It was another week in what seems to be a dream season for the Buffalo Sabres. They are continuing to stay on pace be well into the mix for the first playoff berth in 15 seasons.
The week also included the Sabres' 5-3 victory on Jan. 15 over the Montreal Canadians. That evening they honored the 2005-06 Sabres team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Twenty years after that team captured the hearts of the Sabres fanbase with everything from game-winning goals to defying the odds and making a run in the postseason, a fresh hope has emerged.
One of the reasons I believe is this team were not expected to make a run and to be sure there may have been other more talented teams before or after 2006. The 1999 Stanley Cup appearance and 2007 President's Trophy to name a few.
But this team in 2006 made such a run that the fanbase could relate to them. Now this team in 2026 has that same ability to capture Western New York's faithful.
There may be more talented teams during the playoff drought. However, it seems this is a team that is coming together and finding leaders on and off the ice. Now they have a chance to do something special.
If the Sabres make the postseason, this Buffalo team should be remembered fondly
They currently are in the second wild-card spot for the postseason, and anyone can just imagine the sigh of relief and celebration that will occur for the organization and its fans if they get an "x" by their name in the standings.
The city of Buffalo does rally around their teams. It is evident how much love the team from 20 years ago was shown. That team had many walk-off goals during that season. This season, whether it's been heroics or clutch play, this team seems to generate those same types of moments.
In March of 2006, the Sabres won with 4.6 seconds left against the Flyers. Hockey pioneer Mike Grier hit on the game-winner. It was celebrated and one of the great moments in an honored season.
In overtime in late December, the Sabres won in overtime off a Bowen Byram goal. It was a moment for this season that Sabres fans can look back on and think about the same as the Grier goal.
However, the team in 2006 finished the deal and made the postseason and went on their run. This season and this team has to get the job done and get into the dance to be honored for years to come.