Surging Sabres Look to Overtake Division Lead Against Penguins

Buffalo aims for fifth straight win to tie Tampa Bay atop the Atlantic Division

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Buffalo Sabres, one of the hottest teams in the NHL over the past three months, have a chance to move into a tie for first place in the Atlantic Division when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. The Sabres have won four straight games and are looking to continue their strong play, while the Penguins are hoping to bounce back after a close loss to the Boston Bruins.

Why it matters

The Sabres' surge has put them in position to potentially overtake the Tampa Bay Lightning for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, a significant accomplishment for a team that has struggled in recent seasons. The game against the Penguins, who are also in the thick of the playoff race in the Metropolitan Division, will be a key test for the Sabres as they look to cement their status as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

The details

The Sabres are coming off a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, in which they built up a 3-0 lead before Vegas scored twice late. Buffalo's power play has been an issue for much of the season, but the team has scored on the power play in eight of its last 10 games. The Penguins, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after a 2-1 loss to the Bruins on Tuesday, in which they took an early lead but were unable to hold on.

  • The Sabres and Penguins will face off on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • A Sabres win, combined with a Tampa Bay Lightning regulation loss to Winnipeg, would tie Buffalo and Tampa Bay atop the Atlantic Division standings.

The players

Alex Lyon

The Sabres' starting goaltender, who has been a key part of the team's recent success.

Lindy Ruff

The Sabres' head coach, who has guided the team through some early-season adversity to become one of the top teams in the NHL.

Erik Karlsson

The Penguins' defenseman, who acknowledged that the team's effort in their recent loss to the Bruins was not their best.

Dan Muse

The Penguins' head coach, who expressed disappointment in the team's inability to earn any points in their loss to the Bruins.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.