I asked Buffalo Sabres fans how confident they are in this team compared to previous years. Here are the responses and my thoughts.
It’s another edition of Buffalo Sabres fans mailbag. A couple of days ago, I asked fans on Twitter and Facebook how confident they are on a scale from one to ten in this years Sabres compared to previous seasons. Here are the responses I got as well as my thoughts.
9. There’s a certain youthful energy to the team, and once they get in a roll, there are very few teams better than them. They still disappoint in key games from time time to time though, which is why they’re a 9 not a 10.
— 𝒲𝓎𝒶𝓉𝓉 (@WyattAustin20) January 6, 2023
It definitely seems like there’s a brand new energy surrounding this team and it’s a good energy. Even though they have some bad stretches, they also show the ability to beat some of the better teams in the NHL. Washington, Colorado, Boston, Vegas and others. I know we have a long way to go but the feel around this team seems positive.
10. I've been very happy with the development of this team. When he coached Buffalo Scotty Bowman once said "the best is yet to come" and he was ahead of his time because this team is improving every game. UPL has taken steps forward and Quinn/Peterka not far behind.
— Bruce Kirk (@formergoalie) January 6, 2023
The younger players have definitely showed up lately but no one has been more impressive than Ukko Pekka Luukkonen during the last few games. Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka and Dylan Cozens have cooled down a bit after going on a hot streak, but that’s okay. Here and there they will contribute but it’s good for them to go through some adversity.
10. Kids have heart and play hard. But they have embedded themselves into the community in ways that past teams haven’t.
— Talpalax (@talpalax) January 6, 2023
Once again, the youth movement is why the feeling around this team seems different. Even though most of the players on the Buffalo Sabres have some experience in the NHL, they are still very young. The best part, they are performing well and will get even better as they get more experience.
Fans confident in the Buffalo Sabres in the latest mailbag
Let’s transition into Facebook. “I’m gonna say 7, the team definitely has more promise especially this past month. With Tage, our defense and our goaltending, they are definitely fun to watch again. But like I tell you, it’s still early lol”- Aaron
Buffalo fans have seen this movie before when it comes to the team getting off to good starts or having hot streaks then falling on their faces as the season goes along. Despite starting off well in October and losing eight games in a row during November, the team had a much better December and hopefully it will carry over into January.
“8…….this group is playing for each other, you can see the bond is stronger than we’ve seen in a long time. Plus the young potential is finally coming out!!!!!”- Dave
With the culture Kevyn Adams and Don Granato have installed, the players love playing in Buffalo and they are like family. Once again, another response regarding the youth on the roster. This was the idea going into the season, letting the youth develop on the fly and gain some experience.
If you ask me, I’m confident in this team but also remaining cautious. However, the vibes around this team just feel different and hopefully it is a different team going into the important months of the NHL season.
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