Buffalo at Washington

After a 14-year postseason drought, Buffalo could clinch a playoff spot today. But the Sabers are so much better than that. They have arguably been the NHL’s best team for nearly four months. They are tied with Tampa Bay for the second-most points in the Eastern Conference with 100. Aided by getting 53 goals from defensemen, the second most in the NHL, the well-rounded Sabers rank seventh in scoring and are 11th defensively. Alex Lyon is projected to start in the net for Buffalo. He is 10-0-1 with a .926 save percentage in his last 11 road games. The Capitals haven't been nearly as consistent as Buffalo and are three points out of a wild-card spot as a result. Washington's three-game winning streak came to a crashing halt with a 7-3 road loss to the Devils two days ago. The Capitals' slipping defense has allowed an average of 4.7 goals per game over their last four games. Take the Sabers.