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Actor Wyatt Russell plunges into Lake Erie after Sabres make playoffs
The Marvel star made good on his bet after doubting Buffalo's playoff chances.
Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:26pm
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An actor's bold leap of faith celebrates the Buffalo Sabres' long-awaited return to the NHL playoffs.Lake Placid TodayActor Wyatt Russell, known for his roles in Marvel movies, made good on a bet he made before the NHL season by jumping into the chilly waters of Lake Erie. Russell had doubted his beloved Buffalo Sabres would end their long playoff drought, but the team not only made the postseason but secured the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. So on the eve of the Sabres' playoff opener, Russell took the plunge alongside colleagues from his canned cocktail company.
Why it matters
Russell's stunt highlights the passion of Buffalo Sabres fans, who have endured a 15-year playoff drought. The actor's willingness to follow through on his bet despite the cold temperatures underscores the team's surprising success this season and the excitement around their long-awaited return to the postseason.
The details
Before the season started, Russell vowed he'd jump into Lake Erie if the Sabres made the playoffs. With the team securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, Russell kept his word, braving 40-degree temperatures to take the plunge alongside colleagues from his canned cocktail company, Lake Hour.
- The Sabres clinched a playoff spot earlier this season.
- Russell made the jump into Lake Erie on the eve of the Sabres' playoff opener on April 19, 2026.
The players
Wyatt Russell
An American actor known for his roles in Marvel movies, including as the character John Walker/U.S. Agent.
Kurt Russell
Wyatt Russell's father, who is also an actor and has a hockey connection through his role in the movie 'Miracle'.
Buffalo Sabres
The NHL hockey team based in Buffalo, New York, that ended a 15-year playoff drought this season.
What they’re saying
“I like an underdog story always, first of all, number one. Number two, the Sabres right now this year have represented like what hockey is to me, which is like hard work, nose to the grindstone, don't give up when everybody's doubting you.”
— Wyatt Russell, Actor
What’s next
The Sabres will host the Boston Bruins in the first game of their best-of-seven playoff series on Sunday, April 19.
The takeaway
Wyatt Russell's willingness to follow through on his bet and jump into the chilly waters of Lake Erie underscores the excitement and passion of Buffalo Sabres fans, who have endured a long playoff drought but are now celebrating their team's return to the postseason.
