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