to be short, they mean everything. and they mean everything for so many reasons.let's take a look back a few years ago, before the president's trophy, before ryan miller was a household name. the team was a mirror image of the city it represented. they were on the verge of bankruptcy, future was in doubt, owner was corrupt. things were grim. but there were some steadfast honest men. lindy ruff still stood in the back of the bench with his suite and tie, much like the arena stood on the outskirts of a city that was looking grim.
but something magical happens in this city when the team is winning.
you walk down elmwood avenue on a sunny spring day and you're no longer reminded of the poor, grim spiral the city of buffalo has fallen into. you forget all about the crooked politicians, the lack of jobs, and the ugly areas of town. but you see smiling faces, blue and gold everywhere, flags flying from cars that are honking their horns in that familiar quarter note quarter note triplet pattern. "lets go buff-a-lo"
this city is blue collar to it's core and how can one not admire that? we've had a football team that hasn't made the playoffs in a decade but yet we still make sure they sell out every game almost every year. neither the sabres nor the bills have ever won a championship in the current professional leagues. but nobody thinks about that this time of year. they wear the colors, grow their playoff beards (even though some people's, like my own, are not coming in well at all), drink their beers, and cheer for the buffalo sabres.
they stand outside the arena, packed in front of a big screen tv, rain or shine, and cheer as loud as they can. half the people don't even have a full look at the screen, but something as small as coming back from a commercial makes them all erupt in noise. that's something special. the moral of this city, a city that's been beaten down for years with shrinking job markets, highest gas prices in the nation, and has endured so much, is lifted every time that puck is dropped. every goal the blue and gold score. every time ryan miller stands on his head to make an immaculate save. every time someone sees a fellow sabres fan.
who knows what will happen down the line. there's a lot of hockey left to be played if this team is going to go all the way. and after a disappointing game 2 against boston, one can only hope. i for one want to see these spirits be lifted to their fullest potential. if the sabres can do what they need to do, it could do so much for this city. bring some respect and some positive emotion into an area that so desperately needs it.
so, heres to the sabres. this town needs you guys, and we love you like family. come on boys.
