Thank You Sabres: The Story of the 1972-73 Buffalo Sabres

In the annals of Buffalo sports history, the 1972-73 Buffalo Sabres stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration. As the city's first major professional sports franchise, the Sabres quickly captured the hearts and minds of Western New Yorkers with their thrilling brand of hockey and their unwavering commitment to the community.

The team's origins can be traced back to the late 1960s, when a group of local businessmen and civic leaders began to lobby the National Hockey League (NHL) for an expansion franchise. Their efforts were finally rewarded in 1970, when the NHL awarded Buffalo one of six new franchises. The Sabres were born.

Thank You Sabres - The Story of the 1972-73 Buffalo Sabres

by Disha Experts

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	577 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Sabres' inaugural season was a roller coaster of emotions. The team struggled to find its footing on the ice, finishing with a record of 18-51-11. However, the fans remained steadfast in their support, packing the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium for every home game.

In the offseason, the Sabres made a number of key acquisitions, including Gilbert Perreault, a dynamic young centerman who would go on to become one of the greatest players in franchise history. With Perreault leading the way, the Sabres improved their record to 37-28-15 in 1973-74, finishing just one point out of a playoff spot.

The following season, the Sabres finally broke through, winning their first division title and advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals. Though they ultimately fell to the Philadelphia Flyers in six games, the Sabres had firmly established themselves as a contender in the NHL.

The 1975-76 season was the Sabres' most successful to date. The team won a franchise-record 49 games and cruised to their second division title. In the playoffs, they defeated the St. Louis Blues and the Toronto Maple Leafs before facing the Flyers once again in the Stanley Cup Finals.

This time, the Sabres would not be denied. They won the first two games of the series in Philadelphia and then returned home to Buffalo for Game 3. In front of a raucous crowd at the Memorial Auditorium, the Sabres clinched their first Stanley Cup with a 4-1 victory.

The Sabres' Stanley Cup victory was a watershed moment for the city of Buffalo. It was the first major professional sports championship for any team in Western New York, and it gave the city a sense of pride and accomplishment that had been lacking for years.

The Sabres' success continued throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. The team won two more division titles and made four more appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals. However, they were unable to recapture the magic of 1975-76, and they eventually fell into a decline.

The Sabres struggled for much of the 1990s and early 2000s. They made only one playoff appearance during that time, and they finished with a losing record in 12 of 14 seasons.

However, the Sabres' fortunes began to turn around in the mid-2000s. The team drafted a number of talented young players, including Ryan Miller, Drew Stafford, and Thomas Vanek. With these players leading the way, the Sabres returned to the playoffs in 2006-07 and have made the postseason seven times since then.

The Sabres may not have won another Stanley Cup since 1975, but they remain one of the most beloved teams in the NHL. The team's fans are known for their passion and loyalty, and they continue to pack the KeyBank Center for every home game.

The Sabres are more than just a hockey team. They are a symbol of the city of Buffalo. They represent the city's resilience, its determination, and its unyielding spirit.

So, thank you, Sabres. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the championships. And thank you for being a part of our community.

## Key Players

* Gilbert Perreault * Rick Martin * Rene Robert * Jerry Korab * Jim Schoenfeld * Joe Perreault * Craig Ramsay * Don Luce * Dave Dryden * Bill Hajt

## Timeline

* 1970: The Buffalo Sabres are awarded an expansion franchise by the NHL. * 1971: The Sabres play their first game in the NHL, losing to the Montreal Canadiens 5-1. * 1973: The Sabres win their first division title. * 1975: The Sabres win their first Stanley Cup championship. * 1976: The Sabres reach the Stanley Cup Finals but lose to the Philadelphia Flyers in six games. * 1978: The Sabres win their second division title. * 1980: The Sabres reach the Stanley Cup Finals but lose to the New York Islanders in six games. * 1982: The Sabres reach the Stanley Cup Finals but lose to the Islanders in four games. * 1985: The Sabres reach the Stanley Cup Finals but lose to the Edmonton Oilers in four games. * 1991: The Sabres make their last playoff appearance until 2006. * 2006: The Sabres return to the playoffs after a 15-year absence. * 2010: The Sabres reach the Eastern Conference Finals but lose to the Boston Bruins in four games. * 2019: The Sabres finish with the worst record in the NHL and receive the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

## Legacy

The Buffalo Sabres have left an indelible mark on the city of Buffalo. The team's Stanley Cup victory in 1975 was a major moment in the city's history, and it helped to give Buffalo a sense of pride and accomplishment that had been lacking for years.

The Sabres are more than just a hockey team. They are a symbol of the city of Buffalo. They represent the city's resilience, its determination, and its unyielding spirit.

The Sabres have also had a significant impact on the NHL. The team's success in the 1970s helped to make the NHL a more popular sport in the United States. The Sabres also helped to pave the way for other expansion teams to succeed in the NHL.

The Sabres are a storied franchise with a rich history. The team has brought joy and heartache to its fans over the years, but one thing is for sure: the Sabres will always be a part of the fabric of Buffalo.

Thank You Sabres - The Story of the 1972-73 Buffalo Sabres

by Disha Experts

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	577 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE