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Ottawa Today
By the People, for the People
Senators Secure Wild Card Spot with Eller's Game-Winner Against Sabres
Ottawa's resilience and determination pay off in crucial victory over Buffalo
Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:22am
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The Senators' thrilling comeback win against the Sabres showcases the intensity of the Eastern Conference playoff race.Ottawa TodayThe NHL's Eastern Conference playoff race is heating up, and the Ottawa Senators have made a crucial move back into the wild-card spot. In a thrilling game against the Buffalo Sabres, the Senators' Lars Eller scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period, leading his team to a 4-1 victory. This win is a significant step for Ottawa, as it moves them back into playoff contention, tied with the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Why it matters
The Senators' win is a testament to their team's effort and perseverance, especially considering their recent injuries to key players. The game also showcased the Senators' ability to come back from adversity, as they recorded their 18th comeback win of the season, tied for the sixth-most in their history. This victory is a crucial step for Ottawa's playoff hopes, and the team's coachability and honesty will be key to their success in the remaining games.
The details
The Senators' coach, Travis Green, praised his team's coachability and ability to respond to challenges, highlighting their resilience and determination. However, the Sabres' loss is a disappointment, as they were aiming to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2010-11. Despite the setback, Buffalo remains tied for first place in the Atlantic Division, but the race for the top spot is far from over.
- The game was played on April 10, 2026.
The players
Lars Eller
A forward for the Ottawa Senators who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.
Travis Green
The head coach of the Ottawa Senators, who praised his team's resilience and determination.
What they’re saying
“We must continue to respond to challenges and play with the same level of coachability and honesty that has gotten us this far.”
— Travis Green, Head Coach, Ottawa Senators
What’s next
The Senators will look to build on this crucial win as they continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Sabres must regroup and find ways to secure their own postseason berth.
The takeaway
The Senators' victory over the Sabres is a testament to their resilience and determination, and it keeps them firmly in the hunt for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The race for the playoffs remains intense, and every game will be crucial for both teams as they look to secure their postseason futures.

