Buffalo Sabres: How are the fans feeling about 2022-23?
Yesterday, I asked Buffalo Sabres fans how they are feeling about the current situation. Here are the responses to each question.
The Buffalo Sabres have turned some heads amongst the fanbase. Even though they finished last season with a losing record, the team was watchable and competitive. Last week, I did my first Sabres mailbag article imploring fans to ask me questions about the team.
This week, I asked fans how they are feeling about the team’s current situation. This time around, I got a lot more responses. Before Twitter, I also posted on Facebook the same thing. I got one response so let’s dive in shall we?
Buffalo Sabres mailbag 2.0: How the fans are feeling – Statements #1 and #2
Aaron: “Feeling pretty good so far! As long as the team stays in good shape and the goalie situation works out, I have a good feeling about it.”
My good buddy and Sabre Noise fan Aaron said the comment above. He is totally right. We have talked numerous times about the Sabres goaltending situation. Eric Comrie and Craig Anderson look like they will be the starting tandem for Buffalo.
If Comrie can live up to expectations and Anderson stays healthy as well as performs well, then the Sabres will look good. As for the team, they played pretty well for a group projected to finish at the bottom of the division. I expect them to take the next step this season.
We are relying on a lot of unproven/limited NHL experience players to take big roles (Comrie, Quinn, Power) and hoping guys like Cozens and Mitts take big steps.
— Josh Allen Stan Account (@kiebals_don) August 29, 2022
IMO if all goes well we compete for a wildcard. If guys like Comrie cant deliver, we are hoping for Bedard.
I can see where this reply is coming from, in a way. The Sabres do have some proven players and some of them are unproven. We talked about Comrie already then you look at some of the younger guys. The thing is, the Sabres aren’t the only team doing this.
I know the Sabres didn’t do much in free agency. Even though this time is mostly unproven players, the rookies and younger guys looked good. It was a small sample size but it seems like this “rebuild 2.0” looks a lot promising then the last one. Let’s hope it doesn’t end with the Sabres being in the running for the first overall pick.
Statements #3 and #4
Below, we got even more optimism. Here are two statements from fans who can see the Buffalo Sabres building on last season’s success.
I think there's a lot to build on from the end of last year, to the young players in Rochester, and the draft this year. I'm hoping one of the young goaltenders takes a big step so we don't have to rely on mediocre veteran play.
— Carl (@RobordsCarl) August 29, 2022
Once again, an answer regarding the young talent but it’s true. Don’t take it from me though, even The Athletic thinks the Buffalo Sabres have the number one prospect pool in the league. Keeping the chemistry alive will be a big thing going forward.
That’s another reason why I think general manager Kevyn Adams didn’t want to go big money spending in the free agency market. He wanted to keep the chemistry amongst the younger players. After all, the young talent is a huge reason why a majority of the fanbase is positive about the future of this team.
Pretty good about 80 points
— Sabres billsmafia⚾️nyy lakers🏀 mamba 🍊🦈🇺🇸🥍 (@Sabresbills92) August 29, 2022
I can see this team finishing with 80 points. After all, I have them winning over 40 games. It could be me getting my hopes up but after what I saw last season, it could happen. Again, if everything works out then it’s a possibility for sure. Goaltending is the biggest concern but everything else needs to fall in place as well.
Statements #5 and #6
And finally, we close out the article from two more fans who feel great about what the Buffalo Sabres will bring in 2022-23. Here is what they had to say.
I'm very excited and comfortable the team is going in the right direction
— Jim Symack (@jsjg99) August 29, 2022
I had so much fun watching Sabres from December on..
I also had fun watching the Sabres from December on. The direction seems to be a good one, all the team needs to do is execute. This fanbase is no stranger to watching Buffalo starting out so well then falling on their faces as the season went on.
Playing good hockey consistently is going to be critical for the Sabres this season. Obviously there will be bumps along the road but if they can play the brand of hockey from last season but win more games, then they will be in good shape.
I feel great! I think we have a great core group of guys and tons of solid prospects. I’m excited for the future of the organization. I think we have a really great locker room right now as far as their motivation and teamwork.
— Courtney Tripp (@courtneyTripp86) August 29, 2022
Leadership will also be huge for the Buffalo Sabres if they hope to end the playoff drought. Obviously Kyle Okposo is the first guy who comes to mind when you think of leadership in the Sabres locker room. Without a doubt, he should be named the next captain of the Buffalo Sabres and I think he will be.
Don Granato is also a major reason why fans are feeling optimistic about this team. His coaching style has really lifted the spirits in the locker room and I’m excited to see the team perform underneath him.
Must Read. Sabres should defeat Vegas in the goalie sweepstakes. light
So overall, Sabres fans seem to be optimistic. It’s fair why there are fans who aren’t but we’re going to find out one way or another.