Sabres Confident Amid Fight for Atlantic Division, Face Rangers Next

Buffalo looks to stay atop the division as they visit New York in a late-season matchup.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers, with the players and action broken down into overlapping angular shapes and planes of color.The Sabres and Rangers clash in a key late-season matchup, with Buffalo fighting to maintain its division lead.NYC Today

The Buffalo Sabres are in a tight race for the Atlantic Division title, currently tied for first place with the Tampa Bay Lightning. After snapping a mini-skid with a 4-2 win over the Lightning, the Sabres hope to keep their momentum going as they visit the struggling New York Rangers. The Rangers have been eliminated from playoff contention but are coming off an 8-1 win over the Washington Capitals in their last game.

Why it matters

The Sabres' battle for the division title is crucial as they prepare for the playoffs. A win over the Rangers would help them maintain or potentially extend their lead atop the Atlantic. For the Rangers, the focus is on finishing the season strong despite missing the postseason.

The details

The Sabres (47-23-8, 102 points) earned a share of the top spot in the Atlantic Division with their 4-2 win over the Lightning on Monday. Winger Alex Tuch scored his 30th goal of the season in the victory, his third time reaching that mark in the past four seasons. Tuch was a standout, using his speed and skill to create chances. Across the state, the Rangers (33-36-9, 75 points) are coming off an 8-1 win against the Capitals, with Will Cuylle scoring his first NHL hat trick.

  • The Sabres and Rangers will face off on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • The Sabres' win over the Lightning on Monday, April 7, 2026 allowed them to tie for first place in the Atlantic Division.

The players

Alex Tuch

A winger for the Buffalo Sabres who scored his 30th goal of the season in the team's recent win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Will Cuylle

A forward for the New York Rangers who scored his first NHL hat trick in the team's 8-1 win over the Washington Capitals.

Lindy Ruff

The head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, who praised the performance of his top players in the win over the Lightning.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the New York Rangers, who acknowledged the significance of Cuylle's hat trick for the player and the team.

Josh Norris

A player for the Buffalo Sabres who had a good night in the team's win over the Lightning.

Tage Thompson

A player for the Buffalo Sabres who skated well and competed in the team's win over the Lightning.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to take this and take the confidence that we get away from wins like this, and we've got to roll with it, honestly, because when it comes down to playoffs, it's usually the hottest team that makes it the farthest, the team that has a really good base and structure, and some of the deepest teams.”

— Alex Tuch, Winger, Buffalo Sabres

“I thought he skated incredible in the game. I thought his penalty killing was really good. It was a big night for him.”

— Lindy Ruff, Head Coach, Buffalo Sabres

“That's a big deal. It's hard to score in this league. You get an opportunity to get a hat trick, it's a big deal for a player and it means a lot. I think it means a lot to our whole team when a player is able to accomplish it.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, New York Rangers

What’s next

The Sabres will look to maintain or extend their lead atop the Atlantic Division when they face the Rangers on Wednesday, April 9, 2026. A win would be crucial as they prepare for the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Sabres' battle for the Atlantic Division title highlights the importance of peaking at the right time heading into the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Rangers are focused on finishing the season strong despite missing the postseason, with young players like Will Cuylle providing a bright spot.