The Buffalo Sabres made headlines on Tuesday by firing their head coach, Don Granato, after a disappointing season that saw the team miss the playoffs for the 13th consecutive year. This move marked the seventh coach to be ousted during the Sabres’ record playoff drought in the NHL. The decision came just a day after the team closed out their season with a 4-2 victory over Tampa Bay, finishing with a 39-27-6 record. Granato, 56, had completed his third full season in Buffalo after taking over on an interim basis during the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened 2021 season following the firing of Ralph Krueger. Despite having two seasons left on his contract, which included an extension that was set to begin next season, the Sabres decided to part ways with Granato. His record in Buffalo stood at 122-125-27. Additionally, assistant coach Jason Christie and video coordinator Matt Smith were also relieved of their duties.
Season Review and Disappointment
The Sabres had high expectations coming into the season after narrowly missing the playoffs by two points the previous year. General manager Kevyn Adams declared the team’s window of contention open at the start of the season. However, the team struggled to find consistency throughout the year, winning three consecutive games only twice. Buffalo was plagued by injuries to key players, goaltending issues, and a decision to add more young players to an already youthful roster. Granato’s shift to a more defensive style of play did not yield the desired results either. The team’s offensive production dropped significantly from the previous season, going from third in the league in goals scored to 22nd. On the defensive end, the Sabres improved in goals against, moving up to 11th in the league. One of the major issues that plagued Buffalo was their slow starts, with the team allowing a league-worst 97 goals in the first period while only scoring 67, ranking 22nd.
Granato’s Focus and Future
Despite the disappointing outcome of the season, Granato remained focused on his job of helping the team improve every day. He emphasized his commitment to the franchise and his determination to make a positive impact. Following the team’s final game in Tampa Bay, Granato declined to address his future, stating that he wanted to concentrate on the game. He reiterated his dedication to the team, emphasizing that he approached his role with a focus on daily improvement and the team’s overall success. Granato’s tenure with the Sabres ended after serving as the team’s sixth coach since Lindy Ruff’s departure in 2012, marking a period of instability for the organization.
The Buffalo Sabres’ decision to part ways with Don Granato signals a new chapter for the team as they embark on yet another coaching search. The team’s prolonged playoff drought and disappointing season outcomes underscore the need for change and a fresh perspective to guide the organization forward. As the Sabres look to turn the page on this chapter, the focus now shifts to finding a new coach who can lead the team to success and bring stability to a franchise in need of a turnaround.
Leave a Reply