Buffalo Sabres Close In On Ending 14-Year Playoff Drought

The Sabres could clinch a playoff spot as soon as tonight with a win over the Ottawa Senators.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:42am

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The Buffalo Sabres are on the verge of ending their 14-year playoff drought, sitting just two points away from clinching a postseason berth. After years of disappointment, the Sabres have exceeded expectations this season and currently sit in first place in the Atlantic Division and tied for first in the Eastern Conference with 100 points.

Why it matters

The Sabres' potential playoff appearance would be a major turnaround for the franchise, which has struggled to find success for over a decade. Ending the longest active playoff drought in North American professional sports would be a significant milestone for the team and its dedicated fan base.

The details

The Sabres can clinch a playoff spot as soon as tonight with a win over the Ottawa Senators. Oddsmakers currently give the Sabres a 99.99% chance of making the playoffs this season. This comes after a viral video last season showed a dejected Sabres fan crashing out after the team's season-opening loss, reflecting the frustration many fans have felt during the drought.

  • The Sabres' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is just two points.
  • The Sabres have 100 points with 7 regular-season games left.

The players

Buffalo Sabres

The NHL hockey team based in Buffalo, New York that is on the verge of ending a 14-year playoff drought.

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What’s next

If the Sabres clinch a playoff spot tonight, they will begin preparing for their first postseason appearance in over a decade.

The takeaway

The Buffalo Sabres' potential playoff berth this season would be a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that has struggled for years, providing long-suffering fans with a much-needed reason to celebrate.