Buffalo Sabres locked in a tight battle in latest Atlantic Power Rankings
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.
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.
5 – Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a tale of two different teams at home and on the road, where they boast an 8-3-3 record in the former but just a 5-9-2 record in the latter. So far, it’s been clear that Tampa is the fifth-best team in the division, both here and in the standings.
4 – Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are among the highest-scoring teams in the league, and if they keep up that high-octane play, they will be tough to beat. Unless the Wings cool off, opponents must find a way to outscore them.
3 – Florida Panthers
While the Florida Panthers are second in the standings, one surging team in the Atlantic has them beaten in these rankings. If the Panthers can rediscover some consistency, they will also threaten to pass the Boston Bruins in points, especially if the latter also continues to play up and down hockey.
2 – Toronto Maple Leafs
In nine of their last 10 games, the Toronto Maple Leafs have either won or skated away with a point. They are still four away from tying the Bruins, but at their current trajectory, Toronto is proving to the league they are still one of the best and they won’t be underestimated.
1 – Boston Bruins
For over a year, the Boston Bruins have been the undisputed No. 1 team on this list and even in league power rankings. But that could change if they continue to play near-0.500 hockey. However, the Bruins are still pacing the Atlantic and until that changes, Boston will remain at the top.
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While the Buffalo Sabres have vastly improved over the past week, the rest of the Atlantic isn’t slowing down. Therefore, they remain near the bottom of the rankings until they can play consistent hockey week in and week out.
(Information provided by ESPN.com)