Byram's empty-netter lifts Sabres past Islanders 4-3

Buffalo becomes 11th NHL franchise to reach 2,000 wins

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:03am

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the hockey action with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, gold, and white, conveying the energy and excitement of the Sabres' milestone victory.The Sabres' historic 2,000th win is celebrated through a cubist interpretation of the game-winning play.NYC Today

Bowen Byram scored the game-winning goal with 1:43 remaining, flipping a long shot into an empty net to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-3 victory over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night.

Why it matters

The win marks a historic milestone for the Sabres, who have now become the 11th NHL franchise to reach 2,000 total wins. This achievement underscores the team's resilience and competitiveness over its decades-long history.

The details

Byram's empty-net goal came late in the third period to break a 3-3 tie and secure the victory for the Sabres. The win was a hard-fought battle, with the Islanders pushing the Sabres until the final minutes of the game.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Bowen Byram

The Sabres player who scored the game-winning empty-net goal.

Buffalo Sabres

The NHL franchise that reached 2,000 total wins with this victory.

New York Islanders

The opposing team that the Sabres defeated in this close 4-3 game.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge milestone for our franchise. The Sabres have a storied history, and to be the 11th team to reach 2,000 wins is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many players, coaches, and staff over the years.”

— Kevyn Adams, General Manager, Buffalo Sabres

The takeaway

The Sabres' victory not only secured a hard-fought win over a divisional rival, but also cemented the team's place in NHL history as one of the most successful franchises, reaching the elite 2,000-win milestone.