For 14 years, the Buffalo Sabres have been on the outside looking in when it comes to the National Hockey League playoffs. As the team opens its 55th season tonight at home against the New York Rangers, there is bound to be a bit of optimism with the fan base.

But, for more than a decade, reality has been tough to take. Plenty of former Sabres, including Jack Eichel with Vegas and Sam Reinhardt with Florida, who couldn’t help the team get to the postseason are hoisting the Stanley Cup.

If it was not for the recent success of the Buffalo Bills, owner Terry Pegula — who has a huge love for the Sabres — would be taking a lot more heat. Right now, that falls on General Manager Kevyn Adams.

“Honestly, I could stand up here all day and I can explain exactly why we’ve made the moves or what I’m excited about with our roster, and it really doesn’t matter,” he said recently. “We need to win. And I’m fully aware of that.”

What Buffalo needs to avoid most is the dreaded losing streak. Last year, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, it went without a win for 13 games. That’s not only bad luck, but it drains whatever enthusiasm the fan base might have had.

An 82-game season starts today. Let’s hope for the best.