Thanks, Jets: Sabres' playoff drought no longer the longest

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Buffalo Sabres fans can breathe slightly easier this week thanks to the ineptitude of the New York Jets.

Aaron Rodgers and the Jets were officially eliminated from playoff contention with Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, stretching their playoff drought to 14 seasons.

This annual ritual gives the Buffalo Sabres some breathing room once again on top of the list of the longest playoff droughts in America's four biggest professional leagues.

The Sabres, owners of the longest playoff drought in NHL history, have gone 13 seasons without making the playoffs. As the Jets streak hits 14, the Sabres now drop back to second place on the list, with hopes of ending the streak altogether this spring.

Here’s the list of longest active playoff droughts in the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL.

• 14 seasons: New York Jets
• 13 seasons: Buffalo Sabres
• 10 seasons: Los Angeles Angels
• 9 seasons: Pittsburgh Pirates
• 8 season: Denver Broncos, Detroit Red Wings, Charlotte Hornets
• 7 seasons: Ottawa Senators
• 6 seasons: Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers

The Sabres’ last playoff game was on April 26, 2011, coming just months after Terry Pegula bought the team. The only member of the 2011 Sabres still playing in the NHL is defenseman Tyler Myers.