Sabres clinch first playoff berth since 2011, end NHL-record drought
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Buffalo Sabres have ended a 14-season playoff drought, the longest in NHL history, after the Detroit Red Wings lost to the New York Rangers, securing Buffalo's postseason spot for the first time since 2011.
- Despite clinching a playoff berth, the Sabres remain focused on securing home-ice advantage, currently tied for first in the Atlantic Division and closely trailing in the Eastern Conference standings with seven games left in the regular season.
- The team has shown significant improvement this season, especially after a mid-season general manager change to Jarmo Kekäläinen, under whom the Sabres posted the NHL's best record, overcoming early injuries and absences.
- Key players like Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, and secondary contributors have propelled the young, balanced team, which ranks sixth in goals scored per game and tenth in fewest goals allowed.
- The Sabres aim not just to return to the playoffs but to win their first postseason series since 2007, signaling a shift in ambition and confidence within the franchise.
