(Buffalo) The Buffalo Sabers have a new coach in Lindy Ruff and a new captain in Rasmus Dahlin. There is a new giant screen at the KeyBank Center, which also has a new roof.
Posted at 11:14 a.m.
John Wawrow
Associated Press
The fact remains that the team has not made the playoffs in 13 years.
“I’m aware of that,” admitted general manager Kevyn Adams. Until the moment you have success in the playoffs, there are people who will question your decisions. »
Adams spent three years reshaping the club through a youth shift – take for example the transaction sending Jack Eichel to the Golden Knights in November 2021.
“I have confidence in our players and our coaches,” Adams said. That said, it is clear that we must now see results. »
The firing of Don Granato led to the hiring of a seventh coach since Ruff was fired in 2013.
For 2006–07 (the last time the Sabers reached the second round), Buffalo had an average attendance of 18,690, eighth in the NHL. Last season, the Sabers finished in 28e place in this aspect (15,891).
Since 2010-2011, the team has never done better than 19e in the general classification of the National League.
Terry and Kim Pegula purchased the Sabers in February 2011 and the NFL Bills three years later.
The Bills have been section champions the past four years, always winning at least 11 games.
The Sabers came close to sneaking into the playoffs last year, coming within one win of qualifying.
Adams concluded this season by brushing aside a question as to whether he saw it as a lost opportunity. He has toned things down a bit since then.
“It’s been an opportunity to grow,” Adams said, noting the experience the players have gained. And I think we’re going to benefit from that this season. »
