Sabres' Playoff Return Sparks Joy in Buffalo and Beyond

After a 14-year drought, the Buffalo Sabres have clinched a playoff spot, inspiring celebration across the city and the NHL.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:33am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game between the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of blue, gold, and black capturing the intensity of the playoff matchup.The Sabres' long-awaited return to the playoffs has reignited the passion of Buffalo's dedicated hockey fans, who are eager to see their team take on the rival Bruins.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres have clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2011, ending the NHL's longest postseason drought at 14 years. The team's turnaround this season, going from an 11-14-4 start to finishing atop the Atlantic Division, has re-energized the Sabres' passionate fanbase and drawn praise from former players, opposing coaches, and the NHL Commissioner.

Why it matters

The Sabres' return to the playoffs is a significant moment for the city of Buffalo, which has long been a dedicated hockey market despite years of frustration during the team's drought. The renewed enthusiasm from Sabres fans demonstrates the power of winning to transform a community's relationship with its sports teams.

The details

After numerous rebuilds, coaching changes, and front office shakeups over the past decade, the Sabres have finally found success this season. Led by stars like Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson, Buffalo went on a 39-9-4 run after a slow start to clinch the Atlantic Division title. The team's turnaround has inspired joy from former Sabres players like Taylor Hall, Casey Mittelstadt, and Zemgus Girgensons, who have expressed happiness for their former teammates and the long-suffering Buffalo fanbase.

  • The Sabres' last playoff appearance was in 2011, marking a 14-year drought.
  • Buffalo opened the 2022-23 season with an 11-14-4 record before going on a 39-9-4 run to finish atop the Atlantic Division.
  • The Sabres will open the playoffs at home against the Boston Bruins this weekend.

The players

Taylor Hall

A former Sabres player who is now with the Carolina Hurricanes. Hall said the league is better when Buffalo is competitive.

Casey Mittelstadt

A former Sabres player who was drafted 8th overall by Buffalo in 2017. He is now with the Boston Bruins, who will face the Sabres in the first round.

Zemgus Girgensons

A former Sabres player who spent a decade in Buffalo before signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning as a free agent two years ago.

Rasmus Dahlin

The Sabres' captain and a key player in their turnaround this season.

Tage Thompson

The Sabres' leading scorer this season and a rising star in the NHL.

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What they’re saying

“If you're a sports fan, you have a bit of a soft spot for Buffalo. It's nice to see that they've done it the right way this year. They play hard. They play fast. They've committed to playing well on both sides of the puck, and that's the recipe. They're going to be a tough out.”

— Taylor Hall

“Very happy for those guys. I have so many friends there and am really close with the staff, spent a lot of time there... I would be lying if I said I don't cheer for them a bit. Good friends, good people and I think they deserve it.”

— Casey Mittelstadt

“There's a lot of talent on that team and they're doing a good job so far. It's just the process of it. You can see the guys have matured a lot. It's just the way they play. They've been playing good hockey, and it's fun to watch.”

— Zemgus Girgensons

What’s next

The Sabres will open the playoffs at home against the Boston Bruins this weekend, marking Buffalo's first postseason appearance since 2011.

The takeaway

The Sabres' return to the playoffs after a 14-year drought has reignited the passion of the team's loyal fanbase and drawn praise from around the NHL. This turnaround demonstrates the power of sustained success to transform a community's relationship with its sports teams, and the Sabres' playoff run is sure to be a source of joy and pride for the city of Buffalo.