September 20, 2026 • 9:02 PM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
The Buffalo Sabres are heading into the new season with high expectations after topping the Atlantic Division in 2025-26 and getting through the first round of the playoffs. But if Sabres fans are dreaming of another deep playoff run, they’ll need to keep a close eye on their divisional foes—especially the Ottawa Senators.
This year, the Sabres get an extra crack at Ottawa thanks to the expanded 84-game schedule, with four matchups stretched across the regular season: November 4 and February 26 in Buffalo, December 14 and March 7 in Ottawa. That extra game means more chances to build momentum and set the tone in a rivalry that’s rarely lacked animosity on the ice or in the stands.
According to Yahoo Sports, Ottawa faces a real test this season—former captain Brady Tkachuk left for Florida, a move that’s left a clear dent in the Sens’ leadership and lineup. This team is going through a retool with new faces like William Eklund, Samuel Ersson, Andre Burakovsky, Philip Tomasino, and Sammy Blais jumping into the mix. While roster shake-ups bring potential, they also bring growing pains—especially with a big piece of the Sens’ core gone.
Let’s not gloss over recent history either. Last season’s meetings gave Buffalo the upper hand: Sabres went 2-1-0, while Ottawa managed a 1-1-1 record. But context matters. With Tkachuk gone and the Senators in transition, you have to think this is Buffalo’s opportunity to grab points and solidify their standing early. Three of those meetings come before the trade deadline, so both scouting departments will have plenty to chew on before late-season roster decisions.
If you’re making picks, keep a close watch on how Ottawa’s imports get up to speed. You can’t just swap in five new players and expect instant chemistry, especially when Tkachuk’s leadership and edge leave a massive hole. Buffalo, on the other hand, has stability and a coach who’s got time to tinker with lines before facing the Sens in the Sabres’ 15th game of the campaign. That gives Buffalo a real edge—there are no excuses for not taking advantage of Ottawa’s unsettled situation.
And let’s not kid ourselves: there’s real heat between these two franchises off the ice as well, thanks to that Josh Norris-for-Dylan Cozens blockbuster. So far, Ottawa’s won that deal, with Norris’s injuries limiting his impact for Buffalo. That trade just adds vinegar to a rivalry already laced with grudges.
- Buffalo faces Ottawa four times this season thanks to the expanded schedule.
- Ottawa lost Brady Tkachuk, weakening the lineup both on the scoresheet and in the room.
- Five new Senators players are in, creating potential chemistry issues.
- The Sabres already took last year’s season series and should expect to improve on that edge.
- Three games happen pre-trade deadline, which could influence roster moves.
- Bad blood from the big Norris-for-Cozens trade still simmers between the clubs.
This regular season carries a bigger punch considering the rivalry could easily spill into the playoffs. Both teams want to send a message while jockeying for position. If Buffalo comes out strong and does the job against Ottawa when they’re vulnerable, it sets the table for a more comfortable playoff run. As for Ottawa, if those new faces can click early or if Norris finally gets healthy, this could still get feisty down the stretch.
Key takeaways for bettors
- Buffalo holds a clear stability and depth advantage in the early going.
- Ottawa adjusting to life (and leadership) without Tkachuk is a major wild card.
- Sabres’ early matchups with Ottawa could be the best value—jump before Ottawa finds its feet.
- Buffalo’s home games might be especially strong bets as Ottawa juggles lineups.
- Trade deadline movement could impact the final meeting if Ottawa underperforms.
- The Norris-for-Cozens trade rivalry adds emotional volatility to every contest.
- Expect heated, physical divisional battles—this is not just another opponent for Buffalo.
- Monitor injuries closely; if Buffalo stays healthy, they have the upper hand.
More coverage: NHL news coverage, NHL betting hub and today’s NHL picks.
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