The Buffalo Sabres are gearing up for a crucial three-game road trip, starting with a match against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm Eastern Time, and fans can tune in via MSG-B or ESPN+, with radio coverage on WGR 550.
Currently sitting at 32-19-6, the Sabres are in a strong position as they hold the top wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. With only 25 games left to seal their first playoff appearance since the 2010-2011 season, every game counts. They are faced with an uphill battle against a competitive field; therefore, maintaining their winning momentum is crucial.
Buffalo forward Tage Thompson, fresh off an Olympic gold victory with Team USA, leads the team with 30 goals and 59 points this season. However, there are concerns that he may miss this game due to lingering fatigue from the tournament. Head coach Lindy Ruff hinted that Thompson would likely join the team in Florida for the subsequent games.
Additionally, the Sabres are expected to welcome key players back to the lineup. Josh Norris, who has been sidelined for much of the season but managed to contribute 17 points in just 19 games, has fully participated in practice and is set to play. In goal, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is also returning from injury, showcasing impressive stats with a 7-2-1 record and a GAA of 2.41 in his last ten appearances. Meanwhile, Josh Dunne’s return is on the horizon, adding much-needed size and grit to the fourth line.
However, the team faces a setback as forward Zach Benson remains unavailable, hampered by an undisclosed issue speculated to be an illness. His absence adds to the numerous challenges the Sabres have already overcome this season.
As fans brace for what can be a pivotal stretch, there’s a sense of cautious optimism surrounding the Sabres. They are eager for a turnaround after years of disappointment, hoping that this season feels different with a more talented and determined roster. The next few weeks will be critical, and the team’s performance could finally shift the narrative surrounding Buffalo hockey, from one of agony to a story of triumph and adventure.
In the projected lineup, the Sabres feature forward lines that include Peyton Krebs, Alex Tuch, and the returning Norris, alongside a solid defensive core. On the other side, New Jersey, with a record of 28-27-2, is looking to improve despite a recent loss to the Islanders and currently sits seventh in the Metropolitan Division.
As the games unfold, fans will be watching closely, hoping that the Sabres seize this golden opportunity to carve their path back to the playoffs.