The Buffalo Sabres (50-23-9, 109 pts) head into the playoffs with part of their 2026 NHL Draft outlook already in place. The NHL Draft Lottery is May 5 during the NHL Playoffs, a date that will help determine the order at the top of the board.

Former NHL player Ryan Whitney has made a name for himself since retiring in 2015. The nine-year pro joined Barstool Sports to remain close to the game he loves. In 2016, he and blogger Brian McGonagle launched the podcast

Delafield native Zach Metsa beat long odds to reach the NHL. Now, the undrafted defenseman is helping the Buffalo Sabres as the team makes its first playoff appearance in 14 years.

That's the question: When things get tough in a playoff game or series, will the Sabres stick to the identity that’s gotten them here – the last 53 games aren’t a small sample size – or will they feel pressured to play “playoff hockey” and deviate from their strengths?

The Buffalo Sabres now know when their long-awaited return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs will begin. The NHL announced Thursday night that Game 1 of Buffalo’s first-round series against the Boston Bruins will be played Sunday,

Get the best Stars vs. Sabres predictions ahead of Wednesday's matchup in Buffalo. Free NHL picks for April 15.

Dahlin and Thompson have endured six losing streaks of at least seven games, including a 13-game slide last season and an 18-game skid in 2020-21. Some seasons, they and the Sabres have been in a playoff position around midseason only to see it slip away, dropping them to the bottom third of the overall standings.

Here's how to watch Wednesday's Buffalo Sabres vs Dallas Stars game, including start times, TV channels, scores and how to stream.