Buffalo Bills and Sabres Make Playoffs Together for First Time in 26 Years

Western New York sports fans have reason to celebrate as the city's NFL and NHL teams both clinch postseason berths.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

For the first time since the 1999-2000 season, the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres have both qualified for the playoffs in the same year. The Bills are continuing their strong run, while the Sabres are ending a 14-year playoff drought. This marks a historic moment for sports fans in Western New York.

Why it matters

The simultaneous playoff appearances of the Bills and Sabres are a significant milestone for Buffalo sports, as the city has not seen both its NFL and NHL teams reach the postseason together in over a quarter-century. This achievement underscores the resurgence of professional sports in Western New York and will undoubtedly energize the local fan base.

The details

The Sabres clinched their playoff spot on Saturday when the New York Rangers defeated the Detroit Red Wings, while the Bills have been building momentum after several strong seasons. The last time the Bills and Sabres both made the playoffs was in 1999-2000, a span of 26 years.

  • The Bills and Sabres last made the playoffs together in the 1999-2000 season.
  • The Sabres clinched their playoff berth on Saturday, April 4, 2026, after the Rangers defeated the Red Wings.
  • The Bills are on their best run since their four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, though they have yet to win a championship with quarterback Josh Allen.

The players

Josh Allen

The quarterback for the Buffalo Bills who has led the team to several strong seasons but is still seeking his first Super Bowl title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is the FIRST time the #Bills and #Sabres have made the playoffs in the same year since 1999-2000. Over 25 years. Celebrate the small victories.”

— Ajay Cybulski

What’s next

The Bills and Sabres will now focus on making deep playoff runs and potentially meeting in the Super Bowl and Stanley Cup Finals, which would be an unprecedented achievement for Buffalo sports.

The takeaway

The simultaneous playoff appearances of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres mark a historic moment for sports fans in Western New York, as the city has not seen both its NFL and NHL teams reach the postseason together in over a quarter-century. This achievement underscores the resurgence of professional sports in the region and will undoubtedly energize the local fan base.