The Buffalo Sabres have never won the Stanley Cup but have come close a couple of times, the most recent being in 1999. However, the first team to reach the Stanley Cup was the best team in the Sabres' franchise history as it had a dominant run to the Stanley Cup Final that season.
In 1974-75, the Sabres were one of the best offensive teams in the league and led by the French Connection of Rene Robert, Gilbert Perreault, and Rick Martin. While Roberts led the team in points with 100, Perreault and Martin were not far behind with 96 and 95, respectively.
It was a team effort though as they had six total players with 70 or more points that season. The Sabres that season finished second in goals scored with 354 and behind only the Montreal Canadiens. However, what set them apart was the fact that they also allowed the sixth-fewest goals.
The Sabres cruised to an Adams Division title that season with 113 points, which was almost 20 points more than the Boston Bruins who finished second in the division.
Buffalo Sabres impressed in the playoffs on the way to the Stanley Cup Final
Similar to the regular season, the Buffalo Sabres were able to make quick work through the Prince of Wales Conference as they would beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 and outscore them 20-10. The next round was more of the same as they would beat the Montreal Canadiens in six, but the games were much closer as two went to overtime and the series-clinching game was a 4-3 win in Montreal.
However, the Sabres would meet the defending Stanley Cup champion Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup Final, who had a very different style than the Sabres. They were known as the 'Broad Street Bullies' for their physical play and the Sabres struggled with this and would lose in six games.
The Sabres wouldn't ultimately win the top prize that season but it doesn't discount what they were able to accomplish. This was a fun team to watch that gave fans plenty of memories and will be remembered as one of the most dominant teams in franchise history.