Ever since Darcy Regier was terminated in 2013, the Buffalo Sabres have been on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. So dismal has the team’s record been during the drought, Coach Lindy Ruff — also fired in previously — was brought back.

Through it all, that is a lot of faces and names who have failed in bringing a winning team to the ice. Welcome to the musical chairs of an inept hockey.

New General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen is hoping to change that. He succeeds Kevyn Adams, who was let go on Monday.

Kekalainen believes there is a strong core in Buffalo — and made a strong statement to back up his beliefs. “I think we’re very close. I firmly believe we can make the playoffs this year,” he said. “There’s a lot of hockey left.”

Suffering Sabre fans hope he is right. While there has been some excitement through the last decade, there has been much more disappointment.

Kekalainen may be the voice — and figure — that helps the team break through. If that turns out to be the case, it will be greatly welcome.