Buffalo team with a 13-season playoff drought Crossword Clue

The crossword clue "Buffalo team with a 13-season playoff drought" with the answer "SABRES" refers to the Buffalo Sabres, a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York, that competes in the National Hockey League (NHL). The clue specifically highlights the team’s struggle to reach the playoffs for a prolonged period, with the Sabres enduring a 13-season playoff drought from the 2006-07 season until the 2020-21 season.

Despite having a loyal fan base and a rich history, including memorable moments such as two Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 1975 and 1999, the team faced significant challenges during this drought. Poor team performance, changes in coaching and management, and roster turnover all contributed to the extended playoff absence. The Sabres' inability to qualify for the postseason during this period became a defining characteristic of their history in the 21st century, frustrating fans who had hoped for a return to competitive success.

The crossword clue "Buffalo team with a 13-season playoff drought" with the answer "BILLS" refers to the Buffalo Bills, an American football team based in Buffalo, New York, that competes in the National Football League (NFL). The clue specifically points to the team's notable 13-season playoff drought, which lasted from the 2000 season until the 2017 season.

During this period, the Bills struggled to consistently perform at a high level, facing challenges such as quarterback instability, coaching changes, and roster issues. The 13-season playoff drought became a significant source of frustration for the team's fans, as the Bills were once a powerhouse in the NFL, reaching four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s. However, during the drought, the team was unable to make a return to the postseason, which was finally broken with a dramatic playoff berth in 2017. The Bills' playoff return marked a turning point in the franchise’s fortunes, signaling a potential resurgence after years of disappointment.

The crossword clue "Buffalo team with a 13-season playoff drought" with the answer "DROUGHT" refers to the extended period during which the Buffalo Bills, an NFL team, failed to make the playoffs. Specifically, the clue highlights the 13-season "drought" that lasted from the 2000 season until the 2017 season. This drought became a defining characteristic of the franchise during that time, as the Bills were unable to qualify for the postseason, despite having strong fan support and moments of competitive play.

The term "drought" in this context refers to a prolonged period of absence or failure, and for the Bills, it symbolized a period of underachievement and frustration. The team’s inability to reach the playoffs for such an extended period was a source of disappointment, particularly given their previous success in the early 1990s, when they made four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. The "drought" finally ended in 2017 when the Bills clinched a playoff spot, bringing relief and excitement to their fans.

The crossword clue "Buffalo team with a 13-season playoff drought" with the answer "FOOTBALL" refers to the Buffalo Bills, a professional American football team based in Buffalo, New York. The clue points to the sport of football because the Bills are an NFL team, and the term "drought" specifically refers to their 13-season period in which they failed to make the playoffs, from 2000 to 2017. During this time, despite having a loyal fanbase and a storied history, the team struggled with inconsistent performance, including issues with the roster, coaching changes, and quarterback play.

This "drought" became one of the most talked-about stretches in the history of the franchise, symbolizing their inability to return to the postseason after their dominant years in the early 1990s. The term "football" is used here to clarify that the team in question is part of the NFL, as the term "drought" in this context is commonly associated with a team’s failure to reach the playoffs in professional football. The Bills' playoff return in 2017 ended this difficult chapter in their history.