As of Saturday morning, the Buffalo Sabres are 5-2-0 in January 2024, and are looking to win their sixth this month if they can play a clean game vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning. If they do, the Blue and Gold will put themselves in a prime position to move up in the Atlantic Division Power Rankings, but right now, they aren’t looking too good when stacked against their peers.
So where did the Sabres end up this week, and why hasn’t their recent record nudged them higher in these rankings? Keep reading to find out where Buffalo landed, and why they are still behind most of the division in Week 15.
Did the Buffalo Sabres move up in the Atlantic in Week 15?
8 - Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators have won two of their last three, but a looming matchup with the Winnipeg Jets could stifle their momentum. Their one loss in those three contests came against the mighty Colorado Avalanche, so the Senators still have their work cut out for them.
7 - Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres may have outscored opponents 11-4 in their last four games, but their strength of schedule was also weaker, dropping them down to seventh. If they can keep winning consistently throughout the rest of January, we may see them break into the top-five.
6 - Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens remain one point ahead of the Sabres after pulling off some stunning upsets, and it’s why they are now sixth in the power rankings. However, a 6-2 loss to Ottawa the other night shows us that this team still has major consistency issues.