The box score showed that the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 on Tuesday evening. It moved them even closer to a playoff spot but it was what happened before the game that may have been more vital to the organization.
It was the first home game honoring Tage Thompson after he helped Team USA secure a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. Included in the celebration was former Sabres center Jack Eichel. The Golden Knight did not leave the Sabres on the best terms in 2021.
He was booed relentlessly in games before Tuesday evening. However, Eichel was embraced by the fandom this past game with a respectful ovation during the Team USA ceremony. It may represent a change for both the fanbase and organization.
In the years since Jack Eichel was traded the Sabres have not had a chance at the playoffs
It may represent the bitterness that the fans have for a player who has since won a Stanley Cup with Vegas. However, now that the Sabres are on a remarkable run and itching closer the playoffs, it may be time for them to let go of the past.
The fanbase and organization no longer need to look to previous seasons and past missed opportunities like during Eichel's run to hold onto. They now have new stars to look at as possible leaders and plenty of other players to both embrace and appreciate.
It is also time to acknowledge that Eichel did the best he could at the time he was with the organization. And regardless of what occurred he represented the United States proudly during the Olympics.
It was important for Thompson to include both Eichel and fellow American player Noah Hanifin in the opening celebration of Team USA. It also demonstrates how the 28-year-old forward has emerged as a voice and leader for the Sabres.
The franchise has had several examples of players like Eichel who have left the team and gone on to win Stanley Cups. However, it seems their patience with a player like Thompson has paid off. And the way he unselfishly wished to include Eichel in the celebration shows he's the right player to be a part of the renaissance.
As the Sabres continue to make the right kind of history, they can look back and celebrate what has gotten them to this point. And they can also remember fondly players who did their best to help them break through.
Eichel was a three-time All-Star during his time with the Sabres. The dream may not have worked out but the way he was embraced last night, even for a moment, shows the Sabres can finally look forward and not to the past.