Before the beginning of this season, the Buffalo Sabres had never finished better than fifth in the Atlantic Division during defenseman Mattias Samuelsson's tenure with the organization.
Now the newly minted Atlantic Division champions are only a few days away from their first postseason game since 2011. For one defender, it will be his playoff debut.
Mattias Samuelsson decided to pen a letter to the Sabres fans
The 26-year-old defenseman gave the Sabres fans and the organization a huge sense of optimism this past week on NHL.com. He spoke of past disappointments from he and his teammates, and addressed how the franchise let the fanbase down the last few years.
It was an emotional letter that describes what it must have been like for someone inside the organization during an extended period with minimal success. Although this is a business, the players and all felt the pain of a 14-year playoff drought.
"I feel like here, almost every single person in KeyBank is actually passionate about this team. They’re not just at the game for something to do," Samuelsson said.
For his part this season, one of the team's leaders has emerged not just as a powerful voice but force while playing. He has 41 points and 154 blocks for the season. It shows he has become an important piece on both ends of the rink.
Samuelsson spoke about what is ahead in the playoffs for Buffalo and its diehard supporters
In the letter he talks about the emotion when the National Anthems will be played before Game 1. But he also points out that the job for the Sabres is not done. Their ultimate goal is the Stanley Cup.
It speaks to how far the organization has come and finally, after searching for so long, they have the right players with the mindset to get them where they finally wanted to be.
In 2018, Samuelsson was drafted 32nd overall with not a lot of fanfare as opposed to other high-profile picks or free-agent signings over the last decade. However, his attitude and maturity have paid off, and now he has become one of the reasons the Sabres are playing in the tournament.
As fans read through his note before Sunday's opening game it may give them even more reason to rally behind the team as they face off against the Bruins as the blueliner talked about all the little things that makes Buffalo special, including support in the community and signs in the area.
"That doesn’t happen in other places. Only here. This is a hockey town," Samuelsson wrote.
Now that hockey town, and players associated with it, can bring even more glory and joy to an already magical season by trying to win a championship.
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