The Buffalo Sabres aim to end their 14-year playoff drought Thursday when they face the Ottawa Senators. With a magic number of just two, a victory would secure their spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Sabres haven't reached the postseason since 2012, making this potentially the most significant regular-season game in franchise history.

Across the league, playoff positioning remains fluid. The Carolina Hurricanes also hold a magic number of two and could clinch with a win against Columbus. In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild need just one more point to punch their ticket, hosting Vancouver on Thursday. With nine games remaining for most teams, every point carries enormous weight in the final stretch.

Thursday's 14-game slate includes crucial matchups that will reshape the playoff picture. The Ottawa Senators, tied with Detroit and Philadelphia in the wild-card race, face Buffalo while the Red Wings and Flyers battle each other. The winner of that game gains an advantage in the standings race, while the loser faces an increasingly precarious path to postseason play.