The Buffalo Sabres are rolling into the final week of January with serious momentum-and they’re not just winning, they’re making a statement. Winners of 18 of their last 22 games, the Sabres are red hot at exactly the right time, and their surge has vaulted them into sole possession of third place in the Atlantic Division. At 29-17-7 through 51 games, this is the best start Buffalo has had since the 2010-11 season.
Let’s break down what’s fueling this run, the key milestones that have Sabres fans buzzing, and what’s on tap for the week ahead.
Sabres Catch Fire and Climb the Standings
Since December 9, Buffalo has gone 18-3-1-a stretch that’s turned them from an afterthought into a legitimate playoff threat. Their 63 points put them ahead of the Montreal Canadiens, who dropped a regulation decision on Saturday. That loss gave Buffalo sole possession of third place in the Atlantic, and they’ve got a game in hand and the regulation wins tiebreaker (23 to Montreal’s 18) working in their favor.
In short: this team is in the driver’s seat, and they’re not showing any signs of slowing down.
Josh Doan Locked In for the Long Haul
Buffalo made a major move to solidify its core by inking forward Josh Doan to a seven-year contract extension worth $6.95 million annually. Doan, who was acquired in the offseason from the Utah Mammoth, has been everything the Sabres hoped for-and then some.
Through 51 games, Doan has already posted career highs across the board: 15 goals, 20 assists, and 35 points. He’s been a consistent offensive threat and a key piece in Buffalo’s resurgence, and now he’s set to be a part of the franchise’s future for the long term. This deal is a clear vote of confidence from the front office-and a signal that Buffalo is building something sustainable.
Alex Lyon Ties Franchise Record with Ninth Straight Win
Goaltender Alex Lyon has been nothing short of sensational during the Sabres’ hot streak. After missing time with an injury, Lyon returned on Saturday and wasted no time making an impact-blanking the New York Islanders in a 5-0 shutout.
That win was Lyon’s ninth in a row, tying a franchise record set by Gerry Desjardins back in December 1976. That’s nearly 50 years of Sabres history-and Lyon just matched it. With his next start, he’ll have a chance to stand alone atop that list with 10 straight victories, something no other goalie in Buffalo’s history has accomplished.
Lyon’s been a rock in net, and his steady presence has helped fuel the team’s confidence night in and night out.
What’s Next: Sabres’ Upcoming Schedule (Jan. 26 - Feb. 1)
Here’s what the week ahead looks like for Buffalo:
- Friday, Jan. 26 - Game 1 of the week
- Saturday, Jan. 27 - Game 2 of the week
- Tuesday, Jan. 30 - Game 3 of the week
- Thursday, Feb. 1 - Game 4 of the week
(Exact opponents and times were not provided in the original report.)
With the team firing on all cylinders, fans should buckle up-this stretch could be pivotal. Buffalo’s mix of young talent, veteran leadership, and rock-solid goaltending is giving them a real shot to not just make the playoffs, but make some noise when they get there.
The Sabres are no longer a team to watch for the future-they’re a team to watch right now.