Thank You, Sabres: The Story of the 1972-73 Buffalo Sabres

The 1972-73 Buffalo Sabres were a team of destiny. In their second season in the NHL, they stunned the hockey world by winning the Presidents' Trophy and reaching the Stanley Cup Finals.

Thank You Sabres - The Story of the 1972-73 Buffalo Sabres

by Disha Experts

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	577 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Led by a young trio of stars in Gilbert Perreault, Rene Robert, and Jim Schoenfeld, the Sabres played an exciting, up-tempo style of hockey that captivated fans in Buffalo and across the country.

The Sabres' success was a major source of pride for Buffalo, a city that had been struggling economically in the early 1970s. The team's run to the Stanley Cup Finals gave the city something to cheer about and helped to revitalize the downtown area.

The Sabres' story is one of hope, perseverance, and triumph. It is a story that will inspire hockey fans of all ages.

The Early Years

The Buffalo Sabres were founded in 1970 as one of six expansion teams in the NHL. The team's first season was a struggle, as they finished with a record of 18-47-13.

However, the Sabres showed signs of improvement in their second season. Led by Perreault, Robert, and Schoenfeld, the team finished with a record of 37-26-15 and made the playoffs for the first time.

The 1972-73 Season

The Sabres entered the 1972-73 season with high hopes. They had a talented roster and they were playing with confidence.

The Sabres started the season strong, winning their first five games. They continued to play well throughout the season, and they finished with a record of 49-18-11.

The Sabres' success was due to a number of factors. They had a balanced scoring attack, led by Perreault, Robert, and Schoenfeld. They also had a strong defense, led by goaltender Gerry Desjardins.

The Playoffs

The Sabres entered the playoffs as the top seed in the East Division. They defeated the Montreal Canadiens in the first round and the Boston Bruins in the second round.

In the Stanley Cup Finals, the Sabres faced the Chicago Blackhawks. The two teams traded wins in the first two games of the series, but the Blackhawks won the next two games to take a 3-1 series lead.

The Sabres rallied to win Game 5, but the Blackhawks closed out the series with a 4-2 win in Game 6.

The Legacy of the 1972-73 Sabres

The 1972-73 Buffalo Sabres were one of the most successful expansion teams in NHL history. They won the Presidents' Trophy and reached the Stanley Cup Finals in just their second season.

The Sabres' success helped to revitalize the city of Buffalo and gave hockey fans in Western New York something to cheer about. The team's legacy continues to inspire hockey fans of all ages.

Thank You, Sabres

The 1972-73 Buffalo Sabres were a special team. They played with heart, passion, and determination. They gave the city of Buffalo a reason to be proud.

Thank you, Sabres, for the memories.