Buffalo Sabres ownership seems to be looking to put in effort so they dont miss the postseason yet again. They recently fired general manager Kevyn Adams and promoted senior advisor Jarmo Kekalainen as his replacement.
It is not the first time the Sabres have made such a season-altering change during a campaign.
Four times the Sabres have made a change at general manager during a season
In 1978, after firing their first general manager in team history, Punch Imlach, the Sabres' first game with new lead John Anderson, they finished in 3-3 tie against the Los Angeles Kings. Scotty Bowman followed Anderson and was not fired but resigned early in the 1986 season.
Following Bowman's resignation, the Sabres lost their first game back against the Minnesota North Stars, 5-4.
They went almost two decades with steady leadership, however in 2013, Darcy Reiger was fired from his post as general manager early into the season. They won the following game against the Maple Leafs, 3-1.
Behind the bench and not just in the front office, the Sabres have made changes during the season. In 1978, along with Imlach, the Sabres also fired head coach Marcel Pronovost being replaced by Billy Inglis.
As Bowman was general manager during the 1980s several coaches were in and out and the Sabres had mixed results during that time after firing a head coach midseason.
The Sabres went through a steady hand as coach; however, it changed starting in 2013. The Sabres relieved Lindy Ruff of his duties during his first run at head coach in February that year. They played the Maple Leafs the following day, losing 3-1.
They have gone through many coaches since that period, however the Sabres have not been like many other NHL teams and have not made an in-season head coaching change.
There could be a debate during any of the seasons during the drought that they may have been able to get over the hump during this period.
Their last change at either coach or general manger came in March 2021. They fired head coach, Ralph Krueger in favor of Don Granato. The Sabres would lose the next game, 4-1, against the Boston Bruins the following day.
The Sabres ownership is at least demonstrating that they are looking to break the drought and bring hope to the fanbase. It is worth noting the Sabres did get 21 points the rest of the season after Granato became the interim coach a few years ago, showing legitimate progress.
Little hope and victories can go a long way and hopefully the Sabres under new leadership can find the back of the net and lead to better things in their first game back against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.