from John Vogl of the Buffalo News,

The Sabres are 5-2-2 in their last nine games, which qualifies as a torrid run during 2013. Buffalo has won just 32 of 87 games this year, going 32-45-10 with an 11-24-4 record this season.

Though they remain in last place in the NHL, they’re no longer acting like a bottom-dwelling club. They’re smiling and having a good time, which is a night-and-day departure from the brooding that went on when the primary goal was the No. 1 draft pick.

“Even with the position we’re in right now, it seems to be quite a positive room,” Myers said. “The direction we’re headed is one I think everyone is excited about.

“It’s a completely different feel in the room. I don’t think we’ve had this feeling in the room for quite some time now, not even just looking at this year but last year was a tough year as well. The atmosphere right now within the group, all the guys are pretty happy about it.”

So many changes happened at once, including the recall of veterans to replace unprepared teenagers, that it’s tough to say what had the biggest impact. The safe money is on Nolan.

more