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The Buffalo Sabres are so close to the moment their fans have desired for more than a decade.
They're working to end the longest playoff drought in the NHL, and it's happened in quite the wild way, too. The standings are in their favor. The magic number is getting lower. This clinching scenario really looks like it's going to happen.
Buffalo had 11 regulation wins and 14 regulation losses on December 9. That night, they won a wild, 4-3 game in overtime over the Oilers. And somehow, the Sabres got so hot that they reached 40 regulation wins before 20 regulation losses.
The stretch run has arrived now, and the Sabres just have to finish solidly to avoid any collapses and get into the playoffs.
And once a team is in the postseason, anything can happen.
Buffalo is ready to rock for some home playoff games. The clinch is closing in.
Below, we'll keep track of how close the Sabres are getting.
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Buffalo Sabres magic number live tracker
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What is the Sabres' magic number?
The Sabres' magic number is 2 after their 4-3 win over the Islanders on Tuesday.
They can clinch a playoff spot on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators -- any win will do it.
The magic number is 2️⃣
The Sabres can clinch a playoff spot on Thursday.
As they gain points from wins (or OT losses), and as other teams in the standings miss chances to gain points, that magic number drops. Once it reaches zero, it means the Sabres have clinched.
Sabres playoff odds
The Sabres are at practically 100% to reach the playoffs, according to MoneyPuck.com.
Buffalo Sabres remaining schedule
- April 2: at Senators
- April 4: at Capitals
- April 6: vs. Lightning
- April 8: at Rangers
- April 9: vs. Blue Jackets
- April 13: at Blackhawks
- April 15: vs. Stars
The Sabres can clinch a playoff spot against the Senators with a win.
How long is the Sabres' playoff drought?
The Buffalo Sabres have missed the playoffs in the last 14 NHL seasons.
When did the Sabres last play in the playoffs?
Their last playoff game was on April 26, 2011.
That was an Eastern Conference first round Game 7 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
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