL, whether you want to admit it or not. He's been solid the past few years, leading the Sabres in goal-scoring each of the past five seasons.
Ryan Miller is also an elite player. Yes, he surrendered four goals against Carolina, but I still think he's a contender for the Vezina Trophy – the award given to the league's best goalie.
Perhaps the biggest disparity lies in the squads' depth. The Sabres are solid from top to bottom, while the Bills have some gaping holes (secondary, injury-depleted offensive line).
Granted, it's early in the season, but I've got to stick with this city's hockey team. The Sabres are the better squad.
Email: aaron.mansfield@ubspectrum.com
