The Buffalo Sabres are the hottest team in the NHL. Coming into the 2025-26 season nobody expected those words but it is in fact true. The Sabres have climbed back into the playoff conversation, riding a league-high nine-game winning streak. This comes at a great time as the Atlantic Division is up for grabs this season. Buffalo is no longer at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and now sits fifth place.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have two significantly tough Atlantic Division opponents in the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers. However, there's a caveat with both Florida teams. The Lightning have a talented but aging core that may run out of steam at any point. Thus far, they look strong, but there's no telling how much they have left in the tank.
Despite a shaky start, the Maple Leafs managed to secure a strong victory against a formidable Hurricanes team, showcasing resilience and great goaltending.
