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Buffalo Sabres: The New Juggernaut Of The NHL

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk
By Ryan Frost-Garant | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 5:06 PM ET

For the first time in a long time, the Buffalo Sabres were buyers at the trade deadline, bringing in Logan Stanley, Sam Carrick, Luke Schenn, and Tanner Pearson. The team is firing on all cylinders, and it looks like they are going to make the postseason for the first time since 2011. Coincidentally, Lindy Ruff, the current Head Coach of the Sabres, was also the Head Coach of the 2011 team that made the playoffs for Buffalo.

Since the start of 2026, the Sabres have been one of the best teams in the NHL. Over that span, they have posted an impressive 18-5-2 record.

Buffalo is currently riding a seven-game winning streak, and those victories have not come easily. During the run, they’ve faced strong opponents such as the Tampa Bay Lightning (twice), the Florida Panthers, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In their most recent game against Tampa Bay, the Sabres showed tremendous grit and determination, rallying for an 8–7 victory after previously blowing a lead earlier in the contest.

What’s Working In Buffalo?

Well, that’s a pretty easy question to answer. The Sabres have been performing exceptionally well in every area of the game recently. They have had fantastic goaltending performances from Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The Sabres’ defensive core, led by captain Rasmus Dahlin, has been stellar at shutting down opposing teams and limiting chances against.

The forward core has been doing a great job at generating offence and producing important goals in key moments of the game. Trade acquisitions from last season, Josh Doan and Josh Norris, have fit in perfectly with the team this season. The team has also seen great development by forwards Zach Benson and Michael McLeod.

What’s really made the difference for Buffalo this season has been the team’s no-quit attitude in the face of adversity. They started the season with a three-game losing streak, but that did not stop them from believing in their team. They continued to put in the work and have rallied to turn their season around, now competing for first place in the Atlantic Division and sitting in the top five of the NHL standings.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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