Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabers are a professional ice hockey team that has been around since 1970, when it was first established. The Sabers reside in Buffalo, New York, and compete in the NHL as a member of the Atlantic division. The Sabers have played their home games at KeyBank Center and have done so since 1996. Although the team first began playing at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium for 26 years before moving. The team name has an interesting inception. The word saber derives from a sharp weapon, decisive and penetrating on offense, and strong parrying on defense.

Rival Teams

Buffalo Sabres vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Buffalo Sabres' biggest rival is a team that hails from 100 miles away: the Toronto Maple Leafs. They are not only a team but a neighbor. One hundred miles is the exact distance between the Sabres' home stadium, KeyBank Center, and the Maple Leafs' stadium, Scotiabank Arena. Although it seems the Buffalo Sabres are taking the lead in this rivalry, winning 70 of 103 all-time home games against the Maple Leafs from their inception in 1970–71 until 2015–16. To drive it home, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1999 Eastern Conference finals in five games. However, the Toronto Maple Leafs finally beat the Buffalo Sabres in the 2018-19 season series for the first time.

Based on their history and statistics, the Buffalo Sabres have higher expectations when it comes to their rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although in the most recent series games in 2018, the Maple Leafs swept the Sabres; the Buffalo Sabres have previously swept a season with the Maple Leafs in 1979-80, 197-88, and 1991-92.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins

The Buffalo Sabres have had a rivalry with the big, bad Boston Bruins since 1970, when both teams were in the East Division. They continued their rivalry when they were placed in the Atlantic Division in 1974.

When the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins first began, they had an amicable rivalry. It wasn't until 1972 that Buffalo Sabres' Jim Schoenfeld hit the Boston Bruins' Wayne Cashman right through the Zamboni doors. This incident caused a ripple effect when the team members began fighting, and the duo continued battling it out off the ice.

The rivalry between the Sabres and Bruins peaked in the 80s and 90s playoff games when the Boston Bruins bested the Buffalo Sabres in the first five Stanley Cup playoffs in 1982, 1983, 1988, 1989, and 1992. During this time, the Bruin's Brad May had his historic overtime goal. It was such a surreal moment that the gameplay was coined "May Day." Afterward, in 1999, the Sabres won the Eastern Conference semifinals. However, the Bruins won the 2010 opening round.

When it comes to the expectation of who will be victorious between the Sabres and the Bruins, it is the big bad Boston Bruins who take the lead; throughout their history in the playoffs, the Bruins have been led 6-2 in the series, as well carry a record of 25-20 wins.

When does the 2024-2025 Preseason and Regular Season start for Buffalo Sabres?

The Sabres’ preseason usually starts in early October, with each team playing between 4 and 5 games to prepare for the upcoming 82-game regular season, which generally begins in late October.

Why should you buy Buffalo Sabres preseason tickets?

Buying Buffalo Sabres preseason tickets is a fantastic way to enjoy NHL hockey at a more reasonable price. Preseason tickets are typically cheaper than regular season tickets, making it easier for fans to attend multiple games and experience the chaotic excitement of professional hockey without breaking the bank. This cost-effectiveness allows more fans, including families and larger groups, to enjoy live games.

Additionally, preseason games provide a unique opportunity to get more immediate to the players. These games are often held in smaller venues or have fewer attendees, which can offer a more intimate and engaging adventure. Fans might find themselves closer to the action on the ice, allowing for a better view of the players' talents and dealings. This proximity also increases the chances of witnessing the team's new strategies and emerging talent as coaches experiment with lineups and rookies aim to secure their spots on the roster. Overall, attending preseason games is a fantastic way for fans to connect with the team and enjoy the exhilarating ambiance of NHL hockey.

Season Predictions

Which Teams Will Go To the 2024-25 NHL Playoffs?

The 2023-24 NHL season isn’t even over yet. The Florida Panthers and New York Rangers will meet in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers will face off in the Western Conference Finals to determine who will win the 2024 Stanley Cup.

So, tabbing the 16 teams to make the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs may seem like a bit of a stretch, but like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, we can expect most of the usual suspects to still skate in the Postseason.

This year, the Panthers, Rangers, Bruins, Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, Lightning, Capitals, and Islanders made it from the Eastern Conference, with the Stars, Oilers, Avalanche, Canucks, Golden Knights, Predators, Kings, and Jets all qualifying from the Western Conference.

Who could make it next season, and who might not be in the final 16 teams on the ice? The Red Wings and Penguins both just missed out in the East, so any regression by the Capitals and/or Islanders may mean those two may qualify in the No. 7 and No. 8 spots. In the West, it seems the same eight will end up in the Playoffs, just in a different order.

Which Two Teams Will Go To the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals and Why?

There always seem to be two new teams meeting in the Stanley Cup Finals, and the NHL has arguably the hardest Postseason to navigate, with all four rounds of play both mentally and physically excruciating. Over the past five seasons, the Bruins (240 wins), Avalanche (238), Hurricanes (232), and Maple Leafs (221) are among the win leaders, but none of those four teams are still alive in the 2023-24 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Panthers (224 wins) made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals last season and are in the ECF again this season, so to see Florida skating in the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals would surprise nobody. But expect the mad Bruins, hungry Maple Leafs, disappointed Hurricanes, and the Panthers rivals, the Lightning, to all have something to say about it.

The steady progress the Stars have shown and their ability to eliminate the defending Stanley Cup champions VGK and the mighty Avalanche, shows that this team has arrived, and until the Oilers prove they can play better defense and have a reliable Goalie, Jake Oettinger, and Dallas may be the new team to beat in the competitive Western Conference.

