Sabres ending their NHL-record playoff drought inspires joy beyond Buffalo
Apr 13, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Josh Norris (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Kamil Krzaczynski/Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images BUFFALO, N. Y.
— When Taylor Hall signed with the Sabres several years ago, the 2018 MVP summed up a belief shared by many around the NHL by saying the league is better when Buffalo is competitive. It has been a long time since that was the case. After numerous rebuilds and coaching and front office changes, the Sabres are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2011 after snapping the NHL’s longest postseason drought at 14 years.
As division champions for the first time since ’07, Buffalo will open at home against Boston. Hall’s belief in Buffalo hasn’t changed, even though his tenure there lasted just 37 games. “If you’re a sports fan, you have a bit of a soft spot for Buffalo,” said Hall, who is now with Carolina.
“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. ” Joy for former teammates Hall isn’t the only ex-Sabres player to take notice and express a sense of joy over this long-awaited revival.
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