In just under two weeks, the Buffalo Sabres will kick off their first postseason campaign since 2011.
Even if one doesn't end up getting tickets to a playoff game at KeyBank Center, there are still several ways that Buffalo can support their team in the postseason. Whether it's wearing Sabres playoff merch to your coffee outing at the Remedy House or even talking about the game while commuting with your friend on the Metro Rail, there's so many ways Buffalonians can get engaged with the team during this time of the year.
Here are some of the most important things you need to know heading into playoff season:
The price of playoff tickets
While no official opponent, dates or times have been confirmed for the Sabres' first-round series, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster have listed prices for playoff tickets. Game 1 of Round 1 is listed at almost $400 on SeatGeek, while the same game is priced at almost $300 on Ticketmaster; these are mainly resale and official, public ticket sales have not yet begun as of this writing.
The only sale of tickets happening now is for season ticket holders. Season ticket holders had the choice to opt-in for playoff seats and to either pay upfront for the entire postseason and get a refund for the games Buffalo won't play or to "pay as they play", meaning that members can pay on a two-game basis in relation to the Sabres' status in the postseason.
It has also been reported that first-time season seat holders have been able to get first-round tickets for as low as $33. The same reports confirmed that members will be charged based on how the Sabres perform in the postseason; payments for the first two playoff home games were reportedly processed automatically once the Sabres clinched on Saturday, while members will be automatically charged as the team earns additional postseason matchups at KeyBank Center.
Will there be Sabres watch parties?
Who doesn't love a free hockey experience (unless you're Keith Pelley). For the sake of commentary, $96 for a selfie? Really?
If you still have memories of those 2011 playoff parties outside the then-HSBC Arena or even the atmosphere of a Sabres playoff game, you're in for a treat. Because Sabres watch parties will be returning for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Recent reports confirmed that the team will be hosting official watch parties at Canalside, which is just south of the Buffalo Naval Park's museum. All watch parties will be free of charge and will have food trucks on site.
The team is also hosting pre-game parties at the Ticketmaster Alumni Plaza, which will include activities and food sales among other features.
For away games, it seems that Seneca Resorts & Casinos will be hosting watch parties for some away games. Details for these watch parties have yet to be confirmed.
How to buy Sabres playoff merch
The NHL's official shop is selling official Sabres playoff merch. That said, the only items currently on sale are T-Shirts and hoodies; last season's team playoff gear also included baseball caps, but it remains to be seen if Buffalo's playoff merch will include caps.
The Sabres' official team store will also be carrying official playoff merch as of Monday.
There are also some non-team sites selling merch. The BFLO Store is currently running a presale for Sabres playoff merch, including T-Shirts and crewnecks, which is priced as low as $25 bucks.
Any free merch?
Absolutely!
Rally towels will be available for all fans attending Sabres playoff games. The team also confirmed that different slogans will be utilized throughout the postseason; each individual slogan will be revealed leading up to the game that they are used for.
The Sabres will also have lawn signs available for pickup at Tops Friendly Market locations. These pickups will take place on April 17, with specific pickup sites and times to be confirmed.
Where can one watch the games on TV?
Sabres games are currently carried by the MSG Network, while platforms like Fubo and ESPN+ have been carrying games for out-of-market viewers.
Traditionally, playoff games have been picked up by national broadcasters like TNT and ESPN, with games featuring Canadian teams being carried by CBC and Sportsnet. That said, regional broadcaster have taken first-round games in the past; Monumental Sports Network, which broadcasts the Washington Capitals' games, carried the team's first-round matchups with the Montreal Canadiens.
If Buffalo ends up playing the Habs, Canadian fans should be able to watch the games via CBC Gem, which is free by simply registering with your email address.
And yes, there are songs one can listen to get pumped up for the playoffs
The most obvious one in my opinion is "Kickstart My Heart" by Mötley Crue, which is actually the new goal song for the Sabres.
One could also use "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers in the same way the song has become the unofficial anthem for the Buffalo Bills, and it shouldn't be unreasonable for Sabres fans to use it to represent their own team, too.