The 2018-19 NHL season has started off fantastically for the Buffalo Sabres. Through 20 games, the Buffalo Sabres are in third place in the Atlantic Division and 5th in the overall league standings. The Sabres now have 26 points through 20 points. The Sabres have had 26 points through 20 games 7 times and have made the playoffs in each of those seasons.
The Sabres have been led by their newly anointed captain Jack Eichel and 2 new acquisitions.
On defense, 2018 first overall draft pick Rasmus Dahlin has played up to his expectations. Dahlin leads rookie defensemen with 10 points (tied with Dennis Cholowski of Detroit), even strength goals, plus/minus, and in point shares. Dahlin has also assumed the role of top defenseman on the power play. And to top it off, Rasmus Dahlin is the youngest defenseman NHL.
Another comeback win last night.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) November 18, 2018
Mood. pic.twitter.com/j3knHR2xh8
On offense, Jeff Skinner has quickly become the top acquisition of the Jason Botterill era. Skinner’s 14 goals are good for 2nd best in the NHL behind David Pastrnak of Boston. We’ll break down Skinner’s great start in a bit.
The Buffalo Sabres have had numerous top level goal scorers throughout the organization’s history, many of whom did not make this list. Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, Alexander Mogilny, Dale Hawerchuk, and Pierre Turgeon did not crack the list of best starts to a season.
Therefore, with the Buffalo Sabres off to their best start in almost a decade and Jeff Skinner scoring goals at a top rate, let’s take a look at the 4 best starts to a season in Buffalo Sabres franchise history.