Upstart Sabres, Flyers upend Eastern Conference playoff mix that also includes Lightning, Hurricanes
Apr 15, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (6) celebrates scoring a goal against the Dallas Stars with defenseman Luke Schenn (5) in the second period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Mark Konezny/Mark Konezny-Imagn Images As the Sabres opened practice, Buffalo city workers began hanging playoff banners on lamp posts lining Washington Street leading to the team’s arena entrance. The significance wasn’t lost on Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin in realizing that for the first time in 15 years, the Stanley Cup playoff route finally includes a stop in Buffalo.
“It’s a crazy feeling,” Dahlin said. “I’ve been grinding here for a long time, and I finally get playoffs. It’s special.
It’s something I’ve tried to do here for a long time. And now it’s finally real. ” Ending the NHL’s longest postseason drought, the Sabres’ return to the playoffs — and as first-time Atlantic Division champions — reflects a changing of the guard in the Eastern Conference.
Though familiar fixtures remain in Tampa Bay and Carolina, this year’s eight-team mix doesn’t include two-time defending Cup champion Florida or perennial contender Toronto. All three New York City-area teams were shut out of postseason play for the first time. In their place are upstarts such as the Philadelphia Flyers, who last qualified in 2020.
Montreal and Ottawa are making a second straight appearance following lengthy postseason lapses. Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins return after a three-year absence. The Boston Bruins are back after a one-year hiatus, making a 24-point jump under first-year coach Marco Sturm.
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