As I rightly predicted, the Buffalo Sabres went 2-1 in Week 22. Buffalo saw the Detroit Red Wings at home as the offense had itself a day in a 7-3 victory. Before seeing Detroit on Saturday, the Sabres hosted the New York Islanders for the final meeting between the two teams this season. In a crucial matchup, Buffalo went on to win the game 4-0 before losing to Detroit 4-1 yesterday afternoon.
Before we look ahead to Week 23, it's important to note that Buffalo is involved in the playoff race. With a record of 32-31-5, they have 69 points and are five points out of a playoff spot after today's slate of games. Week 23 could very well make or break the Sabres season. While they have less than a month until their regular season is over, the next four games could determine whether they are a playoff team or not.
They will kick off the week tomorrow night against the team they have never beaten, the Seattle Kraken. It will be a four-game road trip for Buffalo and it will be a tough one. Seattle has taken a step back this year as they are currently on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. With a record of 28-26-12, they have 68 points.
As I mentioned earlier, the Sabres have never beaten the Kraken. With where we are at this point of the season, tomorrow night would be the perfect time to end the streak. It won't get any easier for Buffalo as they will have a back-to-back. After Seattle, they will shuffle off to Vancouver.
The Canucks are having a very good season as they are in first place in the Pacific Division. At 42-18-8 with 92 points, Buffalo will have their hands full. Not only will they have back-to-back games, but the second game will be against one of the best teams in the NHL. Just like their previous game with the Kraken where they lost, Buffalo will look to not be swept by the Canucks.
After one day off, the Sabres will look to sweep the Oilers this season on Thursday night. Buffalo and Edmonton faced off last week in KeyBank Center as the Sabres won in the shootout. Edmonton is a tough opponent, but as we saw last Saturday, Buffalo could beat them.
To conclude the week, they will be in Calgary on Sunday night. It will be the final matchup of the season as the Flames beat the Sabres back in October. Even though they are not in a postseason spot, Calgary has a winning record and with this being the final game of the road trip, hopefully, Buffalo still has the energy to get the two points.
Let's get bold. With how important this week will be for the Sabres, I think they will win three of the four games. Buffalo will FINALLY beat the Kraken but will lose to the Canucks. After that, I predict them to win against Edmonton and Calgary.