After pulling off yet another shutout win over the Kings last night, the Buffalo Sabres once again find themselves in fourth place in the Atlantic Division prior to Thursday night’s slate of games. Whether it stays that way is something we’ll know on Friday morning, but it’s at least fun to see the Blue and Gold residing in the middle of the division these days.
That said, it’s also imperative to keep tabs on their seven division rivals and check on where they stand at nearly the quarter-way mark of the 2024-25 season. Who are the biggest threats to the Sabres, and which teams look like they’re going to the wayside early?
7 - Montreal Canadiens
While the Canadiens are on a two-game winning streak as I write this, it’s still long since been clear that 2024-25 is another rebuilding campaign. Should the Sabres remain even remotely decent, I wouldn’t expect the Habs to pose a threat to them this season.
6 - Detroit Red Wings
Seriously, what happened to this team? It’s almost like the Red Wings are doing exactly what the Sabres did between October 2022 and April 2024. They looked like a surefire playoff team following a season of hope, only to suffer an absolute meltdown the following season. Unless something happens fast, the Wings may not be as relevant as we thought.
5 - Boston Bruins
Well, right now, the Bruins are one of a few “wild cards” in these rankings because we have no idea what’s in store after they moved on from Jim Montgomery. Will the coaching change ignite them, or will this be a lost season that nobody saw coming?
4 - Ottawa Senators
The Senators find themselves under 0.500 in points after dropping three straight games, so is this a slump, or have they crashed back into reality? Like the Bruins, there are more questions than answers regarding one of the Blue and Gold’s most heated rivals.
3 - Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning is another team that can’t seem to decide whether they want to contend for the playoffs. Currently third in the Atlantic, Tampa is riding a three-game winning streak, but until now, they’ve been the epitome of mediocrity across the league this season.
2 - Toronto Maple Leafs
Like Tampa, the Maple Leafs are also enjoying a three-game streak, and they seem to be in full control of their destiny. The kicker? It seems like the Sabres give this team problems every year, so maybe the Blue and Gold will put a dent into them.
1 - Florida Panthers
Florida isn’t first in the Atlantic as of Thursday afternoon, but that will change when they beat the Chicago Blackhawks tonight. Or, better yet, if they refrain from playing down to the Hawks. Anyway, the Panthers remain the strongest team in the Atlantic and for good reason: This team has chemistry and there isn’t a single weak spot in the lineup.