2001-02 Buffalo Sabres season was the 32nd for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on May 22 , 1970 . The Sabres finished in 5th place in the Northeast Division and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in 6 seasons . On October 7 , 2001 the Sabres played the New York Rangers in the first pro sports game played in Manhattan after the September 11 attacks . In the game both teams wore special one time jerseys with " New York " written diagonally on the front of the jersey . The jerseys were later auctioned off to raise money for the 9/11 victims fund . The Sabres lost the game 5-4 in overtime
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
2001–02 Buffalo Sabres season