Buffalo Sabres Round Table: Favorite Moment 2014-2015

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Apr 5, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres fans move a flag around the center before the game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Ottawa Senators at the First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Senators 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Sabres have put the cherry on the cake for the 2014-2015 season, and now we are left to wait for the draft and free agency, and the march to the future without having to be at the bottom of the draft.

Even in a year filled with strife – a divided fan base, “to take” or “not to tank”, plenty of trades, and injuries, there were still some high moments in the season. We have reconvened the Buffalo Sabres round table, and have thrown out the question, what was your favorite part of the 2014-2015 regular season?

Was it a trade, a game, a specific moment? Where were you when a certain thing happened? Was it a personal moment, or something more private – like getting the chance to meet your favorite player?

These round tables are a lot of fun, and if you would like to join in on the action – comment below.

The staff here at SabreNoise have pulled together their collective thoughts, and given you, what I think is a vast array of positives, and possibly negatives on the 2014-2015 season that stood out to them as their favorite moments. Will you agree or disagree with their thoughts?

The NHL Entry Draft officially opens up the start of the 2015-2016 regular season, and another chance at getting a favorite moment, but for now, let us take a collective look back on the 2014-2015 regular season and the Buffalo Sabres.

Next: Tim Redinger, Senior Editor

Jan 13, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres former goalie Dominik Hasek gets his number retired at a ceremony before a game against the Detroit Red Wings at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

As much as I could go on and on about how the Buffalo Sabres ruined the banner raising ceremony for Dominik Hasek, my favorite moment was watching the number 39 being raised to the banner.

Growing up a Buffalo Sabres fan in the 1990s, there was no better player to watch in the National Hockey League. I remember playing pickup games with friends – and everyone wanted to try and make a save like Dominik Hasek. There was only one problem with that, most people with a spine and bones, can’t move like that.

There were those times that I made a lucky save however, (I wasn’t a very good goalie, but it was my favorite position) – and my friends would poke fun at me for channeling my inner Hasek.

Why the Buffalo Sabres botched the program so much, not having teammates on the ice with him, having no one from the organization out there to support him, shake his hand – it seemed a very unfair capstone for the guys career.

In a season where the Buffalo Sabres needed to capitalize on every positive moment they could, the celebration of a career of the greatest goaltender to lace up skates for the Buffalo Sabres, and possibly the modern NHL – deserved much for fanfare.

Buffalo only has a limited number of options for past players to join the Rafter Club – thankfully this one won’t be the last, as the Sabres will have a chance to redeem themselves.

Next: Jacob Strozyk, Staff Writer

Dec 9, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie Jhonas Enroth (1) makes a save as Los Angeles Kings center Mike Richards (10) tips a shot during the third period at First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Kings 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

My favorite moment in the season was back when Jhonas Enroth finally broke the streak of games going by of the Sabres not having a shutout. After going over 100 games without being able to keep the opponents off the scoresheet, Enroth shutout the Los Angeles Kings in a 1-0 game back in December.

This game is the highlight of the year for me for a couple of reasons. The first being that I cannot stand the LA Kings and I love the Buffalo Sabres, so seeing the team I love shut out the team I dislike gave me a feeling of joy and elation.

The second reason is that Jhonas Enroth finally got what he had been deserving for the last couple of seasons. The defense was aggressive, the goaltending was perfect, and a streak that was looming over the goaltenders’ heads was finally brought to them. This game had it all; hits, big saves, a pretty goal by Zemgus Girgensons, and a shutdown of the defending Stanley Cup Champions (too bad they can’t even defend it this year because they missed the playoffs).

The overall play of the team was a great sight to see, and was proof that they could run with the best if they put in the effort.

That sign going into next season will be the most important thing next to the draft. I never thought Jhonas Enroth would be a starter in the NHL, but I always was a big fan of his. He was a great player for Buffalo, and he was the guy who deserved to have the shutout that night. He had fought through numerous games where he should have had it, but fell short to to poor defensive support.

This was a game that he stole for himself, and it certainly has to be a highlight of his year. As for me, I see it this way. A shutout by a goalie that deserved it, a goal by the fan favorite of Buffalo, potential to be able to play against real teams next season, and a shutout of the team I dislike most in the league.

Put it all together, and that makes the Sabres shutout of the Los Angeles Kings on December 9 my favorite moment of the 2014-2015 season.

