Buffalo Sabres: Top 10 best seasons in team history
By Sion Fawkes
1975-76 (Lost in Quarterfinals)
The Buffalo Sabres were not as hot in 1975-76 as they were the previous season. And unfortunately, they did not advance beyond the Quarterfinals, losing to the New York Islanders four games to two.
Once again, the French Connection paced the team, with Gilbert Perrault sinking 113 points, 44 goals, and 69 assists in 80 games. Rene Robert and Rick Martin both put up 87 and 86 points, respectively. However, Danny Gare led the team in goals scored, finding twine 50 times.
This time, it was Perrault receiving recognition on the NHL All-Star Team, taking a spot on the Second Team. Martin also joined Perreault on the Second Team, while Jerry Korab, Martin, and Craig Ramsay each played in the 1976 All-Star Game. Floyd Smith also served as the coach in that contest.
The Sabres would maintain their success from the 1975-76 season as the decade waned. The next season, they logged 104 points before again losing in the Quarterfinals. When 1977-78 rolled around, the Sabres notched 105 points, but saw yet another exit in the Quarterfinals. 1978-79 finished with the franchise logging just 88 points and a loss in the Preliminary Round.
Then came the 1979-80 season, in which a 110-point outburst gave the Buffalo Sabres a new hope. Let’s check it out.