The Buffalo Sabres are in the middle of a playoff race. Yes, it's crazy with how the season has gone, but it's the truth. Even in their most recent loss yesterday against the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo is one of the few teams looking to get the second wild-card spot. Along with Detroit, the Sabres are jockeying with the New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins.
As they embark on a four-game road trip this week, could the next four games make or break the Sabres season? Even though Buffalo still has less than a month until their regular season is over, they will play back-to-back games as well as two games in four days.
It's going to be a daunting road trip for the Sabres. The back-to-back will be against a team they have yet to beat and then one of the best teams in the NHL. Buffalo has not beaten the Seattle Kraken and will then take on the Vancouver Canucks the following night.
After just one day off, the Sabres will see the Edmonton Oilers for the second and final time this season. They will have two days off before concluding the road trip against the Calgary Flames. Of course, you have the other teams competing with Buffalo as well. What would a good road trip look like?
It's going to be a grueling week for the Sabres but with where they are in the standings, would two wins be good? Honestly, I'm not sure. That could be the worst-case scenario. Now if the team finds a way to win three out of the four games, then that might be considered a successful week.
I don't think they're going to win all four games, especially with two games being back-to-back. Even though we're only in March, this week could determine whether or not Buffalo makes the playoffs. While there are more games to be played after, this would be the perfect time for the Sabres to keep themselves in the playoff conversation.