‘Of course, the Sabres’ chances of making the playoffs for the first time since 2011 are slim – just 3%, according to sportsclubstats.com. But the experience their youngsters can gain over the next several weeks – Botterill mentioned captain Jack Eichel, winger Sam Reinhart and defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Rasmus Ristolainen – will be important for their development.’