As the Buffalo Sabres tweeted out this morning, on this day in 1969, Buffalo was awarded an NHL franchise.
At that time, if I knew the Sabres would be around for 40+ years, I would have expected them to win a Cup. They've only been close a couple of times and we're still waiting for it. Some fans have waited their entire lives.
I would like to witness at least one Sabres championship team in my lifetime. The Same goes for the Bills. If I can at least get one from each, that's all I can ask for. It doesn't look like we'll be getting either soon, but I just want one, minimum.
After watching yesterday's Bill's game, they are another Buffalo team that has found a way to lose. It was entertaining to watch, though. The Bills have some of the right pieces there, but they still aren't a playoff team.
It's the same thing with the Sabres. They have had the right pieces, but to the wrong puzzle. Buffalo has talented players, but when you put them all together, the results haven't been there.
When I talk to people who don't follow the Sabres closely or aren't even Buffalo fans, they ask me "What's going on with the Sabres?" or "Is Nolan really going to help the team 15 years later?"
Those type of general questions make me realize how much, as a Sabres fan, I over think things. The Sabres have simply not been good over the past couple of years, and it's let to an all-out rebuild. It's not a good time for the team, but at least the changes have finally been made, and they still are.
I keep questioning which team will make the playoffs first - Sabres or Bills? I want to say the Bills, but it's not that easy to pick a team that hasn't made the playoffs since 1999.
Is Ted Nolan going to be able to repair this team? Will he even be here after this season? If not, are all of his methods and techniques going to go to waste by another new coach.
Mikhail Grigorenko has already had three different NHL coaches and it could very well be four by next October.
The Sabres have loaded up on draft picks over the next few years and a low finish this year could add another one in the top 3. Looking at the roster now, anyone of the players could be gone by next season.
Buffalo traded away captains Pominville and Vanek. Steve Ott may be on his way out as well, which means the Sabres could have sent off three captains. Completely different situation than when captains Briere/Drury left.
What pieces do the Sabres have on the team now that are the ones to keep for the next few years? There aren't many there. Miller is still the biggest question mark, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Ott or Ehrhoff, or even Ennis, be traded.
I think the Sabres will be a great team in about 3-5 years. How quickly can they rebuild without forcing things too much?
