Minnesota Wild vs. Buffalo Sabres: March 12, 2010, 3-2 Loss

The city of Buffalo, New York is a great blue-collar town with a solid tradition of die-hard support for their local franchises. Buffalonians are a resilient breed of sports fan that has seen its share of heartbreak when it comes to World Championships, but through these disappointments, a solid fanbase of unwavering supporters has been fortified continuing to press on. It is this group of fans that come out to First Niagara Center throughout the NHL season to watch their beloved Buffalo Sabres take to the ice in downtown Buffalo. The return of the Blue and Gold to prominence under head coach Lindy Ruff and superstar goaltender Ryan Miller means that this long suffering fanbase can finally breathe a sign of relief as the Sabres have shown they are relevant in the hunt for Lord Stanley’s Cup.

To kick off my First Niagara Center experience, I like to go to the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery before the game. Located just up the street from First Niagara Center and a short Metro ride away, this microbrewery offers some exceptional draft beer and great food. With a pregame buffet featuring local favorites before every home game and live music on the weekend, this is definitely the place to be before any Sabres game. I highly recommend the “widow maker,” if you do find yourself at the Pearl Street Grill. It’s a tube of your choice of draft beer served at your table with a tap on the side for dispensing. The widow maker holds 100 ounces of beer for a reasonable $24.50 that towers over your table as you slowly work your way to the bottom. Finishing this bad boy is truly an accomplishment.

Proceeding back down Main Street, this time a bit more lubricated than before, I was in town for the Buffalo Sabres game against the visiting Minnesota Wild at First Niagara Center. Built in 1996, First Niagara Center is still an impressive looking facility. With a space aged, domed exterior, the equally modern appearance of the arena’s interior has a host of amenities to satisfy the cravings of even the most fickle of fans. As you walk into the main entrance, an impressive pro shop located on the ground floor has an incredible array of Buffalo Sabres franchise paraphernalia. I was most impressed by the fact that fans can actually purchase game used Buffalo Sabres player hockey sticks for a reasonable price. They’re located fairly inconspicuously right by the door.

Buffalo, New York is home to the headquarters of Labbatt USA and the Labbatt’s product line is well represented at First Niagara Center. Apart from the typical concession stands that carry Labatt’s products on draft, fans will also find the Blue Zone, which is an open bar area that bears the Labbatt’s name and is located on the mezzanine level overlooking the front atrium. The Blue Zone is a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy an ice cold beverage of choice prior to the start of the game. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, First Niagara Center offers a solid selection of concessions including much of the standard fare. I was however impressed to note that Buffalo Sabres fans can also find the traditional Beef on Weck sandwich at the arena. This roast beef sandwich served on a Kimmelweck roll is a signature snack of the city of Buffalo (the red-headed step brother of the more popular Buffalo Wing). To find one, just look for signs for “The Carvery Beef on Weck” and prepare for a unique treat.

As the game got underway we headed to our seats to watch my hometown team. After an impressive start to the season, the Sabres were once again limping into the playoffs. I was hoping that a with a weaker opponent on the docket, that the Sabres could return to their winning ways and charge into the playoffs pulling together a string of wins. I was also hoping to see the great Ryan Miller between the pipes. Unfortunately for this SuperFan, neither of my hopes came to fruition. Backup netminder Patrick Lalime protected the crease, and the Buffalo Sabres fell short of the win I coveted with an uninspired performance leading to a 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild. It was very disappointing.


For more information on the city of Buffalo, NY check out my other review by clicking on the link below:
     NHL: Buffalo Sabres, HSBC Arena - General Information

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