Sabres End NHL's Longest Playoff Drought

Buffalo hockey fans celebrate return to postseason after 11-year wait.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:50pm

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The Buffalo Sabres have clinched a spot in the 2026 NHL playoffs, ending the longest active playoff drought in the league at 11 seasons. The Sabres' return to the postseason comes after years of struggles, roster turnover, and fan frustration, but the team's young core and new coaching staff have finally broken through to end the drought.

Why it matters

The Sabres' playoff drought was the longest in the NHL, dating back to the 2014-15 season. Their inability to reach the playoffs during that span had become a source of embarrassment and disappointment for the passionate hockey fans in Buffalo, one of the league's most dedicated markets. The team's return to the postseason is a major milestone that should reinvigorate the fan base and provide hope for the franchise's future.

The details

The Sabres clinched their playoff spot with a 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 4, 2026. The victory was led by the team's young stars, including 24-year-old center Jack Quinn, who scored two goals, and 22-year-old goaltender Devon Levi, who made 35 saves. The Sabres' playoff berth comes in the second season under head coach Don Granato, who has implemented a more aggressive, up-tempo style of play that has energized the roster.

  • The Sabres' last playoff appearance was in the 2014-15 season.
  • The team's 11-year playoff drought was the longest active streak in the NHL.
  • The Sabres clinched their 2026 playoff spot on April 4, 2026.

The players

Jack Quinn

A 24-year-old center who scored two goals in the Sabres' playoff-clinching win.

Devon Levi

A 22-year-old goaltender who made 35 saves in the Sabres' playoff-clinching win.

Don Granato

The Sabres' head coach, who is in his second season and has implemented a more aggressive, up-tempo style of play.

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What they’re saying

“This is what we've been working for all season. To finally get back to the playoffs is an incredible feeling for this team and this city.”

— Jack Quinn, Sabres Center

“The fans in Buffalo deserve this. They've stuck with us through some tough years, and I'm so proud we could deliver this for them.”

— Devon Levi, Sabres Goaltender

What’s next

The Sabres will await their first-round playoff opponent, which will be determined in the final days of the regular season. Buffalo fans are eagerly anticipating the team's first postseason appearance since 2015.

The takeaway

The Sabres' return to the NHL playoffs is a significant moment for a franchise and a city that has endured over a decade of disappointment. This achievement should provide a much-needed boost of optimism and energy for the team and its passionate fan base as they look to build on this success in the years to come.