Senators Clinch Wild Card Spot with 4-1 Win Over Sabres

Ottawa snaps three-game losing streak to leapfrog Red Wings and Blue Jackets in Eastern Conference playoff race

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:58pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and ice rink broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conveying the dynamic and competitive nature of the matchup.The Senators' hard-fought victory over the Sabres showcases the intense competition in the Eastern Conference playoff race.Columbus Today

The Ottawa Senators defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-1 in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup, clinching a wild card playoff spot. Lars Eller, Ridly Greig, and Shane Pinto scored for the Senators, who overcame injuries to key defensemen to earn the victory. The loss was a setback for the Sabres, who are still fighting for a playoff berth of their own in the tight Atlantic Division race.

Why it matters

With the win, the Senators moved back into a wild card position in the Eastern Conference, showcasing their resilience and depth despite key injuries. The loss was a missed opportunity for the Sabres, who are still seeking their first playoff appearance in over a decade.

The details

The Senators jumped out to an early lead with goals from Eller and Greig, but the Sabres tied it in the second period on a tally from Dylan Cozens. Pinto's go-ahead goal in the third period proved to be the game-winner, as the Senators held on for the 4-1 victory. The win was a true team effort for Ottawa, with several players stepping up in the absence of injured defensemen Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot.

  • The game was played on April 10, 2026.
  • The Senators snapped a three-game losing streak with the win.

The players

Lars Eller

A forward for the Ottawa Senators who scored the go-ahead goal in the third period.

Ridly Greig

A forward for the Ottawa Senators who scored a goal in the game.

Shane Pinto

A forward for the Ottawa Senators who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Dylan Cozens

A forward for the Buffalo Sabres who scored the team's lone goal, tying the game in the second period.

Mattias Samuelsson

A defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres who discussed the team's need to find different ways to win in the postseason.

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What they’re saying

“We must find different ways to win in the postseason.”

— Mattias Samuelsson, Sabres Defenseman

What’s next

The Senators will look to build on this win and continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Sabres will need to regroup and find a way to secure their first postseason berth in over a decade.

The takeaway

This game highlights the tight race in the Eastern Conference, where every point matters. The Senators' resilience and depth have kept them in the playoff hunt, while the Sabres' loss is a reminder that they still have work to do to clinch a long-awaited postseason berth.