For this mailbag article, I asked how fans are feeling as the Buffalo Sabres make a push for the playoffs. Here are the responses and my reaction.
This is unfamiliar territory for the Buffalo Sabres and their fans. We are in the month of February and the team is in the race for a playoff spot. With two months left in the regular season, I asked fans how they are feeling with only a couple of months to go. Here were the responses:
I feel good about our guys, but would really really really like to see some of the teams in our division and conference to start losing.
— Lauren (@LaurenC30) February 7, 2023
Totally agree here. This core is a talented group and can make a push for a playoff spot. The issue is, they are in a division and conference where teams they will be competing with are tough. A lot can change in the next two months but as of now, Buffalo will be competing with teams like the Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.
The Sabres will just need to keep getting points and hope that those teams start losing. It should be a fun finish and scoreboard watching will be taking place in the locker room and amongst the fanbase for the first time in a long time.
It's going to be a good test that's for sure chasing a playoffs spot. They faced Carolina which took that game very serious chasing the number one seed and the Sabres had no answer. This is what they need to learn - how to play in the playoffs.
— Bruce Kirk (@formergoalie) February 7, 2023
This is a great point. In their last game against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Sabres looked like a completely different team which is unfortunate because if they would have won that game, then they would be in a playoff spot going into the All Star break.
Buffalo Sabres got 32 games to prove they are worthy of a playoff spot
With them being in the running for a spot in the postseason, the last 32 games will be crucial for the team. They need to play each game like their season is on the line. Despite a couple of losing streaks, one which was eight losses in a row back in November, they still put themselves in a good spot.
These next two responses are from Facebook:
"“Head out, winner mentality on ice and work for the PO….This Team has it in heart.I think the team have this mentality, and can fight till the end of the regular season and surprise the NHL.” – MIchael"
This team definitely has heart. They have showed it so many games this season. Even when they lose, they always show heart and won’t go down without a fight. As I said before, they have the talent to make a push. It’s up to them to go out on the ice and execute it.
"“Cautiously Optimistic.” – Claudine"
I’m sure most fans are feeling good but are still waiting a little bit to fully judge the team. It’s fair because the Sabres have started out well then have gone downhill. Even though this team feels different, I can see why fans don’t want to fully feel confident.
Regardless of how you are feeling, it feels good to be in the conversation for a playoff spot and do some scoreboard watching again.
Want your voice heard? Join the Sabre Noise team!