Buffalo Sabres: Favorite moments from the Goathead Era

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What were the best moments for the Buffalo Sabres during their time wearing the Goathead uniforms (1996-2006)? Keep reading to find out more.

The other day, I did an article about my favorite moments when the Buffalo Sabres wore the black Goathead jerseys during the final season of the Goathead Era. In this article, I’m going to tell you my favorite moments from the era with the Sabres wearing both the dark and light jerseys.

Another change, some of these moments are from the entire Goathead Era. Last time, it was just from the unforgettable 2005-06 Season. The following highlights are what I search for to get me pumped up for some hockey. There are a lot of them so enough talk, let’s dive right into it!

13 Apr 2000: Goallie Dominik Hasek #39 of the Buffalo Sabres watching for a shot on goal while teammate Jay McKee #74 tries to stop Keith Primeau #25 from getting position and the loose puck during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Sabres 2-1. /

The best moments from the Buffalo Sabres Goathead Era: Moment #1 – Dominik Hasek’s legendary save against Philadelphia

This one is a instant classic for all Buffalo Sabres fans. It also gave us another memorable call from Rick Jeanneret. Dominik Hasek made some ridiculous saves in his legendary career but this one has to be top three. In a game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Hasek made an amazing blocker save. It still amazes me how he made this save and only Dominik Hasek could make this save look routine.

Moment #2 – Derek Plante OT Goal

Another epic Goathead Era moment came courtesy of Derek Plante. In Game 7 of the first round during the 1997 playoffs, the Sabres were taking on the Ottawa Senators. Both teams were in win or go home mode. Luckily for Buffalo, Plante played hero and sent Buffalo to the second round. Once again, we were treated to another legendary call courtesy of RJ.

5 Mar 1999: Jason Woolley #5 of the Buffalo Sabres in action during the game against the Dallas Stars at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres defeated the Stars 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport /

Moment #3 – Jason Woolley Goal

We have another overtime goal, this time courtesy of Jason Woolley. In 1999, the Sabres were taking on the Dallas Stars for the Stanley Cup. During Game 1, the Sabres and Stars found themselves in overtime. That’s until Woolley found the back of the net, giving Buffalo the 1-0 series lead. We all know how the series ended but this moment was a big one because it gave Buffalo their first Stanley Cup Final win in 24 years.

Moment #4 – Maxim Afinogenov’s wildest goal!

Let’s fast forward to the 2000’s. Maxim Afinogenov was an exciting player to watch. He was a fast player who can rush up and down the ice in a blink of an eye. He also scored some pretty goals during his time with the Sabres. Against the Tampa Bay Lightning, he showed off his amazing abilities. Just watch and listen because it’s another favorite amongst the fanbase.

Moment #5 – Chris Drury’s quick overtime goal

Time to get crazy. In the 2006 playoffs, the Sabres were taking on the Ottawa Senators in the second round. Game 1 had to be one of the craziest games ever played. Buffalo and Ottawa went back and forth all night, it even had the Sabres tying the game up in the last seconds of the third period. With a crazy three periods, overtime had to be eventful right? Not exactly. Chris Drury would win the game for Buffalo not even 30 seconds into the overtime.

PITTSBURGH – NOVEMBER 29: Jason Pominville #29 of the Buffalo Sabres looks for a open teammate around the defence of John LeClair #10 of the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 29, 2005 at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Moment #6 – Pominville sends the Sabres to the Eastern Conference Final

Saving the absolute best for last, in the same series, another hero emerged. This time, it was a rookie. After this goal, Jason Pominville became a fan favorite. If Buffalo won this game, then they would be going to the Eastern Conference Finals.

In overtime, the Sabres had to kill a penalty. Lindy Ruff gave Pominville a chance in a huge spot. Just because this goal is loved by so much, I’ll let you watch and listen to my favorite Goathead Era moment for the Buffalo Sabres.

The Goathead Era brought plenty of memorable moments for the Buffalo Sabres and their fan base. And now that the Goathead jerseys have returned as alternate uniforms in 2022, perhaps we can add more memorable moments to this list.

Related Story. Sabres: Best moments from the 2005-06 Season. light

So now it bodes the question: What were your favorite moments from the 1996-2006 Goathead Era? Are there any in, or not present in the above sections? Let us know in the comments.

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