Sabres Seek Atlantic Division Title in Final Games

Buffalo needs 3 points to clinch division, 2 points to ensure home ice advantage in playoffs

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:09pm

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A dynamic, geometric painting in shades of blue, white, red, and black, depicting a hockey game broken down into overlapping angular shapes and planes, conveying the intensity of the playoff race.As the Sabres, Lightning, and Canadiens battle for the Atlantic Division title, the playoff race takes on a cubist, fragmented energy.Chicago Today

With two games remaining in the regular season, the Buffalo Sabres have a chance to clinch the Atlantic Division title and secure home ice advantage for the playoffs. The Sabres, along with Tampa Bay and Montreal, all have two games left to play.

Why it matters

Winning the Atlantic Division would give the Sabres the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, guaranteeing them home ice advantage throughout their postseason run. This could provide a significant boost as they look to make a deep playoff push.

The details

The Sabres' remaining schedule includes a road game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, followed by a home matchup against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday. If the Sabres can earn 3 points from these final two games, they will clinch the Atlantic Division title. Even 2 points would be enough to ensure they have home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

  • The Sabres have 2 games remaining in the regular season.
  • Buffalo plays at Chicago on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • Buffalo hosts Dallas on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Buffalo Sabres

An NHL hockey team based in Buffalo, New York that plays in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.

Tampa Bay Lightning

An NHL hockey team based in Tampa, Florida that also plays in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.

Montreal Canadiens

An NHL hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec that also plays in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.

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What’s next

If the Sabres earn 3 points in their final 2 games, they will clinch the Atlantic Division title. Even 2 points would be enough to ensure they have home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Sabres are in prime position to win the Atlantic Division and secure home ice advantage for the playoffs, which could provide a significant boost as they look to make a deep postseason run.