The Buffalo Sabres are projected to enjoy a strong season in 2023-24, and so far, the January 2024 projection has been magnificent. Will it continue?
If you have followed my projections for the 2023-24 Buffalo Sabres, you will have noticed that I have them projected to kick things off modestly before they pick up their game starting in December. During the first part of January, Buffalo dominated the projections, snagging a 5-1-0 record.
Does the trend continue during the second half of January 2024? It should, considering the nationally-televised matchup vs. the Chicago Blackhawks. And in the potential Devon Levi vs. Connor Bedard tilt, Levi is taking this one, denying Bedard a game-tying goal in the process and further making his case that he’s deserving of the Calder.
Next, expect yet another hardfought matchup at home vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa and Buffalo will be going back and forth again in 2023-24, much like they did the previous season. And the Bolts take the crown in this one, but it will come in overtime.
Buffalo Sabres can get hot throughout January 2024
Buffalo closes the month on a three-game road trip to California, and just like in 2023, they will take two out of the three contests. A win against the Anaheim Ducks should be a confidence booster as they head into downtown Los Angeles to face the Kings.
However, like last season, Buffalo stalls vs. LA, and fatigue from the back-to-back will further compound matters. Luckily for the Blue and Gold, they close out the month against the San Jose Sharks three days later, giving them enough rest time to recover and ultimately defeat the Teal and Black.
Sitting five months outside January 2024, I’m seeing a dominant Buffalo Sabres team in foresight. Now the question remains: Do I see this team keeping up their winning ways in February, March, and the first half of April? If so, then we should be looking forward to a potential playoff berth.
- Record in January 2024: 8-2-1
- Overall Record: 29-16-4 (62 points)