A Panthers-Stars Stanley Cup may be on the menu here in 2024, as well as a year and a month from now in the Summer of 2025.

2024-25 NHL Stanley Cup Prediction: Stars over Panthers, 4-3

Trade Rumors and Draft Picks

The Buffalo Sabres have had a 13-year playoff drought, although things are expected to turn around this summer. With an 11th-round pick, the Sabres are looking to bring in new talent to help improve their roster.

The Buffalo Sabres are rumored to be looking at three potential prospects: Isak Rosen, Viktor Neuchev, and Nikita Novikov.

Isak Rosen was the 14th overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot winger played his first seven NHL games this season, recording zero points and a minus-3 rating. Despite the 21-year-old's struggles with the Buffalo Sabres, he excelled with the Rochester Americans, achieving career highs with 20 goals, 30 assists, and 50 points in 67 games. As a former first-round pick progressing well, Isak Rosen could be a valuable trade asset for the Buffalo Sabres.

Viktor Neuchev had a strong debut professional season in North America after being picked in the third round in 2022. In 57 games with the Amerks, the 20-year-old scored 11 goals and tallied 28 points. Neuchev's impressive performance might attract interest from NHL teams. The fast forward demonstrated his potential to become an NHL player this season.

Nikita Novikov also had his first AHL season in 2023-24, showing solid offensive numbers from the defense. The 2021 sixth-round pick recorded three goals and 23 points in 65 games with the Amerks. At 6-foot-4, Novikov fits the profile of a desirable defenseman for NHL teams. The 20-year-old has shown offensive promise and has ample time to enhance his physical play.

How Much Are Buffalo Sabres Season Tickets?

You can find the cheapest Buffalo Sabres tickets starting from $13.72 at Nationwide Arena on Sep 28 on TicketX. Prices can vary depending on venues and dates, so please check for tickets based on the venues and dates of events that you might be interested in attending.

The self-reported average price of Buffalo Sabres tickets (as of June 17, 2024):

Buffalo Sabres Merch

Buffalo Sabres has released the lineup for this season's merch as follows:

KeyBank Center

KeyBank Center is a versatile indoor arena in Buffalo, New York. The stadium has a rich history and has undergone multiple name changes over the years. The KeyBank stadium began as the Marine Midland Arena, HSBC Arena, and First Niagara Center. Since 1996, it has been the home of the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL and stands as the largest indoor arena in Western New York, with a seating capacity of 19,070. This arena replaced the Sabres' previous home, Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, where the team played from 1970 to 1996. Additionally, it hosts the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League.

How to Get to KeyBank Center

• By Car: KeyBank Center is accessible via I-190. Exits 5: Turn onto Perry Street (1st light) or South Park Avenue (2nd light). KeyBank Center is straight ahead.

• Public Transportation: The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) offers bus and Metro Rail services to the arena. The Special Events Station is located outside KeyBank Center.

• Parking prices: Parking prices vary, generally ranging from $5-$25, depending on the event and the lot.

• Parking Locations: Several parking lots and garages are within walking distance, including the KeyBank Center parking ramp, KeyBank Center surface lots at the LECOM Harborcenter, and various surface lots.

• Parking Capacity: The HarborCenter Ramp and the KeyBank Center Ramp each have substantial parking capacities, but it's recommended that they arrive early as these fill up quickly on event days.

KeyBank Center Bag Policy

• All bags, backpacks, and purses are prohibited

• Clutches no larger than 4x6x1.5” are permitted (will be subject to visual inspection)

• Medically necessary items and diaper bags after they go through a thorough security screening

KeyBank Center Rules

• Dos and Don'ts of the Stadium

  • Do: Arrive early to navigate parking and security checks smoothly.

  • Do: Respect all staff and other attendees.

  • Do: Follow all safety protocols, including the prohibition of outside food and beverages.

  • Don't: Bring prohibited items such as weapons, drugs, or any form of alcohol.

  • Don't: Engage in unruly behavior or use offensive language.

  • Don't: Smoke or use e-cigarettes inside the arena; designated smoking areas are available outside.

Hotels Near KeyBank Center

1. Buffalo Marriott Harborcenter

   • Address: 95 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203

   • Distance: Adjacent to KeyBank Center

2. Courtyard Buffalo Downtown/Canalside

   • Address: One Canalside, 125 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203

   • Distance: About a 3-minute walk

3. The Westin Buffalo

   • Address: 250 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202

   • Distance: Approximately 1 mile away

4. Embassy Suites by Hilton Buffalo

   • Address: 200 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202

   • Distance: Around 1.2 miles away

KeyBank Center Seating Charts

• Hockey Seating Chart: Features a standard rink layout with seating arranged around the ice, including lower bowl, upper bowl, and suite levels.

• Concert Seating Chart: Varies by event, often with a stage set up at one end of the arena and floor seating in addition to the standard seating areas.

• Lacrosse Seating Chart: Similar to the hockey layout but adapted for the lacrosse field dimensions.

KeyBank Center Review

According to individual reviews, fans were satisfied with the seat arrangements and felt they received an overall good view of the stadium. Many fans expressed satisfaction in accessing clean bathrooms and a variety of concession stands.

The negative reviews derived from difficulties getting into the stadium and parking.

Overall, fans were satisfied with their overall experience. Please note that these reviews are done by individual reviewers, and experiences may vary from person to person.

KeyBank is the home stadium of the Buffalo Sabres, so your chances of catching Rasmus Dahlin are increased, so make sure to snag tickets with the best views on TicketX.