The Buffalo Sabres can almost taste the postseason. They are looking towards the playoff hockey for the first time in over a decade. Now though, each phase for the remainder of the season will be important for them as they inch ever closer to the playoffs.
They now have a West Coast swing, which includes four games away from the cold and rain of Western New York. They play at Las Vegas, San Jose, Los Angeles and Anaheim. As they play on this week, the play on the ice will be important for them this week in a few different ways.
Buffalo must continue to stack points while chasing Atlantic Division title
It is true the Sabres are close to the postseason and the odds are in their favor. For the organization and fanbase, however, officially clinching a berth and finally getting in is important for everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.
Outside of getting in, the Sabres will also be looking at seeding and if they can actually win the division for the first time since 2010. The team has to be considering the ideal matchup for the first round to make sure they are not just happy to be there, too.
Buffalo currently leads the Atlantic Division by four points over the Tampa Bay Lightning, though Tampa has two games in hand.
The Sabres must get used to travel and playing in hostile environments for the playoffs
With the Stanley Cup Playoffs tournament ever close, the Sabres will also be looking to gear up. Having four games on the West Coast will also give the young roster a chance to look at competitive hockey and experiences playing in pressure games as all four teams they are facing off against are fighting to get in just like the Sabres.
Every opportunity to test themselves against desperate opponents on the road will help the roster gain key experience in those pressure-packed situations.
Lindy Ruff can use these games to determine the playoff lineup and goalie rotation
The Sabres still may have some questions about the lineup, and who will be in and out of the rotation as injury issues and newer players from trades are adding some questions on the roster. Luckily the head coach has prior experience coaching in the playoffs.
Despite the success of the season, there are still questions for Ruff about the playoffs and what the Sabres will do between the pipes. Will they go with the three-goalie rotation? Or is it time to make a decision who will backup Alex Lyon?
The Sabres could start both Colten Ellis and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for a game during the next week to determine who will be the best choice for the playoffs, though UPL is the heavy favorite.
The Sabres can begin to answer these questions as they start up the road trip against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday.