How the Buffalo Sabres did against Atlantic Division in 2022-23
It’s not easy playing in what could be the best division in hockey. But in many cases, the Buffalo Sabres more than held their own.
The Atlantic Division is arguably the toughest division in the NHL. Three teams are powerhouses and the rest are tough to play against. As for the Buffalo Sabres, they were the youngest team in the league, so playing in a really tough division sounds rough.
In this article, I thought I would breakdown how the Sabres fared against each team in the division. Once I break down each team, I will combine all of the records and see how they did in total. Let’s get started!
How did the Buffalo Sabres fare against each team in Atlantic?
Boston Bruins: (1-3-0)
Let’s be honest, the Boston Bruins pretty much beat up on everyone in the regular season. I know things fell apart for them in the postseason, but as for the Sabres, it was a rough go as expected.
Boston has had Buffalo’s number during the last few years, and even though it was nice to see the Blue and Gold win once, the rest of the season didn’t go so well. Other than two games that were blowouts, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Sabres only had one win.
Toronto Maple Leafs: (1-2-0)
No matter how rough the Sabres season was going, games against the Toronto Maple Leafs always brought the fire out of Buffalo. Well this season, it was a different story. Toronto got the better of the Sabres this season, including two tough losses.
They were able to get a win against the Leafs in Toronto. And even though they didn’t do so well, it was nice to see Buffalo not get swept against their rival.
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.
Detroit Red Wings: (4-0-0)
The Buffalo Sabres swept the Detroit Red Wings during the 2022-23 season. Two of those games were domination wins and the other two were in the shootout. Just like the Senators, Detroit was viewed as a young team who could make a run but they seemed to take a step back.
Montreal Canadiens: (1-1-1)
Lastly, the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal was projected to be a team rebuilding and despite having a .500 record against the Habs, it seems like the Sabres should have two or three wins against them this season. I think everyone thinks about the last game of the season between the two teams when the Sabres were fighting for a playoff spot and Montreal was pretty much eliminated. Buffalo would lose to the Canadiens in the shootout.
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Overall division record: 12-12-2
Despite some of the results, Buffalo posted a .500 record against teams in the Atlantic Division. I view this as an improvement and depending on if the Sabres improve in the offseason, they could have more wins and less losses next season.
(Historical data provided by Hockey-Reference)