The Buffalo Sabres had to wait a few more days to officially end the playoff drought after losing to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. However, they didn't have to wait to take the ice to know whether or not they would be playing in the playoffs after the New York Rangers beat the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday afternoon to help Buffalo clinch their playoff spot.
It has been 14 seasons since the Sabres were in the playoffs last, and they were carrying one of the longest playoff droughts in professional sports. They were one season behind the New York Jets prior to today, who still own the longest playoff drought in professional sports.
The way the season started it was hard to imagine the Sabres were going to get to this moment as they were 11-14-4. However, in the middle of December, everything switched, and the Sabres were one of the toughest teams to beat and had win streaks of 10 and eight games during this stretch.
Buffalo Sabres focus now shifts to winning the Atlantic Division
Entering the game against the Capitals, the Sabres have 100 points and are tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning, who also clinched with the Red Wings' loss, at the top of the division. The Montreal Canadiens are also not far behind with 98 points and are currently in the middle of a seven-game win streak.
While the Sabres have a 14-season playoff drought that is no longer, they do have a 15-season division title drought that they could also end this season. It would be a great season if this team could end both, but it is probably going to come right down to the final games to determine who will win the division.
The drought being over is something to be celebrated, but this team has been very good for most of the season and should have its sights set on loftier goals after what it has accomplished.