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Buffalo Sabres End NHL's Longest Playoff Drought
The Sabres clinch a postseason berth for the first time in 14 years, ending the league's longest active drought.
Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:35pm
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The Buffalo Sabres have clinched a playoff spot, ending the NHL's longest active postseason drought at 14 seasons. The Sabres' turnaround this year has been remarkable, as they've gone from last in the Eastern Conference in early December to now being in contention for the top seed. Led by captain Rasmus Dahlin and forward Tage Thompson, Buffalo has won 35 of its last 47 games to secure its first playoff berth since 2011.
Why it matters
The Sabres' long-suffering fans have endured years of losing and failed rebuilding efforts. This playoff clinch marks a major milestone for the franchise and reignites hope in a city that has been craving a winner. Buffalo's resurgence also shows the impact a midseason front office change and key player returns from injury can have on turning around a struggling team's fortunes.
The details
The Sabres clinched their playoff spot on Saturday when the New York Rangers defeated the Detroit Red Wings in regulation. At 46-22-8, Buffalo is riding a 35-8-4 surge that has vaulted the team after it sat last in the East in early December. The turnaround coincided with the promotion of Jarmo Kekalainen to general manager, replacing Kevyn Adams. Kekalainen also made key trade deadline acquisitions to bolster the roster. Buffalo's top two lines were replenished with the returns of Josh Norris and Jason Zucker, while goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has shaken off an early-season injury.
- The Sabres clinched a playoff berth on April 4, 2026, with six games remaining in their regular season.
- Buffalo's last playoff appearance was in 2011, when they lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 7 of the first round.
The players
Rasmus Dahlin
The Sabres' captain and No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, Dahlin is sixth among NHL defensemen with 67 points this season.
Tage Thompson
The forward, acquired in a 2018 trade, is tied for 11th in the NHL with 38 goals this season.
Jarmo Kekalainen
The Sabres' general manager, promoted from senior adviser on Dec. 15, has overseen Buffalo's remarkable turnaround.
Kevyn Adams
The former Sabres general manager who was fired after five-plus seasons, with the team sitting last in the East in early December.
Lindy Ruff
The former Sabres head coach who led the team to the playoffs in 2011, the last time Buffalo qualified for the postseason before this year.
What’s next
The Sabres' next challenge will be winning a playoff series, something the team hasn't done since 2007. Buffalo's fans are eager to see the team make a deep postseason run after years of disappointment.
The takeaway
The Sabres' remarkable turnaround this season, from last place in the East to playoff contention, has revived a long-suffering fanbase and shown the impact that a midseason front office change and key player returns can have on a struggling team. Buffalo's playoff drought was the longest in the NHL, and this clinch marks a major milestone for the franchise.
