The Buffalo Sabres will miss the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season this year and second straight since drafting Jack Eichel.

On Tuesday, Eichel, along with other Sabres, expressed their disappointment in missing the playoffs once again.

“It’s been a mediocre two years,” Eichel told the Buffalo News. “More than anything, it’s a bit disappointing, a bit embarrassing for us as players that we can’t be better for them. You want to please the fans because of all they’ve been through and all they continue to put up with. You just want to be better.”

Connor McDavid, selected one slot ahead of Eichel, is set to make his playoff debut with the Edmonton Oilers this season, while Mitch Marner, picked two slots after Eichel, is closing on a playoff spot with the Toronto Maple Leafs in his first season.

Eichel, who owns 24 goals and 32 assists in 58 games during his sophomore campaign, said he's grateful for the loyal fans of Buffalo.

“Pretty loyal to us, obviously,” Eichel said. “If we don’t play well, they’re here. Play good, they’re here. Play bad, they’re here. I’ve got nothing but great things to say about these fans.”

Defenceman Jake McCabe added he understands the frustrations of city of whose NFL team owns its league's longest active playoff drought. 

“They just want to win,” McCabe said. “That’s what it comes down to. Between us and the Bills, there’s obviously a huge playoff drought. I don’t know how many years the Bills haven’t made the playoffs. For us, we’re going on six.

“If I’m a fan base, I’m frustrated as well. We’re all frustrated in here. It’s no fun being out of a playoff spot. I understand the frustration.”

With the Oilers having clinched a playoff spot, the Sabres now own the NHL's second longest active playoff drought, behind the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Sabres will host the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday night in their home finale, they will end their season with two road contests against the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

“Thanks to all of them for supporting us throughout the year,” Eichel said of the team's fan base. “We’ve got one left, and we’ll just put it all out there for them and try to win a hockey game and try to bring some excitement to the building.”

The Sabres have not won a playoff series since 2007.