Sabres Aim to Clinch Playoff Spot Against Capitals

Buffalo looks to end 14-year postseason drought after loss to Ottawa

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Buffalo Sabres and Washington Capitals, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of blue, gold, and red.The Sabres' quest to end their 14-year playoff drought comes down to a crucial matchup against the Capitals.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres will have another chance to clinch a playoff berth when they face the Washington Capitals on Saturday. The Sabres fell short in their first attempt to end their 14-season playoff drought, losing to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday.

Why it matters

Making the playoffs would be a major milestone for the Sabres, who have struggled to reach the postseason for over a decade. The team's loyal fanbase is eager to see their squad return to the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

The details

The Sabres need a win or an overtime/shootout loss against the Capitals to officially secure a playoff spot. They were unable to get the job done against the Senators, falling 4-2 in their previous game.

  • The Sabres lost to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • Buffalo will face the Washington Capitals on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Buffalo Sabres

An NHL hockey team based in Buffalo, New York that has not made the playoffs since the 2010-11 season.

Washington Capitals

An NHL hockey team based in Washington, D.C. that is a perennial playoff contender.

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What’s next

If the Sabres win or earn an overtime/shootout loss against the Capitals, they will clinch a playoff berth and end their 14-year postseason drought.

The takeaway

The Sabres' quest to return to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade has come down to the final games of the regular season. A win against the Capitals would be a major accomplishment for the team and its long-suffering fans.