Listening to the Stacker Sports Podcast and @Undisciplined asked the question:

“How did the Buffalo Sabres turn it around?”“How did the Buffalo Sabres turn it around?”

Having watching this team for the last few years here are the reasons I think they flipped the switch and went on a WarPath starting in early December.

1. For years Buffalo struggled getting quality saves at critical parts of the game. The signing if Alex Lyon and claiming Colton Ellis off waivers from the St. Louis blues stabilized the net. Plus UPL who they resigned really turned his game around.
2. Buffalo suffered from having too many of the same players. They lacked role players who were in the lineup to do one thing. The traded JJ Pertika for Kesslring (D) and Josh Doan (F) (who was a throw in). JJ is a scorer but didn’t play a 200 foot game plus he was soft. Doan is having a career year (from having a career high of 9 goals to 20+? this season). Also they traded Dylan Cousins who was a solid center but after breaking his nose in a fight just wasn’t the same player for Josh Norris who’s a better hockey player but has injury issues. (only played 26 games this season). These trades have worked out!
3. The stars are finally showing up every night. Dahlin, Thompson, Tuck, on most night are the best players on the ice.
4. Rookies came in and played really well especially Noah Oslund. This added to the depth of the team. Also 19 or 20 year Zack Benson has developed really well in his 2nd year in the league earning the nickname Scrappy Doo.
5. The Blue line (Defense) and mostly Mattias Samulesson really turned it around.
6. Buffalo fired Kevin Adams the GM and hired Jarmo who brought a new culture to the locker room and overall organization.

But as a Buffalo fan it’s truly amazing to see the rebuild finally work. And the youngest team in hockey (or maybe 2nd youngest) mature and learn how to win games.

I am so excited to watch Playoff Hockey again after almost 15 years!!