‘The drought will reach 12. The Sabres will finish with their most standings points since 2011-12 when they had 89, but it won’t be enough in a tight Eastern Conference that’s filled with playoff-hardened, veteran teams. Contenders like the Islanders are paying massive prices to win now. Adams isn’t ready to do the same. Additionally, Buffalo has one of the most difficult schedules remaining, including a final week that features four games in five days. It will be important for the Sabres to stay in the race. If they don’t make it, their core needs to experience meaningful games late in the season.’