Buffalo Sabres Fans Mailbag: How are fans feeling about 2023-24?

For this edition of the Buffalo Sabres Fans Mailbag, Zach asked fans how they are feeling about this season. Here were their responses.

It’s been nearly three months since I wrote a Sabres Fans Mailbag article but the wait is over! A couple of days ago, I asked fans on Facebook how they were feeling about the upcoming season. Spoiler alert, I’m going to sound like a broken record because all of the responses were similar.

"Jonathan C: “Excited, truly optimistic. Just feels like we have a chance to be special and this city deserves it badly.”"

Just like Jonathan, I am also very excited and optimistic about the 2023-24 Buffalo Sabres. I think everyone can agree that what the team did last year despite missing the playoffs gave everyone hope for the first time in a long time.

Say what you want to say about the attendance the last couple of years, but it really does feel like this team has won the city back and Buffalo deserves a good hockey team competing the postseason.

"Chad C: “Optimistic and excited.”"

Once again, optimistic is the message amongst the fanbase. When was the last time the fanbase felt this good about the team? I know there are some fans who are tired and frustrated about hearing, “The future is looking bright,” but once again, it truly does feel like the team is heading up.

Buffalo Sabres fans are optimistic about the upcoming 2023-24 season!

"Jørgen J: “Overly optimistic. As Simba was once told, ‘the time has come.'”"

I agree, I think the time has finally come. It’s so good seeing fans getting excited about a season. After the first rebuild with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart completely flopped, it seems like this rebuild is working a lot better.

Buffalo missed the playoffs by one point last year and had their first winning season after a decade of pain. As I just said, this time feels different.

"Aaron W: “Very excited and optimistic we can finally clinch a playoff spot. Playoffs or bust this year.”"

I agree in the final part. The players and coaches might not say it but after what we saw last year, I believe reaching the playoffs is the main goal. Buffalo was right there in terms of clinching a playoff spot, but didn’t.

Over 40 wins and in the 90 point range was really cool for the youngest team in the NHL to achieve, and I believe they can take the next step this year.

So as you can see, the fanbase seems to be optimistic about this season. There is excitement for the blue and gold and I’m really hoping this will be the year they break the playoff drought and playoff hockey will be in Buffalo for the first time since 2011.