Sabres, Hurricanes Aim to Clinch Playoff Spots on Thursday

Minnesota Wild also close to securing postseason berth as NHL regular season winds down.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:00am

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The Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes can punch their tickets to the 2026 NHL playoffs on Thursday, ending lengthy postseason droughts. The Sabres need a win over the Ottawa Senators, while the Hurricanes can clinch with a victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild are also on the verge of securing a playoff spot and can do so with a win over the Vancouver Canucks.

Why it matters

The Sabres and Hurricanes have both missed the playoffs for multiple seasons, with Buffalo's drought dating back 14 years. Their potential clinching on Thursday would mark a significant milestone for both franchises and their long-suffering fan bases. Meanwhile, the Wild's return to the playoffs would continue their recent run of success in the Western Conference.

The details

The Sabres enter Thursday's game against the Senators with a magic number of 2, meaning a win or an overtime/shootout loss by either the Detroit Red Wings or Philadelphia Flyers would secure their playoff spot. The Hurricanes, leading the Metropolitan Division, also have a magic number of 2 and can clinch with a victory over the Blue Jackets. In the West, the Wild need just 1 point against the Canucks to officially punch their ticket to the postseason.

  • The Sabres and Hurricanes can clinch playoff berths on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • The Wild can clinch a playoff spot with a win or overtime/shootout loss against the Canucks on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Buffalo Sabres

An NHL team based in Buffalo, New York that is seeking to end the longest active playoff drought in the league at 14 years.

Carolina Hurricanes

An NHL team based in Raleigh, North Carolina that is leading the Metropolitan Division and looking to return to the playoffs after missing out last season.

Minnesota Wild

An NHL team based in St. Paul, Minnesota that is on the verge of securing a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

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What they’re saying

“We must end this drought and get back to the playoffs. The fans deserve it after all these years.”

— Tage Thompson, Forward, Buffalo Sabres

“Clinching a playoff spot would be a huge accomplishment for this team and organization. We're focused on finishing the job on Thursday.”

— Jordan Staal, Captain, Carolina Hurricanes

What’s next

If the Sabres, Hurricanes, and Wild all clinch playoff spots on Thursday, the focus will shift to seeding and matchups as the regular season winds down. Teams will be jockeying for position in the final two weeks.

The takeaway

The potential clinching of playoff berths by the Sabres, Hurricanes, and Wild on Thursday would mark a significant moment for those franchises and their long-suffering fan bases. It would also set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2026 NHL regular season as teams battle for positioning in the postseason.