dailyloe.com – The Buffalo Sabres can secure their first playoff berth in 15 years with a victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night. The game starts at 7 p.m. at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. A win of any kind would end Buffalo’s long postseason drought.
Buffalo’s remarkable turnaround began nearly four months ago. The team was in last place in the Eastern Conference on December 9. Since then, the Sabres have posted an impressive 35-7-4 record.
This dominant run has propelled them to 100 points this season. The Sabres have won both previous matchups against Ottawa this year. The Senators are currently on a three-game winless streak.
Ottawa has allowed 14 goals during that recent losing stretch. The Sabres also possess a strong road record this season. These factors set the stage for a potentially historic night.
Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin emphasized focusing on the game itself. He stated the team must treat it like any other division matchup. Dahlin said it will be a playoff-type hockey game.
The Senators are fighting to stay in the wild card race. Meanwhile, the Sabres are preparing for meaningful late-April hockey. The mathematical scenarios are now straightforward for Buffalo.
Buffalo could also clinch with an overtime loss under specific conditions. They need a Philadelphia win over Detroit and a Carolina win over Columbus. This provides multiple pathways to ending the playoff drought.
The game will be broadcast on MSG in the Sabres market. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. local time. Streaming is available via the Gotham Sports App.
Radio coverage will be on WGR 550 and the Buffalo Sabres App. Fans are encouraged to check for any last-minute lineup notes. The puck drops at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.[]
Source: NHL.com
