From the Publisher
Winter 2011 - 2012:
The Buffalo Bills' once-promising season took a turn for the worse in November and is now headed down a road all too familiar; the one that leaves them on the outside looking in when the playoffs get under way. Still, with every door that shuts—like Fred Jackson being placed on the injured reserve list—another one opens. Second-year running back C.J. Spiller looks to make the most of his extended playing time in Jackson's absence and has shown flashes that convinced the Bills to take him No.9 in the 2010 draft.
Leading the way for Spiller, at least partially, is Andy Levitre. Throughout the season, Levitre has already lined up at left guard, left tackle and most recently center. Levitre might not be mentioned on the Sunday pregame but the ability to fill in ably as needed is something that both his running back and quarterback have commented on.
Like the Bills, the Sabres have been hit by the injury bug; and by hit I really mean ravaged. At various points throughout the first quarter of the season, the Sabres have dressed as many as nine Amerks to fill in for injured players. The most notable absence has to be that of Ryan Miller, who was knocked out by Boston's Milan Lucic. Having filled in for Miller down the stretch last year to help the team go 9-2-2 and reach the playoffs, Jhonas Enroth was once again called upon to shoulder the load. Although he has posted an 8-6-1 record, Enroth has posted Milleresque numbers and gives the Sabres something they haven't had for many years; a viable backup goaltender who is not a liability. Zack Kassian has also been filling in due to injuries. He has made the most of his call-up, averaging over a half point per game, and looks every bit like the imposing, energetic, mismatch creating player the Sabres drafted in 2009.Despite national jokes about the weather, winter is a wonderful time to experience all that Western New York has to offer. With cold weather activities from snowboarding and skiing to tubing and snowmobiling, there is no shortage of fun for the whole family. This year's special winter directory highlights some family friendly activities and advises on all of the latest gear to keep you warm while looking stylish. For the avid outdoorsman, hard water fishing season is almost here and it's never early to start stocking up on supplies and checking last season's gear.
We will see you again towards the end of February.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
