Buffalo Sabres: Craig Anderson goes out a winner vs. Senators

The Buffalo Sabres struggled over their past two games against the Ottawa Senators. But tonight, they had other ideas in the home finale. 

In the postgame photo, Devon Levi positioned himself near Craig Anderson, almost as though it signified a changing of the guard. Anderson took the ice for what was the final time in his career, something that was confirmed following the game.

Different sport, but the post-game celebration really reminded me of the 1992 season finale in NASCAR, which served as the King, Richard Petty’s final race, and simultaneously, it was Jeff Gordon’s first race. Of course, NASCAR fan or not, you know those two names, the respective legacies of both drivers, potentially how it correlates, in a way, to tonight.

Anderson, the oldest player in hockey, stepping down in favor of Devon Levi, who to date, has just six games of NHL experience. With one solid career ending, and what might be a memorable career just beginning, Anderson is passing the torch to the younger Levi.

Buffalo Sabres have sent Craig Anderson out as a winner

What’s more? Anderson won First Star honors in his swan song. And ironically enough, Levi took the First Star following his legendary debut. The correlations to this torch passing are uncanny, something even the world’s best creative writers would have a tough time concocting.

No, this game may not have been meaningful in terms of the playoffs, with both the Sabres and Ottawa Senators having been eliminated, but it was meaningful in so many ways. Not only were was the Blue and Gold looking to send Anderson into retirement as a winner, but they were also searching for their 41st win of the season, meaning this team has officially won half their games in 2022-23.

And as the scene on the ice showed shortly after Casey Mittelstadt drilled his second overtime winner during a home finale in as many seasons, how much Anderson meant to this team’s development when he arrived last season. The 20-year veteran, who will turn 42 next month, was a definite mentor for the league’s youngest team, and his leadership definitely helped the Sabres find their way for the first time in over a decade.

No, the year didn’t end with a playoff appearance. But the Sabres have an opportunity tomorrow night to earn their 42nd win, and their first 90-point season since 2010-11. And that will be a huge momentum-booster heading into October 2023.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)