The Buffalo Sabres exited the NHL All-Star Break with new highs, but a four-game losing streak sends them freefalling in the latest power ranking.
The Buffalo Sabres own the Eastern Conference’s longest current losing streak at four games and they’re second only to the expansion Seattle Kraken, who have lost six straight. In those four games, the Sabres have allowed 19 goals and have scored just seven times.
Their defense remains dysfunctional, especially after two blowout losses to the Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens. And their forwards have seen mishaps given head coach Don Granato’s recent line shuffling. Nothing has gone in the Sabres favor stacking up with the rest of the Atlantic.
Buffalo Sabres last in the Atlantic Division’s power rankings
8 – Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres looked hot coming out of the All-Star break, but four straight losses and constant line shuffling dismantled this team. And things are going to get tougher with a trip to St. Louis.
7 – Montreal Canadiens: While the Sabres cooled down, the Canadiens have grown red hot under interim head coach Martin St. Louis. The Canadiens scored 15 goals in their previous four matchups, including a blowout win over the Sabres and their archrival, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
6 – Ottawa Senators: The Senators were even-keel throughout the month of February, including a respectable performance against the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers before a thrilling win over the Minnesota Wild. The entire month of February has shown growth for this squad.
5 – Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings continue their gradual improvement with a middle-of-the-road ranking. They’ve beaten playoff contenders like the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins, recently, which shows immense growth for a team a short time ago found themselves in rebuilding mode.
4 – Boston Bruins: The Bruins may be getting hot at the right time following a signature win over the Avalanche. However, they’re still struggling against some of the league’s other top teams and are clinging to a wild card spot.
3 – Toronto Maple Leafs: I debated placing the Leafs at Number Two, but their losses to Montreal and Columbus are inexcusable for a team in contention. They opened the week by knocking off the Penguins, and that alone deserves credit. But it’s not enough to place them higher.
2 – Florida Panthers: The Panthers are still pacing the Atlantic points-wise, but they’ve since dropped two straight. To make things more difficult, the bulk of their remaining games will occur on the road.
1 – Tampa Bay Lightning: The Avalanche knocked off the Lightning, but one of the NHL’s hottest teams redeemed themselves with three straight wins. Now 7-2-1 in their last 10 games, things are looking up for three-time Stanley Cup Champions.