The Buffalo Sabres wanted to start out so well against rookie goalie MacKenzie Shapski. In fact they got a goal last night just fourteen seconds into the game. Unfortunately for the Buffalo Sabres, that would be the offensive highlight of the night for them.
Shapski could have easily been rattled after the Buffalo Sabres got under his skin early, but the Sabres backed off and took their foot off the gas, only to be overrun by the New York Rangers. That keeps the Buffalo Sabres at 38 points, and holder of the worst record in the National Hockey League for those of you who are still trying to keep track.
Here are the bottom of the standings and the NHL Draft Lottery odds.
Taking a turn on the NHL simulator for the day, the first overall draft pick in the 2015 NHL Entry draft if the draft lottery were to be held today, is the Carolina Hurricanes, who would jump from the number four overall pick to the number one pick, and pushing the Buffalo Sabres to the second overall pick in the draft.
The Buffalo Sabres have little to fear when it comes to holding down the last spot in the league. If they win out, their 23 remaining games, they would jump up as high as 84 points, that is if they win out. That means the magic number for the Buffalo Sabres to officially be eliminated from the playoffs is somewhere around 19, or however many points the fil wild card spot could pick up to get over the Buffalo Sabres far enough that even winning out wouldn’t help.
I don’t think you have to worry about winning out, seeing as the Buffalo Sabres are only collecting points in the standings at a rate of about 32%, meaning they can realistically expect, if they continue on their current pace to end the season with about 53 points, still one point better than last year, but with the ability to possibly be worse.
The Buffalo Sabres are off today, having played on back to back nights with the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. They are back in action tomorrow night. There is plenty of hockey on all day however, as games start at 12:30 with the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals, and nine games later the day closes with the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks playing at Levi Stadium.
New York Islanders @ Washington Capitals
Possible first or second round playoff matchup. The games are going to start to get more interesting as teams take shape for the post season run.
Nashville Predators vs Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers are looking to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, while the Nashville Predators are in town the night before taking on the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center.
Columbus Blue Jackets @ Montreal Canadiens
The deadline is approaching and teams like Columbus have a tough call to make. The Canadiens however need to start looking at the deadline and what they can do to make the roster even stronger for a deep playoff run.
Winnipeg Jets @ Toronto Maple Leafs
Have the Jets done enough? How much more can the Leafs undo?
Florida Panthers @ Ottawa Senators
Another bubble game with playoffs implications as two teams on the outside desperately seeking in.
Carolina Hurricanes @ New Jersey Devils
Chances here are just as slim, but ditto from the above game.
Anaheim Ducks @ Edmonton Oilers
One word here, upset. Go ahead and take the night off Ducks, you have enough points.
Pittsburgh Penguins @ St. Louis Blues
Your realistically looking at what could be a Stanley Cup Finals matchup, but neither team will likely make it that far.
Detroit Red Wings @ Dallas Stars
If you stopped rooting for Jhonas Enroth, don’t. His success equals a bigger gain for the Buffalo Sabres.
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Arizona Coyotes
Tampa Bay, reference the Ducks above, feel free to take the night off.
Los Angeles Kings @ San Jose Sharks
A huge game with playoff implications on one of the biggest stages in the world, the outdoor hockey games. Nothing will ever compare to that first year at the Ralph, and despite getting stale for the fans on a national scale, the NHL continues to push its slate of out door games.
Next: Ryan O'Reilly To The Buffalo Sabres Possible
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