Eastern Race Tests Sabres’ Playoff Hopes

The Buffalo Sabres face a difficult Eastern Conference race, with several Atlantic rivals opening strongly and the Rangers leading the East in one early-season snapshot. Buffalo’s own start has drawn concern: one report describes a sluggish 2-2 record after a 4-0 loss to Dallas, while another, earlier account had the team at 2-1 after consecutive wins and preparing to host the Stars. That account also noted Buffalo’s penalty kill had been weak and its power play had yet to score, despite a comeback win over Minnesota and a strong start from Owen Power. The reports underscore the pressure on the Sabres to sustain their performance as the schedule gets tougher.