The Buffalo Sabres’ 3-0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes was impressive and marked their seventh straight home win and eighth victory in their last nine games. Goalie James Reimer earned his seventh win in a row, showing outstanding late-season form. However, even with this late push, the Sabres were officially eliminated from playoff contention for a 14th straight season due to the Montreal Canadiens’ win over the Detroit Red Wings. It’s a familiar story — too little, too late — for a franchise stuck in the NHL’s longest active playoff drought.
Late Push Shows Promise Under Lindy Ruff
Bringing back veteran coach Lindy Ruff seemed to inject some much-needed energy and structure into the team. Over the final month of the season, the Sabres looked more focused defensively and found their scoring rhythm again. Ruff emphasized a “team-first” mindset and a desire to build consistency, even if the team couldn’t salvage a playoff spot.
Players bought into Ruff’s approach, playing a more disciplined and physical game. There was a clear change in how they approached each shift, with more urgency and better decision-making. The results were there, but the timing was not.
Is the Late-Season Form a Turning Point or False Hope?
The Sabres’ surge has raised questions: Was it the start of a new identity or just a string of wins against teams who had already written them off?
This situation is not new for Buffalo. Two years ago, they closed out the season with nine wins in their last 12 games, narrowly missing the playoffs. That performance gave management hope that the roster only needed time to grow. But the team failed to carry that momentum into the next season and struggled again early in 2023-24.
There’s real concern that the strong finish is another case of “too little, too late,” which could again lead to inaction in the off-season when key changes are needed.
Roster Changes and Goalie Shake-Up
At the trade deadline, the Sabres traded Dylan Cozens to Ottawa for Josh Norris. Norris only played three games before being sidelined by injury, but Buffalo still found ways to generate offense. The new-look top line of Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, and Tage Thompson has been impressive, while Ryan McLeod is close to reaching the 20-goal mark.
The biggest surprise came in net. James Reimer has taken over as the starting goalie, winning seven straight and pushing aside Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has struggled badly since March 1. His inconsistency and poor numbers (.848 save percentage, 4.01 GAA) may raise doubts about his future as a starter.
Sabres Players Speak on Growth and Frustration
Veteran winger Jason Zucker acknowledged the team’s improved play but admitted that sustained success has been the biggest challenge.
“You win a few, then you drop three, four, even six games. That’s been our issue,” Zucker said. “We’ve got to learn how to build on success and stay consistent. That’s how you become a playoff team.”
The Sabres have shown that when they play together and stick to a solid structure, they can compete with top teams. The next step is maintaining that level throughout an entire season — not just in the final few weeks.
Big Decisions Ahead This Off-Season
Buffalo faces another off-season full of tough choices. GM Kevyn Adams’ future is unclear, and owner Terry Pegula can’t afford another year of stalled progress. The team also has to deal with contract extensions for key young players like winger JJ Peterka, defenseman Bowen Byram, and goalie Devon Levi.
The goaltending situation will also need attention. Will Reimer be considered a long-term option? Can Luukkonen bounce back? Will Levi be ready to take on a larger role?
These questions must be addressed quickly and wisely if the Sabres want to avoid a 15th straight year outside the playoffs.
The Buffalo Sabres finished the 2024-25 season on a high note, playing some of their best hockey under coach Lindy Ruff. However, the strong finish couldn’t erase months of inconsistency and underperformance that led to yet another missed postseason.
With serious decisions looming about management, roster changes, and contracts, the franchise faces a pivotal off-season. If Pegula and the front office don’t act wisely, the Sabres risk slipping further into NHL obscurity. Fans have waited long enough — now it’s time for real progress.
