Buffalo Sabres Claim First Atlantic Division Title Since 2011

The Sabres' turnaround from last place to division champions is one of the biggest surprises of the NHL season.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game broken down into overlapping planes of navy blue, royal blue, and gold, conveying the dynamic energy and triumph of the Buffalo Sabres' division championship season.The Buffalo Sabres' first division title in 15 years is a triumph of perseverance and teamwork.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres have won the 2025-26 Atlantic Division title, their first division championship since the 2010-11 season. After sitting in last place in the Eastern Conference in early December, the Sabres caught fire and won 39 of their final 81 games to finish with 108 points, 2 ahead of Tampa Bay and Montreal. The Sabres will have home-ice advantage in the opening round of the NHL playoffs, where they will face either the Boston Bruins or Ottawa Senators.

Why it matters

The Sabres' dramatic turnaround from the bottom of the standings to division champions is one of the feel-good stories of the NHL season. It marks a significant milestone in the team's rebuilding efforts and gives their long-suffering fans hope that the franchise is finally heading in the right direction after years of struggles.

The details

The Sabres had the fewest points in the Eastern Conference on December 8th before going on a tear, winning 39 of their final 81 games to finish with 108 points and claim the Atlantic Division title. They hold a 2-point lead over Tampa Bay and Montreal, and own the tiebreaker over both those teams, so there is no way they could be overtaken in the final game of the regular season.

  • On December 8th, the Sabres had the fewest points in the Eastern Conference.
  • Since then, the Sabres have won 39 of their final 81 games.
  • After 81 games, the Sabres have won 50 games and claimed 108 total points.
  • The NHL playoffs are set to begin on Saturday, April 18th.

The players

Buffalo Sabres

The professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York that plays in the Atlantic Division of the NHL's Eastern Conference.

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What’s next

The NHL will release the official schedule for the playoffs after the regular season wraps up on Wednesday night. The Sabres will either play the Boston Bruins or Ottawa Senators in the opening round, depending on the results of the final regular season games.

The takeaway

The Sabres' remarkable turnaround from the bottom of the standings to division champions is a testament to the team's resilience and the dedication of their players and coaching staff. This division title represents a significant milestone in the franchise's rebuilding efforts and gives their long-suffering fans renewed hope for the team's future success.