The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, 5-1, on Monday night at the United Center to clinch the Atlantic Division title, securing their first division crown since 2010. With the win, Buffalo reached 50 victories and 108 points on the season, capping a remarkable turnaround and locking in home-ice advantage for the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Tage Thompson led the way offensively, scoring his 39th and 40th goals of the season to pace a balanced Sabres attack. Buffalo controlled the game from the outset, continuing a surge that has defined the second half of its season. After sitting in last place in the Eastern Conference in December, the Sabres caught fire with a 10-game win streak and went on to win 39 of their last 52 games.
The division title marks just the third 50-win season in franchise history, joining the standout teams from 2005 through 2007. It is also one of the highest point totals the organization has recorded.
Buffalo will open the playoffs at home against the top wild card team, with the matchup still to be determined between the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators.
The Sabres will close out the regular season on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars at 7 p.m. at KeyBank Center.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].