With game 1 approaching, all semblance of rational thought is about to go out the window. I try to be a fairly sane fan during the regular season, not getting too high after a 7-3 win, or two low after a blown 2 goal lead. (cough JerrySullivan cough) It’s cliche, but hockey is absolutely a marathon, and not a sprint. Big picture thinking.
That being said, I wrote you off for dead in December. I thought there was no way you’d even have a sniff of 8th. The numbers didn’t add up. I couldn’t imagine that a team that was playing that poorly in all phases of the game could win at least 2 out of 3 for months straight, especially in the age of the 3 point game.
You proved me wrong. You proved that even knowledgeable fans (of which I humbly consider myself to be) don’t know as much as they think they know.
Thank you, Buffalo Sabres.
Thank you for reminding us that you’re not out until the standings say you’re out. Thank you for ending yet another Maple Leaf Race for 9th. Thank you for reminding us that the coach and GM just might have a clue what they’re doing. Thank you to the Hockey Gods for sending us Mr. Pegula. Thank you for giving the fans something to hold onto for the last couple months. Thank you for re-igniting the fire and passion this town has for you.
You may win this series against the Flyers. You may lose. But, this season, you gave all of us one very special gift.
Hope.
For the first time that I can remember, most Buffalo sports fans have hope. Instead of holding our breath waiting for the other shoe to drop, and the magical ride to be over, we’re looking forward. For once, we finally believe that you’re going to do it. It might not be this year, might not be next, but it WILL happen.
Thank you, Buffalo Sabres. We’re with you until the end. Whenever that is.
(And so ends all rational thoughts for the season. Time to take my patchy ass playoff beard and go effin nuts!!!)