the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Encouraging as it might appear, Sabres general manager Tim Murray isnt overly impressed by the big jump Buffalo made in the standings last year.Going from rock bottom to respectability isnt considered a mean feat when taking into account Buffalo still finished 23rd despite a 12-win and 27-point improvement. Its not as if the Sabres could have been much worse after finishing last in each of the previous two seasons.We should be getting better, Murray told The Associated Press. When we stop getting better, then weve done something wrong.The hard part now is for the Sabres to evolve another step and start resembling contenders to end a five-season playoff drought -- the longest in franchise history.It doesnt happen overnight, Murray said. We think were much improved from last season. But we have to prove that on the ice. Well see.After spending his first 18 months gutting Buffalos high-priced, aging roster to rebuild the team from scratch, Murray is placing his faith in the young lineup that began showing signs of promise last season.Forward Ryan OReilly emerged as an on- and off-ice leader in his first season after being acquired in a trade from Colorado. And the Sabres young crop of draft picks made an immediate impact with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart combining for 47 goals 98 points.Murray raised expectations by making two significant offseason additions by signing forward Kyle Okposo to a seven-year, $42 million contract, and acquired defenseman Dmitry Kulikov in a trade with Florida.That gives you a boost of energy, excitement with some of the high-quality players that we brought in, defenseman Josh Gorges said. We expect a lot of big things out of our group.The Sabres confidence is bolstered by how the team began jelling in the second half last season, its first under coach Dan Bylsma. After opening 19-26-4, Buffalo closed 16-10-7.Kulikov had no reservations being traded to Buffalo after seeing the team improve last year.I feel like all the pieces are in place right now said Kulikov, who went through a few rebuilding phases during his first seven seasons in Florida. When youre talking rebuild, I dont think its about our team. I think our team has already passed that point. And we need to show it and get off to a good start.A number of things to watch out for as the Sabres prepare to open the season hosting Montreal on Oct. 13:ROCKIN ROBINGoalie Robin Lehner is ready to establish himself as a bona fide starter now that hes healthy after two injury-shortened seasons. Acquired for a first-round draft pick from Ottawa in June 2015, Lehners first year in Buffalo was sidetracked 30 minutes into the season opener when he hurt his left ankle.He went 5-9-5 in 21 games, and his previous season in Ottawa was shortened because of a concussion.Lehner spent the summer working out and was notably slimmer upon reporting for training camp.It doesnt matter how good of a summer Ive had, Ive got to go out and perform, Lehner said. I know what I can do. Im not eager to prove anyone wrong or right.ENNIS RETURNSTyler Ennis is eager to return after missing the final four months of the season sidelined by a concussion. Entering his eighth season in Buffalo, the speedy, diminutive forward is the teams longest serving active player. Hes a three-time 20-goal-scorer who is being counted upon to fill a top-six role.AT AN IMPASSEDefenseman Rasmus Ristolainen remains unsigned . Hes a restricted free agent and coming off a season in which he led Buffalo in averaging more than 25 minutes of ice time, and led the teams defensemen with 41 points (nine goals, 32 assists).In a sign of good faith, Ristolainen reported to training camp last week after representing Finland at the World Cup of Hockey. Though pleased to have Ristolainen on the ice practicing, Murray doubted his presence in Buffalo would speed up contract talks.KANE WATCHForward Evander Kane is coming off a tumultuous offseason. He faces numerous charges for allegedly grabbing three women by the hair and neck in separate instances during an altercation at a downtown Buffalo bar in June. The 25-year-old is also being sued by a 21-year-old woman claiming he seriously injured her during an attack in his hotel room in December.ROOMIESEichel and Reinhart have decided to move in together after establishing an on- and off-ice bond last year.We room together on the road as well, so were pretty familiar with each other, Reinhart said. Eichel spent his rookie season living with forward Matt Moulson and his family. Nike Air Max 270 Dames Goedkoop . In taking its goal tally to 99 in all competitions already this season, City delivered another demonstration of its lethal firepower at Etihad Stadium to set up a fourth-round match at home to another second-tier team -- Watford. Nike Air Max 720 Goedkoop . Louis Blues. Shane Hnidy joins Brian Munz for the broadcast on TSN 1290 Radio at 7pm ct. http://www.airmaxkopennederland.com/uitverkoop-air-max-720.html . It was the second consecutive win for the Pacers (2-5), who lost their first five preseason games. Jeff Teague led the Hawks (1-5) with 17 points and eight assists and Al Horford had 12 points and seven rebounds. Mike Scott scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half. Nike Air Max Groothandel .ca NBA Power Rankings, ahead of the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Nike Air Max 98 Heren Sale . LOUIS -- Theres no telling how these wacky World Series games will end.Thomas Vermaelen insists he is not contemplating leave Barcelona despite being disappointed by a recent lack of first-team action. The Belgian centre-back has made just 11 first-team appearances in La Liga since moving to the Nou Camp from Arsenal in the summer 2014 transfer window, although that has been partly due to several hamstring injuries.Reports in Spain have linked Vermaelen - who is fifth choice at Barcelona behind Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Marc Bartra and Jeremy Mathieu - with a return to the Premier League with Liverpool this summer. But the 30-year-old is not contemplating a move and instead says his sole focus is on Euro 2016 with his national side Belgium. Barcelona paid Arsenal £15m for Vermaelen in 2014 Its not that I want to leave Barcelona but the last few weeks and months have been a bit disappointing because I havent been getting a lot of playing time, he told Sky Sports News HQ.ddddddddddddIts not that Im thinking about leaving at the moment. Im just focused on my national team.Vermaelen also feels his former club Arsenal can be pleased with the great season they had but admits they missed a good opportunity to win the Premier League title.The last couple of weeks and months were a bit disappointing for them but before that they had a great season, he said.I thought they had a big chance to win it this year and hopefully next year they can go on and win it. Also See: Vermaelen: Arsenal can win title Vermaelen relishing World Club Cup Vermaelen aims to improve Rare winning goal for Vermaelen ' ' '