How did the Buffalo Sabres fare against each playoff team?
By Zach Jezioro
The Buffalo Sabres may have missed out on the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but they played relatively well against many teams that made the postseason.
They are here! The Stanley Cup playoffs began last night and there are some pretty good matchups. And although the Buffalo Sabres just missed out, the playoffs are still worth tuning into. In this article, I’m going to give you my first round predictions and how the Blue and Gold did against each team.
New York Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes: Our first matchup is the New York Islanders taking on the Carolina Hurricanes. The Sabres have seen both of these teams three times, where Buffalo went 1-2 against Carolina and 2-1 against the Islanders. Buffalo is no stranger to the Islanders as these two teams were battling each for a wild card spot.
I think it will be an interesting series to watch but when all is set and done, I think Carolina wins this series. 4-2 Carolina.
Florida Panthers vs. Boston Bruins: Up next, the Presidents’ Trophy winners will face another team the Sabres were fighting for a Wild Card spot. Buffalo has seen both of these teams four times and have the same record against them, 1-3.
As good as the Panthers are, I think the Bruins have this one. The games will be close but at the end of the day, Boston will continue their historic season. 4-1 Boston.
Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars: Transitioning into the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild be taking on the Dallas Stars. This could be an interesting series and could very well go to six or seven games. The Sabres went 1-0-1 against the Wild and 1-1 against Dallas.
The Stars won the Central Division and I have them winning this series, but it will be a very hard fought matchup. 4-2 Dallas.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers: Oh baby this one will be fun to watch. Buffalo went 1-1 against these two powerhouses and it’s going to be a very entertaining matchup. In fact, I think this will be the best first round matchup.
Just like the Minnesota/Dallas start, I think it will be another hard fought series. 4-3 Edmonton.
Playoff predictions, and how the Buffalo Sabres fared vs. each team
New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils: After Day One of the playoffs, Day Two has a couple of epic matchups. This one is the one to watch in the Eastern Conference. In the regular season, the Sabres saw both of these two franchises three times. They went 2-0-1 against the Rangers and 1-2 against the Devils.
I had a very hard time deciding who will win this one but after some back and forth, I got the Rangers advancing. 4-3 New York.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: These two teams will see each other once again after facing off in the postseason last year. Buffalo saw the Maple Leafs three times where they went 1-2 against Toronto and saw the Lightning four times where they went 2-1-1.
At first, I had the Lightning winning this. However, and as much as I hate to say it, I think Toronto finally wins a series. But I hope I’m wrong. 4-2 Toronto.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Vegas Golden Knights: The Pacific Division champs Vegas Golden Knights will be facing off against the Winnipeg Jets. It will be the first time Jack Eichel will be in the postseason, the Sabres went 1-1 against both teams.
I have the Golden Knights winning this matchup. 4-2 Vegas.
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Seattle Kraken vs. Colorado Avalanche: Our last matchup is the defending Stanley Cup champions Colorado Avalanche taking on the second year franchise Seattle Kraken in their first ever Stanley Cup playoffs appearance. Buffalo went 0-2 in their season series against the Kraken and 1-1 against Colorado.
When the dust settles, I have the Avalanche moving onto the second round. 4-1 Colorado.