The 2025-26 NHL regular season begins on Oct. 7. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying 5 things to watch for each team. Today, the Buffalo Sabres.

Last season: 36-39-7, seventh in Atlantic Division; missed Stanley Cup Playoffs

Coach: Lindy Ruff (second season)

Biggest challenge

Excuse the cliche but the Buffalo Sabres need to put the past in the past in order to end their NHL-record 14-season Stanley Cup Playoff drought. Easier said than done. With every losing streak, with every midseason swoon, they constantly hear about their postseason dry spell from long-suffering Sabres fans. The hope is that Lindy Ruff, who returns for his second season in this, his second stint as Buffalo coach, can make his young players understand that they shouldn't be burdened with the s

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