What happened: The Buffalo Sabres face a difficult divisional schedule against the Tampa Bay Lightning this season. After finishing just three points behind Buffalo last year, Tampa Bay bolstered its roster with key offseason additions, including former Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson and goaltender Dennis Hildeby. The two teams will meet four times this year, concluding with a potentially decisive April 5 clash.
Why it matters: Tampa Bay's offseason moves make them a formidable threat to Buffalo's hopes of repeating as Atlantic Division champions. A healthy Victor Hedman and a revamped roster give the Lightning the depth needed to challenge the Sabres. These division matchups could determine playoff seeding and set the stage for a contentious first-round postseason series.
By the numbers: Buffalo handled Tampa Bay successfully last season, posting a 3-0-1 record in their four regular-season meetings. The Sabres never lost in regulation against the Lightning during that span.
What to watch: The Sabres and Lightning will clash twice in an 11-day stretch in early November. Their final regular-season meeting on April 5 could directly impact the Atlantic Division standings.