Buffalo Sabres History: Part I (1970-1981)

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