The Buffalo Sabres’ 14-season playoff drought is over after the Detroit Red Wings lost 4-1 to the New York Rangers on Saturday.
The Sabres had the second-longest playoff drought in major North American pro sports, but now the Los Angeles Angels are second behind the New York Jets, who haven’t made the postseason since 2010.
The Jets made back-to-back AFC Championship Games in 2009 and 2010 under head coach Rex Ryan, and the team looked as though it would be a perennial playoff contender thanks largely to a strong defense. However, the Jets have had just one winning season since 2010 (2015, 10-6).
New York has also lost between 10-14 games each season from 2020-2025. Last year was a tough one for the Jets, whose negative 203-point differential was worst in the league.
The Jets certainly hope they can break the drought this year, but it will be a tough road to climb after a 3-14 season in 2025.
It isn’t uncommon for sports teams to make great leaps up the standings year-to-year.
The New England Patriots just did so, going from 4-13 to 14-3 and an AFC title.
And as for the team that just broke a major drought, Buffalo finished second-to-last in the eight-team Atlantic Division last year but could very well win the division this year.
It’s been an incredible season for the Sabres, who are tied for first atop the Atlantc with the Tampa Bay Lightning at 100 points apiece. They even have a chance to finish with the most points in the Eastern Conference. The Carolina Hurricanes currently have the most with 102.
