Sabres unveil 2018 Winter Classic uniform

The Buffalo Sabres unveiled their uniform for the 2018 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic against the New York Rangers at Citi Field on Jan. 1 (1 p.m. ET; NBC, SN, TVA Sports, NHL.TV).
The uniform combines design concepts from the Sabres' early years with alterations of their logo and elements from their 40th anniversary jersey to create a unique look that recalls 48 years of NHL hockey in Buffalo. The royal blue is reflective of the Sabres' original color scheme from the 1970s, a change from their current navy blue, and the striping is inspired by their 40th anniversary uniform.

The shoulders and collar of the white uniform are contrasted in blue, in line with many of the Sabres' past white uniforms. The pants are also blue to match the classic uniforms and feature a vertical gold stripe along the sides. The initials "NY" were also added as a symbol of the interstate game against the Rangers, and the number design is derivative of the one worn on the 40th anniversary uniform.

"The NHL Winter Classic is a celebration of hockey's rich history, and we wanted our jersey to signify that with a tribute to the early days of Sabres hockey," Sabres president Russ Brandon said. "This uniform combines our franchise's great historical look with some new elements to celebrate the uniqueness of the event."
The Sabres and Rangers will each play in the Winter Classic for the second time. Buffalo lost 2-1 in a shootout to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the inaugural event at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Jan. 1, 2008. The Rangers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 at Citizens Bank Park on Jan. 2, 2012.