Ottawa Senators

Lore & Background

This rivalry is rooted in the geography of the Northeast and the shared pain of championship droughts. Unlike the Sabres' historic feuds with Boston or Montreal, the connection with Ottawa is built on the modern era's competitive landscape. Both teams have spent decades chasing the ultimate prize without securing it, creating a unique empathy mixed with competitive friction.

The 2000s solidified this bond through high-stakes playoff meetings. When the Senators emerged as a powerhouse, they often stood directly in the path of Buffalo's hopes. These encounters were not just about points; they were about validating the franchise's place in the league's hierarchy. Fans remember the tension of elimination games where the outcome felt like a referendum on the team's entire season.

Today, the rivalry persists as a reminder of the Eastern Conference's depth. It is a matchup where every goal carries weight, fueled by the desire to break through the glass ceiling that has held both cities back for so long.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with anticipation, the ice shimmering under the bright floodlights. A Sabres forward skated the puck into the offensive zone, eyes locked on the net. The Senators' defense closed in, sticks down, ready to intercept. The crowd roared, a mix of blue and gold and red and black. One shift could change the series. The puck hit the boards, a sharp crack echoing through the rink. It was more than a game; it was a battle for pride.

Reader's Guide

The rivalry ignited with Ottawa's 1992 NHL return, placing them in the same Eastern Conference as Buffalo. As divisional neighbors in the Northeast and later Atlantic, regular season matchups became frequent fixtures.

The intensity peaked during the 2000s, marked by tight playoff series where every goal mattered. Fans remember the tension of elimination games and the shared frustration of unfulfilled championship dreams. The 2007 Eastern Conference Semifinals remain a particularly memorable chapter in this modern feud.

For Sabres supporters, Ottawa represents a persistent modern hurdle. While not an Original Six foe, the battles define the current era's struggle for Eastern supremacy. Both cities understand the pain of near-misses, fueling a competitive fire that transcends simple standings. This shared history of expansion and ambition creates a unique bond of rivalry.

Did You Know?

• Neither franchise has won the Stanley Cup in their respective histories.
• Ottawa joined the NHL as an expansion team in 1992.
• The teams met in the 2007 Eastern Conference Semifinals.
• Both clubs compete in the Eastern Conference of the NHL.