In this article, I’m going to give you three Atlantic Division teams who could form a new rivalry with the Buffalo Sabres
Every sports team has a hated rival or rivals. As for the Buffalo Sabres, a couple of teams come to mind. Obviously the Toronto Maple Leafs are the ones who come to mind first. Each team is separated by short distance. It’s died down a little, but the Boston Bruins are another rival to Buffalo with their history.
After last season, the Sabres could be having some new (or renewed) rivalries next season and in the future. Ironically enough, they all reside in the Atlantic Division. In this article, we’re going to take a look at three teams in the division who could have some bad blood with Buffalo.
Buffalo Sabres next three rivals
Florida Panthers
First up, the Florida Panthers. The Panthers had a magical run last year, as they went from final wild card spot to representing the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals. Sadly enough for Sabres fans, the final meeting of the season pretty much eliminated Buffalo from the playoffs.
But during the four games these two teams, there were some heated moments. Back in the first game of the year, Matthew Tkachuk made a questionable hit on Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju.
Alex Tuch wanted a piece of Matthew Tkachuk after his hit on Henri Jokiharju. 👀 pic.twitter.com/jj6u1VkIXQ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 15, 2022
During the postgame interview, Tuch pretty much said that’s the kind of player he (Tkachuk) is. Tkachuk would say something along the lines of “We’ll see them again”. It’s the kind of player he is but Tkachuk is a huge reason why I see Sabres/Panthers will be a possible rivalry.
Detroit Red Wings
Up next, the Detroit Red Wings. Buffalo swept Detroit in the four games they played and just like the Panthers, there were some skirmishes. Now I know every game has skirmishes but during their season series, the Red Wings would not go down easy.
Mayhem after a Sabres goal. Larkin going after Skinner for getting Raymond up high, Walman handling Mittelstadt. Seider levelled Tuch earlier in the play. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/wRyQaPeVvZ
— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) April 6, 2023
Ottawa Senators
The final team are the Ottawa Senators. Just like the Panthers, the Senators have their own Tkachuk. Buffalo and Ottawa have a history of being heated. You think of the brawl back in 2007 and the playoff series in 06/07.
What do all three of these teams have in common? They are all young and competitive. With the exception of Florida, the Red Wings and Senators are in a transitioning phase. With that being said, Detroit and Ottawa are teams who are on the up, just like Buffalo.
I definitely see the Buffalo Sabres fighting for playoff contention with these three franchises. And depending on the stakes, it could form some new rivalries.