The Buffalo Sabres will miss the playoffs for the 12th season.
Following a 6-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, the Sabres (40-33-7, 87 points) were officially eliminated from the playoff race despite a strong push the last couple of weeks.
Buffalo trailed 3-1 heading into the final 20 minutes but could not generate enough offense, and New Jersey sealed the victory with two empty-net goals.
Jeff Skinner netted his 34th goal of the season, while Mattias Samuelsson found the back of the net for the second time. Alex Tuch notched a pair of assists.
Devon Levi stopped 24-of-28 shots, several coming down the stretch to keep Buffalo in the game. One of the four goals that he gave up went off a skate.
The Sabres will take on the Ottawa Senators on Thursday in the final home game of the season. The puck drop is slated for 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].