In many ways the first 10 games of the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons have been a mirror image for the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres opened 0-3 in October of 2024 before scraping together a few wins, landing at 4-5-1 after 10 games. This year, the Sabres dropped their first three games but sit at 4-4-2 after 10. Both runs even featured convincing wins over the defending Stanley Cup champions (5-2 last year and 3-0 this year).

Yet, things feel more optimistic after the first 10 games this year. Maybe it’s just because we have the gift of hindsight to inform our view of this iteration of the Sabres. Don’t forget, after opening 1-4-1, the Sabres bounced back into the playoff race by the end of November, holding an 11-9-1 record after beating the Sharks on November 23. They wouldn’t win again until December 23, mercifully ending the 13 game losing streak that sunk the season. October 2025 has been promising, with a more potent power play and reliable goaltending improving the narrative around the team. 

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