The Buffalo Sabres' long-awaited first game back in the playoffs had finally arrived. Unfortunately, I didn’t have tickets to attend the game itself, but with the weight this game held, I knew I had to be there. Along with a small group, we planned to attend the watch party at Canalside.
The pregame Party in the Plaza outside KeyBank Center
Hours before the gates even opened there were thousands of fans in and outside KeyBank Center. Whether they were enjoying the "Party in the Plaza," getting their Sabres playoff merchandise from the team store, or just out and about enjoying the buzz around downtown Buffalo.Â
It was a welcome sight for fans who have waited for playoff hockey in Buffalo. Many experiencing it for the very first time, as fans of all ages were present and enjoying the pregame festivities leading up to puck drop.
The plaza was rocking; fans with homemade Stanley Cups, a punching dummy in a Cam Neely Bruins jersey, and even a wagon with a Sabres logo on it. Again, this was all hours before the game, Buffalo is without a doubt, a Hockey Town.
Puck drop looms and anticipation fills Canalside
Our group made our way to Canalside when gates opened, two hours prior to puck drop. We weren’t sure what to expect in terms of volume so made sure to get in before things got too rowdy.Â
While there were a few thousand fans by gametime, there was plenty of room inside the sanctioned area, which was a pleasant surprise. Some outdoor watch parties are limited to a specific area and you need to get there early if you want any chance of getting inside. But there was tons of space, and two separate screens for viewing.
I could probably count the amount of Bruins fans I saw on one hand, which made for an awesome atmosphere, nearly everyone was united in rooting for the Sabres. As always at a Sabres game there were a plethora of jerseys, I spotted a few rare ones such as Johan Larsson, Beck Malenstyn, and the infamous Taro Tsujimoto. There was even a Sabres fan in a wizard costume. Everyone was just out there to have a good time.
30 minutes before the game began, the screens began showing the broadcast and the fans celebrated when they turned on. Loud cheers whenever a Sabres player came up on the screen, and maybe even louder boos for the Bruins.
The weather was less than ideal, but it didn’t discourage fans from showing up. Not quite rain, but also not quite snow, started pouring down minutes before puck drop, but no one was moving. Because where else would you have rather been, than right there, right then?
The first playoff game in 14 seasons did not disappoint
The game begins and all in attendance are taking a moment to appreciate the current reality. As soon as the first hit was landed fans were cheering for everything the team gave them the chance to. The classic "Let’s Go Buffalo" chants were had, and even some rounds of "Ooh Aah, Sabres on a Warpath."Â
Morgan Geekie’s goal was a disappointing way to open the scoring, but fans remained positive. Buffalo was dominating play and it felt like only a matter of time before the watch party erupted for the first playoff goal in over a decade. There was even some celebration for the clear after the whistle no goal on the Bruins power play.
After one period, there was no sense of panic. Even though it’s been a while, fans know that it was just period No. 1 of a seven-game series. The second period brought upon some impatience though, as they were controlling play but couldn’t get anything past Boston goalie Jeremy Swayman. Some frustration was expressed when the Sabres couldn’t get it going on the power play and failed to take advantage.
A 1-0 game heading into the third period, and in the back of people’s minds was the possibility of being shutout in a game that had so much hype leading up to it.
When the Bruins made it 2-0 in the early goings of the third, that was when panic really set in. It just didn’t feel like the Sabres night, and one goal was hard enough to come by, knowing they needed to find a way to get three was going to be a tough task.
But then it happened. The first Sabres playoff goal since 2011. Tage Thompson with the quick thinking and tucks it in before Swayman had enough time to react. The Canalside popped and people were jumping up and down screaming as the boys were finally on the board.
After their first goal, it seemed like the second one was inevitable. They finally got one past Swayman and it opened the door to a comeback. Fans were chanting, doing everything in their power to keep the energy high, and in just under four minutes of game time after Tage’s first goal, boom, a second. Everyone was going nuts, people taking off their shirts, as it was a brand new hockey game, and Buffalo had all the momentum.
Despite already being outside in the cold all evening, people were mentally preparing for the possibility of overtime. But the team made sure everyone went home early and happy. This time less than a minute after the second goal, Mattias Samuelsson fired one past Swayman for the team’s first lead of the game, and downtown Buffalo just exploded.
What went from a potentially disappointing result in the return to playoff hockey became one of the most memorable games in franchise history. The Alex Tuch empty netter felt like the dagger, and it would prove to be the game-winning goal.
Fans left the watch party singing and screaming, all in a bit of shock at what we just saw, but absolutely zero complaints. If this game was any indication of what these playoffs could bring, then we’re in for a fun, wild ride. I absolutely recommend going to the watch party if you are able and want to feel more a part of the run as it unfolds.
The Playoffs are back in Buffalo.
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