3 sparks that ignited the Buffalo Sabres in March

HAMILTON, ON - MARCH 13: The Buffalo Sabres hit the ice prior to action against the Toronto Maple Leafs during play in the 2022 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Tim Hortons Field on March 13, 2022 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The Sabres defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
HAMILTON, ON - MARCH 13: The Buffalo Sabres hit the ice prior to action against the Toronto Maple Leafs during play in the 2022 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Tim Hortons Field on March 13, 2022 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The Sabres defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
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Buffalo Sabres
HAMILTON, ONTARIO – MARCH 13: Members of the Buffalo Sabres celebrate a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period during the Heritage Classic at Tim Hortons Field on March 13, 2022 in Hamilton, Ontario. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Having fun amidst a losing season

You knew it when the Sabres arrived in Hamilton wearing Flint Tropics uniforms – a tribute to the 2008 flick Semi-Pro. But the fun didn’t begin prior to the Heritage Classic. You can actually argue the Sabres started enjoying themselves in mid-February following the All-Star break.

Remember when Alex Tuch crashed Tage Thompson‘s presser following the team’s 6-3 win over the New York Islanders?

Per the Buffalo Hockey Beat:

"“It felt like the tide (mood) change was evident in mid-February, when Alex Tuch crashed Tage Thompson’s postgame interview after the team’s 6-3 win over the Islanders.”"

Yeah, things got ugly following that win, and the Sabres finished the month 0-6. But hey, fun times boost team morale. They’re a light in the darkness of a long season. And in the long run, you can bet fun times, even amidst a losing season, will provide more than just a spark moving forward.

It’s something the Sabres needed, especially given the beatings they’ve taken this season. And the more fun a team has in the locker room and off the ice, the more they’re willing to come to work and show up night after night. So get used to the fun times.