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Atlantic Division Review: Panthers regain control, Sabers advance on 3-game winning streak
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Atlantic Division Review: Panthers regain control, Sabers advance on 3-game winning streak

Welcome to our Atlantic Division Roundup, a recurring series we’re doing on the division rivals Toronto Maple Leafs.

In case you missed it: The Maple Leafs lost 4-3 to the Boston Bruins in overtime and will now face the undefeated Winnipeg Jets on Monday while looking to end a three-game losing streak.

Here’s what you need to know about the rest of the division:

The Panthers regain control

Florida overcame the absence of captain Aleksander Barkov and after a championship hangover, it is back at the top of the Atlantic Division. The defending champions beat the New York Islanders 6-3 on Saturday, thanks to Matthew Tkachuk scoring a three-point night.

Sam Bennett has scored in four straight games for the Panthers. We are back to scary hours. Florida also beat the New York Rangers, handing last year’s Presidents’ Trophy winner his first loss in regulation. And when Barkov returns from injury on Monday, we’ll see the title defense in full force.

Sabers ride 3-game winning streak

Don’t look now, but this could finally be the year for the Buffalo Sabers to end their playoff drought. Buffalo is on a three-game winning streak, beating the Detroit Red Wings 5-3. Tage Thompson scored twice in a three-point effort, and it should be noted: the Sabres’ backups are the coolest uniforms in hockey.

It’s still October, so we’re naturally inclined to overreact, but the Sabers may be for real: Buffalo is tied for 2nd in goals at 5-on-5 as of this filing, and it may have -be released its untapped potential. The Sabers may be the real wild card in the Atlantic, and we’ll be watching them closely over the coming weeks.

Marchand rejects announcement of imminent extension with Bruins

Brad Marchand scored the winner in overtime for the Bruins against the Maple Leafs, respond to a challenge by head coach Jim Montgomery. After the game, Marchand said he was preparing for a three-year extension with the Bruins. were false.

“I’ve mentioned it before: I don’t like talking about contracts in the media. I’m not going to do it. This report is false. I am 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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