Ryan McLeod sat at his locker, grinning after the Buffalo Sabres celebrated their eighth consecutive victory on Saturday night. In just his second season with the Sabres, McLeod, who previously sought the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, found the electric atmosphere of the fanbase invigorating. “Everyone’s always talking about how when we start getting good, there’s no better city to play in,” he said, reflecting the growing excitement surrounding the team.
The optimistic sentiment follows a pivotal moment in the franchise when Kevyn Adams was replaced by Jarmo Kekäläinen as general manager. Pete Guelli, the team’s chief operating officer, expressed ownership’s ambition to restore Buffalo as a “center of the hockey universe.” Although there’s much work ahead, the recent performances have rekindled hope among the fans that this city can again be a thriving hockey town.
Peyton Krebs echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the loyalty of the Sabres’ fanbase and the direct correlation between winning and attendance. “When you win, they’ll come back,” Krebs stated, noting the increased crowds at home games concurrent with the team’s success.
Despite the stiff competition for playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, the Sabres’ eight-game winning streak has positioned them in contention for a wild-card berth, tied with the Florida Panthers. The conference’s landscape remains tightly packed, with all teams currently over .500 and within striking distance of those coveted playoff positions. “The East is so tight,” said Sabres alternate captain Mattias Samuelsson, stressing the importance of focusing on improving daily rather than fixating on the playoffs just yet.
The Sabres currently hold the longest winning streak in the NHL, showcasing what appears to be a more sustainably competitive team. A key factor contributing to this success has been the notable improvement in goaltending. Since the streak commenced, the Sabres lead the NHL in save percentage at just over 93 percent. Alex Lyon has excelled in goal, winning all six of his starts during this period, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has provided consistent back-up in his two appearances. Though maintaining such a high level of performance may be challenging, both goalies seem to thrive in a two-goalie system.
In addition to goaltending, the health of the team has seen an uptick, highlighted by the return of Josh Norris, Zach Benson, and Michael Kesselring to the lineup. Their contributions have bolstered the Sabres’ depth, with Norris playing a critical role in enhancing the team’s overall play. The Sabres have found greater stability on the blue line as well, even amidst the absence of key players. Physical play and offensive contributions from Samuelsson, Power, and Byram have strengthened the defense, a crucial aspect of their winning formula.
It’s important to note the progress made since the Sabres’ significant win streak in November 2018, which ultimately fizzled. Unlike that time, the current streak has been characterized by genuine improvement in various facets of the game. Although underlying metrics suggest some challenges, the transition to a lower-event style of play has led to better game management and fewer turnovers.
Despite the occasional concern regarding their shot metrics, the Sabres have found ways to win games instead of self-sabotaging, reflecting a new maturity within the squad. With a home record of 12-5-2 and a strong performance within their division, the Sabres are demonstrating resilience and an ability to capitalize on opportunities. As they continue to navigate the competitive landscape of the NHL, there is a promising sense of direction and hope for Buffalo hockey.