The Buffalo Sabres enter the 2023-24 season with a higher set of expectations than they have had in a long time. But major questions still linger.
Question marks exist for even the NHL’s best teams for the upcoming 2023-24 season, and the Buffalo Sabres are no different. Despite a few key issues, they are on the right track to finally break their playoff drought, having finished close to bursting through the threshold last season and having done the wise thing in adding and retaining just enough talent that should catapult them into the postseason.
There is no question that the Sabres will be a better team in 2023-24. But nonetheless, heading into the season, there are still a few mysteries to discuss that they will hopefully solve in a good way. Let’s explore them.
3 questions still facing the Buffalo Sabres
1 – Can the goaltending hold?
Arguably the most burning question on everyone’s mind: Can the Buffalo Sabres goaltenders, with their limited experience, stay consistent all season? My answer is simple: If the Sabres forwards play better defense, and the improved defensive rotation does its job, the goaltenders, though inexperienced at the NHL level, have a chance.
A couple days ago, I graded and gave the group of Devon Levi, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and potentially Eric Comrie if he sticks with the organization (even if in Rochester), a D+. Not because I don’t believe they can handle the job, but it’s more of a case they either a) have never played a full season, or b) had pedestrian production (at best) last year. But don’t believe for a single second this is reflective of what the duo (or trio) can do.
2 – How will the Sabres replace Jack Quinn?
Ask 100 different Sabres writers and podcasters this question and you will probably get 100 different takes. For one, the Sabres aren’t necessarily “replacing” Jack Quinn, but they need someone to fill in for up to a half-season.
It was a question I explored when Quinn’s injury first occurred, and I stated Casey Mittelstadt is the frontrunner. But this didn’t mean a high-end prospect won’t come in and do the work, and I also wouldn’t count out a rotation of players. I’m still expecting Mittelstadt, but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Jiri Kulich, for example, ended up with the job.
3 – What will it take for the Sabres to break into the playoffs?
Easily the most burning question on this list: The Buffalo Sabres need to be consistent and avoid slumps if they want to play hockey beyond the first half of April. Most of November 2022 and March 2023 crushed the Sabres hopes, but if there was any upside, they were rather consistent when you take the first three weeks of those two months out of the equation.
Between November 2nd and November 19th, Buffalo finished 1-8-0. They also finished 2-7-2 between March 2nd and March 21st, good for an abysmal combined 3-15-2 record and eight points. Had the Blue and Gold been even halfway decent in those two months, with all other results being equal, this question would be, ‘What will it take for the Sabres to return to the playoffs?’ Maybe next year, I can finally ask that question.
Source: Answering key NHL Atlantic Division questions: Can a new team make a playoff push? by The Athletic Staff, The Athletic