Playoff run gives boost to WNY area

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - So who will the Sabres play in the first round of the playoffs???

Get ready to see the orange and black of the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Sabres will be the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Flyers won Friday night to claim the Atlantic Division title and the second seed.

The series-schedule will be announced Sunday, but we know it will begin in Philly and won't start until at least Thursday.

The Sabres and the Flyers split their four games this season.

Friday night, it was Buffalo's overtime win that put the Sabres in the playoffs.

The Sabres and the Flyers have played eight times in the playoffs.

The most famous and painful for Buffalo fans is the 1975 Stanley Cup finals won by the Broad Street Bullies.

But Lindy Ruff's team has taken the last two post-season matchups.

Depending on how far the Sabres go in the playoffs, they can bring millions of dollars into Western New York and Southern Ontario.

Having a team on a winning streak, like the Sabres, though, also has a few intangible benefits that are hard to measure.

The Sabres are back in the playoffs, for the second year in a row and so is the "Party on the Plaza."

Businesses getting the biggest boost would be the downtown nightspots but hotels across the region get to fill rooms that would normally be empty this time of year.

Brian Drew of Embassy Suites said, "We get a lot of fans, before the game enjoying Della Terra Restaurant and Della Terra bar, and then we get them after the game, and the hotel will be full, too, so that is also a good thing."

Chef's has become a fan favorite on game night and to celebrate, the owners dedicated their new dining room to the famed "French Connection".

And you can bet it will be packed before every playoff game, whether it's at home or away.

The Pearl Street Brewery is hops every game night, whether it's hockey or baseball.

>>> Sabres playoff tickets go on sale Monday.

But food and beverage director Kevin Glovack recalls those down years when the Sabres fell short of the playoffs.

"It was a different ballgame. It was almost like there was something missing--like waking up on Christmas morning and not having that present," said Glovack.

They've conjured up a new brew for playoffs, bring on extra staff and even the tips are better.

Glovack said, "Everyone is just in a better mood, and when they are in a better mood, they usually tip better. It is good for everybody."

Jehuu Caulcrick of the Bills, played high school ball at Clymer and is buddies with fellow Michigan State alum, Ryan Miller and sees a long run in the playoffs.

Caulcrick said, "The Stanley Cup, of course! He is back, he is healthy, they are clicking right now. Everyone is excited about the new owner. Players feed off that stuff."