Why this week could benefit the Sabres before heading out West

It has been an up and down season for the Buffalo Sabres to start 2024/2025. After a slow start, the Sabres went on a three-game winning streak. Following that, they lost three games in a row. Buffalo once again won three games in a row following their most recent win against the Calgary Flames on Saturday afternoon.

Currently, the Sabres are 7-7-1 and are tied with Tampa Bay for the final wild card spot. It's still very early, but this week could be a big one for Buffalo.

What lies ahead

Not this week but the following week, the Sabres will be in California for a three-game road trip. Before that, they have an important slate of games. For the first time in 20 months, Buffalo can win four games in a row if they take care of business against the Montreal Canadiens this afternoon. Following the Habs, Buffalo will close out the homestand as they will host the St. Louis Blues.

The Sabres will have one game on the road before going out west as they will be in Philadelphia for a date against the Flyers.

Taking care of business

If the Sabres can take care of business against Montreal this afternoon, they would be over .500 for the first time this season. Montreal is 4-9-2 as they are looking at another rebuilding season. However, Buffalo has a tendency to play down to their opponent. The Canadiens have 10 points and are sitting last in the Atlantic Division, so the Sabres need to be ready in order to avoid an upset.

One final home game before going on the road

Before heading out on the road for four games, Buffalo will host the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night. The Blues are playing some average hockey lately and will have one game against the Boston Bruins before coming to Buffalo. After wrapping up the homestand, it's off to Philadelphia.

Meeting with the Broad Street Bullies

Just like the Canadiens in the Atlantic, Philadelphia is at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. Results are subject to change but this is another game the Sabres can win if they can take care of business. So why is this week a big week for Buffalo?

The California road trip is no joke. Starting off in Los Angeles, they will have a day off before playing back-to-back games in Anaheim and San Jose. Let's just say Buffalo finds a way to win two or three games before California. Two of three teams in California are also not playing well so far.

There is no easy win in the NHL, we all know that. However, it's very possible the Sabres can put themselves in a good spot not only before going to California, but leaving the state as well.