Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Thursday finally marks the long-awaited return of hockey in Western New York, as the Buffalo Sabres kick off their 2023-24 regular season on home ice against the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center.
The hype and anticipation for the upcoming season started nearly a month ago when the Sabres held their annual Prospects Challenge at Harborcenter. Over the course of three games in Downtown Buffalo, the team sold out of its nearly 2,000 available tickets for each of the first two games on Friday and Saturday night, while Monday afternoon's game was as close to as sold out as can be.
"I think it just speaks to what management is doing with the team, because we've got over 2,000 people coming in for a bunch of prospects. I think it speaks highly of what Kevyn [Adams'] doing," said Sabres fan Kyle from Buffalo.
Even with the Sabres' three preseason home games at KeyBank Center, crowds seemed to increase each time out. And heading into Thursday's season opener, there are a limited number of tickets remaining.
"It shows how passionate this fanbase is," said Sabres fan Casey from Madison, Wisconsin.
"It brings joy back to me, back to my life. I love hockey, this is my No. 1 sport," added Sabres fan Tim from Buffalo. "I came to the Prospects [Challenge] every year so far, and I got tickets to season opener. We're ready to go, and this is gonna be a Sabres town again, for sure."
It has been 12 seasons since the Sabres last made an appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. At that point in 2011, a majority of the old core in Buffalo had been aging out, and a rebuild appeared imminent at some point in the near future.
However, after a series of draft, trade and free agent blunders from past management over the years, the Sabres have not come close to sniffing a postseason berth.
That all changed for many last season, though, as the Sabres made a late push in the 2022-23 regular season that saw Buffalo come up just one point short of the playoffs. That jolt of energy from last season has many diehard Sabres fans bought all-in head of the upcoming campaign.
"I can't think of the last time I felt the Sabres would be relevant in the NHL, but I think this year could be a great season for them," said Sabres fan Dan from Rochester. "They just need to capitalize, hopefully get in the playoffs, and maybe do a nice push. But I can't think of the last time I was more excited about a season to start than this one."
"It's definitely been a while," added Tim. "Last year was really leading up to it, went to a lot of games and my cousin. You could just feel the intensity building as the year went on that we're ready, we're ready to make this jump. The fans are on board."
For many Sabres fans ready for the upcoming season, it's been more than 15 years since the last time expectations were this high in Buffalo surrounding the hockey team.
It dates as far back as the start of the 2006-07 season, the year after the Sabres surprised the hockey world with an appearance in the Eastern Conference Final against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. That year, the Sabres ended up winning the Presidents' Trophy as the best regular season team, and made it back to the Eastern Conference Final, where they were knocked off by the Ottawa Senators.
"Coming off that magical run losing to Carolina, I think that was the first offseason that was like, 'Alright, we've got we got a real team,'" said Kyle. "Not to compare the two, but I think it's probably the closest that you can."
"I mean, around 2015 or so when we drafted [Jack] Eichel, there was a little bit of excitement, a little bit of optimism, but kind of dissipated pretty quickly. It's been a really long time," added Casey.
So what are the expectations among Sabres fans heading into Thursday's season opener in Downtown Buffalo?
For many, it's to get back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and see how the cards play out once you get there.
"I think they're gonna make the playoffs this year. Where they fall, I don't know," said Tim. "I think it might be like a Wild Card to maybe the bottom of the top-three in the division. We'll see how it plays out, I'm really excited, and I think the fans are too. We've got to sell out tonight, so looking forward to it."
"I'd, at least, like to see them push for playoffs. Seeing them get into the playoffs and maybe make a little run would be exciting, but I'd, at least, like to see them competitive this year," added Casey.
As for fans like Dan, he's taking this season in small strides, just hoping the team can get out on the right foot.
"Hopefully we start out strong and keep it going. That's as much as you can go for, so that's what I'm excited for. One game at a time," he said.
"You've got to watch Tage [Thompson], you've got to see what's going on with Victor [Olofsson]. I mean, all the guys that came from Rochester I root for them, because I watched them for a few seasons in-a-row [with the Americans]. I've got a hold on those guys, and I'm excited to see all play. Tage is my boy, I can't wait to see him nail some one-timers."
Faceoff on Thursday is set for just after 7 p.m. ET with Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray on the call, and can be heard on our sister station, WGR Sports Radio 550.
Rally the sabrehood…
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 11, 2023
Buffalo hockey is BACK! #LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/VxtsFPk2Vk
