Buffalo Sabres End 14-Year Playoff Drought with Historic Clinch

Original: Sabres clinch playoff berth, end record drought

Espn•Apr 5, 20264 min

In a Nutshell

The Buffalo Sabres have clinched their first playoff berth in 14 seasons, ending the longest active drought in North American major sports. The team achieved this milestone after the New York Rangers defeated the Detroit Red Wings, and they currently hold a strong record of 46-22-8, positioning themselves for a top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Key Points

01Buffalo Sabres ended a 14-season playoff drought, the longest in North American sports.
02The team clinched a playoff spot after the New York Rangers defeated the Detroit Red Wings.
03Buffalo has a current record of 46-22-8 and is on a 35-8-4 run since early December.
04Captain Rasmus Dahlin and forward Tage Thompson are key players, with Dahlin ranking sixth among NHL defensemen in points.
05The Sabres have shown resilience with 19 come-from-behind wins this season.

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Full Summary

The Buffalo Sabres have finally clinched a playoff berth, ending a 14-season drought that was the longest in North American major sports. This milestone was achieved on Saturday when the New York Rangers defeated the Detroit Red Wings. The Sabres currently boast a record of 46-22-8 and are in contention for the Eastern Conference's top seed, riding a remarkable 35-8-4 streak since early December. This turnaround comes after a series of coaching changes and player recoveries, with captain Rasmus Dahlin and forward Tage Thompson leading the team. Dahlin ranks sixth among NHL defensemen with 67 points, while Thompson is tied for 11th in the league with 38 goals. The Sabres' resurgence has revitalized their fanbase, leading to 21 home sellouts this season, including a streak of 15 consecutive sellouts. The next challenge for the Sabres will be to win a playoff series, something they haven't accomplished since 2007.

Key Figures

14

Years of playoff drought

46-22-8

Current season record

35-8-4

Record since early December

67

Points for Rasmus Dahlin, ranking sixth among NHL defensemen

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Why It Matters

The Sabres' playoff berth has energized the fanbase, leading to increased attendance and community support, which is crucial for the team's financial health.

Who is affected

Buffalo Sabres fans and local businesses benefiting from increased attendance.

What to know

Fans are encouraged to support the team by attending playoff games and participating in community events.

FAQ

The last time the Buffalo Sabres made the playoffs was in 2007.

Captain Rasmus Dahlin and forward Tage Thompson have been standout players, with Dahlin ranking sixth among NHL defensemen in points.

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