Buffalo Sabres rise in the Atlantic Division power rankings

Mar 2, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson (41) celebrates the win with center Peyton Krebs (19) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson (41) celebrates the win with center Peyton Krebs (19) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Following their big win on Wednesday night, the Buffalo Sabres moved up one spot in the Atlantic Division’s power rankings.

Sure, the Buffalo Sabres won just one of their previous seven contests. But given a budding losing streak from another team in the Atlantic Division, the Sabres, at least for a week, aren’t residing in the basement.

Where do the Sabres stand and how does the rest of the Atlantic Division stack up? Keep reading for the rundown.

Buffalo Sabres move up in the power ranking

8 – Ottawa Senators

The Senators have had a hard time scoring goals lately, averaging just 2.17 in February. Further, in their previous three outings, the Senators scored just three goals while allowing 10. They could be in for a downward spiral if the trend continues in March.

7 – Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres allowed 20-plus goals over their six-game losing streak and appeared to be inept in every facet of the game. But a 5-1 thrashing over the Maple Leafs showed that, when they display effort, the Sabres can hang with anyone in the NHL. The week prior, they had a strong showing against the St. Louis Blues.

6 – Montreal Canadiens

When you’ve won as few games as the Canadiens, you’re never the hottest team in hockey. But their five-game winning streak keeps them two spaces out of the cellar. While the streak snapped in a loss to the Winnipeg Jets, the team has shown vast improvement under Martin St. Louis.

5 – Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings remain mathematically in contention, but they need to fix their defensive woes. Allowing 18 goals in their previous three games, including 10 to the Maple Leafs, will not cut it for the Red Wings. If the trend continues, they will be watching the playoffs.

4 – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs showed they can score lately, displayed during their 10-7 win over the Detroit Red Wings. So why did they drop to #4? Besides their embarrassing loss to the Sabres, the Maple Leafs have had a hard time stopping anyone, allowing 15 goals in their previous three games.

3 – Florida Panthers

The Panthers lost three of their last six games before enjoying a shutout win against the Senators. Even more alarming? The Panthers were among the best teams on home ice this season before they dropped three straight to Nashville, Columbus, and Edmonton.

2 – Boston Bruins

The Bruins may be third in the Atlantic points-wise, but they won six out of their last seven contests, including a thrashing of the Los Angeles Kings in a 7-0 rout. Some teams peak at the right time, and the Bruins are showing signs they’re that team.

1 – Tampa Bay Lightning 

Speaking of teams who know when to peak, no one does it better than the Lightning. Before a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, they put up 23 goals in five straight wins. After another week, they have closed the gap on the division-leading Panthers.