Sabres Fans Gear Up for First Playoff Game in 15 Years

Local stores and radio stations offer free rally signs to show support for the team's return to the postseason.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:39pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in navy blue, gold, and white, representing the excitement and community spirit around the Buffalo Sabres' first playoff appearance in 15 years.The vibrant energy of Buffalo's hockey community is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration celebrating the Sabres' long-awaited return to the NHL playoffs.Buffalo Today

With the Buffalo Sabres set to host their first NHL Stanley Cup Playoff game since 2011, local businesses are showing their pride by handing out free playoff-themed lawn signs and rally cards to fans. Tops Friendly Market and WGR 550 radio have partnered to distribute the free items at various locations across the Buffalo area on Friday, April 17.

Why it matters

The Sabres' return to the playoffs is a major event for the city of Buffalo, which has been waiting over a decade to see its hockey team compete in the postseason. These giveaways allow fans to demonstrate their support for the team and create a sense of community excitement around the historic occasion.

The details

Tops Friendly Market will be distributing five unique playoff-themed rally cards at four of its locations in Amherst, Depew, Tonawanda, and West Seneca from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 17. WGR 550 radio has also partnered with LENCO Lumber to hand out rally cards at their Buffalo, Kenmore, and Williamsville stores throughout the day on Friday, with a limit of one card per person.

  • The Sabres are set to host their first NHL Stanley Cup Playoff game since 2011.
  • The free rally card giveaways will take place on Friday, April 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The players

Tops Friendly Market

A regional grocery store chain with locations across Western New York.

WGR 550

A sports radio station serving the Buffalo media market.

LENCO Lumber

A local lumber and hardware store chain partnering with WGR 550 for the rally card giveaway.

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The takeaway

These giveaways demonstrate the excitement and community spirit surrounding the Sabres' return to the NHL playoffs, which has been a long-awaited event for the city of Buffalo. By providing fans with free rally signs and cards, local businesses are helping to create a sense of unity and pride as the team competes in the postseason for the first time in over a decade.