Game #36
Boston Bruins (19-7-6) at Buffalo Sabres (14-17-4)
Puck Drop: 7:30 PM | KeyBank Center | Buffalo, NY
TV: TNT
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Boston Bruins
Record: 19-7-6 | 44 PTS
Division Ranking: 1st in Atlantic
Last Game: 3-2 Loss vs Wild
PP: 7th (24.5%)
PK: 3rd (85.8%)
What to Watch
1. Break Time is Over
The NHL’s holiday break has ended, and teams are back in action for the first time since last Saturday. The few days off can affect a team in a few ways. Veteran teams like the Bruins could benefit from the rest as their experience can counteract the disruption in their typical routine. Conversely, Buffalo players playing through nagging injuries could be in better shape now than they were going into the break. However, teams can be prone to sluggish play following time off. Buffalo cannot afford a lackluster start against the Bruins or else they might experience a lack of Christmas cheer throughout Key Bank Center.
2. Jekyll or Hyde
The Sabres have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the NHL this season. They can beat the top teams in the league and get embarrassed by the worst in the same week. If they stay true to form, Buffalo will likely bring their “A” game against the Atlantic Division leading Bruins. Recent history is not on the Sabres side. They have not beaten the Bruins in Buffalo since April 23rd, 2021, and have lost 5 straight games at home against their division rival. The Sabres will need to replicate their performance a few weeks ago when they defeated the Bruins in Boston 3-1 to reverse the current trend.
3. Unleash the Offense
Coming off the embarrassing loss to Columbus lass week, Granato seemingly took the restraints off and allowed the team to play the free-wheeling style we saw last season. This resulted in a dominant win against Toronto and an overtime loss against the Rangers. The coaching staff needs to continue to let the team play to its strengths and accept the defensive breakdowns that come with it. For better or worse, the Sabres identity is a fast, aggressive offensive game that often gives up high danger chances against. This season has shown that Buffalo will not be successful overcompensating on the defensive side. With the healthiest the lineup has been all year, it’s time to throw caution to the wind and let this team play to its strengths instead of trying to mask its weaknesses.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Skinner – Thompson – Tuch
Peterka – Cozens – Quinn
Benson – Mittelstadt – Greenway
Olofsson – Krebs – Okposo
Defense
Samuelsson – Dahlin
Power – Clifton
R. Johnson – E. Johnson
Starter: Levi
Boston Bruins
Forwards
Heinen – Zacha – Pastranak
Marchand – Coyle – DeBrusk
Van Riemsdyk – Geekie – Frederic
Lauko – Beecher – Brown
Defense
Lindholm – McAvoy
Lohrei – Carlo
Wotherspoon – Shattenkirk
Starter: Swayman