Are the Buffalo Sabres good enough to make the playoffs in 2023-24?

Mar 21, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) celebrates his goal during the second period against the Nashville Predators at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) celebrates his goal during the second period against the Nashville Predators at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
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The Buffalo Sabres were one point way from making the playoffs. Going into next season, do the Sabres have a team that’s good enough too make the playoffs?

The Buffalo Sabres missed the playoffs for the twelfth consecutive season and currently hold the longest active playoff appearance drought in the NHL. However, last season was the closest they have been to making the postseason in quite some time.

They missed the playoffs by one point and if a few games went in their favor, they would have made it. Now, after making some additions this summer, the team is looking at next season as their season to make the playoffs.

The question: Is the team they have now good enough to come out of the highly competitive Eastern Conference? While the team they have now is better than anything they have had in years, there are a still few questions marks in regards to if they are good enough to make the playoffs.

Buffalo Sabres
Mar 19, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing JJ Peterka (77) makes a pass as Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha (18) defends during the second period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Do the 2023-24 Buffalo Sabres have what it takes to make the playoffs?

Starting with the forward core, the Sabres didn’t make any new major additions to the team. However, they already have a great core group of players who can score and they proved that last season.

The Sabres were the third highest scoring team during the 2022-23 season with a team total of 296 goals. The two teams they trailed were the Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers. This forward group has shown they can score and they can be even more dangerous this upcoming season. A healthier season from Alex Tuch, plus a continuation of growth from Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner and Dylan Cozens can be only positives for the Sabres going into the 2023-24 season.