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NHL Predictions for 2016-17 Regular Season – Atlantic Division

By Daniel Mcclue

Oct 4, 2016; Quebec City, Quebec, CAN; Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) and Montreal Canadiens forward Alexander Radulov (47) battle in front of the net during the second period of a preseason hockey game at Centre Videotron. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2016; Quebec City, Quebec, CAN; Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) and Montreal Canadiens forward Alexander Radulov (47) battle in front of the net during the second period of a preseason hockey game at Centre Videotron. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 7, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres left wing Evander Kane (9) celebrates with team his goal scored against the Ottawa Senators in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Sabres defeated the Senators 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres left wing Evander Kane (9) celebrates with team his goal scored against the Ottawa Senators in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Sabres defeated the Senators 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Buffalo Sabres, 7th – 78 points

One of the toughest decisions with these predictions is figuring out the Sabres. I genuinely considered putting them as high as fourth in the Atlantic, but there are too many holes in this team.

Then this happened.

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Sure, Buffalo’s hopes didn’t lie solely in the palms of Jack Eichel, but he is their young star. Losing him will be a massive blow.

Up front, they have the scoring ability on their first two lines, even without Eichel. With Tyler Ennis, Evander Kane, Ryan O’Reilly, Kyle Okposo and Sam Reinhart. Okposo, in particular, was a huge offseason addition and will add a bruising sniper to the group. The organization will just have to hope that Kane stays out of trouble off the ice.

The defense is questionable, Rasmus Ristolainen has just been handed a huge new contract but has yet to prove himself amongst the elite. But he is still young and could have a breakout season.

In goal, Robin Lehner had a .924 save percentage and 2.47 goals allowed on a team with bad defense and looked particularly good upon returning from long-term injury. He is just 25 years old and can be a useful netminder heading forwards.

Buffalo has a good coach and a promising young forward line, with a decent goalie. If they can find a player or two to add on defense they could be a threat in the next couple of years.

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