Buffalo Sabres 75 Bold Predictions for 2023-24: Prediction 37

We are halfway through our 75 In 75 Series, meaning we are under 40 days from the puck dropping to kick off the Buffalo Sabres season.

We are ending the first half of the 75 in 75 Series with a bold prediction for the Buffalo Sabres at the halfway point of the 2023-24 season. Expectations for the Blue and Gold are much higher this year and they won’t disappoint us through the first half of the season, even if I have them playing so-so hockey early in my season predictions.

But, Buffalo gets it together and they finish their first 41 games sitting in the Top 3 of the Atlantic Division alongside the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning. It will also set the stage for what should be one competitive second half of the season. Therefore, just because the Sabres are sitting in a projected third, they will by no means be safely entrenched into earning a playoff berth.

Buffalo Sabres could find themselves as a Top 3 team come January 2024

If and when the Sabres find themselves in the Top 3, they will need to watch out for the Florida Panthers. Florida will be healthy and will have found their groove as the season passes its halfway point.

The Boston Bruins won’t be anywhere near as strong as they were last season. But their defense and goaltending will keep them competitive. The Ottawa Senators will also be a better hockey team, and the Detroit Red Wings will at least look good offensively, even if their defense and goaltending is nothing special.

It would be great to see Prediction #37 come to life. However, everyone in and associated with the organization must realize that they have only fought half the battle.

Earning a Top 3 spot in the Atlantic Division will be an incredible feat for the Buffalo Sabres. But sticking around the Top 3 come playoff time will guarantee an end to this drought that has gone on for far too long.