SPORTS

Sabres Beat Islanders, Reach 100 Points, Eye Playoffs

PUBLISHED Mar 31, 2026, 11:32 PM ET

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres defeated the New York Islanders 4-3 on Tuesday night when Bowen Byram scored an empty-net goal with 1:43 remaining, pushing Buffalo to 100 points this season and marking the franchise's status among NHL teams to reach 2,000 wins. The victory moved the Sabres closer to clinching a playoff spot; they can secure qualification with a road win at Ottawa on Thursday. Goaltenders Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (25 saves) and Ilya Sorokin (29 saves), recent opponent injuries and Ottawa's poor form were noted as factors this week.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

1970: Buffalo Sabres joined the NHL expansion with Vancouver.
2010: Last season Buffalo reached 100 points prior to the current season.
Tuesday: Sabres defeated Islanders 4-3; Bowen Byram scored an empty-net goal with 1:43 remaining.
Tuesday: The Sabres reached 100 points and were cited as the NHL's 11th franchise to 2,000 wins.
Thursday (April 2): Buffalo can clinch a playoff spot with a road win over Ottawa.

News Intelligence

The Sabres' potential playoff spot could mean a morale boost for Buffalo and its fans. If you're a hockey enthusiast, this is a key moment to watch. Check out Thursday's game against Ottawa. It could be the clincher.

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Who Benefited

The Buffalo Sabres, their players and the franchise benefited from the win by reaching 100 points, achieving their 2,000th franchise win milestone, improving postseason positioning and increasing ticket interest and broadcast attention ahead of a potential clinching road game.

Who Impacted

The New York Islanders suffered a close defeat and physical setbacks; individual players (including Josh Norris, who suffered facial bleeding after a late hit) and teams facing injuries saw immediate negative consequences in roster health and short-term competitive prospects.

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