Call it a bold prediction. Call me crazy. The truth is, I stand by the title. I do believe the Buffalo Sabres will break the longest playoff drought in the NHL this season. Now, before you jump to any conclusions, allow me to explain myself.
If the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs started today, the Sabres would be in the postseason for the first time since 2011. At this current moment, Buffalo sits in third place in the Atlantic Division. They are are 32-18-6 with 70 points and only 26 games remain in the regular season.
Thanks to head coach Lindy Ruff, general manager Jarmo Kekǎlǎinen and, in a odd way, former general manager Kevyn Adams, the Sabres are in a good spot. Yes, it is only February, but barring a big collapse, Buffalo will be a playoff team. Here's why.
The Buffalo Sabres control their destiny in the NHL's Eastern Conference postseason chase
At the end of the day, Buffalo controls their own destiny. I know I have seen previous Sabres teams go on a crazy run and come crashing down.
Not this team, this team is different.
Even though they lost a tough one last night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the team has heart and resiliency. In a crowded Atlantic Division, the ball is in their court.
They have the postseason in their own hands. While it would be nice for other playoff contenders to lose, it's up to the Sabres. If you told me back in October that this team would be competing not only for a playoff spot, but a top-three position in the division, I would've thought you were crazy.
It's not crazy though, they control their own fate. As long as they keep winning and keep getting points, they will be playing hockey in the postseason. The best part about this team? Everyone is contributing.
Mattias Samuelsson, Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are some of the many high-impact names, not including the main threats like Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch.
So I ask you this, am I still crazy? I do understand if you see it differently but think about it. This is a playoff team, and I can't wait for them to play playoff hockey for the first time in 15 years.