Sabres clinch Stanley Cup playoff spot, end second-longest postseason drought across NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - MARCH 31: Bowen Byram #4, Josh Norris #9 and Zach Benson #6 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrate a goal against the New York Islanders during the third period at KeyBank Center on March 31, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia/Getty Images) Rebecca Villagracia via Getty Images The Buffalo Sabres are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011 thanks to the New York Rangers. The Sabres could have punched their ticket with a win over the Washington Capitals on Saturday night, but one of the scenarios benefiting Buffalo included the Rangers beating the Detroit Red Wings, which they did 4-1 during an afternoon contest .

It's a significant accomplishment because it also means the second-longest playoff drought among NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA teams is now over. The Sabres have not been to the postseason in 15 years. Only the New York Jets (15 years, 2010) have experienced a longer playoff drought.

pic. twitter. com/nBIHypkQje — Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 4, 2026 Now that the Sabres are playoff-bound, the NHL record belongs to the Red Wings, who last played in the postseason in 2016.

Though, their time with the honor may be short as they are currently battling for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot . The Los Angeles Angels (11 years, 2014) own MLB's longest drought, and in the NBA it's the Charlotte Hornets (9 years, 2016). Lindy Ruff has spent majority of his NHL coaching career with the Sabres, which includes two stints with the franchise.