A look back at the last time the Buffalo Sabres earned a playoff trip

April of 2011 was the last time the Sabres made the postseason. It has been a long time for the organization to sniff playoff hockey. The team that made the postseason was a talented roster in the 2010-11 year.

The points leader on the roster during that season was alternate captain Thomas Vanek. Vanek had 73 points on the year. He led the team with both goals (32) and assists (41).

They were led at goalie by Ryan Miller. The Sabres all-time leader in wins and games played, had another outstanding season. He won 34 games on the season and had a save percentage of .916 on the year.

Miller was voted the NHL Second Star of the Week, the first week of December 2010.

The season saw a pioneer of the game reach an incredible milestone. Mike Grier was the first African American player to train extensively in the United States. He played in his 1000th game of his career and would score his final five goals of his time on the ice. He would retire at the end of the season.

In the final months of the year, the Sabres came on strong. In the months of March and April, they went 13-3-3. It helped secure a playoff berth against the Philadelphia Flyers. They were up in the first round series 3-2 but would lose the first-round playoff series in seven games.

In January of 2011, Terry Pegula took control and ownership of the team. It marked a season of change, but the Sabres will be looking to return to their past steady glory. It is worth noting the head coach in 2011 was Lindy Ruff. Now Ruff has returned in the hopes of returning Buffalo back to the postseason.