Sabers Fans Need Patience After Bad Start – Hockey Writers – Buffalo Sabers

The 2024-25 season for the Buffalo Sabers got off to a rocky start this past weekend after being swept by the New Jersey Devils in the two-game NHL Global Series in Prague, Czechia. Given the expectations for this season, it was less than ideal, to say the least, and fans seemed to be reaching for the panic button.

However, that is just nonsense and those who have written that this season is a failure after two games must take the proverbial pill. There is no reason for any kind of doomsaying yet.

The Beginning of Injustice

Make no mistake about it, the Sabers looked awful – and that's what made the games so disappointing. The offense was softer than Texas and the defense allowed too many chances. The Devils skated around the Sabers and beat them on every puck, especially in the second game where they lost 37-18. Goaltenders Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi did their best to stop the shots, but received just one assist each.

It's fair to admit that the Devils are expected to be one of the best teams in the NHL this season, but that's no excuse. The Sabers were slow and scattered throughout and never once felt like a serious threat, a sorely lacking introduction to a team with so much to live up to. The worst part is that those are the problems the Sabers have been talking about this summer.

Head coach Lindy Ruff, ironically the Devils coach last season, was brought back to the Sabers to make them stronger and more active after inactivity and fatigue became their Achilles heel under predecessor Don Granato. Everyone knew he had his work cut out for him and it wasn't going to be easy, but it's still safe to assume that a better start was in store. Those fans have a right to be disappointed, but giving up already would be foolish.

Change Doesn't Happen Overnight

Last Friday's season opener was Ruff's first game behind the Buffalo bench since Feb. 19, 2013 (4,245 days for anyone in the public eye). He is a hero to the fans because of his past success with the Sabers and there is confidence that he can bring back those winning ways. But it wouldn't be overnight and anyone who thought it would be delusional.

As the saying goes, old habits die hard, and the Sabers have a few of them. Ruff wasted no time in establishing a new culture and put the team through the wringer on the first day of camp to show he wasn't kidding. However, that doesn't mean that all of the issues mentioned above would just magically disappear.

It doesn't help that the injury bug has plagued many players. Rasmus Dahlin in particular didn't look good at all and there's a chance his preseason illness was worse than the Sabers let on.

Understandably, the fans have ants in their pants. During the past 13 years, they have endured the frustration of a lifetime. Everyone wants quick results but that's not how it works nine times out of 10. There are already small signs that Ruff's message is getting through, like Alex Tuch challenging New Jersey's Brenden Dillon immediately after shaking J.J. It will be difficult, but more patience will be needed, you cannot raise the alarm after two games.

The Sabers have a lot to show for it

It may not seem like it now, but a first start in Europe could benefit the Sabres. As disastrous as it was, it served as a pre-season test, and allowed them a week in between to process their mistakes. Although the team is currently 0-2, the two games were an extension of the preseason and the real work begins Thursday when Los Angeles comes to town for Buffalo's home opener.

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It wasn't an encouraging start by any means, but all good things take time and we haven't seen the real Sabers yet, not by a long shot. If we have the same conversation in a month, maybe it's a different story. But until then, hold on to your towels.