Tampa Bay Lightning: (2-1-1)
Yes, the Buffalo Sabres won a season series against the Tampa Bay Lightning! Just like the Bruins, Tampa Bay has been a thorn in the side of the Sabres. Even in the losses to Tampa this season, Buffalo showed fight. After the Lightning took the first two games, Buffalo got two victories of their own, and it has to be a huge confidence booster for them.
Florida Panthers: (1-3-0)
One of the teams Buffalo was battling for a postseason spot was the Florida Panthers. Unfortunately, the last loss to Florida was the nail in the coffin for Buffalo. The Panthers are a better team, which was expected before the season started, and they also won the President’s Trophy last year.
Ottawa Senators: (2-2-0)
The Buffalo Sabres and the Ottawa Senators were viewed in the same tier as young teams who will be tough to play against and are close to becoming a threat soon. Ironically enough, both of these teams won at home. It’s also ironic that the Sabres first and last home against was against the Senators, with the final game standing out the most as it was Craig Anderson’s final NHL game against the team he used to play for.