Sabres Rally Past Rangers, Take Atlantic Division Lead

Buffalo overcomes third-period deficit to move into first place in the division.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game with overlapping planes of blue, red, and white, capturing the dynamic action and energy of the sport.The Sabres' third-period comeback against the Rangers showcases the intensity and unpredictability of professional hockey.NYC Today

The Buffalo Sabres came from behind in the third period to defeat the New York Rangers 4-3 and take over first place in the Atlantic Division. Sabres forward Benson scored two goals in the comeback effort, while Rangers star Lafreniere also netted two goals in the losing effort.

Why it matters

This hard-fought victory gives the Sabres sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division, a crucial position as teams jockey for playoff positioning in the final weeks of the regular season. The Rangers' loss drops them out of the division lead, making their path to the postseason more challenging.

The details

Down 3-2 entering the third period, the Sabres rallied with two unanswered goals to secure the victory. Benson scored the game-tying and game-winning goals, capitalizing on defensive lapses by the Rangers. Lafreniere had given the Rangers a 3-2 lead earlier in the game with his second goal, but the Sabres' offense proved too much in the end.

  • The game was played on April 9, 2026.
  • The Sabres scored the game-tying and game-winning goals in the third period.

The players

Benson

A forward for the Buffalo Sabres who scored two goals in the comeback victory.

Lafreniere

A star forward for the New York Rangers who scored two goals in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us against a tough divisional rival. The guys really dug deep in the third period to get the job done.”

— Sabres Head Coach

“We let that one slip away in the third. We had our chances but couldn't hold the lead. Tough loss, but we'll regroup and come back stronger.”

— Rangers Captain

What’s next

The Sabres will look to build on this win and maintain their division lead, while the Rangers will aim to bounce back in their next game.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory showcases the Sabres' resilience and offensive firepower, as they rallied from behind to take over first place in the Atlantic Division. The loss is a setback for the Rangers, who will need to regroup and find a way to close out games if they hope to secure a playoff spot.