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The Buffalo Sabers did it.
They ended the longest playoff drought in NHL history on Saturday.
With the New York Rangers’ 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden, the Sabers clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2011.
It’s been a long stretch of bad hockey in Buffalo before this season. Only once in the last 14 seasons have they put up over 90 points once per season.
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Buffalo Sabers defenseman Bowen Byram and defenseman Mattias Samuelsson celebrate Byram’s empty-net goal during the third period against the New York Islanders in Buffalo, New York on March 31, 2026. (Jeffrey T. Barnes/AP Photo)
They have been a mainstay at the top of the NHL Draft, owning the respective No. 1 and No. 2 selections twice while owning a top 10 pick in 11 different drafts.
In early December, it looked like this season would be no different than any other, as the team started with an 11-14-4 record. However, the team recorded a 10-game winning streak after defeating the Edmonton Oilers.
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Buffalo Sabers defenseman Mattias Samuelsson celebrates his goal with his teammates on the bench during the second period against the Ottawa Senators in Ottawa, Canada, April 2, 2026. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)
After winning the third game of that streak, they fired general manager Kevyn Adams and hired Jarmo Kekäläinen. Since Kekäläinen’s hiring, the Sabers have posted the best record in the NHL with a 32-8-4 record.
Although the team clinched a playoff spot, the Sabers still have to play for playoff seeding.
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Buffalo Sabers center Tage Thompson celebrates his goal with defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during the third period against the New York Islanders in Buffalo, New York on March 31, 2026. (Jeffrey T. Barnes/AP Photo)
They are currently tied for first place in the Atlantic Division with the Tampa Bay Lightning, as they each have 100 points, but the Sabers have played one more game. The Montreal Canadiens, currently in third place in the Atlantic Division, are right behind them with 98 points.
The Sabers will face the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday night as they look to solidify their playoff seeding.
