Buffalo Sabres: What We Learned from Their NHL Premiere Series in Europe

For the first time in franchise history, the Buffalo Sabres opened up their season in Europe as they part of the NHL Premiere Series, playing in Helsinki and Berlin.

While it was a truly exciting experience for everyone involved, including myself, who had the opportunity to see the Sabres play in my new home city of Berlin, the games did still count in the standings.

All in all, the Sabres should be very happy coming back home with four points (maybe the team should play all of their games in Europe). 

Other than being first in the standings, there are several other takeaways from these two games that could be telling signs for the rest of the season.

Luke Adam Is Here to Stay

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Luke Adam may not have been on the Opening Day roster had it not been for an injury to Jochen Hecht. However, Adam found his way onto the team and has made the best of his opportunity.

In the two games in Europe, Adam has put together some impressive numbers for a rookie. He's got two goals, two assists and is a plus-3. 

Head coach Lindy Ruff put him a spot to succeed by pairing him with Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. He and Vanek seem to have a natural chemistry with one another on the ice.

If these initial games are any precursor, Luke Adam may not only dress for every game, he may also be competing for the Calder Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year.

Thomas Vanek Is Primed for an MVP-Caliber Season

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Speaking of Thomas Vanek, he's gotten off to a quick start himself. 

Vanek certainly fed off of the Berlin crowd, which was completely behind the Austrian-born forward and native German speaker.

Through the first two games, Vanek has two goals, three assists and is a plus-2. While Vanek cannot be expected to average 2.5 points the entire season, he looks primed for a big year.

If Vanek can play this well all the way through, he may be joining Adam and competing for some hardware of his own.

Ryan Miller Is Back to His Old Self

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Last season, there was a noticeable decline in Ryan Miller's play. It may have been fatigue from a long 2009-2010 season or it may have been caused from injury; regardless, Miller wasn't his usual show-stopping self.

Already this season, we've seen a rejuvenated and refocused Ryan Miller. Coupled that with the fact that the Sabres finally have an able backup and have solidified their defense, Miller should be among the Vezina finalists.

Through two games Ryan Miller has two wins, a goals against average of 1.50 and a save percentage of .952.

The New Defensive Unit Will Live Up to the Hype

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A lot was made about the Sabres' revamped defense this offseason. This past weekend it was finally time to back all the hype and they did just that.

They held two very good offensive teams to just three goals in two games. The only big mistake they made was leaving Anze Kopitar wide open for the Los Angeles Kings' second goal.

As the season goes on, they will grow together and get even stronger. If for whatever reason someone falters, they'll find themselves watching the game from the press box because the team only has six slots for seven good defensemen.

The Buffalo Sabres Are Legitimate Stanley Cup Contenders

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Although they have only played two games and there is only so much that can be taken away from such a small sample size, the Buffalo Sabres look ready to live up to their high expectations.

The Sabres won against two teams that are expected to be contenders this season and won quite convincingly.

The Anaheim Ducks have one of the best lines in hockey that is comprised of Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Not to mention they are a big and physical team. The Kings have one of the most talented rosters in the league and are a sexy pick to win the Stanley Cup.

With all that being said, it is a great sign seeing how the Sabres performed against these clubs. Hopefully, the team will carry over the momentum from Europe as they continue with the rest of their season in North America.