Below, Zach gives us a unique take on what we could consider to be a successful regular season for the Buffalo Sabres in 2023-24.
We are just two days away from the Buffalo Sabres starting their 2023-2024 campaign. After what I considered a successful season last year, fans are hopeful the team will take the next step and break the playoff drought.
With training camp and the preseason officially in the books, it’s time to transition into the regular season and revisit what will make it worthwhile. So when it comes to this season, what would be considered a successful year for the boys in blue and gold?
Obviously, the goal for every team is to win the Stanley Cup. In order to win the Stanley Cup, you have to make the playoffs first. As we are all aware, the Sabres haven’t made the postseason since 2010-11.
What do I consider a successful season for Buffalo? I’m going to give you a few scenarios and at the end of the article, I’ll tell you what I think.
For the first scenario, it’s missing the playoffs but not by much. It’s kind of similar to last year where Buffalo was so close to making it into the postseason. I thought it was a successful season last year despite not making the playoffs since the team showed signs of being a good team and having a winning record.
The next scenario, making the playoffs and losing in the first round. It has been 12 years since the NHL has seen the Sabres playing in the postseason. I think the goal this year is to make the playoffs.
Revisiting what will make 2023-24 successful for the Buffalo Sabres
Let’s just say Buffalo makes the playoffs in one of the two wild card spots. No matter who they play, they will have to face off against a very good team. The beauty of the postseason is you never know, but if the Sabres were to lose in the first round, I think most fans would be happy since the team finally broke the drought.
The last scenario, Buffalo not only makes the postseason but they win a playoff round. We might be getting too ahead of ourselves here but what if the Sabres made a run in the playoffs? I don’t think they are a Cup contender, but imagine if they did make a run.
For me, the definition of a successful season is pretty simple, making the playoffs and breaking the drought. Even if they lose in the first round, it’s pretty obvious the fanbase just wants playoff hockey back in Buffalo.
Last year when they barely missed out, it sat well with fans despite being heartbroken and everyone is expecting the team to take the jump. As for the last scenario, let’s just see if the team can make it first. Every fan is different and has different thoughts but making the playoffs should be considered a successful season.