Next: Adam Savard, Staff Writer

Oct 9, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres team captain right wing Brian Gionta (12) heads to the ice before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Sabres fans knew what this season would be. The plan was made clear all along that finishing last provided a guarantee. Knowing what was at stake I think this was the most anticipated start to a season in years, perhaps in franchise history.

There is nothing like opening night when it comes to regular season hockey. Every team has a chance to make the playoffs and be great. For the Sabres, greatness was redefined this year. Greatness was about being bad better than anyone else. It was weird to think that way, but the anticipation was still there.

Which players would stay? Who was going to be traded and when? On a more positive note, how would Ristolainen and Zadorov develop? What would Mikhail Grigorenko look like this year? There were still many good stories fans could look at in a season you knew was supposed to end bad.

Most importantly fans weren’t sniping at each other yet. We were still all on the same side, rooting for the team to do what had to be done to be great in the near future. There was trust in Tim Murray and his plan. There wasn’t evidence yet that it might not work. Fans were content.

We all know by now that’s not how things played out through the season. It got ugly. The coach needed to be fired! Trade every goaltender because they’re too good! Social media was filled with accusations of not being fan enough in rooting for losing. And we had not yet cheered the opponent in our building.

That’s why I will hang on to my child-like anticipation of the opening face-off this season as my favorite moment, just as it is many years before. This one in particular wasn’t as stressful for me because I knew what to expect and I trusted it. I will look forward to the start of next season with greater joy and probably more stress because it will come with welcome expectations.

But I will remember a happier time for the Sabres before this season started. Sure, the journey ended up paying off. But the process stunk and I hope we as a community don’t have to go through that again for a very long time.

Next: Melissa Kania, Editor

Nov 28, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Tyler Ennis (63) celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

My favorite moment of the 2014-2015 Buffalo Sabres season had to be the home game against the Montreal Canadiens on November 28. I was fortunate enough to be in attendance at First Niagara Center for the game and had a low seat near the Zamboni entrance, that corner.

If nothing else, the one thing that I’ll remember about this game is Tyler Ennis’ insane goal. You know which one I’m talking about – the no-look, backhand shot as he was falling to the ice. It hit the back of the net and gave the Sabres a 1-0 lead against a solid Habs team, made the crowd go absolutely insane, and it made highlight reels around the hockey world.

I’ll never forget it. I was sitting at that end of the ice, in the left corner (the move by Ennis happened in the right corner.) Something in my head told me “Hey, why don’t you take a video for Snapchat?” and I did – and I managed to capture Ennis’ move. It was a matter of impeccable timing and I couldn’t believe my eyes at that goal. It’s a shining moment in a season that I’d like to forget most of. It was a moment when the players were on point, the fans were excited and energized, and FNC was rockin’.

The Sabres retained that lead for quite a while, but eventually the Habs did tie it up. It was getting to be that point of the game where you start thinking “uh-oh, are we heading to overtime here?” when alas, Matt Moulson decided to be the hero. He tapped in the go-ahead goal with just 1:18 left in regulation, and again…. You could taste the energy in the crowd.

Then it was just a matter of holding your breath and hoping the Sabres could hold on for the win – which they did.

Next: Patrick Helper, Staff Writer

Apr 11, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyson Strachan (24) checks Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Patric Hornqvist (72) during the third period at First Niagara Center. Pittsburgh beats Buffalo 2 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The season is over, all praise the hockey Gods. The only part of this Sabres season I can honestly say was my favorite is the end. The months of torture and terrible play have finally given Buffalo fans some relief. But, in all honestly the reason that this off-season is my favorite part of the year is it restores hope, and as we all know without hope we have nothing.

Buffalo has strung together one of the most painful season I’ve even had the “honor” of watching and knowing that the horror is hopefully in the rear-view mirror is a great feeling. We can now shift focus to what will be not what was, and the future of the Sabres is starting to look bright.

In some way this season coming to an end ushers in a new era of Sabres hockey and that is something that can be celebrated. A celebration is something that as a fan I have sorely missed, and desperately feel a need for.

Not only did this season make me want to punch my television; it made me not want to turn it on. Something I could have never imagined happening in my life. This season turned something I have loved from the time I knew what hockey was and turned it into a bitter pill that I didn’t want to swallow.

So, yes. I’m thrilled that this season has come to an end and that hope is on the horizon, and yes It’s okay if you feel that way too.

Next: Mock Draft - McDavid Goes First To No Surprise

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