3 reasons the Buffalo Sabres are a better team (and 3 reasons they aren’t)

Mar 20, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner (53) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner (53) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
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Buffalo Sabres
Mar 20, 2022; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) celebrates his game winning goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Sabres won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

They’re beating playoff contenders

Each game the Sabres have played in this month came against potential playoff teams. And with just 52 points, the Sabres are all but out of the running. But that hasn’t stopped them from pulling off upsets against the likes of the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vegas Golden Knights.

In fact, their tilts against the Maple Leafs weren’t even close, with the Sabres outscoring their division rivals 10-3. And while the win over Vegas was impressive (and satisfying), their two best wins came in the shutout over the Flames and their overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks.

Why? Because these were the games the Sabres had a hard time winning earlier in the year, posting a 3-8 record in overtime between October and February. In March, they’re a perfect 2-0. Not only are wins against playoff contenders evidence the team’s arrow points north, but their ability to win in overtime shows further improvement.