The 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season was the 27th for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on May 22, 1970.
The Sabres also underwent a drastic uniform change, replacing the blue and gold colors and classic crest with a black and red color scheme and new white buffalo-head logo.
On January 12, 1997, Jason Dawe scored just ten seconds into the overtime period to give the Sabres a 3–2 road win over the Phoenix Coyotes.
[2] It would prove to be the fastest overtime goal scored during the 1996–97 NHL regular season.
[5] Divisions: ATL – Atlantic, NE – Northeast bold – Qualified for playoffs