January 2023 Prediction: Buffalo Sabres start off hot

Oct 28, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Vinnie Hinostroza (29) and goaltender Craig Anderson (41) celebrate the victory in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Vinnie Hinostroza (29) and goaltender Craig Anderson (41) celebrate the victory in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After a month where the team came back down to Earth, how will the Buffalo Sabres do in the month of January? Keep reading to find out. 

After stumbling a bit in the month of December, the Buffalo Sabres will look to have a better month of January and start 2023 on a good note. What will their January record be like? Let’s find out!

Looking at January, the Sabres will play 14 games. Their opponents: The Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, Minnesota Wild, Seattle Kraken, Winnipeg Jets, Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets, and Minnesota Wild.

The Buffalo Sabres will enjoy a hot start to the year 2023

To start 2023, the Sabres will have two road games. Up first, a meeting with the Senators on New Year’s Day. It will be a competitive game but I got the Sabres starting the New Year off with a win. Buffalo will then head to Washington where they will lose the game but earn a point against the Capitals.

The Sabres will have a few days off until they have a three-game homestand. Minnesota will be coming into town and the Sabres will get another win. Seattle is up next and I see Buffalo winning this one as well. To conclude the homestand, the Sabres will welcome in the Jets. I see Winnipeg winning this one before Buffalo heads to the Music City.

Before having a back-to-back against Florida and Chicago, the Sabres will earn a win against the Predators. For the back-to-back, Buffalo will get a point in a loss against Florida but will rebound with a win against the Blackhawks. After Chicago, the Sabres will play their last two home games of January before heading out onto the road.

The Islanders are first up and Buffalo will take this one. For the last home game of January, the Ducks will take it in overtime or a shootout. Buffalo has a back-to-back against Dallas and St. Louis and unfortunately, I have them losing both games in regulation.

To wrap up the month of January, the Sabres will take on the Wild and Jets. I think they will end the month with 2 victories against both of those teams.

January Record: 8-3-3 (19 points)

Overall Record: 28-15-7 (63 points)

As you can see, I think the Sabres will have a much better month than they did in December. I know some fans look at it and think, “no way”. Which is fine, considering what us fans have seen during the last decade or so.

However, I do think on paper, this team can make a run for a playoff spot. If they can be better than last season and the goaltending is solid, then I think it’s possible the Sabres can be in great shape in 2023.