Monday, May 1, 2023

NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Qualification Droughts

At the outset of every season, all 32 teams aspire to win the Stanley Cup. Six months later, the playoff seeding is set and only 16 teams continue to chase that dream. The remaining 16 clubs must wait until next season to renew their quest for the Cup. For them, the playoff drought begins.

The chart below describes, in descending order, the number of seasons each of the current 16 teams has gone without making the Stanley Cup playoffs, showing the last year they qualified for the postseason.
Team                          Years         Last Playoff
Buffalo Sabres
12       
Detroit Red Wings    
7       
Ottawa Senators
6       
Anaheim Ducks
5       
San Jose Sharks
4       
Arizona Coyotes
3       
Chicago Blackhawks
3       
Columbus Blue Jackets       
3       
Philadelphia Flyers       
3       
Vancouver Canucks       
3       
Montreal Canadiens       
2       
Calgary Flames       
1       
Nashville Predators       
1       
Pittsburgh Penguins       
1       
St. Louis Blues       
1       
Washington Capitals       
1       

This year's playoff marks the return of four teams (New Jersey, New York Islanders, Seattle, Vegas) after postseason absences ranging from one year (New York Islanders, Seattle, Vegas) to four years (New Jersey).

On the other hand, four teams that qualified for last year's offering fell short this season (Nashville, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Washington). Buffalo extended their NHL record with 12 straight playoff misses, surpassing the previous mark of 10 consecutive misses held by Florida and Edmonton.

For the 16 teams on this list, it's time to get back to where they belong.

* See also NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Series Win Droughts.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Final Appearance Droughts.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Championship Droughts.

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