The Buffalo Sabres drastically improved their status in the Atlantic Division throughout March 2022. Now that March is in the books, the Sabres will seek to maintain their current ranking.
The Buffalo Sabres lost three out of their last four. But those three losses came in overtime against playoff contenders. And things don’t get any easier for the Sabres come April, where they will face eight more playoff contenders in the first half of the month.
But if they play like they did in March 2022, they may be able to hold onto their latest ranking. Which, given the position they were in just five weeks ago, would be quite an accomplishment.
Buffalo Sabres climb in Atlantic Division power rankings – April 1st, 2022
8 – Detroit Red Wings
This Red Wings once again find themselves in the basement following a debilitating 11-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In their last four games, opponents outscored Detroit 24-9.
7 – Montreal Canadiens
After a stellar stint in late-February and early-March, the Canadiens crash-landed. They lost five of their last six, with a looming date with the Tampa Bay Lightning coming up.
6 – Ottawa Senators
The Senators, like the Sabres, faced a multitude of playoff contenders recently and they played admirably against the Florida Panthers. They have no excuses when they march into Detroit to kick off April against the Red Wings.
5 – Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres took six out of their lasts seven opponents into overtime to entertain fans with a half-dozen thrillers. Ironically, their most thrilling win came in regulation against the Chicago Blackhawks.
4 – Tampa Bay Lightning
Winners of their last three, the Lightning seem to be back on track. Their signature win of the week came against the Carolina Hurricanes in a 4-3 overtime thriller.
3 – Boston Bruins
The Bruins would rank second in this week’s power ranking had they not fallen 6-4 to the Toronto Maple Leafs. But an 8-1 win over the New Jersey Devils shows the loss was a mere bump in the road.
2 – Florida Panthers
The Panthers still lead the Atlantic, but most of their recent wins came against inferior talent. At the same time, Florida also struggled against playoff contenders.
1 – Toronto Maple Leafs
Last week’s loss to the Canadiens fueled the Maple Leafs. In their last three games, Toronto scored 17 goals in wins over the Panthers, Lightning, and Winnipeg Jets.
As you can see, the Sabres have worked their way up to #5 in the Atlantic Division power rankings as of April 1st, 2022. Just like March, their upcoming slate of games against the NHL’s best will test them.
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While it’s impossible for this team to climb any higher this season, a successful month will let them maintain their ranking. And it will give them plenty of momentum heading into the offseason.