Photo: Spectrum News
BY: SEAN WALLACE, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Buffalo Sabres missed the NHL playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons, tying the New York Jets for longest playoff drought in professional sports. Despite two Stanley Cup appearances, the franchise has yet to win a championship in their 54 seasons of play. This season will look to break free from the wrong side of history.
The Sabres are young, talented and learning. There is no denying these skaters are brimming with potential. Here are three reasons why they will compete in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.
A Resurgence from the Top Six
Among the players in the top six, JJ Peterka was the only skater who surged in production. He scored a career high fifty points last season, and was second among the team in goals. Despite this, there is room for hope.
Zach Benson is coming off a promising rookie season. At 18-years-old, he displayed impressive offensive prowess by ranking eleventh among rookies in points. On pace for a 30-goal season, injury held Jack Quinn to 27 games. Under a new coaching staff, I am confident Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch and Dylan Cozens will bounce back from down years in production.
New Look, Revamped Bottom Six
Most of the moves made in the offseason came with the hope of upgrading the bottom six.
Beck Malenstyn and Nicolas Aubé-Kubel were among the best defensive forwards in the NHL last season. In Washington last season, their line ranked first among defensive zone faceoffs and starts in the NHL.
Jason Zucker will provide a much-needed veteran presence in the locker room and on the ice. Ryan McLeod will improve the penalty kill, and Sam Lafferty is a physical, versatile fourth-line goal scorer.
The Sabres made major improvements to an area that needed an upgrade.
Lindy Ruff’s Return
Perhaps the most intriguing move of the offseason, Lindy Ruff returns for his second stint as Sabres’ head coach. Coincidentally, as head coach in 1997 to 2013, Buffalo’s last playoff appearance came under Ruff in 2011.
He is known for his excellence in coaching the defensive side of the puck. A long-lasting issue for Buffalo, Ruff will command an overdue defensive presence.
Most importantly, these young skaters will be disciplined. Practices will be fast and rigorous. Ruff holds his players accountable and will not coach a soft team. Everyone will learn to be responsible on the ice and put in a great amount of work. The organization needs this no-nonsense attitude.
Final Statement
Negativity has consumed the fan base for the past thirteen years. The organization and fans are tired of the same story every season. The drought has lasted long enough, and Buffalo has plenty of talent to get over the hump. Now it is up to the players and coaching staff to execute. It is time to bring playoff hockey back to Buffalo.
wallacsj23@bonaventure.edu
