2006-07
The Sabres led the NHL in points with 113 and took the Northeast Division. In the playoffs, they eliminated the New York Rangers and Islanders before falling to the Ottawa Senators four games to one.
Thomas Vanek led the team in goals with 43, while Daniel Briere followed up with 63 assists and 95 points. Vanek also led the team with a +47 plus/minus rating.
It was the second straight season the Sabres made the trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. And what jumps out about the 2006-07 team is that they made another deep playoff run after suffering through heavy roster turnover. Defenseman Jaroslav Spacek was the only new signee following a veteran exodus that included key contributors like J.P. Dumont and Jay McKee, forcing the team to rely on younger talent.
They did not disappoint. Led by goaltender Ryan Miller, defenseman Brian Campbell, and Briere, the Sabres improved upon their strong showing in 2005-06. To date, this is the last season they won a playoff series.