Writer’s open letter to Sabres fans discusses valid points on early-season hardships

You can put me into the “fire Kevyn Adams” group if nobody emerges as the legitimate top-scoring threat that this team needs. You can also put me into the “why can’t Terry Pegula fire himself” group if the Sabres keep struggling. 

It seems like Pat McMahon of WBUF is in the same mindset, having said in an open letter, “I get it. I've been there, but I'm not there yet. Mind you, I reserve the right to get there at some point if things don't improve. However, I'm not down on them right now.”

McMahon brings several valid points as to why he’s on board, such as the recent coaching change. I agree with this 100 percent, as the Sabres are no longer that bland team under Don Granato that seemed to be afraid to outmuscle opponents half the time. 

Ditto for McMahon’s quip on the schedule, as the New Jersey Devils seem to be light years ahead of everyone else, and the Sabres had to play them twice in as many days. Throw in a pair of playoff teams from last season plus a motivated Penguins squad whose star players were on the verge of making history, and no, luck’s not with the Blue and Gold. 

Sabres fans need to read multiple takes before making a decision

Going on 14 years without seeing hockey beyond the 82-game schedule is tough for fans of any franchise, so after nearly a half-decade in charge, it’s okay to be short with Kevyn Adams. Last week, I made my point clear on where I stood regarding the general manager, but articles or letters providing counterpoints like McMahon’s are those I always enjoy reading. 

It shows us why we don’t need to be irrational just five games into the season, and we can even point to recent history to give us a reason to stay confident. Just look at the Edmonton Oilers last year and, by extension, this year. 

That team cruised to a Western Conference Championship despite hitting a few bumps in the road, and this came after an abysmal first month of the season. Another rocky start this season also won’t deter Edmonton, and while they have a few more star players than the Sabres, it doesn’t mean the team, or its fanbase, can’t take a lesson or two from them. 

So, I thank Pat McMahon for at least reassuring the fanbase that, despite the bumpy start, the 2024-25 campaign is far from reaching its conclusion.