Buffalo Boy's Blog

They fought hard, since January, they battled and battled and took a second seeded team in the first round of the playoffs to seven games. Not bad. New life was given to this team by a new owner and what started as a new year and the team playing better evolved into a bonified comeback from the depths of the Eastern Conference.

Back in December when Derek Roy went down with a torn quadricep this team was fighting to stay out of dead last never mind a playoff spot. They literally had to be the best team in the league for the rest of the season for them to make the playoffs and that is pretty much what they were.

Inspired by a new owner and renewed sense of identity, the Sabres players and fans connected again this year because of a new vision from the new owner and yeah they lost today but it was the first battle in the war to win a Stanley Cup.

So after the loss tonight I wasn't as upset as I have been in previous years. I am actually hopeful. Im hopeful that the new ownership will allow the ideas of the hockey department to actually happen this year and actually be a part of the decision making. Terry Pegula is already committed to spending the money so no worries. This season though another bitter pill to swallow was okay.

I think we tended to forget how young this team was. Nathan Gerbe, Tyler Ennis, Luke Adam, Marc Andre Grangani, Jhonas Enroth, all rookies, barely 20 somethings. Tyler Myers 20-21 years old in just his second season all being asked to fill huge voids left open by extended injuries throughout the season to Jason Pominville, Derek Roy, Andrej Sekera, and Jochen Hecht. All of them played huge roles in why this team pushed forward and secured not just a playoff spot but lets face it, they put pressure on the Montreal Canadiens for 6th place in the conference.

So, looking forward? Not now, Im going to enjoy baseball season now. No one seems to want to take off with the AL East so though my Jays are under .500, Jose Bautista is proving he was no fluke and the pitching staff is starting to get it together.

Over the next few weeks and leading up to free agency Ill come up with a wish list and who should go/who should stay list for the Sabres. Right now, catch the breath and enjoy a little quiet spring/summer. They will be back soon enough.