The 2013-2014 NHL season was a year in Buffalo Sabres history that both players and fans want to forget. It was a historically bad season for the franchise yet it afforded the team an opportunity to acquire an impressive stock of young players in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. The Sabres are poised to turn a corner within the next few seasons as the club looks to return to form in the quest for it’s first championship.
[See Also: Restocking the Cupboard: Tim Murray’s First Draft with the Buffalo Sabres ]
As the Sabres move forward, it is important to remember Buffalo’s storied past. Buffalonians have developed a strong bond with their hockey club and have a proud hockey tradition.
Buffalo Sabres history began with the 1970-1971 season. Buffalo’s famous French Connection line of forwards Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Rene Robert emerged in the club’s early years. Buffalo had it’s struggles but it managed to make an appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals during the 1974-1975 season where it lost to the Philadelphia Flyers. Here is a look at part one of Buffalo’s season-by-season history from it’s humble beginnings.
Inaugural Season: 1970-1971 Head Coach: George “Punch” Imlach
Season Record: 24-39-15 (63 points)
Leading Overall Scorer: Gilbert Perreault (72)
Leader in Goals: Gilbert Perreault (38)
Leader in Assists: Phil Goyette (46)
East Division: 5th overall
Playoffs: Did not qualify
1971-1972 Season Head Coach: George “Punch” Imlach, Floyd Smith, Joe Crozier
Season Record: 16-43-19 (51 points)
Leading Overall Scorer: Rick Martin & Gilbert Perreault (74)
Leader in Goals: Rick Martin (44)
Leader in Assists: Gilbert Perreault (48)
East Division: 6th overall
Playoffs: Did not qualify
1972-1973 Season Head Coach: Joe Crozier
Season Record: 37-27-14 (88 points)
Leading Overall Scorer: Gilbert Perreault (88)
Leader in Goals: Rene Robert (40)
Leader in Assists: Gilbert Perreault (60)
East Division: 4th overall
Playoffs: Lost in 1st round to the Montreal Canadiens
1973-1974 Season Head Coach: Joe Crozier
Season Record: 32-34-12 (76 points)
Leading Overall Scorer: Rick Martin (86)
Leader in Goals: Rick Martin (52)
Leader in Assists: Rene Robert (44)
East Division: 5th overall
Playoffs: Did not qualify
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1974-1975 Season Head Coach: Floyd Smith
General Manager: George “Punch” Imlach
Season Record: 49-16-15 (113 points)
Leading Overall Scorer: Rene Robert (100)
Leader in Goals: Rick Martin (52)
Leader in Assists: Rene Robert (60)
Adams Division: 1st overall
Playoffs: Lost in Stanley Cup Finals to the Philadelphia Flyers
1975-1976 Season Head Coach: Floyd Smith
Season Record: 46-21-13 (105 points)
Leading Overall Scorer: Gilbert Perreault (113)
Leader in Goals: Danny Gare (50)
Leader in Assists: Gilbert Perreault (69)
Adams Division: 2nd overall
Playoffs: Lost in 2nd Round to the New York Islanders
1976-1977 Season Head Coach: Floyd Smith
Season Record: 48-24-8 (104 points)
Leading Overall Scorer: Gilbert Perreault (95)
Leader in Goals: Gilbert Perreault (39)
Leader in Assists: Gilbert Perreault (56)
Adams Division: 2nd overall
Playoffs: Lost in 2nd Round to the New York Islanders
1977-1978 Season Head Coach: Marcel Pronovost
General Manager: George “Punch” Imlach
Season Record: 44-19-17 (105 points)
Leading Overall Scorer: Gilbert Perreault (89)
Leader in Goals: Gilbert Perreault (41)
Leader in Assists: Gilbert Perreault (48)
Adams Division: 2nd overall
Playoffs: Lost in 2nd Round to the Philadelphia Flyers
1978-1979 Season Head Coach: Marcel Pronovost, Billy Inglis
Season Record: 36-28-16 (88 points)
Leading Overall Scorer: Gilbert Perreault (85)
Leader in Goals: Rick Martin (32)
Leader in Assists: Gilbert Perreault (58)
Adams Division: 2nd overall
Playoffs: Lost in 1st Round to the Pittsburgh Penguins
1979-1980 Season Head Coach: Scotty Bowman
Season Record: 47-17-16 (110 points)
Leading Overall Scorer: Gilbert Perreault (106)
Leader in Goals: Danny Gare (56)
Leader in Assists: Gilbert Perreault (66)
Adams Division: 1st overall
Playoffs: Lost in 3rd Round to the New York Islanders
1980-1981 Season Head Coach: Roger Neilson
Season Record: 39-20-21 (99 points)
Leading Overall Scorer: Danny Gare (85)
Leader in Goals: Danny Gare (46)
Leader in Assists: John Van Boxmeer (51)
Adams Division: 1st overall
Playoffs: Lost in 2nd Round to the Minnesota North Stars