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.