In all full seasons since the lockout, here were the records of the league's worst teams:
2011-2012: Columbus (29-46-7, 65pts, .396 Pts%)
2010-2011: Edmonton (25-45-12, 62pts, .378 Pts%)
2009-2010: Edmonton (27-47-8, 62pts, .378 Pts%)
2008-2009: NY Islanders (26-47-9, 61pts, .372 Pts%)
2007-2008: Tampa Bay (31-42-9, 71pts, .433 Pts%)
2006-2007: Philadelphia (22-48-12, 56pts, .341 Pts%)
2005-2006: St Louis (21-46-15, 57pts, .348 Pts%)
This is a really limited definition of "modern era" but it's the shootout era anyway, and I'll take bets with anyone who thinks the Sabres will finish with fewer than 56 points in the season.