5 Things That Rock (And 5 That Don’t) About Going To Buffalo Sabres Games

It's been a while since the Sabres have been good. So if you're like me, it may have been a while since you've been to a game. If it has, you're going to want to get back there soon.

It was just a few months ago that the Sabres were in last place in the division, staring down another year without the playoffs. Then, like a switch, they turned it around. Now they're easily one of the hottest teams in the league. Other teams don't seem to know how to handle them yet and it's been a blast to watch.

On a whim, a friend of mine asked if I wanted to go to a game with him before the season was over. I thought, "why not?" It's an opportunity to hang out with my friend and take in some Buffalo sports, so I took him up on it.

Now, I'm hooked!

It's been so much fun going to these games. The energy is crazy. The fans get into it. It's been awesome. So I thought I'd put together a list of 5 things I love about going to Sabres games and 5 I don't.

Let's start with the things I love:

1. People slamming beers from their Sabres beer swords - This has to be one of the greatest marketing techniques ever. They sell these Sabres sword glasses and anytime someone gets caught holding one on the jumbotron, they slam their beer. Not only did they make a bunch of money on those sword glasses, but they have to be making a bunch on beer because of them.

2. The energy is crazy - The music is fun and it's energetic. There's just a feeling inside that building that hasn't been there in years.

3. The little sounds they add - I love the extra little sound drops they add throughout the game. When someone from the Sabres comes back from the penalty box, they get a "power up" sound. After the Sabres score they announce the goal scorer and then the drop in a little Stone Cold Steve Austin saying "Give me a hell yeah!" and the crowd responds. It's fun.

4. The bands before the third period - Every game I've been to, they've had a band between the 2nd and 3rd period and they've been really good. I actually found myself wanting to get back to my seat before the 2nd intermission was over so I could catch them.

5. People noticing themselves on the jumbotron - It's hilarious to me to watch people get caught on the jumbotron. Whether they're just holding their Sabres sword or starting to look a little sleepy, their demeanor totally changes when they see themselves there.  They start dancing or waving their arms. It's just good to see people get happy in the blink of an eye.

5 things that aren't great about going to Sabres games

1. People who make noise during the anthems - I know, I sound like a dinosaur when I say this, but to me, the anthem is something that you don't mess around with. Every game, there are people who give a "wooooo!!!" randomly throughout both of the songs. It's not just one person. It's a bunch of people. To each their own, but it bugs me every time. It just feels really disrespectful.

2. The bathrooms - More specifically, the lines for the bathrooms. They do move pretty quickly (at least on the men's side) but man do those lines get long quick!

3. People who yell "Shoot!" - The one good thing about watching from home is that you don't have to listen to other people yelling "Shoot!" all the time. If they had a shot, they'd take it. They can't hear you, and they don't need you to tell them.

4. Really, anyone who thinks they know more about hockey than the pros on the ice - It feels like everyone is a pro in those stands. They make it out as if it's so easy to do. If they're so good, why aren't they playing??

5. People with 0 self awareness - Whether it's swinging a towel and smacking the people around them with it, or people who just stop right in the middle of the concourse whenever they want, it's crazy that some people have no concern about how they're affecting the people around them. That seems to be the case anywhere that you go with a lot of people.

All-in-all, if it's been awhile since you've been to a Sabres game, it's not something you should pass up if you get the opportunity. These guys are on a roll and it's been so fun to watch.