It was just before noon and there was already a line outside the Sabres Store inside KeyBank Center.
Mind you, it was 13 hours after the Sabres officially clinched the Atlantic Division title as a prelude the NHL playoffs that begin this weekend.
In an oft-told (and re-told) tale, it marks the team's return to the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2011 and a record-setting 14 years of NOT making the post-season.
The line-up was a telltale sign of Sabres fevor, or fervor, that has yet to peak.
Retailers across the region are reporting record sales of Sabres merchandise in a scene that mirrors the community's love affair with the Buffalo Bills.
"I've waited a long time for this," said MaryLynn DuMay from Wheatfield.
DuMay was shopping for a birthday present for her husband, who seemed to be zeroing in on a replica Tage Thompson jersey.
Becky Kasim, who traveled from Toledo to Buffalo for tomorrow's Sabres- game, was busy buying t-shirts and other memorabilia.
"I definitely want to take these back home," Kasim said.
The team's unexpected worst-to-first rise - all within the last four months - has resulted in a huge spike in Sabres' related retail sales.
At the Sabres Store, sales are up 25% and still growing.
"We've all waited a long time for this," said Nicky Shehin.
Fans buying Sabres' playoff merchandise at a record pace.
Fans buying Sabres' playoff merchandise at a record pace.
