Atlantic Power Ranking: Buffalo Sabres still going strong – Week 12

The Buffalo Sabres lost in a defensive struggle to the Ottawa Senators to close out the week. But they also beat the best team in hockey the day prior. 

Unfortunately, the Buffalo Sabres did not extend their winning streak to seven games, even if they held strong in a defensive struggle. But playing three times in a span of 75 hours isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do, and it’s one reason I wasn’t too put out over last night’s loss.

Despite the ill-fated result against the Ottawa Senators, the Sabres still held strong in the power rankings heading into Week 12. Check them out below.

8 – Montreal Canadiens/15-19-3 (33 points)

Last Week Ranking: 7 

The Canadiens are riding low on a five-game losing streak. During the streak, they have scored just nine goals, and allowed 26. Not a good look for this rebuilding hockey team.

7 – Florida Panthers/16-18-4 (36 points)

Last Week Ranking: 8

Who thought the Panthers woes would have continued into the New Year? Sure, early on, I saw it coming, but in January? This team has a lot of work to do.

6 – Detroit Red Wings/16-12-7 (39 points)

Last Week Ranking: 5

The Yzerman-built Red Wings are looking more and more like the ‘Bunch of guys thrown together in red and white uniforms’ that I spent the entire summer saying they would be. Unless they turn things around quickly, Detroit will be clawing for a wild card spot.

5 – Ottawa Senators/17-17-3 (37 points)

Last Week Ranking: 6

Sure, the Buffalo Sabres saw their six-game winning streak end at Ottawa. But goaltender Anton Forsberg played a huge role in that one, handing one of the league’s highest-scoring teams the L. Despite this, they haven’t been nearly as hot as the Blue and Gold lately.

4 – Buffalo Sabres/18-15-2 (38 points)

Last Week Ranking: 4

The Sabres have seen some stellar play from goaltenders Craig Anderson and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen lately. The duo kept the Blue and Gold in games when their scoring had gone null, and both deserve credit for the winning streak lasting as long as it did.

3 – Toronto Maple Leafs/23-8-6 (52 points)

Last Week Ranking: 2

It was a close call between the Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning, but the Bolts ultimately had the better week, so they get the nod. The Maple Leafs, however, still hold a five-point lead over Tampa in the standings.

2 – Tampa Bay Lightning/23-11-1 (47 points)

Last Week Ranking: 3

Next to the Buffalo Sabres, the Lightning have been the hottest team in the Atlantic Division as of late. They are also chipping away at the Maple Leafs lead over them as the battle for second place continues into 2023.

1 – Boston Bruins/28-4-4 (60 points)

Last Week Ranking: 1

The Bruins have lost more than they won over the past week, including an instant classic against the Sabres. However, until someone in the Atlantic comes close to their increasing points lead, the Bruins might find themselves atop these power rankings for a while.

Overall, the Buffalo Sabres held even this week. And given the sheer strength of the Leafs, Lightning, and Bruins, it would have been hard to justify moving the Blue and Gold up a notch, even had they beaten Ottawa.

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