Looking at the NHL season so far, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 16-13-5 record.

With every team entering the season with Christmas off, here's a list of things the Sabres should be asking for.

 

1) A un-injured Tim Connolly

He has not played since taking a hit against St. Louis on Nov. 14. He has played in just six games this season—but in those six games, he has recorded seven points.

 

2) Afinogenov's scoring

Maxim Afinogenov has been benched by head coach Lindy Ruff this season a few times. He has just one goal in 30 games played this season, and he is having significant trouble finding the net and a lack of appreciation for Ruff's new offensive game-style.

 

3) A re-do a week 

Specifically, one that would be good Nov. 14 through 21 (or 22) of 2008. The Sabres went 0-5 during that span, and were outscored 25-9.

 

4) Send Vanek to the All-Star Game

No Sabre is more deserving to play in the game than Thomas Vanek, who is second in the league in goals with 24. He is the most consistent player the Sabres have had this season.

 

5) Better success against Conference rivals

The Sabres lost to both Ottawa and Toronto, and they have just a 2-2 record against Boston and and 1-1 against Montreal.