For the first time in over 25 years, Western New York got to celebrate both the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres making the playoffs. Both teams had to suffer through playoff droughts that lasted well over a decade.
The Bills ended their playoff drought during the 2017 season after clinching a Wild Card spot, and the Sabres obviously ended theirs last season. The last time both teams made the playoffs in the same season was around 1999-2000, when the Bills lost in the Wild Card round to the Tennessee Titans and the Sabres lost to the Flyers in the first round.
The question now is whether both teams are able to repeat and earn another trip to the playoffs. Both teams went through some major changes in their respective offseasons that make it a discussion.
Buffalo Bills face big questions on the sidelines
For the Buffalo Bills, they have longevity on their side as they have made the playoffs in seven straight seasons. However, this past season was the first time during this stretch that they didn't win the AFC East and were surpassed by the New England Patriots.
That slight step backwards, combined with a heartbreaking loss to the Denver Broncos, would result in Terry Pegula making a coaching change. He would fire Sean McDermott after nine seasons and replace him with Joe Brady.
While it might have been time for a coaching change, it doesn't necessarily guarantee the same level of success. This is Joe Brady's first opportunity as a head coach, and that is a big question mark in terms of how he handles this new role.
The good news for the Bills is that they are playing in a very weak division. The Patriots would end up winning the AFC East but were the beneficiary of arguably one of the easiest schedules in the NFL. It will be interesting to see if they are able to maintain that level of success with a tougher road this season.
Meanwhile, the Jets and Dolphins once again find themselves in a rebuild and are likely competing for a Top 5 draft pick more than a playoff spot.
Buffalo Sabres face a tougher division and a changing roster
As for the Buffalo Sabres, they don't have to worry about a coaching change, as Lindy Ruff signed an extension shortly after the season. He showed he can still coach in the NHL, and the Sabres benefited from his experience behind the bench.
Where the Sabres' playoff chances come into question is whether or not they can remain near the top of an Atlantic Division that was tough last season and only got tougher after this offseason. Last season, they didn't have to worry about the Florida Panthers or Toronto Maple Leafs. Both teams have traditionally been near the top of the division, and after moves in free agency, should return.
On top of that, the Sabres need to replace the production of Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram after trading both away this summer. They are probably going to find out very early in the season if a young group of skaters like Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund, and Olen Zellweger are up to the task.
Do both the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres make the playoffs next season?
At this point, the Buffalo Bills have the better chance to return to the playoffs, even with the coaching change. Josh Allen is arguably one of the best players currently in the NFL, and any team that has one of the best QBs always has a chance.
As for the Sabres, they didn't just sneak into the playoffs last season to end their playoff drought. They were a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and finished with over 100 points and won the division.
This season is going to be a bigger challenge but when looking at the Eastern Conference, it is hard to argue that they are not one of the eight best teams. Both teams are facing long seasons and a lot can change but where things stand right now, it feels like Western New York will get to cheer on two playoff teams once again.
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