Game 82 is upon us. For the first time in over a decade, it will not be the last game of the season for the Sabres. They are about to start their playoff run with an eye on the Stanley Cup. The regular-season finale will give the newly crowned Atlantic Division champions a chance to celebrate with their home fans as they embark on uncharted territory.
It is worth noting they play the Dallas Stars to finish out the regular season at home. In 2018, I attended a game where the Sabres took on the Stars. They lost 7-1 and were booed off the ice in both the second and third periods.
It was an embarrassing performance, and one that the organization and fanbase more than likely cringe about now. In the game, the Sabres' lone goal came from Sam Reinhart off assists from Jack Eichel and Rasmus Ristolainen.
All three players were at one time thought of as franchise saviors. But they did not last in the Blue and Gold, eventually leaving the organization.
Now the fanbase can move away from that pain and enjoy what this team has done in 2025-26.
Eight years after an embarrassing loss to the Stars, the Sabres can celebrate a division title and playoff berth with their fans
The roster, head coach, and management are all different from that team that was booed off the ice nearly a decade ago. That team had a lot of infighting, and often gave up quickly. This year's team seems to be strong as a unit and has faced adversity head on.
There may be some fans who attend tomorrow that were at the six goal defeat at the hands of the Stars in 2018. They may be recall that moment and may look at how far this team has come.
The goal now has to be more than a fleeting moment of how far the fanbase and organization has come. They have to allow Wednesday night to be a celebration. Let go of the frustration the drought and games like against the Stars so frequently brought on.
It is true, this season is remarkable and will be remembered fondly. The question is how fondly it will be remembered? They have a chance to take a series in the postseason and start making a run. That's what the fanbase really wants.
If this season ends with a Stanley Cup, tears will be shed. And that 7-1 loss in 2018 will be forgotten in the passage of time more than remembered as an omen.
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