Former Buffalo Sabres players are sharing their excitement as the team returned to the National Hockey League playoffs for the first time in 14 years, according to an April 30 announcement. Pat Kaleta, who played nine seasons with the Sabres, said he has embraced being a fan again during this postseason run. “My wife was joking with me the other day that Game 1 was the first time she’s ever seen me jumping up and down for the Sabres to score a goal,” Kaleta told Sabres.com.
The return of playoff hockey is significant for both former players and fans in Buffalo. Many alumni from the last playoff team in 2010-11, including Nathan Gerbe and Cody McCormick, have expressed their enthusiasm online and at games. Gerbe updated his social media profile picture to one of himself in a Sabres uniform ahead of this year’s playoffs.
Kaleta and McCormick attended Game 5 against Boston at KeyBank Center, joining thousands of fans inside and outside the arena. McCormick said of current players: “I’m so happy for them that they get this. They’re gonna just feed off it… It brings back memories. You want that for the players. You want that for the city.” Kaleta added: “To be able to go out there and see a crowd like in Game 1… For these guys to experience that alone is a lifetime of memories.”
Both former forwards now live in Buffalo and have noticed increased support around town, from flags on houses to more people wearing team gear. Kaleta described seeing local excitement: “It’s probably one of the coolest and rowdiest places in the NHL right now.” McCormick noted even teachers and children are showing support by wearing jerseys.
Drew Stafford, another alumnus living outside Buffalo, also follows this year’s playoff run closely from Minnesota. Stafford said: “Admittedly I’m watching a lot more now because I’ve got a soft spot for Buffalo… I just can’t think of another city or fanbase that deserves a winner more than Buffalo.”
A key link between past playoff teams and today’s squad is coach Lindy Ruff’s return behind the bench during his second stint with Buffalo. Kaleta said: “Certain things happen for a reason… everyone will remember that Lindy came back, and he’s the one that broke the streak.” McCormick added: “Bringing Lindy back, he owned it… He did his job.”
