The Buffalo Sabres had an incredible season, and for the past few weeks, it felt like it was only a matter of time before they could officially say they were heading back to the playoffs. On Saturday, the New York Rangers provided the Sabres some help with a win over the Red Wings to help them officially clinch a spot in the playoffs.
It is rather remarkable what this team has been able to achieve as they clinched a playoff spot with six games left in the regular season. They are not just sneaking in but are competing to win the Atlantic Division, currently tied with the Lightning for the division lead with 100 points.
Detroit Red Wings now have the longest playoff drought but that might not last much longer
Now that the Sabres have clinched and ended their playoff drought, it is the Detroit Red Wings who own the longest playoff drought, which currently sits at nine seasons. However, the Red Wings are in playoff contention, and they also could see their playoff drought end this season.
The Red Wings are probably going to be fighting until the very end of the regular season as they are tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets at 88 points but slightly behind due to tiebreakers for the final wild card spot. If the Red Wings do get into the playoffs, then it would be the Anaheim Ducks who would own the longest playoff drought at seven seasons.
However, they are in an even better position than the Red Wings to end their own playoff drought, as they are in first place in the Pacific Division. The San Jose Sharks have a six-season playoff drought and are in a similar position to the Red Wings, where they are in the playoff discussion but barely holding on to the final wild card spot in the Western Conference.
After these teams, there are three teams tied with a playoff drought of five seasons that include the Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, and Philadelphia Flyers. The Blue Jackets currently are in that final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, so if the Red Wings get in, then it is likely at the expense of the Blue Jackets.
Regardless of who ends up with the longest playoff drought at the end of this season, the good news is that Sabres' fans now know that it won't be their team, and they will be looking forward to their first playoff series since 2011.