Sabres Chase Playoff Dream: 25 Games to End Drought

The Buffalo Sabres have 25 games left in their season, beginning Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils, with the goal of ending a 14-year playoff drought. Currently holding a wild-card spot with 70 points, the Sabres are performing at a 100-point pace and have a 79 percent chance of qualifying for the postseason. This remarkable turnaround from early December's last-place standing has been a league highlight.

Key player Josh Norris is expected to return Wednesday after a no-contact jersey practice, aiming to play in his first career playoffs. His absence due to injury has impacted the team, as they've earned 51 percent of expected goals with him on the ice. Other players like Zach Benson, Justin Danforth, Conor Timmins, and Jiří Kulich are dealing with injuries, with uncertain return timelines.

A significant factor in Buffalo's resurgence is their improved defense and goaltending since December 9th, boasting the NHL's best save percentage and fourth-best goals-against average in that span. Goaltenders Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are healthy and crucial for continued success.

Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, fresh off international play, are expected back and healthy for Wednesday's game, bringing valuable experience to the Sabres' crucial final stretch and potential playoff run.

The Sabres are positioned as buyers at the March 6th trade deadline, seeking defensive depth and an additional forward to strengthen their roster for a playoff push and to invigorate the fanbase.