The Buffalo Sabres, a team that for the last few seasons would have been down and out after being down even 2 goals. A team that struggled with offense, lacked some defense, and goaltending for what seems like years. The Sabres were a mess, not even being able to complete comebacks or fight in games. They showed no signs of life or desire to win. The fan base was beaten and sick of losing. They wanted change. Slowly the pieces came together and some luck occurred. All of the sudden, the hopes are high and the future is bright.
Fast-forward to November 17th, 2018. The Buffalo Sabres have just won 5 straight games, the first time since 2012. They beat Tampa Bay, a very good team in the East with true firepower. They then come from behind and beat the Winnipeg Jets, a team that is a powerhouse in the West. Just before these 2 wins, Buffalo came back from being down 3-1 to Vancouver with less than 3 minutes to go. With a absolutely filthy shootout goal from Mittelstadt, they win. Then, Buffalo comes into Minnesota on a back to back after playing the Jets, and come from behind yet again to win. Dahlin makes a nice pass to McCabe for a goal. Dahlin jams in a lose puck and Pominville scores with under 2 minutes to go, Buffalo wins it, and just like that it is 5 wins in a row.
Before these wins, the Sabres fought back to beat Montreal 6-5 in overtime. Buffalo is rolling early on in the season and last year this team would not have even been near the top of the division. Buffalo currently stands at 3rd in the Atlantic and tied for 4th in the conference. Oh, and by the way, they are 6th in the NHL. Buffalo has turned it around from past seasons.
Was it just a matter of time before it turned around? Is this just luck? No, this is the work of good trades, development and some “luck”. Buffalo got Dahlin, a solid generational defenseman. There is no doubt he will be unreal in years to come. They got Skinner, a man who seems to score every game who has 14 goals already. Jason Pominville, the ageless vet who seems to look like he is 25 again. Sam Reinhart, a young talent who may not score a ton, may not make the most impressive moves, but is one of the smartest players on the team. His hockey sense and knowledge allows him to make slick and sneaky passes and plays to Jack, Skinner, or anyone who is open. His presence on the powerplay is key. Carter Hutton, is a brick wall we have been needing deeply. Hutton stands tall every night, allowing Buffalo to come back and win games that would have been blowouts in years past. He has taken the role as a starter and embraced it. Lastly, there is Jack Eichel. The captain, the man who believes in this team. His team. He wants to be the best, he wants to be the leader, he is the captain Buffalo has wanted. Compared to McDavid, Matthews, Marner, and Laine, questions he faces the questions that have been asked for years. Is he good enough? Is he a bust? Was he projected to high? No, Jack is what we all expected. A leader and a true player. Someone who wants to win, strives to win and has the passion burning to win. He has embraced the team and city and now he wants nothing but success.
Buffalo has changed slowly over the past few seasons, even if it has been a slow and painful process. Buffalo is headed in the right direction. They are winning games and they are actually in every game. Buffalo may surprise everyone this year, just like they have already. They are just a bunch of kids having fun right now. Playing well and learning every time they come to the rink, just a young group looking to erase the rough past.
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Edited by @ForeverDev18
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