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The 2024-25 NHL season kicked off this weekend in Prague with two games. But, the season really begins on Tuesday night.
A new season brings optimism for all 32 fan bases as many have hopes that their team will make the playoffs. Heading into the year, here are three dark horses in the Atlantic Division to make the playoffs.
3 playoff dark horses from Atlantic Division in 2024-25 NHL season
#1. Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are nearing the end of their rebuild and should be a playoff contender this season.
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The Senators went out and acquired Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins who will be the team's starting goalie. The goaltender position was an issue for the Sens last season, so adding Ullmark should help them massively.
Ottawa's core is finally reaching its prime and it seems like now-or-never for this group to make the playoffs.
The Senators are given odds of +125 to make the playoffs, which implies a 44.4% chance.
#2. Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings haven't made the Stanley Cup playoffs since the 2015-16 season. Detroit has been building its roster and the likes of Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider are ready to take the next step.
Detroit missed out on the playoffs last year by one point. In the offseason, the Red Wings added Vladimir Tarasenko and goalie Cam Talbot to help their roster. Detroit has a much better overall roster compared to last season and has a legitimate chance of making the playoffs this season.
The Red Wings are given odds of +180 to make the playoffs, which implies a 35.7% chance of making the playoffs.
#3. Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres have the longest playoff drought in the NHL at 13 seasons, and Buffalo is a dark horse to end that streak this season.
The Sabres lost both games in Europe to the New Jersey Devils and they are already behind the eight ball. The Sabres do have a young core and if they take the next step, Buffalo could compete for a playoff spot.
The Sabres are given odds of +195 to make the playoffs, which implies a 33.9% chance.
