Buffalo Sabres Celebrate Playoff Berth with Iconic Broadcaster's Farewell

Late Sabres announcer Rick Jeanneret narrates emotional video message to players and fans

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:08pm

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The Buffalo Sabres have clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 14 years, and are celebrating the milestone with a touching video narrated by the team's beloved late broadcaster, Rick Jeanneret. Jeanneret, who passed away in 2023 after 51 years as the voice of the Sabres, recorded the message in 2021 before his death, offering words of encouragement and pride to the current Sabres players and the devoted Buffalo fanbase.

Why it matters

Jeanneret was a beloved figure in Buffalo, known for his passionate play-by-play calls and deep connection to the Sabres franchise and its fans. His farewell message serves as an emotional capstone to the team's long-awaited return to the playoffs, honoring the team's history and the unwavering support of the city's hockey community.

The details

The video, posted to the Sabres' social media channels, features Jeanneret narrating a letter addressed to the current Sabres players and fans. In the message, recorded in 2021, Jeanneret speaks of the Sabres' crest as 'a way of life' in Buffalo, and encourages the team to 'dare greatly' and 'fight for it' as they return to the postseason. The Sabres last qualified for the playoffs in 2011, ending a 14-year drought with their clinching on Saturday.

  • The Sabres clinched a playoff berth on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • Jeanneret recorded the video message in 2021, before his passing in 2023.

The players

Rick Jeanneret

The legendary Buffalo Sabres play-by-play announcer, who spent 51 years as the voice of the team before retiring after the 2021-22 season. Jeanneret passed away in 2023 and is beloved by Sabres fans across the city.

Buffalo Sabres

The NHL hockey team based in Buffalo, New York, who have clinched a playoff berth for the first time in 14 years, ending a long postseason drought.

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What they’re saying

“This thing of ours is forever, Buffalo.”

— Rick Jeanneret, Legendary Sabres Broadcaster

“The men in this arena play for more than glory. They play for those who wait for winter. For those attending for the first time, and for those who have made that cold march down Washington [St.] time and time again.”

— Rick Jeanneret, Legendary Sabres Broadcaster

“And if you earn it, they'll stand alongside you. On bad days, and better days. So, dare greatly. Fight for it. This thing of ours is forever.”

— Rick Jeanneret, Legendary Sabres Broadcaster

What’s next

The Sabres will look to continue their playoff push as they prepare for their first postseason appearance in over a decade.

The takeaway

Jeanneret's emotional farewell message serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connection between the Sabres franchise, its players, and the devoted Buffalo fanbase that has waited years for this playoff return. The team's success is a testament to the enduring spirit of the city's hockey community.