5 Must Watch Buffalo Sabres Games
Is anyone else wishing they owned a time machine so they could fast forward to October and the beginning of the 2013-2014 NHL season? August has to be one of the most difficult times for die hard puck heads; The high from the Stanley Cup Finals has worn off, the trade and signing news is few and far between, and the schedule has been released but opening night is still far off in the distance. To make matters worse there isn’t any local or junior hockey to watch either- no hockey anywhere. As it stands right now there are just 54 days left until puck drop, so here’s 5 games that Buffalo Sabres’ fans don’t want to miss next season.
Friday October 4th vs. Ottawa Senators
The Sabres open their season with a match against their new divisional rivals in Detroit on the 2nd, but they kick off their season at home on the 4th when they welcome Ottawa to town. This is a good time to gauge the team and see how long of a season it’s going to be as the Sabres could easily open 0-2.
Monday October 14th vs. Minnesota Wild
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Former Sabres captain Jason Pominville will make his return to First Niagara Centre to face off against his former teammates as a
member of the Wild. The Sabres sent Pominville to the Wild at the trade deadline as they took their first steps in the rebuilding process. It will be strange seeing Pominville wearing the white and green and trying to score on Ryan Miller. Will Pominville be met with cheers or boo’s when he comes back to Buffalo?
Monday October 28th vs. Dallas Stars
Another homecoming for a former Buffalo Sabre as Lindy Ruff makes his return to Buffalo. For the first time in 16 seasons, Ruff will be behind the bench of another NHL team. It’s sure to be an emotional night for Ruff and the Sabres’ fans who have seen Ruff take the team through many highs and lows.
Sunday November 24th vs. Detroit Red Wings
It’s been 21 years since the Sabres traded for what would become one of the best goaltenders the NHL has ever seen. Dominik Hasek‘s name is all over the Sabres record books and soon may be in the First Niagara Centre rafters. The Buffalo Sabres are apparently interested in retiring Dominik Hasek’s jersey sometime this season. Considering Hasek also spent time with the Red Wings, November 24th would be a perfect date as the Red Wings come to Buffalo.
Wednesday February 26th vs. Boston Bruins
This will be the second time the Sabres welcome the Bruins to town, but this will be a much more meaningful affair. This will be the first game after the Olympic break where playoff races will begin to heat up. There’s just something about playing the Boston Bruins that brings the best out in the Buffalo Sabres. The game will also be broadcasted on NBC.
It’s looking like it may be a long season in Buffalo for the blue and gold, but a couple homecomings and the chance to retire a legend’s jersey will help make 2013-2014 a memorable season for the Sabres and their fans.
Which games are you circling on your calendar?