The city of Buffalo is quickly becoming the city known for playoff droughts as the Bills went 17 consecutive seasons between trips to the postseason, and the Sabres are currently at 14 seasons. When teams go this long between playoff trips, it is hard to expect this is the season that it finally ends.
Once it does happen, it will be a surprise in the same way it was for the Bills back in 2017 when they made it for the first time. If this is the season they finally achieve it, these are the five players that are going to have to lead this team and set the tone for the rest of the roster.
5 players who must deliver for the Buffalo Sabres to shock the NHL by making the playoffs
Rasmus Dahlin
For the Buffalo Sabres, it is going to start with their captain, Rasmus Dahlin, who just finished his first season in that role after Kyle Okposo held the title a few seasons prior to that. Dahlin is not only the leader but is arguably the best player on the Sabres roster.
The top defenseman has had 50 or more points in four straight seasons while averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per game during that stretch. He is one of the best defensemen in the NHL and should be contending for the James Norris Memorial Trophy.
Unlike some of the other players on this list, Dahlin this season just really needs to keep delivering like he has. If he gives this team more, then that would be great but as long as he is consistent, the Sabres have to like their chances.