Another winless start for the Buffalo Sabres has ignited a fiery determination within the team, but this time, they’re refusing to let history repeat itself. It’s a pattern that’s become all too familiar—a slow, frustrating beginning that threatens to derail an entire season. Yet, as the Sabres stare down a 0-3-0 record for the second consecutive year, they’re choosing to focus on the future rather than dwell on past failures. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this mindset enough to break the cycle of disappointment that’s plagued the team for 14 seasons? And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the losses; it’s about the mental resilience required to bounce back.
Forward Tage Thompson puts it bluntly: ‘Negativity breeds negativity, and that’s how we’ve snowballed things in the past.’ He emphasizes that while starting 0-3-0 is undeniably frustrating, it’s not the end of the world. The team’s focus is squarely on their next game against the Ottawa Senators, a chance to reset and prove their mettle. Thompson’s message is clear: ‘We can’t keep looking back—whether it’s the last three games, the last four seasons, or the last 14. We need to keep our sights on what’s next.’
The Sabres’ struggles are multifaceted. After a 3-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, they’ve managed just two goals in three games, and their power play is a staggering 0-for-11. It’s a mirror image of last season’s disastrous start, where they scored only three goals in their first three games and failed to convert on 11 power-play opportunities. Captain Rasmus Dahlin doesn’t mince words: ‘This is not acceptable. We’re not good enough in a lot of areas.’ He highlights the need for improvement across the board, from power play to overall consistency.
What makes this situation even more challenging is the string of injuries that have sidelined key players. Top-line center Josh Norris, who led the preseason with seven points, suffered a long-term upper-body injury in the season opener. Defenseman Michael Kesselring and goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are also out with injuries, as are Zach Benson and Jordan Greenway. Coach Lindy Ruff acknowledges the setbacks but remains firm: ‘Everybody deals with injuries. We can’t make excuses. We need to find a way to win.’
The Sabres entered this season with optimism, bolstered by offseason acquisitions like Kesselring, Conor Timmins, and Josh Doan. Their 3-2-1 preseason record hinted at potential, but the regular season has been a harsh reality check. The question now is whether this team can overcome adversity and finally break their NHL-record 14-season playoff drought. Is this the year they turn it around, or will history repeat itself? Weigh in below—do you think the Sabres have what it takes to rise above their challenges, or is another disappointing season inevitable?
