The Buffalo Sabres got a much-needed win on Saturday night against the Seattle Kraken. It started out similarly to the previous three games, which all ended up as losses, but the Sabres were able to overcome a two-goal deficit and win in the shootout. That win, combined with a Detroit Red Wings loss, moved the magic number to clinch a playoff spot down to seven.
Entering Sunday, the Sabres now have 98 points on the season, which is the most in a single season since the 2009-10 season when they finished with 100. The Sabres almost certainly are going to reach that milestone with nine games still left in the regular season.
The win on Saturday helped keep Buffalo ahead of Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division by two points. The Lightning also got a win on Saturday and has tightened the race for the division during the Sabres recent losing streak. While the Sabres still have more points, the Lightning have a slight edge in terms of points percentage with Tampa Bay having two games in hand against Buffalo.
In addition to the win, the Sabres also got some help from the Philadelphia Flyers to lower their magic number as they would win 5-3 over the Detroit Red Wings. It was a game the Flyers controlled for most of the game but the Red Wings scored three in the third period to make it a game.
Three games worth watching on Sunday that could impact the Buffalo Sabres' playoff scenarios
The Buffalo Sabres are off on Sunday after playing a back-to-back, but there are three games worth watching that won't change their magic number but could have serious playoff implications. The first is the Tampa Bay Lightning at home against the Nashville Predators, as a win would move the Lightning back into a tie with the Sabres in points.
However, a loss eliminates one of those games in hand and that slight advantage they hold against Buffalo.
Another game is the Montreal Canadiens on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes. While the Sabres are trying to remain ahead of the Lightning, they are still tied with the Hurricanes for the top seed in the Eastern Conference currently at 98 points.
Similar to the Lightning, the Hurricanes have two games in hand against the Sabres, and a loss here would keep them tied in points. However, a win by the Canadiens, who have now won four straight, would tighten the race in the Atlantic Division even more as Montreal would get within four points of Buffalo.
The third and final game worth watching is between the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets, who are currently the two wild card teams. The Bruins hold a three point edge over the Blue Jackets to hold that top wild card spot.
For the Sabres, this is worth noting because right now with them in first place in the Atlantic Division, they would be looking to play the team that is the first wild card team, which in this case is the Boston Bruins.
At this point in the season, every game matters (even the ones the Sabres are not playing in) and the scenarios are constantly changing.