:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2314645/GYI0064138244.jpg)
After all four teams in the 6th-9th positions in the Eastern Conference played last night, the scoreboard watching for Sabres fans becomes much lighter with only two games featuring teams in the hunt of the playoffs. The Sabres chances of making the playoffs increased 3.9% to 84.7% with the Hurricanes and Sabres winning. Here are the two games to watch for.
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs
Season series: Toronto 3-2
Change In Playoff Chances: Bruins win (+.1%); Maple Leafs win (-.2%)
The Maple Leafs have a tragic number of three with the Sabres win last night so their playoff chances are still hanging on by a thread. They have had success against the Boston Bruins this season, winning three of the five games this season and the last two games. Mikhail Grabovski leads all players in the season series with three goals and goaltender James Reimer is 2-1 with a 2.35 goals against average and .935 save percentage.
Islanders vs. Rangers
Season Series: Rangers 4-1
Change In Playoff Chances: Islanders win (+2.3%); Rangers win (-1.2%)
The New York Rangers dropped to 8th place in the Eastern Conference with their loss last night and could lose more ground if the Islanders manage to find a way to win at home. The Rangers have taken the last four matchups and the last three games by a combined score of 15-5. Lundqvist has a 4-1 record with a 2.71 goals against average and a .888 save percentage against the Islanders this season.
Here are the Sabres chances to make the playoffs with the most likely records in their last five games according to Sports Club Stats:
| Record | Chance of Making The Playoffs |
| 4-1 | In |
| 3-1-1 | 99.7% |
| 3-2 | 98.8% |
| 2-2-1 | 90.1% |
| 2-3 | 80.0% |