Rich Strike wasn't in the 2022 Kentucky Derby field the day before the race. Because another horse was scratched, he got in as an 80-1 shot. As the race played out he literally looked like an also ran. Here's the Derby entering the home stretch with Rich Strike circled in red. Rich Strike won the Kentucky Derby.
Far, far, far more unlikely things have happened in sport than the Sabres making the playoffs this year. Unlikely? Of course. But don't say they're not even in the race.