Can the Buffalo Sabres make the NHL playoffs? Analyzing their chances of competing for this year's Stanley Cup

The Buffalo Sabres are still in it, but it’s getting to crunch time. As of April 2nd, the Sabres are four points out of the last Wild Card spot with nearly a game in hand over each of the teams in front of them. How can the Buffalo Sabres make the playoffs? And how likely is it?

The Buffalo Sabres playoffs odds, can they break the drought this year?

To say that the Sabres have slim odds of making the playoffs is an understatement. The Sabres currently have a 3.4% chance of making the playoffs, according to moneypuck.com. They have the most games remaining out of everyone in the league, but they won’t be favored in most of them. In their last seven games, the Sabres will have to go on the road five times

Passing the Panthers

The Buffalo Sabres’ next game might be their biggest one. If they want to have any serious chance of making the playoffs, they’ll have to beat the Panthers on Tuesday in Florida. The Panthers have won three in a row and if the Sabres want to continue their positive momentum, they’ll have to win in regulation. These are two vital points that would cut the deficit in half between the teams.

Road Warriors

The Buffalo Sabres will have to become road warriors if they want to have a shot at making the playoffs. In their last seven, the Sabres will have to travel to five of the toughest barns to play in in the NHL in Florida, Detroit, New York, New Jersey, and even Columbus. That’s a tough task for any team, especially one fighting for their playoff lives.

Root against the Penguins

The Sabres will also be rooting against some teams ahead of them if they want to make up ground in the standings. The Florida Panthers right now have a 67.1% chance of making the playoffs, while the Pittsburgh Penguins have a 44.9% chance. The Penguins have an easy schedule coming up with games against Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, and Philadelphia. The Sabres might need to hand out some bonuses to those teams in the hope they can handle Pittsburgh.

The Sabres playoff odds may be slim, but crazier things in the NHL have happened. If the Sabres goaltending and young scoring talent can get as hot as they have in their last three games, there’s a chance that the Sabres can contend. Right now, however, it’s looking like a long offseason in Buffalo.