Sabres Clinch Atlantic Title with 5-1 Win Over Blackhawks

Tage Thompson scores twice to reach 40 goals on the season

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:18am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in progress, with the players and puck represented through sharp, overlapping shapes in a palette of navy, green, and red.The Sabres' division-clinching victory showcases the team's dynamic, high-energy style of play that has propelled them to the top of the Atlantic.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres clinched the Atlantic Division title with a 5-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night. Tage Thompson scored twice to reach 40 goals on the season, while Alex Tuch, Ryan McLeod, and Josh Norris also scored for the Sabres. Buffalo earned its first division title since the 2009-10 season and seventh overall, reaching 50 wins for the third time in franchise history.

Why it matters

The Sabres' division title clinches a playoff berth and secures home-ice advantage in the first round. It's a significant milestone for a team that has struggled to find success in recent years, and it positions them well for a deep postseason run.

The details

The game was tied 1-1 before Thompson scored midway through the second period to give the Sabres the lead. Tuch then added an insurance goal in the third, and Thompson scored again to seal the victory. Buffalo's defense held the Blackhawks to just 15 shots on goal.

  • The Sabres clinched the Atlantic Division title on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • Buffalo reached 50 wins for the third time in franchise history, also accomplishing the feat in 2005-06 and 2006-07.

The players

Tage Thompson

A forward for the Buffalo Sabres who scored two goals in the game to reach 40 goals on the season, his third season with at least 40 goals.

Alex Tuch

A forward for the Buffalo Sabres who had a goal and an assist in the game.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

The goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres who made 15 saves in the game.

Ryan Greene

A forward for the Chicago Blackhawks who scored the team's lone goal in the game.

Spencer Knight

The goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks who made 21 saves in the game.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty wins is such an accomplishment in this league. The guys have worked hard all season and deserve this division title.”

— Tage Thompson, Forward, Buffalo Sabres

What’s next

The Sabres will finish the regular season at home on Wednesday, April 16 against the Dallas Stars. The Blackhawks will also play their final game of the season at home on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks.

The takeaway

The Sabres' division title is a testament to the team's hard work and improvement over the past few seasons. With a deep roster and strong goaltending, Buffalo is poised for a successful playoff run and a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.