Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes aim to secure NHL playoff berths
The Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild can all secure their places in the 2026 NHL playoffs during Thursday’s 14-game schedule.
The Sabres are aiming to end the longest post-season drought in league history at 14 years.
A victory against the Ottawa Senators would guarantee their progression to the knockout stages.
Their Canadian opponents remain locked in a tense battle for a wild-card position alongside the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers.
Hurricanes and Wild seek progression
Over in the Metropolitan Division, the Carolina Hurricanes face a straightforward objective to extend their campaign.
A victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets will be sufficient for the Raleigh-based outfit to punch their playoff ticket.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild require just a single point from their home fixture against the Vancouver Canucks.
Taking the match to overtime or a shootout will ensure the Western Conference contenders advance.
Regular season reaches climax
Just two weeks remain before the regular season officially concludes on 16 April.
Despite all 32 teams having fewer than ten games left to play, only two franchises have mathematically confirmed their playoff participation.
Thursday’s extensive slate of fixtures could drastically alter the post-season landscape as the race for the Stanley Cup intensifies.
