Buffalo Sabres Become Surprise NHL Stanley Cup Contender

After a dismal start, the Sabres have surged to the top of the Eastern Conference standings with a dominant second half.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:30am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Sabres hockey game, with fragmented, overlapping shapes in the team's blue and gold colors conveying the energy and intensity of their surprise playoff push.The Sabres' high-octane offense and stifling defense have propelled the team to new heights, raising hopes of a long-awaited Stanley Cup championship in Buffalo.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres have gone from near the bottom of the NHL standings to becoming one of the league's hottest teams and a surprise Stanley Cup contender. After firing general manager Kevyn Adams in mid-December, the Sabres have gone on a remarkable 31-7-4 run, led by stellar goaltending from Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and a balanced, high-powered offense featuring 13 players with double-digit goals. The turnaround has been fueled by the team's young core finally coming together and committing to a strong defensive system under head coach Lindy Ruff.

Why it matters

The Sabres' stunning rise has ended their 14-year playoff drought and has Buffalo fans dreaming of the franchise's first-ever Stanley Cup. After years of disappointment, the Sabres' success this season has reinvigorated the city and given hope that this young, talented team can make a deep playoff run.

The details

The Sabres' turnaround began after the team fired GM Kevyn Adams on Dec. 15 and replaced him with Jarmo Kekalainen. Under Ruff, the team has committed to a strong defensive system, leading to the fewest goals against per game in the NHL since the coaching change. Offensively, the Sabres have been led by a balanced attack, with 13 players scoring 10 or more goals. Their high-octane offense is fueled by an ability to create off the rush and convert their chances at a high rate, though there are questions about the sustainability of their shooting percentage in the playoffs.

  • On Dec. 15, the Sabres fired GM Kevyn Adams and hired Jarmo Kekalainen.
  • Since the coaching change, the Sabres have gone 31-7-4, the best record in the NHL.

The players

Rasmus Dahlin

The Sabres' captain and No. 1 overall pick in 2018, Dahlin has been a key part of the team's turnaround this season.

Alex Lyon

The veteran goaltender has been a revelation for the Sabres, posting a 17-2-1 record with a .920 save percentage since taking over the starting job in December.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

The 27-year-old goaltender has also played a major role, going 13-3-2 with a .921 save percentage since the coaching change.

Lindy Ruff

The veteran head coach has helped the Sabres buy into a strong defensive system, leading to their surge up the standings.

Jarmo Kekalainen

The new Sabres GM has overseen the team's turnaround since taking over in mid-December.

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What they’re saying

“We had to have a few meetings. Eventually it just clicked. We realized that it's us in here that's been the problem. We can blame other guys, but it's us in here that really had to do it. And we came together and started playing better, and went through that adversity together.”

— Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres Captain

“It's honestly just finding a consistent game. I don't think there's a single thing we can put our finger on and say, 'That was it, that was what did it.' I think it's a combination of guys stepping up at different times, and goaltenders playing well, and learning how to close out close games, and doing the right things. When you can commit to those things game in, game out, that's when it clicks.”

— Jason Zucker, Sabres Forward

“We're working really hard out there. We're playing solid defense. I think that's where our game is coming from, with backchecking, blocking shots, all that. That's how you win games. We've been through a lot the last few years. Now we know what is making us successful, and it's coming to work and working really, really hard. Winning is hard. We know that, so it's the hard work that we need to keep doing.”

— Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres Captain

What’s next

The Sabres have clinched a playoff spot and are battling for home-ice advantage in the first round. Their goaltending tandem of Lyon and Luukkonen will be key to their postseason success, as the team's young core faces its first taste of NHL playoff hockey.

The takeaway

The Sabres' remarkable turnaround this season has been fueled by a commitment to team defense, balanced scoring, and stellar goaltending. After years of disappointment, Buffalo has emerged as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, giving their long-suffering fans hope that the franchise can finally win its first championship.