BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo and Pittsburgh might not be division rivals in either the NFL or NHL, but through the years, big moments and names have connected the two cities.
And yes, this list includes both the Bills and the Sabres. So before the Bills and Steelers meet in the wild card this Sunday at Highmark Stadium, let's start with recent history and work our way back.
Dec. 15, 2019: For the first time, Josh Allen leads Buffalo to the playoffs
While Buffalo also made the playoffs in the 2017 season, this 17-10 road victory on Sunday Night Football ushered in a new era for the Bills, led by their second-year quarterback. Allen completed 13 of 25 passes for 139 yards, which included the game-winning score and one interception. Allen also ran for a 1-yard touchdown that gave Buffalo a 7-3 lead at halftime. The Bills took off after qualifying for this postseason, which ended with a 22-19 wild-card loss in Houston.
Nov. 28, 2010: Stevie Johnson, God dominate discussion after Bills overtime loss
Steve Johnson dropped what could've been a game-winning touchdown catch. Instead, the Steelers won 19-16. After the game, Johnson posted this since-deleted tweet: "I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! I'LL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO." The next day Johnson clarified that he was not actually blaming God for what happened on the field.
Jan. 1, 2008: Penguins top Sabres in the inaugural Winter Classic
The NHL's inaugural Winter Classic on NBC was epic, from the throwback jerseys, to the snowfall, and to the shootout that ultimately won it for the Penguins. Colby Armstrong scored first for Pittsburgh, then Brian Campbell knotted the score in the second period. Eventually, Sidney Crosby scored the game-winner in the shootout, leading the Penguins to a 4-3 win.
May 10, 2001: Sabres lose Game 7 in overtime of Eastern Conference semifinals
Pittsburgh defenseman Darius Kasparaitis scored the game-winner in 3-2 overtime game, against Buffalo goalie Dominik Hasek at HSBC Arena. This wasn't one of those Lemieux-Crosby teams that reached the Stanley Cup Final — the Penguins lost to the New Jersey Devils in five games in the conference finals — but Game 7 losses are never easy to take, especially when they're at home and in overtime.
January 9, 1993: Bills dominate Steelers during Super Bowl run
Less than a week after the Bills' historic comeback win against the Houston Oilers, Buffalo just kept on rolling with a 24-3 win Steelers QB Neil O'Donnell didn't stand a chance against the Bill's defense, which finished with two interceptions and seven sacks in the divisional-round matchup. Kenneth Davis led the Bills on the ground with 10 carries for 104 yards. Frank Reich completed 16 of 23 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns, one covering 17 yards to James Lofton and the other 1 yard to Mitch Frerotte. Carwell Gardner added a 1-yard scoring plunge.