The Buffalo Sabres are seeing a few more struggles in April 2022 than they had seen in March and as a result, they lost spots in the latest power ranking.
The Buffalo Sabres suffered two blowout losses in the past week. But unlike those blowouts they sustained in February and even in March, the team at least looked alive.
Against the St. Louis Blues, they won the face-off battle and outshot one of the Western Conference’s better teams. They also had several scoring opportunities against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They just didn’t convert.
But it’s progress. Unfortunately, some of the Atlantic Division’s other bottom-dwellers fared better in the past week. And that dropped the Sabres down a rung or two.
Buffalo Sabres fall in the latest Atlantic Division power ranking
8. Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens lost seven of their last nine, with their latest loss coming in blowout fashion to the Columbus Blue Jackets. It’s all but a foregone conclusion the Habs will finish in the Atlantic Division’s basement.
7. Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings played better hockey lately, pulling off a 3-0 stunner over the Carolina Hurricanes. However, losses to non-playoff contenders keeps them from rising higher than seventh.
6. Buffalo Sabres
The highlight of the week saw Owen Power‘s debut. So far, Power has one point, two blocks, one hit, and four takeaways. While he’s far from a finished product, Sabres fans can rejoice at the flashes he’s showing early.
5. Ottawa Senators
The Senators are 5-4-1 in their last ten games, with three wins coming against the Red Wings. However, the big test looms this Saturday when they face off with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
4. Boston Bruins
The once-hot Bruins since cooled down in recent weeks. And losses to the Red Wings and Senators are not helping this team, although they will most likely extend their season into May.
3. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning looked like a team at crossroads before a 5-0 shutout win over the Sabres. And in recent history, no other NHL team peaks quite like Tampa Bay.
2. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs are among the NHL’s hottest teams, although they – to our satisfaction – cannot exorcise their Sabre demons. Either way, wins over the Washington Capitals and Lightning, coupled with a narrow loss to the Florida Panthers show us how good this team is.
1. Florida Panthers
The Panthers won eight straight contests, two of which came against the Sabres. Can anyone stop this team?
The Sabres have two weeks to improve their ranking. They cannot mathematically move beyond fifth place. But fifth is a much better position than where most NHL pundits projected them to finish in the preseason.