Here is the latest news and updates around the Buffalo Sabres and their schedule for the week of March 30 – April 5, 2026.
Magic Number Down To Seven
As each day passes, the Sabres inch closer and closer to clinching a playoff berth for the first time in 15 seasons. It’s been a rough week for them, though, as they were on a three-game skid (0-1-2) before their shootout win against the Seattle Kraken, where they came back from down 2-0 to steal two points on home ice.
With the win, the Sabres’ “magic number” is now down to seven. Basically, the magic number is a combination of points earned by the Sabres and points lost by the first team outside the playoffs looking in. It takes the maximum total number of points for the first team out of the playoffs, and once the Sabres reach that number, they will end up clinching a playoff spot.
So, as of right now, both the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings sit at 86 points with nine games remaining, so the maximum number of points either team can get is 104. Now take the Sabres’ 98 points and subtract them from 104, and you get six, which means the number of points the Sabres can reach without either of those teams reaching is 105 points. That is how you get seven as the magic number.
Sabres’ Injury Updates Plus Zach Metsa Sent Down
Some key injury updates for the Sabres. Noah Ostlund has been out of the lineup since suffering an upper-body injury on March 25 in their overtime loss against the Boston Bruins. Head coach Lindy Ruff spoke about it and said, “It may take a bit of time.”
Related: Sabres’ Goaltending Is a Big Reason They Are Contenders
Jordan Greenway has missed the majority of the season due to a hernia injury, for which he has received new treatment. He returned to practice on March 24 but is not yet ready for game action.
Jiri Kulich has missed games since Nov. 1 due to a blood clot issue, and it was announced he’d miss the remainder of the season. He has been doing some non-contact skating.
Justin Danforth left their game on Oct. 15 with a lower-body injury and later underwent surgery. He’s been skating over the last two months, but he is still dealing with some pain from the injury.
Sabres defenseman Zach Metsa was sent down earlier in the week to make room for defenseman Conor Timmins, who was returning from a lower-body injury suffered earlier in the season.
Sabres’ Upcoming Schedule
Here is the Sabres’ upcoming schedule for March 30 – April 5, 2026
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 vs New York Islanders @ 7:00 pm ET
Thursday, April 2, 2026 @ Ottawa Senators @ 7:00 pm ET
Saturday, April 4, 2026 @ Washington Capitals @ 7:00 pm ET
