Typically before the start of every season, I would do a month-by-month record prediction for the Buffalo Sabres. At the end of each month, the records would be combined for the teams final record prediction. This year though, it's going to be different.
As for my expectations going into this season, I really don't know. That's why I'm labeling this season as the "unknown season" for the Blue and Gold. What do I mean by this? My argument is the last two years. Back in 2022/23, the Sabres surprised a lot of people as they missed the postseason by one point.
The 2023/24 campaign was full of optimism and what happened?
Buffalo was not the same team as they missed the playoffs for a 13th consecutive season. With Kevyn Adams and new head coach Lindy Ruff leading the ship, I don't know what to expect from the team this year.
Between 2022/23 and 2023/24, it's hard to narrow down what this year will look like. As the season goes along, then I will start to make predictions as I observe the team playing. With how quiet of an offseason it was in terms of headlining talent, other than improving the depth, Adams is buying into his core players.
As the season progresses, then we'll see if Adams believing in his current group will pay off. If it's the same story as 2023/24, then it will be 14 years of no postseason hockey in Buffalo. However, if the core players can find their game and recreate the vibes from 2022/23, then it's possible the Sabres will be playing hockey in the second half of April.
That is why I'm not making any predictions for the team right now. It is way too early and with how up and down the last two years have been, I cannot come up with any thoughts about the Sabres at the current moment. As I said earlier in the article, it will be an uncertain year for the boys in blue and gold.