By STEPHEN WHYNO

Josh Doan found the back of the net, and Colten Ellis, returning to the lineup after a month, showcased his skills with 30 saves as the Buffalo Sabres triumphed over the New York Rangers, 5-2, on Thursday night. This victory marks their 12th win in the past 13 games.

The last time Buffalo achieved such a streak was from November 23 to December 19, 2005. With their 43rd win of the season, the Sabres have now climbed into the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot, marking the latest in the season they’ve been in playoff contention since February 24, 2023, after 57 games.

Despite their status as the NHL team with the longest playoff drought, there are encouraging signs that Buffalo might finally end this streak, which dates back to 2011. Bowen Byram played a pivotal role in setting up Alex Tuch’s goal, while Jason Zucker, returning from a significant absence, scored on a power play in his second game back.

The Sabres demonstrated resilience by maintaining their narrow lead during a challenging third period. Ellis rebounded strongly after conceding an early goal to Vincent Trocheck, stopping the final 12 shots. Mattias Samuelsson added to the team’s momentum with a short-handed goal moments after Peyton Krebs received a double-minor for high-sticking, which left Buffalo short-handed for four minutes.

Ryan McLeod put the game out of reach by scoring an empty-net goal with 1:30 left on the clock.

The Rangers, playing without injured No. 1 goaltender Igor Shesterkin and top defenseman Adam Fox, have lost two in a row and five of seven. Jonathan Quick allowed four goals on 20 shots, and New York lost for the 15th time in 20 home games this season.

Referee Peter MacDougall left midway through after taking a puck to the face and did not return.

UP NEXT

Sabres: Open a five-game homestand Saturday night against Anaheim.

Rangers: Visit the Boston Bruins on Saturday in an Original Six matinee.