Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - For the first time since 2010, the Buffalo Sabres are sitting atop the division standings and firmly in a playoff spot in the month of March. With 18 games remaining on the schedule, many fans are feeling confident that the Sabres' playoff drought, spanning 14 seasons, is just about over.
"We're gonna break this streak, we're gonna make the playoffs this year. And hopefully we're going to go a little further than just the playoffs. They've been playing great," said Al from Buffalo in an interview with WBEN.
For fans outside of Buffalo, Jess and Ed - traveling from Allentown, Pa. - are hopeful to plan some future trips back to Western New York for the playoffs.
"I've heard Buffalo loves an underdog, so I'm really hoping that they do. And we're already starting to, fingers crossed, plan hotels to come up for a playoff game," said Jess with WBEN.
"I think they can make it to the Cup," Ed added. "I watched when they made it to the [Stanley Cup Final] with the Dallas Stars, which was no goal! So I watched, and I would love to see them do it again."
With the excitement back amongst the fans surrounding the Sabres, especially following an electric 8-7 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, many fans flocked to retailers like the BFLO Store on Monday to stock up on some merchandise and help sport their favorite hockey team.
"We're gonna get hats today, I've got my goathead on today. We'll probably buy some merchandise today," Al added.
"I'd like to believe they're a team of destiny, that's always dangerous - did that with the Bills for five years - but you'd like to believe that. I think they can, at least, get past the first round, maybe to the conference finals. ... To get to the Cup is a little bit more than one would really hope for, but it is exciting and it is a hope and a prayer."
"I enjoy repping the teams," Jess added. "You can't find it out by us. There's no Sabres merch out there, so it's great when we can come out and actually stock up when we can."
Laura Gillette, chief managing director at the BFLO Store, is also feeling the excitement surrounding the team.
"We're definitely feeling the drought is over," said Gillette in an interview with WBEN. "With that seven wins straight going around, people are excited about all the merchandise that we have. They have been in this year, really grabbing all the apparel they can to support our local team and go to the games. Whether they're at the games or supporting at home, they're here to grab it all."
With the Sabres finally winning again and playing some of the most exciting hockey, there has been a noticeable increase of foot traffic looking to add the newest Sabres merchandise.
"It's been a couple years, but this year, this season feels really good," Gillette added. "They are in, wanting to get all the Sabres gear, we can't even keep anything in stock. So it's a great feeling."
Normally around this time of year, Gillette says the retail scene tends to be a bit slower, but that hasn't been the case so much now.
"Our local support is out there supporting the Sabres, so they are here shopping, looking for all the gear. They haven't had to buy it in many years, so they're starting fresh," she said.
"Customers are looking for merchandise. If we have it, we bring the new stuff out, we've got some Sabres hats coming out. So as long as we keep it fresh and interesting, they're going to come out and support their teams again, and want to root on the Sabres. So I think that's what brings them in the door."
It's games like Sunday's thrilling win over the Lightning that gets local fans even more pumped up and willing to spend some money on the latest gear.
"The game yesterday was insane, that first period. So traffic, usually the first couple days right after, it increases dramatically by the foot traffic to see what we have, and get them ready for the next game," Gillette added.
Gillette notes they have a little bit of everything for Sabres fans looking to add to their collection at home, at work, or even attending games at KeyBank Center.
"We definitely have a good mix of the [goathead] apparel - the black, red and white - and then we also have a whole bunch of the blue and gold as well. Really, to satisfy all their needs," Gillette noted. "Hats have been extremely popular, not only the ones right up front, but we have a whole wall of them in our Sabres section towards the back. Jackets, lightweight spring jackets have been popular, t-shirts, long sleeve hoodies. Honestly, we have everything for them. We still have winter apparel, the weather is back-and-forth - this week's 60s. later on it's going to be 30. We still have knit beanies and just regular caps as well. Again, we have a little bit for everything. We even have your pet gear, we have some youth and baby gear. We have something for everyone."
