Atlantic Division Power Rankings: Buffalo Sabres tank after Week 8
The Buffalo Sabres can’t give themselves a break, having dropped three straight contests after initially looking as though they would enjoy a good week.
The Buffalo Sabres have a major issue in allowing multiple goals within minutes, and sometimes seconds, of one another. If they plan on returning to the win column, it’s something they need to address in Week 9.
This wasn’t the case when they opened the week against the New York Rangers, but it occurred in their three subsequent games. So once again, right when it looked like the Sabres were turning the corner, they disappointed their fan base, and it’s why they reside at the bottom of the Atlantic Division power rankings following Week 8.
Buffalo Sabres tank again following their uninspiring performance in Week 8
8 – Buffalo Sabres
Disappointment has been the theme of the Buffalo Sabres 2023-24 season, and there is no viable answer as to when it will end. But with so many injuries at the moment, don’t expect anything different this week unless someone steps up and makes a conscientious effort to prevent another meltdown.
7 – Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens are right down there with the Sabres in terms of age, and it shows at times. That was the case in two of their last three games, when they allowed 10 points in losses to the Florida Panthers and the Detroit Red Wings.
6 – Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators have played in just 19 games this season, and it’s the only reason they’re in eighth place in the standings. However, they have fared much better than the Sabres in their last 10 games, and that trend could continue in Week 9.
5 – Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning ended their four-game losing streak in a convincing fashion with a 4-0 shutout win over the Dallas Stars. They lost those aforementioned four games by multiple goals, so the solace is that the Sabres aren’t the only team in the Atlantic with some issues. The difference? Tampa has been more consistent and they have won more games.
4 – Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been on a roll lately, winning six of their last 10 contests, and losing three of those games by just one goal apiece (two losses in overtime). If this team steps up their overall performance by just one more rung, they could go on a tear before the calendar year ends.
3 – Florida Panthers
Following their shutout loss to the Winnipeg Jets, the Florida Panthers have either made statement wins, or they suffered from narrow losses. If they keep up the consistency and if the Boston Bruins struggle through one more rough stretch, then Florida will have a chance to overtake them in the standings.
2 – Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are getting hot just the 2023-24 season is entering the early playoff race. If they can sustain this success, then the Wings will enter the 2024 postseason as one of the Atlantic Division’s top three teams.
1 – Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins had one rough stretch, but in Week 8 they predictably got back on track. Until they suffer through multiple losing streaks and one of the top teams in the Atlantic Division gets close to overtaking them, there is no way they will drop in these power rankings.
Overall, the Buffalo Sabres have more than some ground to make up, so perhaps Week 9 will be a different tale. But their overall lack of consistency through the first quarter of the season is setting the stage for yet another long and disappointing year.
Buffalo Sabres top key to victory in Week 9: Play all 60 minutes. light. Must Read
Throughout the Sabres NHL-record playoff drought, 2023-24 may be the most disheartening, as it was the season this team was supposed to break through to the playoffs. Not that they can’t turn this around, but as it stands, they look like one of the worst units in the league.
(Information provided by ESPN.com)