3 reasons why the Buffalo Sabres will end their playoff drought

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The Buffalo Sabres have the longest playoff drought in NHL history. But that drought can come to an end in 2022-23. Here are 3 reasons why.

This time last year, figures all over the NHL had written off the Buffalo Sabres as one of the worst, if not the worst team in hockey. Fast-forward to August 2022, and figureheads around the league are at least paying attention to the Sabres, even if many believe the playoffs won’t be a thing until at least 2023-24 or even 2024-25.

But, given the Sabres shocking success in March and April 2022, the playoffs certainly are not out of the question. And while it was just a 28-game sample size, the latter portion of last season has left Sabres fans with a lot of hope. So can the franchise finally end the longest playoff drought in league history? They most certainly can. Here are three reasons why.

Jan 4, 2010; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Paul Gaustad (28) and Buffalo Sabres right wing Mike Grier (25) await the start of a face off in the second period against the Colorado Avalanche in the at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

The Buffalo Sabres can end their playoff drought in 2022-23: Reason #1 – The Sabres proved they can beat (almost) anyone

Yes, in 2021-22, the Buffalo Sabres proved to themselves, and to the NHL universe, they could beat almost any team in the league. It started with an upset blowout over the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 2nd and it didn’t end until an overtime victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 29th.

No, the Sabres did not defeat the likes of the Colorado Avalanche or the Tampa Bay Lightning. In fact, the Lightning blew them out. But in that contest on April 10th, the Sabres gave themselves plenty of scoring chances. They just couldn’t capitalize.

But they still beat the likes of the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, and Carolina Hurricanes. They also beat up on the league’s weaker teams during their promising run in March and April, and even took the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, and the Winnipeg Jets into overtime.

Now that the Sabres are a year older, a year stronger, and a year with experience building chemistry, expect more wins over the NHL’s better teams in 2022-23. Especially if they stay healthy.

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