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NHL Power Rankings: Bruins climb as the Golden Knights fall

By Derek Grochowski

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 17: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi (5) and Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) collide in the second period of the NHL game between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning on March 17, 2018 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 17: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi (5) and Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) collide in the second period of the NHL game between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning on March 17, 2018 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – MARCH 17: Ryan O’Reilly
BUFFALO, NY – MARCH 17: Ryan O’Reilly /

30. Buffalo Sabres (-2)

Speaking of bottom of the standings, the Buffalo Sabres fall two spots this week to No. 30 in the power rankings. The good news for the Sabres is Jack Eichel has returned from his high ankle sprain and picked up an assist in his first game back. But wait, there’s more — the Sabres’ top prospect Casey Mittlestadt is now eligible to be signed to a contract and join the organization.

The freshman from the University of Minnesota had an amazing season and World Junior tournament. However, the Golden Gophers failed to make the NCAA tournament, and their season is over. General manager Jason Botterill has a major decision to make. He can sign Mittlestadt to a contract and let him play in Buffalo to close out the season and send him to join the Rochester Americans for a playoff run. Option B is to let Mittlestadt wait until the offseason to decide and allow him to go back to college.

The Sabres split this week, dropping a game to their rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs and picking up a St. Patrick’s Day win against the Chicago Blackhawks. Depending which side of the tanking debate you’re on will determine what you think about this week’s schedule. The Nashville Predators will be a tough matchup, but the rest of the week is winnable. Games against the Arizona Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers close out the week as the Sabres inch closer to the offseason.

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