It's a combination of some of the subject matter in the poll choices as well as individual player markers.
Once training camp regimens through out the off season wind down and 3/4's of pre-season games cull the roster ranks a bit, there is a good reason why the last pre-season game or 2 get announcements by the coach or staff that it's playing the up coming roster for the season or near to it.
New roster personnel have the last 2 weeks to begin to build chemistry, focus on system, linemates/partners acclimation, assess their individual strengths and weaknesses in such a confine and begin to address the good (how to make it even better) and the bad (areas to focus on of immediate improvement need).
The first quarter of the season this process will continue as the main subjects IMHO. Does that mean the sky is falling if they don't burst out of the gate in near perfection? No, but the team is younger, they will continue to build upon what we already know they're capable of, again, IMHO.
Worried? No. Would we like them to smash every opponent in the regular season? Of course. But we have a young netminder, new personnel to incorporate and the continued development of the young returning for yet another season of chemistry building block work.
If there ever was a season to break out and cement their position as a playoff team, this, is that season. I'll cheer them on even if they have early on growth as a group pains. Oh sure, I'll bitch and whine as many will when those pains manifest themselves in individual game performances, but I have the upmost confidence that if all do their duty, as I know they will, the Sabres will be victorious in their run to a playoff spot this season.
Go Sabres!