After another disappointing season, the Buffalo Sabres have once again missed the playoffs, extending their postseason drought to 14 consecutive years. That streak now ties the NFL’s New York Jets for the longest active playoff drought in major professional sports in North America. The Sabres ended the 2024–25 NHL season with a record of 39-37-6, placing them sixth in the Atlantic Division. This led to the dismissal of head coach Don Granato, who was replaced by a familiar face—Lindy Ruff.
Ruff returned to Buffalo with a strong résumé, having coached the Sabres from 1997 to 2012 and leading them to 57 playoff wins during that stretch. The decision to bring him back was made by general manager Kevyn Adams, who cited Ruff’s experience, proven leadership, and strong rapport with younger players as key factors. Despite those strengths, Ruff’s return hasn’t produced the turnaround the franchise hoped for. The issues appear to be more deeply rooted, with Buffalo’s struggles continuing through much of the season, including a brutal stretch where the team went winless in 13 straight games (0-10-3).
Consistently bad.
The Buffalo Sabres will not be in the NHL’s playoffs for the 14th consecutive season — tying the New York Jets (NFL) for the longest active drought in pro sports. pic.twitter.com/zapPrmgrCd
— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) April 9, 2025
Their elimination from playoff contention was confirmed when the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings on April 8. The result sealed Buffalo’s fate and added another chapter to their growing legacy of missed opportunities. While some fans and analysts question whether rehiring Ruff was the right move, it’s clear that the Sabres’ problems go beyond just coaching. Notably, Ruff is reportedly earning a high salary, possibly more than what he made with the Dallas Stars, adding more pressure on the decision-makers in Buffalo.
Yet, there are reasons for cautious optimism. The Sabres finished their season on a high note with five straight wins, including a 3-0 shutout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes at home. The team also showed significant offensive improvement, scoring 256 goals over the season—a stark contrast to the low output in parts of the previous year.
Key players like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin have stood out as bright spots. Dahlin, in particular, has performed at a level that might earn him Norris Trophy consideration. Despite missing the playoffs, the Sabres may possess more raw talent than any other non-playoff team, suggesting the building blocks for success are already in place.
The question now is whether Lindy Ruff can harness this talent and turn it into a winning culture—or if a new direction is needed. With ownership and fans eager for results, the pressure is on. As the offseason approaches, the Sabres will need to reflect on what’s working, what isn’t, and whether the current leadership can finally break the cycle that has haunted the franchise for over a decade.