Buffalo Sabres hold their ground in Week 9 Atlantic Power Ranking
By Sion Fawkes
The Buffalo Sabres may have lost two straight games to close out the week, but they also snagged five points and finished 2-1-1.
The Buffalo Sabres could have seen themselves finish 3-1-0 had it not been for a late-game mishap from forward Jeff Skinner. However, they still walked away with a point that night, even if Skinner’s absence hurt them in Saturday night’s loss to Pittsburgh.
However, the Blue and Gold did well enough to stand evenly in the Atlantic Division Power Rankings. But we also saw a lot of change up here, including a new #1.
Shake up at the top while the Buffalo Sabres hold steady
8. team. 91. . 11-14-2 (24 points). Previous: 8th. Ottawa Senators
The Senators ended the week on the right note with a win. But this is a team that has allowed 11 goals over their past three contests (3.66) per game. Until they get the sticks going, that GAA won’t win them many games.
152. . 13-12-2 (28 points). Previous: 7th. Montreal Canadiens. 7. team
At (-14), the Canadiens have the worst point differential in the Atlantic. With 82 goals on the year, they are also having a hard time finding the back of the net consistently, though 12 goals in their previous three games could start moving the needle north in the category.
Previous: 4th. Florida Panthers. 6. team. 97. . 13-12-4 (30 points)
So far this season, the Panthers have been a letdown. Winners of the Presidents’ Trophy just last year, Florida has lost more games than they have won, including losses in their last two contests.
12. . 12-14-2 (26 points). Previous: 5th. Buffalo Sabres. 5. team
While the Buffalo Sabres dropped their last two, they remain one of the NHL’s top-scoring teams. Their 9-4 thrashing over the Columbus Blue Jackets served as the highlight of the week. Having put the San Jose Sharks to shame as well, the Blue and Gold are quietly showing they can blow out teams they are supposed to beat.
. 13-8-6 (32 points). Previous: 6th. Detroit Red Wings. 4. team. 72
I would have placed the Sabres at #4 this week had they won just one more game. But the honor instead goes to Detroit, despite their two straight losses. However, this team has been struggling, having lost five of their last seven.
. 17-9-1 (35 points). Previous: 2nd. Tampa Bay Lightning. 3. team. 23
The Tampa Bay Lightning have won four of their last five, including victories over the Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Their only blemish? A 4-2 loss to the Red Wings.
Boston Bruins. 2. team. 70. . 22-4-1 (45 points). Previous: 1st
These rankings take recent performances into account. And although the Boston Bruins have recently done nothing wrong, they weren’t the Atlantic Division’s best team. That, unfortunately, belongs to the Buffalo Sabres top rival.
116. . 18-5-6 (42 points). Previous: 3rd. Toronto Maple Leafs. 1. team
Winners of three straight, the Toronto Maple Leafs are 8-0-2 in their last ten. Sure, they may see yet another first round exit a few months from today, but the Leafs, at this point, are the NHL’s best regular season team. And they seem to be getting into midseason form.
Related Story. Sabres: Top 3 bold predictions for Week 9. light
Overall, the Buffalo Sabres could have punched a ticket into the Atlantic’s top four if it wasn’t for the two losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins. But if they start to prove they can power their way through adversity, the Blue and Gold may eventually find themselves in the top half of the division.
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