Buffalo Sabres locked in a tight battle in latest Atlantic Power Rankings

Dec 11, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Peyton Krebs (19) celebrates his goal with defenseman Henri Jokiharju (10) during the second period against the Arizona Coyotes at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Peyton Krebs (19) celebrates his goal with defenseman Henri Jokiharju (10) during the second period against the Arizona Coyotes at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
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The Buffalo Sabres are tied with the third-lowest points total in the Eastern Conference and second-lowest in the Atlantic Division.

The Buffalo Sabres have finally shown us some consistency, but the Atlantic Division is arguably the most consistent in the NHL. Therefore, while they would rise if placed in other divisions, the Sabres once again aren’t faring so well in these power rankings.

But if they can go into their upcoming road trip and even return home with a 0.500 points percentage, it could be a major boost for them in next week’s rankings. The only issue? It also may not be the case if the rest of the Atlantic continues to play sound hockey.

Don’t expect the Sabres to rank highly on today’s list, but it still shouldn’t take away from what they have accomplished over the past seven days.

Dec 12, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Travis Hamonic (23) battles with Carolina Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi (82) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Travis Hamonic (23) battles with Carolina Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi (82) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Sabres locked in a battle in the latest Atlantic Division Power Rankings

8 – Ottawa Senators

With just 23 games played, it’s tough to find a place for the Ottawa Senators in these rankings, but given their loss to the Buffalo Sabres earlier in the season and the fact they are earning just under a point per game puts them in last place. However, this could change if the Senators string together even a two-game winning streak.

7 – Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres were just a shootout loss away from garnering what would be a three-game winning streak heading into their upcoming road trip. Regardless, a convincing win at home vs. the upstart Arizona Coyotes gives them momentum as they travel out west.

6 – Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens shootout win over the Sabres puts them one notch above the Blue and Gold, and they continue to hang in there despite their youth. Montreal has surprised many this season, and now that we are 10 weeks into it, they are showing no signs of slowing down.