Tim Kavanagh, ESPN.comMar 27, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
CloseTim Kavanagh is a senior editor for ESPN digital editorial. He’s a native of upstate New York.
Based on how the Buffalo Sabres closed out the 2022-23 season, and the optimistic feelings around a team with so many impressive young players, the club was expected to be in the mix for a playoff spot this season.
Due to a number of factors, that expectation has dwindled significantly. And with just over two weeks left in the 2023-24 season, every game takes on added importance if the Sabres want to keep those hopes alive. They won’t have to run the table, but there isn’t much wiggle room left for regulation losses.
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Heading into Wednesday night’s showdown against the Ottawa Senators (7 p.m., NHL Power Play on ESPN+), the Sabres are eight points behind the Washington Capitals for the final wild-card spot in the East. If there is some hopeful news here, it is the Sabres’ regulation wins total (28), which is equal to the Caps’ and ahead of most other wild-card contenders.
So, about that whole “running the table” idea: After the Senators game, the Sabres have nine games left. Seven of those contests are against teams currently in playoff spots; the other two are against fellow wild-card bubble clubs, the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings.
In other words, the road back to the postseason will be a difficult one — though not impossible. And having those two potential four-point swing games against Washington will help (provided Buffalo wins, of course).
As we traverse the final stretch of the regular season, it’s time to check in on all the playoff races — along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2024 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Wednesday’s schedule
Tuesday’s scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick
Current playoff matchups
Eastern Conference
A1 Boston Bruins vs. WC1 Tampa Bay Lightning
A2 Florida Panthers vs. A3 Toronto Maple…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39814216/nhl-playoffs-bracket-standings-2024-buffalo-sabres-wild-card
Author : Tim Kavanagh
Publish date : 2024-03-27 11:16:34
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