Buffalo Sabres End 15-Year Playoff Drought

Revisiting the roster of the team's last postseason appearance in 2011

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:21pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a Sabres hockey game, with sharp geometric shapes in navy blue, gold, and white representing the players and action on the ice.The Sabres' long-awaited return to the playoffs is a triumph for a franchise and fanbase that have endured years of disappointment.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres have clinched a playoff berth for the first time in 15 years, ending the longest active drought in the NHL. The team's last playoff appearance was on April 26, 2011, when they lost in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first round to the Philadelphia Flyers. This story takes a look back at the key players from that 2010-11 Sabres squad, including four 20-goal scorers, and examines which players are still active today.

Why it matters

The Sabres' return to the playoffs is a major milestone for the long-suffering franchise and its passionate fan base, who have endured over a decade and a half of disappointment. This story provides historical context and nostalgia around the team's last playoff run, highlighting the talented roster that came up just short of advancing.

The details

The 2010-11 Sabres team was led by 32-goal, 41-assist scorer Thomas Vanek, along with 31-goal man Drew Stafford, 22-goal captain Jason Pominville, and 20-goal rookie Tyler Ennis. Other notable contributors included veterans Tim Connolly, Derek Roy, and Mike Grier. In goal, Ryan Miller posted a 2.59 goals against average and .916 save percentage that season. Of that entire roster, only defenseman Tyler Myers remains active in the NHL today, currently playing for the Dallas Stars.

  • The Sabres' last playoff game before 2026 was on April 26, 2011, when they lost 5-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first round.
  • The Sabres' current playoff drought lasted 5,471 days, or nearly 15 years, ending with their return to the postseason in 2026.

The players

Thomas Vanek

The Sabres' leading scorer in 2010-11 with 32 goals and 41 assists.

Drew Stafford

Scored 31 goals and added 21 assists for the 2010-11 Sabres.

Jason Pominville

The Sabres' captain in 2010-11, scoring 22 goals and 30 assists.

Tyler Ennis

A 20-goal rookie for the 2010-11 Sabres.

Tyler Myers

The only player from the 2010-11 Sabres team who is still active in the NHL, currently playing for the Dallas Stars.

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What’s next

The Sabres will look to build on their return to the playoffs and end their championship drought, which dates back to the team's founding in 1970.

The takeaway

The Sabres' long-awaited return to the playoffs is a testament to the perseverance of the team and its fans, who have endured years of disappointment. This story provides a nostalgic look back at the talented 2010-11 squad that came up just short, and highlights the lone remaining player from that team, Tyler Myers, who continues to play in the NHL.