Buffalo Sabres sweep the Toronto Maple Leafs, finish ahead of Ottawa, Detroit
It is not an exaggeration to say that the Buffalo Sabres have owned their cross-border rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Even during their worst seasons, the Sabres play the Leafs perhaps harder than any other team on their schedule.
This year, they only play Toronto three times, and I am expecting them to pick up right where they left off in March and April 2022, when they outscored the Leafs 15-5 and won three straight contests against them. The Sabres have dominated the overall series against Toronto since 1970, and regardless of how good Toronto gets, the Sabres will remain a thorn in their sides.
Since July, I’ve projected the Sabres to finish ahead of the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators, even if no one else is. While the Sabres went the conservative route in building this team, Detroit and Ottawa spent big money, which can result in a high reward, but it also poses a major risk.
I’m leaning toward the costs outweighing the benefits here. One reason is that it will take time for Detroit and Ottawa, especially Detroit, to build chemistry. And this is something the Sabres already have. Expect both teams to have their moments in 2022-23, but you can also look for them to struggle as they try to mesh as a team.
The Sabres hold a massive advantage here. Even if the NHL universe thinks otherwise.