It's easy to root for the Buffalo Sabres in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, given they are playing in the postseason for the first time in 14 years. That was the longest playoff drought in the NHL.

But this season, they are in, finishing first in the Atlantic Division (50-23-9, 109 points).

And it's even easier to root for the Sabres knowing they are powered by forward Tage Thompson, a UConn alum. Thompson topped Buffalo in points (81) and goals (40) in the regular season.

The Sabres took a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series on Sunday with a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins. Thompson scored two goals and posted an assist as Buffalo scored four goals in a span of less than seven minutes in the third period.