‘You might be surprised to realize the Sabres finished just seven points behind Tampa Bay last season after the gap was 35 points in 2021-22. And Buffalo won the last two head-to-head games after going 1-9-2 in its previous 12 matchups with the Lightning. The Sabres don’t figure to finish ahead of the Leafs this season. But does Tampa Bay’s core have more runs left or are the Bolts facing a championship window that’s closed and teams such as the Sabres, Detroit and Ottawa all eyeing them from behind?’