What Is 1998 NHL Eastern Conference Finals

Overview

The 1998 NHL Eastern Conference Finals marked a pivotal moment in Buffalo Sabres history, as they advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final in over two decades. Facing the Washington Capitals, the Sabres demonstrated resilience and strong goaltending to secure a 4–2 series victory.

Played from May 24 to May 30, 1998, the series highlighted standout performances from Dominik Hasek and series-clinching goals from key forwards. The Capitals, led by Adam Oates and Peter Bondra, put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short in Game 6.

• Teams involved: The Washington Capitals (Atlantic Division champions) faced the Buffalo Sabres (Northeast Division champions) in a best-of-seven series.
• Series outcome: The Buffalo Sabres won four games to two, advancing to the 1998 Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings.
• Key player: Goaltender Dominik Hasek recorded a 1.87 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage during the series.
• Game 6 clincher: Buffalo won Game 6 by a score of 3–1 on May 30, 1998, at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo.
• Historical significance: This was the first time the Sabres reached the Stanley Cup Final since joining the NHL in 1970.

Key Matchups and Performances

The series featured tight defensive play and pivotal goaltending, with both teams relying heavily on their netminders. The Capitals' Olaf Kolzig posted a 2.33 GAA, but Hasek’s superior performance tipped the balance in Buffalo’s favor.

• Dominik Hasek: The Sabres' goaltender earned Vezina Trophy honors that season and was instrumental in neutralizing Washington’s top line.
• Adam Oates: Scored 5 points in the series but was held off the scoresheet in the final two games.
• Michael Peca: Provided physicality and defense, logging over 20 minutes per game and contributing two key goals.
• Power play efficiency: Buffalo converted on 27% of their opportunities, compared to Washington’s 18%.
• Home-ice advantage: The Sabres went 3–1 at home, while the Capitals were 1–2 in Washington.

Comparison at a Glance

Key statistics from the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals highlight the narrow margins that decided the outcome.

The table illustrates Buffalo’s slight edge in offensive efficiency and goaltending, which proved decisive over six games. Despite Washington outshooting Buffalo in two contests, the Sabres maintained tighter defensive structure and capitalized on key power plays.

Why It Matters

The 1998 Eastern Conference Finals remains a landmark moment in NHL playoff history, particularly for the Sabres franchise. Their deep playoff run energized a fanbase and showcased the impact of elite goaltending in postseason hockey.

• Franchise milestone: The Sabres reached their first Stanley Cup Final, marking a historic achievement for the organization.
• Goaltending legacy: Dominik Hasek’s performance solidified his reputation as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history.
• Capitals' near-miss: Washington remained without a Stanley Cup appearance until 2018, making this loss particularly painful for fans.
• Coaching strategies: Lindy Ruff’s defensive discipline contrasted with Ron Wilson’s aggressive forechecking, influencing future playoff tactics.
• Media coverage: The series received national attention in the U.S. and Canada, boosting NHL visibility during a growth period.
• Legacy impact: Buffalo’s run inspired future generations of players and fans, despite losing the Final to Detroit in four games.

The 1998 Eastern Conference Finals exemplified how strong goaltending and timely scoring can elevate a team beyond expectations. Though Buffalo ultimately lost the Stanley Cup Final, their journey through the Eastern Conference remains a defining chapter in NHL postseason lore.