Twenty-six years haven't diminished the sting for Buffalo Sabres fans regarding the infamous "No Goal" call in the 1999 Stanley Cup Final. The controversial moment, which saw Brett Hull of the Dallas Stars score the Cup-winning goal in overtime of Game 6, continues to be a sore spot for the Sabres faithful.

The play in question occurred in the third overtime when Hull scored what appeared to be the Stanley Cup-winning goal. However, replays showed that Hull's skate was inside the crease when he scored, which, at the time, was a violation of the NHL's rules. Despite the apparent infraction, the goal was allowed to stand, giving the Dallas Stars their first and only Stanley Cup.

The Sabres players refused to leave their locker room until they received an explanation. Then-NHL Director of Officiating, Bryan Lewis, explained the ruling to the team, but they rejected the reasoning. Coach Lindy Ruff was even heard shouting at then-commissioner Gary Bettman as the Stars celebrated their victory. At a rally in Buffalo's Niagara Square a few days later, Ruff famously stated "no goal".

For Buffalo fans, the "No Goal" call represents more than just a bad call; it symbolizes a stolen opportunity and a moment frozen in time. The Sabres have not reached the Stanley Cup Final since 1999, further intensifying the pain associated with the incident. The call is often debated among fans and analysts, with many believing that the goal should have been disallowed. Some have speculated that the goal would have been overturned if the Stars hadn't already been awarded the Stanley Cup and if it hadn't been so late.

The impact of the "No Goal" extends beyond just the Sabres and their fans. It has also cast a shadow over the Stars' Stanley Cup victory, with some questioning the legitimacy of their championship. Regardless of whether one believes the goal was legal or not, it remains a controversial moment in NHL history.

Even almost three decades later, the "No Goal" remains a vivid memory for Sabres fans. Recently, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff sympathized with Buffalo Bills' coach Sean McDermott over a controversial call in a recent game, noting the similarities to the "No Goal" incident. "I thought that the play that Sean is talking about it eerily like our 'No Goal' in '99," Ruff said. "What's the rule? We've had that debate. I totally get it".

The "No Goal" continues to be a talking point among Sabres fans, highlighting the lasting impact of the controversial call. While the team has had other disallowed goals since then, none have carried the same weight and significance as the one from the 1999 Stanley Cup Final. The "No Goal" serves as a constant reminder of a missed opportunity and fuels the hope that the Sabres will one day return to the Stanley Cup Final and bring the championship to Buffalo.