The moment that the Buffalo Sabres and their fans have been waiting for is almost here. The playoffs are set to begin in the near future and the Sabres can finally let go of the past 14 years and focus on this push to get to the Stanley Cup Final.
While this season has established the star power of players such as Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, there are also several players though that could emerge as folk heroes and become ever-important pieces during Buffalo's postseason run.
Peyton Krebs (Forward)
It is hard to believe that two years ago, there were rumors the Sabres were looking to deal Krebs. The past couple seasons, he has emerged as a threat and become a weapon for the team to utilize.
He has a huge opportunity to prove that when the Sabres added him in the Jack Eichel trade in 2021 they knew what they would get. He's enjoyed an offensive surge over the past few weeks, tallying nine points in the last 13 games while being given first-line opportunities.
Krebs is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, so he would love to shine in the playoffs and find himself with a new contract with the Sabres.
Beck Malenstyn (Forward)
Malenstyn has had a number of plays that would have cracked the old SportsCenter Top 10 this season. The winger has become far more than just a highlight reel, though.
He continues to be a physical part of the critical fourth line for the Sabres with 274 hits and 73 blocked shots this season. That physicality will be valuable during playoff hockey, and his value will increase if his occasional offensive contributions continue, too.
The hard-hitting forward has seven goals on the year, and it could only take one to make a massive postseason impact, especially if it's a game-winner. The win margin in the playoffs gets even smaller.
Colten Ellis (Goalie)
Sabres fans may have heard the news about Alex Lyon having a lower-body injury and been worried. Now their fears can be relieved with Colten Ellis. The backup to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen could be primed to start a game or two if the Sabres go far in the playoffs.
He recently had a shutout against the Columbus Blue Jackets in a pressure game determining playoff seeding. The young goalie has eight wins on the year and could be vital if UPL falters at all in the postseason. He's proven to have rare agility in moments at goal.
On April 18, the Sabres and the rest of the NHL will begin a drive to hoist the Stanley Cup. The difference between who lifts the coveted trophy and who watches can be role players or others who emerge during April and May. Several Sabres have a chance to do just that.