How will the Buffalo Sabres fare vs. the Atlantic Division in 2023-24? Here is a prediction, plus a brief rundown on how they fared last season.
The Atlantic Division is shaping up to be one of the toughest, if not the toughest division in the NHL for the 2023-24 season. You have the powerhouses and you also have teams who are on the rise and are going to be good soon.
One of those teams on the rise: the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo had a .500 record against the Atlantic last year so I thought I would try and predict how they will do this upcoming season. Enough talk, let’s get started!
Buffalo Sabres vs. the Atlantic Division in 2023-24
Boston Bruins, 2022-2023 record: 1-3-0
Let’s start with the defending Atlantic Division champs. While I still think the Boston Bruins will be a good team, I don’t see them being dominant like they were last year. The Sabres will see the Bruins three times this year and while Boston has always been a thorn in the side of Buffalo, I predict the Sabres to win two out of the three games.
Detroit Red Wings, 2022-2023 record: 4-0
Up next are the Detroit Red Wings. Detroit is going to be a question mark this year. Even with the addition of Alex DeBrincat, I’m not sure if they will be a threat to the Sabres. Just like last year, Buffalo will play Detroit four times.
Unlike last season, I don’t think the Sabres will sweep the Red Wings but I do predict they will win three games.
Florida Panthers, 2022-2023 record: 1-3-0
The Florida Panthers are going to be a very good hockey team. They were the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs last season and went on to represent the East in the Stanley Cup Finals. Florida got the best of Buffalo last year and I think the Panthers will win two of the three games played.
Montreal Canadiens, 2022-2023 record: 1-1-1
Montreal is also a mystery team for me. After having a rough year last season, I think they will be a little bit better. The Buffalo Sabres will see the Habs four times this season and I predict Buffalo to win three of those games.
Ottawa Senators, 2022-2023 record: 2-2-0
Just like the Sabres, the Ottawa Senators are another team on the rise. Whenever Buffalo and Ottawa get together, the games tend to get feisty. They will play four games this year, I predict they will split wins.
Tampa Bay Lightning, 2022-2023 record: 2-1-1
For the first time in a while, the Sabres didn’t lose the season series against the Tampa Bay Lightning last year. Just like the 2022-2023 season, these two teams will face off four times. I think the Sabres will get the better of the Bolts and win three games.
Toronto Maple Leafs, 2022-2023 record: 1-2-0
The final team, Buffalo’s biggest rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs. It’s always fun to see these two teams go at it, no matter how they are doing in the standings.
We are all in for a treat as Buffalo and Toronto will face off four times this year. I predict the Buffalo Sabres will once again win three of those games.
(Statistics and historical data provided by Hockey-Reference)