Remember when everyone counted the Buffalo Sabres out? Remember when they were the league's punching bag, the team that couldn't get out of its own way?

Yeah, about that.

The Sabres just went 7-2-1 in their last 10 games after their 10-game win streak ended. That brings their overall run since December 9th to an absolutely blistering 17-3-1.

Let me say that again: 17-3-1 since early December.

This isn't a hot streak anymore. This is a statement. This is Buffalo announcing to the Eastern Conference that they're done being pushovers.

What makes this run even more impressive? They didn't fold when the 10-game win streak ended. That's when most young teams crumble - when reality punches them in the mouth and they remember they're supposed to be rebuilding.

Not these Sabres. They absorbed the loss and just kept winning.

The goaltending has been stellar. The power play is clicking. The young core - led by their dynamic forwards - is playing with confidence that comes from actually winning games that matter.

This team isn't just beating bad teams, either. They're taking down playoff contenders. They're winning games in regulation, in overtime, and in shootouts. They're finding ways to win when they're trailing and protecting leads when they're ahead.

That's what good teams do.

Are the Sabres legitimate Stanley Cup contenders? That's probably a stretch. But are they a playoff team? Are they a squad that nobody wants to face in a seven-game series?

Absolutely.

Buffalo has suffered through years of mediocrity, false starts, and broken promises. The fans deserve this. They deserve a team that shows up every night, competes, and finds ways to win.

The Sabres are doing exactly that - and the rest of the league is starting to take notice.

That's what sports is all about, folks.