1 - Boston Bruins
So much for potential turbulence in Boston, as the Bruins have won three straight and are 6-1-3 in their last 10. No, Boston is nowhere near what they were during the 2022-23 regular season, but they are leading the Eastern Conference with 63 points.
It will be a while before the Buffalo Sabres catch the Bruins or any of the top teams in the Atlantic. But if they keep winning games consistently and pull off some much-needed upsets against their Atlantic Division rivals, then they could keep things close once they reach the season’s home stretch.
They still have a few games to play against the Red Wings and Panthers, and those contests may also be deciding factors for the Blue and Gold. We have reached the point of the season when every game should hold a playoff-like atmosphere, and it’s up to the Sabres to keep it that way.
(Information provided by Hockey-Reference and ESPN.com)