Ottawa Senators Secure Crucial Win, Edge Closer to Playoffs

0:00It's April 3rd, I'm Corey with The Story, and this is NHL News today, AI-powered updates on your squad. Ottawa Senators grab a crucial 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres last night at Canadian Tire Center. Lars Eller redirected a shot for the go-ahead goal early in the third period at 555, making it 2-1. Dylan Cosen's tidied earlier and Ridley Gregg with Shane Pinto sealed it with anti-netters late. Oliver struck first in the second when Matthias Samuelson risted one through a screen at 849. But Ottawa's Linus Olmark stood tall, which 21 saves, while Buffalo's Echo Peca-Luconin stopped 20. Senators snapped a 3-game skid, improving to 39 wins, 26 losses, and 10 overtime losses. This victory shoved Ottawa into the second wildcard spot in the east. They're tied on points with the Troy and Columbus, but hold the tiebreakers over both. Senators dropped the bad 5-1 loss to Carolina, handing the edge to the Sends.

1:01Buffalo, sitting at 46 wins, 22 losses, and 8 overtime losses, had won two straight and eyed their first playoff clinch since 2, 2011. That dreams on hold now after Samuelson's lone tally. Senators defense is banged up, though. Tower cleave and left early with an upper body hit blocking a shot, joining Sanderson, Jensen, Gilbert, Shabot, and... Decomchuk on the shelf. Playoff Ray stays tight as these teams push toward the finish line.