The Buffalo Sabres wrapped up the year 2022 on a great note. Can they keep the momentum going in 2023? Let’s break it down.
The Buffalo Sabres wrapped up 2022 with a very impressive win against the Boston Bruins. The Bruins have been a thorn in the side of the Sabres for the last couple of years so it definitely feels good for Buffalo to earn two points against the B’s.
Looking at the team currently, they are 18-14-2 and are just sitting six points out of a playoff spot. In the Atlantic Division, they are sitting in fifth place and are one point behind the Detroit Red Wings. To make things even better, Buffalo is on a six game winning streak. It’s a great time to be a Buffalo sports fan, but we have seen this movie before.
For some whatever reason however, this team just feels differently. In their current winning streak, the Sabres have defeated some pretty good teams. Los Angeles, Colorado, Vegas and now Boston. For being a young team, they are proving to be hardworking and are able to beat some of the best teams in the NHL.
We could keep seeing these different Buffalo Sabres in 2023
I know it’s about to be January and it’s still very early, but I’ll tell you why I think this team is different. The main reason, the coaching. Don Granato being hired was the best thing for this hockey team. Ever since he took over, the team has responded well.
We also need to give some love to general manager Kevyn Adams. Some of the players who are impacting this team were either drafted or acquired from Adams. The GM has set the foundation and the coach has players who want to play for him.
The offense has been amazing and the goaltending has really stepped up. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has done an excellent job filling in for Eric Comrie, who got hurt, and Craig Anderson has been reliable when called on. My only concern is the defense and hopefully Adams can acquire some help.
We will see what happens during the next few months and even though fans are skeptical because they have seen this story before, you have to be excited for this team and the direction they are heading in.
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