The 2011–12 Buffalo Sabres season was the 42nd season of operation (41st season of play) for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on May 22, 1970. Their season began October 7, 2011 against the Anaheim Ducks in Helsinki, Finland. In Helsinki the team named Jason Pominville the 13th full time captain in team history. Pominville filled the vacancy left by Craig Rivet who was traded to Columbus during the previous season.