Buffalo Sabres Close In On First Playoff Berth In Over A Decade

The Sabres need just 2 more points to end one of the longest playoff droughts in North American pro sports history.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:05am

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The Buffalo Sabres are on the verge of clinching their first NHL playoff spot since the 2010-11 season, needing just 2 more points to end their lengthy postseason drought. With a win over the New York Islanders, the Sabres reached 100 points for the first time since 2009-10, and other results around the league have dropped their 'magic number' down to 2.

Why it matters

The Sabres' playoff drought has been one of the longest in major North American professional sports, so ending it would be a major milestone for the franchise and its passionate fanbase in Buffalo. Reaching the playoffs would be a significant step forward in the team's rebuilding process after years of struggles.

The details

The Sabres' 4-2 win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night gave them 100 points on the season, something they hadn't accomplished since the 2009-10 campaign. Coupled with losses by other teams fighting for playoff spots, the Sabres' 'magic number' - the combination of Sabres wins and losses by their closest competitors needed to clinch a playoff berth - has dropped to just 2 points. The Sabres can officially end their 11-year playoff drought as soon as Thursday night with a win over the Ottawa Senators.

  • The Sabres' win over the Islanders on April 1, 2026 gave them 100 points on the season.
  • The Sabres can clinch a playoff spot as soon as April 3, 2026 with a win over the Ottawa Senators.

The players

Buffalo Sabres

An NHL hockey team based in Buffalo, New York that is on the verge of ending an 11-year playoff drought.

New York Islanders

An NHL hockey team that the Sabres defeated 4-2 on April 1, 2026.

Ottawa Senators

An NHL team the Sabres will face on April 3, 2026 with a chance to clinch a playoff spot.

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What’s next

The Sabres can clinch a playoff spot as soon as Thursday, April 3, 2026 with a win over the Ottawa Senators.

The takeaway

After over a decade of missing the playoffs, the Buffalo Sabres are on the verge of ending one of the longest postseason droughts in major North American professional sports. Reaching the playoffs would be a major milestone for the franchise and its passionate fanbase, signaling progress in the team's rebuilding efforts.