'I'm Hoping We're Amped Up': Sabres Banking On Electric Buffalo Fan Base As Playoff Drought Ends

BUFFALO, N.Y. - The time has arrived as the Buffalo Sabres get set to play in their first playoff games in 15 years.

You can immediately feel the vibe as an outsider when you cross the border into the Queen City and see the 'GO SABRES' signs with makeshift Stanley Cups, as the fanbase gets ready to scratch a long-standing playoff itch.

For Sabres coach Lindy Ruff, the priority is managing emotions for the many players on his roster who have no experience with playoff hockey.

While he doesn't want his players doing something reckless that will lead to penalty trouble, he wants them to feed off the local energy.

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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 9:51 AM.