Sabres' fans are starting to get agitated, as the team is on a six-game losing streak, only earning two points out of a possible twelve. Currently falling behind in the Eastern Conference playoff race, the team looks to get back on track to make a run.
The Positives
Tage Thompson has continued his scoring ways, despite an early season injury causing him to miss some time. Thompson has three goals in his last three games and continues to prove team USA wrong for leaving him off the 4 Nation's Face-Off roster.
Netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has settled in quite nicely for the Sabres this season, since inking his five-year extension this past offseason. On the season, Luukkonen has a .902 save percentage and further looks to do some damage between the pipes. With an 8-7-3 overall record, Luukkonen looks to get back in the win column, as long as his team in front of him can start tallying some goals on the stat sheet.
The Negatives:
General Manager Kevyn Adams is quickly losing fans' confidence, especially due to recent comments regarding the team's struggles. During his media appearance this past Friday, Adams proclaimed, "We don't have palm trees. We have high taxes". According to the New York Times, following these regards, fans began to show their dismay with "Fire Kevyn" chants, along with bringing inflatable palm trees to KeyBank Center. Surely the GM of the past four seasons has noticed this criticism, but will he address the fan's rightful frustrations after missing the playoffs the last 13 seasons?
Ownership has been subject to criticism, especially as of late. With the Sabres having plenty of cap-space to spend to make the team better, fans are wondering if Terry Pegula is the reason why Adam's hasn't made any moves. Besides the chants to fire Adams, fans could be heard from the arena and on broadcast screaming, "Where is Terry?" and "Sell the team". Clearly, loyal swords fans are fed up with ownership arguably being not as involved, compared to other NHL counterparts.
Will change occur in the near future?
Fans are on notice and are anticipating some type of move to be made. Whether that be a roster transaction, front office or ownership change, they are certainly hoping something gives soon, or else the team may be in danger of missing the playoffs for the 14th straight season, adding on to the already NHL record.