As the Buffalo Sabres’ season ended last Saturday, the attention of the fans turned to other topics.
Of course, some of those will happen over the next few months, such as the re-signing (or not) of players, free agency, the NHL Draft, etc.
But nonetheless, attention for many NHL fans now turns to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which begin on April 13.
The next two months or so will be a busy, exciting one for the NHL and for many teams in the league.
And although the Buffalo Sabres may be out, there are still many familiar players vying for the Cup that Sabres fans might want to keep an eye on.
Here’s a look at some of the former Buffalo Sabres players (and coaches) who are heading off to the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs:
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Buffalo Sabres Alumni – Western Conference Playoffs
Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild – This series has a few names that will be interesting to Buffalo Sabres fans, including former head coach Lindy Ruff, now with the Stars. On the other side, the Wild have both Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek – though Vanek may be injured – along with former Buffalo Sabres prospect Zac Dalpe.
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks – How can one forget former Buffalo Sabres captain (no matter how short-lived) Steve Ott? Meanwhile, on the other side of things, the Blackhawks hold former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff, though it’s unclear just how much playing time he’ll see during the playoffs.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators – Former Buffalo Sabres forward Jamie McGinn is now with the Ducks and finding a reasonable amount of success there so far (though I secretly hope he comes back to Buffalo next season). He’s joined by another former Sabres forward: Chris Stewart. On the Nashville side, there’s Paul Gaustad. (Cody Hodgson is with the Preds’ AHL affiliate in Milwaukee.)
Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks – No doubt Jhonas Enroth is the biggest name in this series when it comes to former Buffalo Sabres players. He’s joined by Jamie McBain and Brayden McNabb in LA, while the Sharks have just one former Sabres player: Dainius Zubrus, he of 19 Buffalo games in the 2006-07 season.
Buffalo Sabres Alumni – Eastern Conference Playoffs
Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers – Just two former Buffalo Sabres players in this series, one on each side. For the Capitals, there’s defenseman Mike Weber, who just joined Washington after being traded there earlier this year. For the Flyers, it’s goalie Michal Neuvirth.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers – Only one former Buffalo Sabres player is with the Pens organization, but he’s not even on their current roster; that’s Kevin Porter, on injured reserve, so I’m not even sure I can technically count him. The Rangers, meanwhile, have Dominic Moore, he of a brief stint with Buffalo.
Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders – Brian Campbell. That is enough said. It seems like must be the Energizer Bunny, because he just keeps going. Soupy will look for a Cup run with the Panthers, while numerous former Buffalo Sabres players are vying for the same with the Isles: Steve Bernier, Eric Boulton and Jaroslav Halak.
Next: NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions
Just one series – Tampa Bay vs. Detroit – doesn’t appear to have ANY Buffalo Sabres alumns in it.
Stay tuned as these former Buffalo Sabres players, and many others, begin the quest for the NHL’s most desired prize!