Since last playing each other on December 31st 2018, the New York Islanders and the Buffalo Sabres have gone in opposite direction in the NHL standings.
For the New York Islanders they’ve gone 12-3-2 for 26 points of a possible 34 points. That has the Islanders at the top of the Metropolitan Division with a five point cushion.
For the Buffalo Sabres, they’ve gone a dismal 6-8-1 for 13 points from a possible 30. That type of form obviously finds them on the outside of the playoffs picture (by four points).
The Sabres needed a win to keep their playoff hopes going.