October 23, 2024 | 10:59am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

SABRES TIDE SHIFTING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff

After losing three straight games to start the 2024-25 campaign, public worry in Buffalo was starting to creep in surrounding the Sabres and their initial performance to kickstart the new season.

Since then, however, the Sabres have gone 3-1-1 and are starting and have quickly brought optimism back into a market that has been the playoffs since the 2010-11 season.

While reports over potential managerial changes have surfaced, led by a report by TFP’s David Pagnotta last week, had the Sabres continued to bottom out, ownership is not rushing into any significant changes this early into the season.

Following Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the Dallas Stars, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff admitted he has liked what he’s seen from his group over the last week or so.

“I think we had a good preseason. We suffered a couple tough losses (to start the regular-season). I think when you deal with losses like that, the adversity can make you stronger and I think it’s making us stronger,” Ruff said. “I think one indication is the number of blocked shots to try to help win a game tonight.”

With more than $6.82 million in current salary cap space, according to PuckPedia, the Sabres have room to add to their roster if the right fit presents itself.

Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is believed to be interested in adding a top-six winger to the fold, but a trade or any sort is not considered imminent at this stage.

Cooler heads may have prevailed in Buffalo, for the time being, but the team has two more challenges to close our October, with the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday afternoon and the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Monday.