Welcome to our Atlantic Division Roundup, a recurring series we’re putting together about the Toronto Maple Leafs’ divisional rivals.
In case you missed it: the Maple Leafs lost 4-3 to the Boston Bruins in overtime, and will now square off against the undefeated Winnipeg Jets on Monday, while looking to snap out of a three-game losing streak.
Here’s what you need to know about the rest of the division:
Panthers back in control
Florida has weathered the absence of captain Aleksander Barkov and after a championship hangover, it is back on top of the Atlantic Division. The defending champions pummelled the New York Islanders 6-3 on Saturday, with Matthew Tkachuk putting together a three-point night.
Sam Bennett has scored in four straight games for the Panthers. We’re back to scary hours. Florida also defeated the New York Rangers, providing last year’s Presidents’ Trophy recipient with their first regulation loss. And when Barkov returns from injury Monday, we’re going to see the title defence in full force.
Sabres surging on 3-game win streak
Don’t look now, but this may finally be the year for the Buffalo Sabres to end their wplayoff drought. Buffalo is on a three-game winning streak, defeating the Detroit Red Wings 5-3. Tage Thompson scored twice in a three-point effort, and we have to note: the Sabres’ alternates are the coolest uniforms in hockey.
It’s still October, so we’re naturally prone to overreaction but the Sabres may be for real: Buffalo is tied for 2nd in 5-on-5 goals at the time of this filing, and it may have unlocked its untapped potential. Perhaps the Sabres are the real wild-card in the Atlantic, and we’ll be monitoring them closely over the next few weeks.
Marchand rejects report of nearing extension with Bruins
Brad Marchand scored the overtime winner for the Bruins against the Maple Leafs, responding to a challenge issued by head coach Jim Montgomery. After the game, Marchand said reports of him nearing a three-year extension with the Bruins were false.
“I’ve mentioned this before: I’m not big about talking contract stuff in the media. I’m not going to do it. That report is false. I’m not going to talk about my contract in the media. If I signed a three-year extension, it would be signed.”
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