‘Circumstances have changed. No longer is Buffalo afforded the luxury of underdog status, or perceived indignation, its favorite sources of nourishment. The Sabres fed off their light regard coming out of the lockout, responding to critics with a “We’ll show you.” They took up the challenge when injuries to the likes of Daniel Briere, J.P. Dumont and Tim Connolly threatened to derail them midyear, and then again when their defense was gutted late in the playoffs.’