Now that the Buffalo Sabres 2024-25 season schedule is out, let’s take a look at the most exciting contests on the upcoming 82-game slate. Note, that this is nothing more than an opinion piece where I’ve taken one game on the schedule for each month and labeled it as the most exciting matchup, starting with a game against what was inarguably the NHL’s best team in 2023-24.
October 12th vs. Florida Panthers
Many Sabres fans may be looking at the October 10th matchup vs. the LA Kings as the most exciting game because it’s the home opener, or perhaps the two games on October 4th and 5th, respectively, since it’s part of the NHL’s Global Series. But the October 12th matchup vs. the Florida Panthers is the biggest one on the list since it gives the Sabres a chance to defeat the defending Stanley Cup Champions and make a statement in the process.
November 29th vs. Vancouver Canucks
This will be a rematch of the January 13th, 2023, matchup that saw the Canucks shut out the Sabres by a score of 1-0. Will we expect another low-scoring goaltender duel or more offense this time around?
December 7th vs. Utah Hockey Club
In case you didn’t know, the Arizona Coyotes and the Utah Hockey Club are two separate entities, so they, therefore, have no attachment to one another. Since this will be the first matchup in history between the two clubs, the Sabres will want to start the all-time series off with a W.
January 31st vs. Nashville Predators
The Sabres will get their first crack at the Nashville Predators, whose reconstructed roster this offseason could leave them pacing the Western Conference at this point. As with the Florida Panthers matchup, this one gives the Blue and Gold a chance to make a statement vs. what should be one of the league’s premier teams.
February 22nd vs. New York Rangers
This is the season finale vs. the NHL’s 2023-24 Presidents’ Trophy recipients, and whether the Sabres are in contention or not, it won’t matter. Buffalo will either further set themselves up in the playoff race, or they’ll have a chance to play spoiler against one of the NHL’s finest teams.
March 12th vs. Detroit Red Wings
The Sabres and Red Wings have been trading punches for two years now, with the Blue and Gold getting the best of Detroit in 2022-23 before the Wings stormed back last season. This season, I’m foreseeing a season series of hardfought matchups culminating with the season series finale on the 12th.
April 15th vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Whether the Sabres are a bad hockey team again or if they finally realize they can play beyond the middle of April for the first time this decade is irrelevant. The Sabres know a convoy of Maple Leafs fans will show up for this one, and they’ll like nothing more than to send Leafs fans back home disappointed, something they’ve been known to do despite their poor seasons.