1998-99 90 Point Season

Lore & Background

In the 1998 NHL entry draft, the Sabres picked Dmitri Kalinin with their first-round pick, 18th overall. The Sabres reached the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs four games to one. In the Stanley Cup Final, Brett Hull's triple-overtime goal in game six—with his skate in the crease—ended the series, and the Stars were awarded the Cup. The goal was controversial because it was illegal at the time for an offensive player's skate to enter the crease before the puck. The rule was changed the following season.

In Their Own Story

The ice at Marine Midland hums with the low vibration of skates carving fresh grooves. Dominik Hasek crouches low, his colorful pads absorbing the glare of the arena lights. The crowd roars, a sea of blue and gold, chanting a rhythm that shakes the glass. The scoreboard ticks down, the point total climbing toward the season's goal. In this moment, the weight of the franchise rests on the goalie's pads, and the city holds its breath for one more save.

Reader's Guide

The Sabres' season included a return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1975. Key players included Miroslav Satan (40 goals), Stu Barnes, Joe Juneau, Michal Grosek, and goaltender Dominik Hasek. The team's captain and coach are not specified in the source article.

Did You Know?

• Miroslav Satan scored 40 goals in the 1998–99 season.
• The Sabres acquired Stu Barnes from the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 11, 1999.
• The Sabres acquired Joe Juneau from the Washington Capitals on March 13, 1999.
• Dominik Hasek was a nominee for the Hart Memorial Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Trophy.