For the past 14 years, the fans of Western New York have been looking for unsung heroes to attach themselves to. An extensive group of often unheralded former Buffalo Sabres, ranging from Kyle Okposo to Justin Falk, were admired by the fandom.
Now, the fanbase for the Sabres is looking for other players to cheer for as they make their mark in the postseason, not just the regular season. Thus far, Tage Thompson, Mattias Samuelsson and Bowen Byram have set the tone against the Boston Bruins, but they are roster cornerstones.
Another player who has played strong and impressed both the organization and fanbase in the early parts of the first-round series? Jordan Greenway.
Jordan Greenway has given the Sabres a much-needed physical edge vs. the Bruins
The 29-year-old winger has six hits in the first two games and has continued to help set up scoring chances for the more prominent goal scorers on the ice. He has moved fluidly after injury issues in recent years, and he's been a clear factor despite missing more time during the regular season.
He could be one of the key contributors if the Sabres can take the series and advance far into the postseason. It may remind of fanbase of another winger from two decades ago.
In 2006, winger Mike Grier endeared himself to the fans when he had eight points during their remarkable playoff run. That was after he struggled during the regular season (23 points in 81 games). A reminder of Grier makes most fans smile when thinking of his on the ice impact.
The 2005-06 team made the Eastern Conference Finals thanks in part to Grier, who's now the general manager of the San Jose Sharks,. This year's team has a long ways to go and much to clean up in the opening series against the Bruins before they can think about advancing that far, though.
However, if Greenway can continue to emerge and have a remarkable playoff run, it could factor into the Sabres advancing far during the remainder of the playoffs.
There have been times in the past when the winger's presence has given the Sabres a boost. In February 2025, after missing almost a month, the Sabres won two straight games when he returned.
This season, he was sidelined over a month while the Sabres were working their way into the playoffs. However, upon is return they went 4-2-1 when he was on the ice at the end of the regular season.
Now, if Greenway can produce a memorable moment or two like Grier did 20 years ago, he would endear himself to the fanbase for this season and many to come.
The Sabres need a new unsung hero to emerge amid a tight battle with the Bruins, and the 6-foot-6 power forward is more than capable of filling that vital role.
Add us as a preferred source on Google