At first glance, it doesn't seem like a small city like Buffalo could support a pro sports franchise – let alone two. But the brand of fierce loyalty shown by Buffalo for the NFL’s Bills is replicated in their fervent support for the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. Located a short drive or ferry ride away from Canada, Buffalo has a passion for the game of hockey, which has been clear in since the Sabres joined the NHL in 1970.

A Foggy Start

After struggling for their first few seasons, the Sabres broke out during the 1974-75 season. Buffalo took home the Adams division title and advanced all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time. They ultimately lost the series, with a standout memory being a game that was played in heavy fog due to a heatwave in Buffalo and no air conditioning at the arena.

Despite the loss, that season kicked off a good run for the Sabres, who went to the playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons and 23 of the next 26 seasons. Buffalo would only win two division titles during that span, though, and only managed to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals once, again coming up short of a championship.

Post-Lockout Blues

Things looked bright for Buffalo coming out of the lockout that canceled the 2005 Stanley Cup. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons and took home the Presidents Trophy for the first time in 2007. But it would be all downhill from there – the Sabres made the playoffs just twice in the next decade, failing to win a playoff series either time and giving the team a long road back to respectability.

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