NHL Power Rankings: Ducks soar, Maple Leafs in free fall

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 30: The shot of Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) deflects off the mask of Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) during the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning, held on September 30, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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BUFFALO, NY – MARCH 10: Brayden McNabb /

28. Buffalo Sabres

It is hard to imagine a worse season for the Buffalo Sabres, a terrible start took them out of the playoff chase early and injuries have derailed any chance of a second-half comeback. Some good news for the team is the development of a pair of their young defensemen. Casey Nelson and Brendan Guhle are blossoming into a great second pair. Expectations are high for Guhle, who has excelled since being drafted. Nelson was an undrafted college free agent a few seasons ago who is starting to come into his own. Together, this pair has turned into the Sabres best defensemen in terms of breakout and skating ability.

Last week for the Sabres symbolizes the entire season. For some reason, they play great against their divisional opponents, beating the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators. Then they looked like a completely different team when they played the Calgary Flames and Vegas Golden Knights.

The Sabres also find themselves in a “spoiler” role down the stretch, but next week is a fantastic opportunity to put together some statement wins for the team. Once again, they play the Toronto Maple Leafs at home and then on St. Patrick’s Day they take on hometown product Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks.

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