Atlantic Division Power Rankings Week 5: Buffalo Sabres finally climbing
The Buffalo Sabres are coming off of a strong last few games, and they are finally climbing in the Week 5 Atlantic Division Power Rankings. But how far?
The Buffalo Sabres are finally starting to click offensively, even if they are still struggling through some difficult outings. They were remarkable in their big win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, before a couple of well-timed plays put them on the board against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Their efforts, and the stagnation of a few teams in the Atlantic Division, have at least bumped them up a rung, but they still have work to do if they plan on catching the top three teams within the next week. So where did the Blue and Gold ultimately end up in the Atlantic Power Rankings, and who stands ahead of them as of Week 5?
Keep reading to find out where the Sabres stand, and whether they have a chance to soar even higher in the coming week.
Buffalo Sabres gain steam in Week 5 Atlantic Power Rankings
8 – Montreal Canadiens
Thought this might happen as the season hit full stride, as the Montreal Canadiens are starting to show their overall inexperience. While two of those four losses have been narrow, the Habs have been outscored 11-6 in their previous two meetings.
7 – Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are still last in the Atlantic with 10 points, but they are 0.500 in their previous 10 games, so things may be finally looking up. Their recent win was a convincing 6-3 outing over the Toronto Maple Leafs. And speaking of which…
6 – Toronto Maple Leafs
Until the Maple Leafs fix their defensive issues, they will continue to drop in these rankings. After our Buffalo Sabres handled them in what was a 6-4 loss, Toronto has allowed 11 goals, They have also dropped five of their last six, so these issues may be nearing no end.
5 – Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres are still inconsistent in just about every phase of the game, like the power play, but they managed to catch a point in a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. If Buffalo can stop overthinking things offensively, then they will be winning games left and right.
4 – Detroit Red Wings
Like the Sabres, the Detroit Red Wings seem to be one of those teams who will either dominate their opponents, or they will put up a terrible performance. They managed an improbable 5-4 win over the Boston Bruins recently, but that came after the Florida Panthers shut them out in the matchup prior.
3 – Florida Panthers
Florida is one of three teams in the Atlantic that seemingly had the odds stacked against them and are defying them. They have 15 points so far and a 7-4-1 record, and if this keeps up, it’s shuddering to think of what they will do when fully healthy.
2 – Tampa Bay Lightning
Like Florida, the Tampa Bay Lightning also seemed to have the odds stacked against them but have responded well, with 16 points and a 6-3-4 record. Had Toronto not come back and stolen one from them, Tampa would be over a game ahead of everyone else for second place in the division.
1 – Boston Bruins
There are just two blemishes on an otherwise perfect season for the Boston Bruins, who for going on two years now have shown us they don’t care how many injuries or retirements they have. This team is going to play their opponents hard and almost always emerge as the victor.
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Overall, the Buffalo Sabres continue their slow climb north, and they can even break into the top half with a solid back-to-back and if the Red Wings keep stagnating. We will know more about where they stand this coming Sunday following their outing in Pittsburgh.
(Information provided by ESPN.com)