The Buffalo Sabres' magic number is in the single digits to put an end to a playoff drought that has lasted almost 15 years. They have 98 points through 74 games, and with only eight games left, there is still plenty left to be decided.
They have eight games left on their schedule in the regular season. When looking at the remaining games, these are three that stand out that could have the biggest impact, not only if the Sabres make the playoffs, but also in terms of who they play.
New York Islanders at Buffalo Sabres (March 31st)
The first game on this list is the Sabres' next game as they will play the Islanders in the final game of their four-game homestand. They were able to put an end to their losing streak on Saturday against the Seattle Kraken and could bring down the magic number to under five with a regulation win over the Islanders.
As has been the case with the last few teams Buffalo has faced, the Islanders are fighting for their playoff lives as they currently have 89 points and are in second place in the Metro Division. However, they are only one point ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets, and only three points ahead of the Ottawa Senators.
For the Sabres, they are tied with the Lightning at the top of the Atlantic Division, but the Lightning have a game in hand, so they have a slight edge in point percentage. The playoff implications in this game are huge, and a win should give the Sabres some momentum as they hit the road for three of their next four games.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres (April 6th)
Of the three games on this list, there is none bigger than the rematch with the Lightning on April 6th. The last time these teams met, it was a Game of the Year candidate with an unbelievable amount of penalty minutes, and fans left happy as the Sabres came back from a two-goal deficit in the third period to win 8-7.
Neither team has been able to distance itself over the past few weeks, and this game certainly has the potential to decide the division. While the Canadiens could work themselves into the discussion after winning five straight and now only four points back, it really feels like a two-team race.
Winning the Atlantic Division is going to be huge as it sets the winner up with a meeting against a wild card team. The other team will have a first-round meeting with the Canadiens, who are playing as well as anyone, and no one probably wants to play right now.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Buffalo Sabres (April 9th)
Ideally by the time the Sabres play the Lightning, but certainly by this game, they would have a playoff spot clinched, and the focus is now on first-round matchups. One of the teams the Sabres could be facing is the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are currently holding on barely to a playoff spot with 88 points and sit in the final wild card spot.
The Blue Jackets were another team playing great hockey but have struggled as of late with a three-game losing streak. Fortunately for them, the Senators have also hit a bump in the road as they have lost two straight and are unable to move past Columbus.
While the game against the Lightning is critical, the Sabres are going to have to keep winning if they are able to stay ahead of Tampa Bay. This game is one that could have playoff implications for both teams and will be a pivotal game with only two regular-season games left after this one.