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

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the puck fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the dynamic energy and competition of the sport.The Senators' thrilling comeback win against the Sabres showcases the intensity of the Eastern Conference playoff race.Ottawa Today

The 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.

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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.