Before the Facebook mob sends me death threats for this headline, the Sabres step forward had nothing to do with on-ice play.
The Sabres went all-out tonight for Jeff Skinner’s 1000th NHL game. From a surprise return of Between 2 Stalls, red beanies for fans, and several outstanding video tributes throughout the game. The Buffalo Sabres made this night unforgettable for fans, and more importantly for Jeff Skinner.
It seems like yesterday we saw knock-off jerseys on the backs of alumni. The organization appeared to be at its lowest point. A fledgling team losing its franchise superstar and an ownership group who seemed to not care. Details that should be a given seemed to be almost forgotten.
Since that point in 2020, the fans have made their voices heard and changes have been made.
We have been lucky enough to witness some incredible moments that will live on forever due to the good work the Sabres have done behind the scenes to make nights like tonight special.
Just thinking of RJ’s last call gives me goosebumps as I write this.
The build-up to the night made a meaningless game feel like the biggest game in a decade. The Sabres organization gave RJ the sendoff he deserved, and what the fans needed. They could have ended the broadcast after he signed off for the final time. But they didn’t. As RJ walked down to the ice, we were greeted to hear his final call again as it rang throughout the KeyBank Center to the Sabres faithful hearing it for the first time.
That is a moment I will remember forever.
They knocked it out of the park yet again on RJ Night. Now after his passing, these ceremonies and the extra step the team took give me faith in this organization.
It gives me faith that the on-ice product will get more consistent. It gives me faith I am not wasting my time watching them 82 nights a year. It gives me faith that they will end the playoff drought.
We can look at Ryan Miller’s treatment in the past few years. His jersey retirement was done the right way and felt important. He has been seen around the team and featured on the team’s social media, reminding fans that this organization remembers. That this organization does actually care about its fans and wants to get to the postseason.
Tonight was special. Jeff Skinner gets a lot of flack online for his contract and his defense. But we all came together tonight for him because the Sabres made us care again.
I cannot tell you how much I laughed and smiled at the Between 2 Stalls segment. Seeing how much Skinner’s teammates care about him made me believe again.
This organization needs to rally around guys like Jeff. A guy who has now played in 1000 NHL games and has yet to play in the playoffs.
Change is sometimes hard to notice over the course of time. But for the Sabres, I think we can agree they are making the right changes. KeyBank is seeing upgrades over the summer, as frustrating as the team is on the ice they are showing improvements down the stretch, and the Buffalo Sabres are taking care of their own once again.