A thing to think about too is the MANY, MANY,(play off intensity) post season games the sabres and their "core" have missed out on over the years. (Compare to upper level teams like the bruins with their core).the number well over 100. These type of games are absolutely invaluable in developing the grit and mindset needed to make the jumps from bottom feeders, to playoff team to real contenders. 14 years of not even a taste is devastating.