In Week 20, the Buffalo Sabres went 2-2. It all started when Buffalo lost to the Florida Panthers but rebounded with an overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. To close out the week, the team had a back-to-back against two very good Western Conference teams. They beat the Vegas Golden Knights in blowout fashion and lost last night to the Winnipeg Jets.
It's a new week for the Sabres and Week 21 will present them with three new challenges. Up first, a meeting with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night in Toronto. It will be the third matchup out of four games between the two rivals, with Buffalo winning the previous two meetings.
The Maple Leafs have 78 points at the moment with a record of 35-17-8 and sitting in third place in the Atlantic Division. That is subject to change as they will be facing off against the Boston Bruins tonight but regardless, it will be a challenge for the Sabres on the road and national television.
Buffalo will have another back-to-back as they will be in Nashville to face off against the Predators on Thursday night. This will be the second and final matchup of the season between Buffalo and Nashville as the Sabres hope to avoid being swept this season.Buffalo lost at home to the Predators back in December when they lost 2-1.
The Predators are currently occupying the second wild card spot in the Western Conference with a 35-25-2 record and 72 points. Again, their record will change but Buffalo will need to be ready to battle not only Nashville but fatigue as well.
To wrap up the week, the Sabres will host Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers for a Saturday matinee at 12:30. Edmonton is almost at 40 wins as they are 37-20-2 with 76 points, at the current moment. It will be the first of two meetings between the Sabres and Oilers.
For my prediction, I think Buffalo wins two of the three games. They will beat Toronto and Nashville on the back-to-back, but lose to Edmonton at home.