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Buffalo Sabres (BUF)

Eastern – Atlantic • Record: 4-4-3 (PTS 11)
Chasing Washington Capitals for a wild card spot
Magic # 147
Tragic # 146
On pace for 84 points • playoff line ≈ 97 points
-13 behind the line
Playoff odds 24.4%
Top 3 in division 10.9% • Wild card 13.5% • Division title 1.2%
Full league odds →
Can't clinch for at least 37 more games. Can't be eliminated for at least 37 more games. Scenarios →

Tonight’s rooting guide


Live rooting guide — it updates as games go final, so items may disappear.
Showing remaining games that can still affect your numbers.

No remaining games today. Numbers will continue updating as other games finish.

Dig deeper: what-if explorer

What-if explorer

Drag the sliders — the numbers recalculate instantly using the site's real playoff math.
If Buffalo Sabres go 4-6-0 while Washington Capitals go 6-4:
Magic # 147 → 127Magic -8 Tragic # 146 → 131Tragic -15
Assumes these games come against teams outside your race; every other rival's record stays as-is.
Frequently asked questions

What is the Buffalo Sabres magic number right now?

The Buffalo Sabres magic number is currently 147. Any combination of Buffalo Sabres points and losses by the team chasing them that adds up to 147 clinches a playoff spot.

What is the Buffalo Sabres tragic number?

The Buffalo Sabres tragic number is 146. When it hits 0 the team is mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. It shrinks when the Buffalo Sabres lose or when the team chasing them gains ground.

What are the Buffalo Sabres playoff odds?

Based on 10,000 simulations of the remaining schedule, the Buffalo Sabres make the playoffs in about 24.4% of outcomes.

What is a magic number in hockey?

A magic number is the combined total of points a team must earn (and its closest chaser must fail to earn) to guarantee a playoff spot. In the NHL it counts standings points, since wins are worth 2 points and overtime losses 1.

When did the Buffalo Sabres last make the playoffs?

The Buffalo Sabres last made the NHL playoffs in 2025-26 — the most recently completed season.

When did the Buffalo Sabres last win the Stanley Cup?

The Buffalo Sabres have never won the Stanley Cup.

How often are these numbers updated?

Standings and magic numbers on Sports Magic Numbers refresh throughout the day and after every NHL game, so the numbers here reflect the live playoff race.

Full guide: how magic numbers work →