Sabres' High-Energy Playoff Push Echoes 'French Connection' Era

Buffalo clinches first playoff berth in 15 seasons, drawing comparisons to 1974-75 team's Stanley Cup Final run

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting in shades of blue and gold, depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a Sabres hockey game, with players and the puck fragmented into overlapping planes.The Sabres' high-flying, playoff-clinching season evokes the team's storied 'French Connection' era, with a new generation of stars leading the charge.Chicago Today

The Buffalo Sabres have clinched their first playoff berth in 15 seasons, sparking comparisons to the team's glory days in the 1970s led by the legendary 'French Connection' line of Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert. After firing their general manager in December and bringing in Jarmo Kekalainen, the Sabres turned their season around and won the Atlantic Division title for the first time since 2009-10. The current Sabres squad, led by Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Josh Doan, has exceeded expectations with their high-energy, consistent play, reminiscent of the 1974-75 team that reached the Stanley Cup Final.

Why it matters

The Sabres' return to the playoffs after a 14-year drought is a significant moment for the franchise and its passionate fan base. The comparisons to the iconic 'French Connection' era highlight the team's rich hockey history and the enduring appeal of that legendary squad. This playoff push could reignite interest in the Sabres and set the stage for a potential Stanley Cup run, mirroring the excitement of the 1970s.

The details

The Sabres' turnaround this season began when they fired general manager Kevyn Adams on Dec. 15 and brought in Jarmo Kekalainen as an adviser. Under Kekalainen's guidance, the Sabres never looked back, clinching a playoff berth on April 4 and winning the Atlantic Division title for the first time since 2009-10. The team's skilled young core, including Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Josh Doan, has provided the scoring punch that was previously lacking, while the team's commitment to playing the 'right way' has led to more consistent success.

  • The Sabres fired general manager Kevyn Adams on December 15, 2025.
  • Jarmo Kekalainen was named a Sabres adviser on May 30, 2025.
  • The Sabres clinched a playoff berth on April 4, 2026.
  • The Sabres won the Atlantic Division title for the first time since 2009-10.

The players

Jarmo Kekalainen

The former general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets who was named a Sabres adviser on May 30, 2025 and helped turn the team's season around after taking over as interim GM in December.

Tage Thompson

A skilled young forward who has provided the scoring punch that was previously lacking for the Sabres.

Rasmus Dahlin

A talented defenseman who has been a key contributor to the Sabres' success this season.

Josh Doan

A young forward who has emerged as an important part of the Sabres' core group.

Lindy Ruff

The Sabres' head coach, who has guided the team to its first playoff berth in 15 seasons.

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What they’re saying

“It brought about a 'culture' change, once Jarmo took over, the Sabres never stopped winning.”

— Liam McHugh, Studio host for the 'NHL on TNT'

“The skill has always been there, but you can't win games just by always trying to score one more goal, and then letting in four or five. Once you have success playing the right way, there's always going to be more buy-in.”

— Jarmo Kekalainen, Sabres adviser

“This last four months has been so much fun coaching this group. You hope you get the team in the right place and become consistent, but these guys have exceeded my expectations.”

— Lindy Ruff, Sabres head coach

What’s next

The Sabres will look to continue their strong play in the playoffs as they aim to capture their first Stanley Cup championship.

The takeaway

The Sabres' return to the playoffs after a 14-year drought has rekindled memories of the team's glory days in the 1970s, when the legendary 'French Connection' line led the franchise to the Stanley Cup Final. This high-energy, consistent play has exceeded expectations and could set the stage for a deep playoff run, mirroring the excitement and potential of that iconic Sabres team.