The Buffalo Sabres will take on the Philadelphia Flyers in what promises to be an exciting opening game for Wednesday’s NHL doubleheader broadcast on TNT. The matchup takes place at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Buffalo comes into this game on a remarkable streak, having won 13 of their last 15 matches. This impressive run has been largely driven by their potent offensive attack, averaging 3.7 goals per game during this span. Their offensive prowess is highlighted by their ranking of 10th in expected goals for per 60 minutes, significantly outpacing the Flyers, who sit at 28th in the same category.
Strong goaltending has also played a crucial role in the Sabres’ success, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen projected to start. Luukkonen has recently been instrumental in the net, allowing just one goal in three of his last six starts, and boasts a 5-1 record along with a .930 save percentage and a 2.18 goals-against average during that time. In contrast, Philadelphia will rely on Dan Vladar, who has a .892 save percentage in his last three games against Buffalo.
Key players to watch include Tage Thompson, the Sabres’ leading scorer with 22 goals, and Alex Tuch, who has also been on a scoring streak, netting goals in three of his past four games. Both players are expected to have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
For bettors, the odds favor Buffalo, with the moneyline set at Sabres -150 compared to Flyers +125. The game is anticipated to be high-scoring, with the over/under set at six goals.
Fans looking to catch the action can tune in to TNT and HBO Max. With Buffalo’s current form and solid home advantage, they look poised to extend their winning streak against a struggling Flyers team.
This matchup showcases the vibrancy of the NHL season, along with the excitement that significant games can bring, promising a thrilling experience for hockey fans.