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Breaking down Buffalo Sabres' potential first-round playoff opponents

As the Sabres move ever closer to clinching their first postseason berth since 2011, who are Buffalo's most likely foes in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

Mar 14, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Noah Ostlund (86) looks to make a pass during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images | Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

This season's NHL playoff race is one that has shown its ability to evolve very quickly, especially at this point of the season when teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils are slowly but surely fading out and the final playoff contenders are taking form.