Buffalo Sabres Now Leading The Atlantic Division

The Sabres remain undefeated since the NHL Olympic Break

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Buffalo Sabres have taken over first place in the NHL's Atlantic Division after a recent win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Sabres are currently on a 7-game winning streak and have 84 points in 64 games, putting them ahead of the Lightning and just behind the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference standings.

Why it matters

The Sabres are on track to end their lengthy playoff drought, which currently stands tied with the New York Jets for the longest in North American professional sports. Making the playoffs this season would be a major milestone for the franchise and its long-suffering fans.

The details

The Sabres defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in a close game at the KeyBank Center. Buffalo now has 84 points in 64 games, while Tampa Bay has 82 points in 62 games. The Sabres are in second place in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind the Carolina Hurricanes.

  • The Sabres have won 7 consecutive games since the NHL returned from the Olympic Break.
  • The Sabres last made the playoffs in the 2010-11 season.

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 plays in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.

Carolina Hurricanes

An NHL hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina that plays in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference.

New York Jets

A professional American football team based in Florham Park, New Jersey that plays in the AFC East division of the NFL.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Sabres will look to continue their winning streak and solidify their position atop the Atlantic Division as the NHL regular season winds down.

The takeaway

After over a decade of missing the playoffs, the Buffalo Sabres are finally poised to end their lengthy postseason drought and potentially make a deep playoff run this year. This would be a major accomplishment for the franchise and its dedicated fan base.