Atlantic Division Power Rankings Second Edition: Buffalo Sabres rising?
After an 0-2-0 start, the Buffalo Sabres have won three of their last five. Where did they place in the latest Atlantic Division power rankings?
The Buffalo Sabres looked better across the last week-and-a-half, and last night, they once again showed us that their fun, high-scoring identity was still in there. Tuesday night’s win over the Ottawa Senators was something to build on, even if defensively, they still need to learn how to shut down opponents late.
So did their recent performances move them up in the power rankings, or did they stay even-keel, or even move down a spot? Keep reading to see where the Blue and Gold landed this week, and where some of their most heated rivals are residing in this latest edition of the 2023-24 Atlantic Division Power Rankings.
Are the Buffalo Sabres rising in this week’s power rankings?
8 – Ottawa Senators
Last night, the Sabres earned their third win of the year over the Senators, placing one of the Atlantic’s better scoring teams in the eighth spot. Currently, the Sens are riding a two-game losing streak, but they do have the struggling New York Islanders on the table next.
7 – Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres still have some issues to work out, but after dropping both games in Week 1, they have won three games since. However, things don’t get much easier toward the end of the week with the New Jersey Devils and the Colorado Avalanche coming up next.
6 – Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens rode a two-game winning streak before they lost big to the Devils. As a young hockey team that many aren’t giving much of a chance to, look for Montreal to play like a team with little to lose this season.
5 – Florida Panthers
Florida is the one team on this list we need to be aware of. They won’t get hot until later this season, so if they can play even halfway decent hockey in the early stages, they will be set to make a run a few months from today.
4 – Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning is another team that has struggled with injuries, but they have held their own early. Like Florida, if they can play even 0.500 hockey until their star goaltender returns, then the Bolts should be just fine when the playoff race heats up a few months from today.
3 – Detroit Red Wings
The “Yzerplan” might actually be working here in October, but let’s not openly praise the Detroit Red Wings just yet. It’s still early, and we’ll see if Detroit has an answer when opponents eventually start to figure them out.
2 – Toronto Maple Leafs
Even if the Toronto Maple Leafs are currently third and three points behind Detroit, they have more upside as a team, giving them the early edge. But if the Wings continue to surge, then the Leafs may drop as the early stages of the season progresses.
1 – Boston Bruins
Okay, that’s it: I’m never, ever, ever underestimating the Boston Bruins again. This team has a clear system down and it’s working, so kudos to everyone involved with the organization. Things may eventually even out (I didn’t say will even out), but at this point, the Bruins are on pace to shatter their own regular season record.
Hot. 3 studs (and 2 duds) in Buffalo Sabres win over the Senators. light
Overall, there is still no need to panic if you’re a fan of the Buffalo Sabres. This team still needs to work a few things out, but they have overall played well despite their ill-fated first pair of games. Look for the Blue and Gold to keep finding their rhythm during these final few games in October, and set the stage for a better November, even against some top competition later this week.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)