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The National Hockey League preseason schedule has all but wrapped up, as several teams have either one or two games remaining before the regular season begins.
And while the games may not count for anything other than bragging rights, there were more than a few teams that stood out thanks to their impressive win-loss records in exhibition play.
Here's a closer look at three NHL teams that managed to turn the most heads ahead of the regular season.
3 teams that exceeded expectations in preseason
#1. Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres own the longest postseason drought in the NHL today, having not qualified since 2011.
During the summer, they brought aboard a familiar face behind the bench as former head coach Lindy Ruff returned in the role he filled from 1997 to 2013. During his first tenure with the Sabres, he led them to the 1999 Stanley Cup Final, along with appearances in the 1998 and 2007 Eastern Conference Finals.
The Sabres won five of their six preseason games and would hold first place in the Atlantic Division if point totals were being accumulated.
They'll open the regular season on Friday in Prague, Czech Republic against the New Jersey Devils.
#2. Calgary Flames
Following their run to the 2022 Western Conference semifinals, the Calgary Flames have failed to qualify for the playoffs since. This comes in the wake of the franchise-altering trade that sent Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar.
Despite the trade of former starter Jacob Markstrom to the Devils, the Flames have impressed in preseason with five wins in the seven games they've played, something that captain Mikael Backlund is enjoying.
“It’s always fun to win,” Backlund said via CalgaryHerald.com. “We still have a lot of things we can get better at, but I think it just creates some good vibes and good energy in the room right now. Once we start, we all know it’s going to be a little different. Everyone starts from zero, but we can definitely bring that energy with us.”
#3. Columbus Blue Jackets
Entering the 2024-25 season with heavy hearts following the death of forward Johnny Gaudreau, the Columbus Blue Jackets have earned victories in four of their seven preseason contests so far, with one more game to go.
They'll be attempting to break their lengthy postseason skid; as they haven't qualified since the "bubble" in Toronto during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Which club impressed you the most in preseason? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
