Buffalo Sabres End NHL-Record Playoff Drought

The Sabres' return to the postseason after 14 years inspires joy across the hockey world.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:12pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a hockey game, with players and the puck broken down into overlapping geometric shapes in shades of navy blue, gold, and white, capturing the excitement and energy of the Sabres' playoff return.The Sabres' long-awaited return to the NHL playoffs inspires a sense of joy and renewed energy across the hockey world.NYC Today

The Buffalo Sabres have clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2011, ending the NHL's longest postseason drought at 14 years. As division champions, the Sabres will host the Boston Bruins in the first round. Former Sabres players, as well as hockey fans and league officials, have expressed joy and enthusiasm over the team's remarkable turnaround this season.

Why it matters

The Sabres' return to the playoffs is a significant moment for the city of Buffalo and the sport of hockey. The team's long-suffering fanbase is re-energized, with the Sabres enjoying a surge in sellout crowds this season. The Sabres' success also demonstrates the league's competitiveness is improved when traditional markets like Buffalo are competitive.

The details

After numerous rebuilds and coaching changes, the Sabres have finally snapped their 14-year playoff drought. The team opened the season 11-14-4 but then went on a 39-9-4 run to finish atop the Atlantic Division. Several former Sabres players, including Taylor Hall, Casey Mittelstadt, and Zemgus Girgensons, have expressed happiness for their former teammates and the city of Buffalo. The Sabres' home games have seen a dramatic increase in sellouts this season, from just 4 in 2024-25 to 22 so far this year.

  • The Sabres last made the playoffs in 2011, beginning a 14-year drought.
  • The Sabres clinched a playoff berth and the Atlantic Division title in the 2025-26 NHL season.

The players

Taylor Hall

A former Sabres player who said the league is better when Buffalo is competitive.

Casey Mittelstadt

A former Sabres player who is happy for his friends on the current Sabres team, despite his Bruins preparing to face them in the playoffs.

Zemgus Girgensons

A former Sabres player who endured the team's 14-year playoff drought before signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning as a free agent.

Tyler Myers

A former Sabres defenseman who had success with the team early in his career and is happy to see the city and team doing well, though he won't feel that way if his current team, the Dallas Stars, face the Sabres.

Rasmus Ristolainen

A former Sabres player who has the most regular season games played (820) among active NHL players without a playoff appearance, until now with his new team, the Philadelphia Flyers.

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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 host the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2026 NHL playoffs, marking Buffalo's first postseason appearance since 2011.

The takeaway

The Sabres' return to the playoffs after a 14-year drought has reinvigorated the team's passionate fanbase and demonstrated the league's competitiveness is improved when traditional markets like Buffalo are successful. The team's remarkable turnaround this season is a feel-good story for the sport of hockey.