As we reflect back on the 2022-23 Buffalo Sabres season, there are a handful of moments that stand out as memorable. Check out part two of my list below, then share your thoughts in the comments.
(These are listed in chronological order.)
January 19, 2023: Ryan Miller Night
For anyone who watched the Sabres faithfully during Ryan Miller’s tenure, the night the Sabres raised his number to the rafters was undoubtedly a special one. Miller is one of the defining players in franchise history, and best of all, the team gave him the respect he deserves with a really nice, well-planned and well-executed ceremony. The fact that it came amidst such a strong season for the Sabres was the cherry on top of the sundae. From Better Days to truly, better days.
If you couldn’t make it – or just want to watch it again – here you go:
February 23, 2023: Lyubushkin’s OT Heroics
Shorthanded. In overtime. Ilya Lyubushkin. Goal.
A string of words none of us could’ve imagined, Lyubushkin scored a huge goal with his first career overtime tally against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The goal gave Buffalo a 6-5 victory over the three-time defending conference champs, a team that had only lost once at home in the previous two months. Lyubushkin’s goal was also his first of the season and first as a member of the Sabres.
March 13, 2023: Beating the Leafs
Beating the Leafs is always a good time for the Sabres. Rallying back from a 2-0 deficit, powered by a pair of goals from Alex Tuch, is just that much sweeter. That’s exactly what happened in this 4-3 win for the Sabres. Jack Quinn and Dylan Cozens also scored, helping to end Toronto’s two-game winning streak. The Sabres really rallied after a muddy first period and beat a Leafs team who had won the two previous meetings of the season.
March 31, 2023: Levi’s Debut
Devon Levi was impressive in his brief, end-of-season stint with the Sabres, and it all began with his debut against the New York Rangers on March 31. Levi had 31 saves, while Jeff Skinner potted the game-winning goal in overtime. This game was also really meaningful for the Sabres, helping to keep them in a tight playoff race.
April 13, 2023: Anderson’s Final Game
There was something so special about this game, which marked the end of Craig Anderson’s NHL career. Even though he didn’t officially announce his retirement until postgame, the team rallied around him and made sure he knew just how special he is. Not just the team – the fans, too. The salute from both the Sabres and Sens players, along with the respect paid by those in the crowd, means a lot. Of course, the fact that the Sabres won played a big role in the positive momentum of the night, too.
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