Buffalo hosts ‘takeover’ matinee, looking for third consecutive win
Game #44
Tampa Bay Lightning (23-17-5) vs. Buffalo Sabres (20-21-4)
Puck Drop: 12:30 PM EST | KeyBank Center | Buffalo, NY
TV: MSG-B
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Tampa Bay Lightning
Record: 22-17-5 | 51 PTS
Last Game: 7-3 Win vs. Minnesota Wild
Division Ranking: 5th in Atlantic Division
PP: 31% (1st)
PK: 80.6% (14th)
What to Watch
1. Two Words: Nikita Kucherov
This week marked not one but two milestones for power forward Nikita Kucherov. In his 688th game on Thursday night, the Russian winger tallied three assists and reached number 500 in his career. His 500th came on a power play goal (what are those?) scored by linemate Steven Stamkos in a matchup against the Wild. Kucherov now leads the league in points with 75 with no signs of slowing down – he will definitely be one to watch Saturday afternoon in Buffalo.
Kucherov is the third fastest to reach 500 points behind Connor McDavid (527) and Sidney Crosby (554), respectively.
2. We’re Going Streaking!?
Both the Lightning and the Sabres are either in the middle of a win streak or showing a glimmer of hope of one. Tampa Bay has won four in a row, and, in those four matchups has recorded an impressive 19 goals. They currently sit in 10th place in the league with goals and first place in power play goals, so the Sabres should plan on burying pucks in the net early on to try and match up against their opponents offensively. If they cannot accomplish this early on, they will have a very difficult time catching up to a fast-as-lightning team. Buffalo is again in the position to try and make it three wins in a row – a feat they have not achieved since late October this season. If they can win their third in a row, it may give them the momentum they need to
3. Do it for the Kids
This matinee marks the annual “Kids Takeover Day” – during which, some youngsters will serve the arena and MSG broadcast working various roles such as junior reporter, junior social media editor, and junior anthem singer. The first 5,000 kids attending the game will also receive a Sabres bucket hat and are encouraged to participate in the day’s activities. These will include balloon animals, sign making in collaboration with the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and broadcast desk photo opportunities to emulate Marty Biron and Brian Duff.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres*
Forwards
Zach Benson – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch
Jeff Skinner – Casey Mittelstadt – JJ Peterka
Zemgus Girgensons – Jordan Greenway – Jack Quinn
Victor Olofsson – Peyton Krebs – Kyle Okposo
Defense
Rasmus Dahlin – Henri Jokiharju/Mattias Samuelsson
Ryan Johnson – Owen Power
Jacob Bryson – Connor Clifton
Goaltenders: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Eric Comrie
*According to head coach Don Granato, many decisions will be made in the morning before the opening faceoff. Erik Johnson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury and Henri Jokiharju is dealing with some soreness. Mattias Samuelsson and/or Jeff Skinner – who both participated in practice on Friday – may also be back in the lineup as early as Saturday against the Lightning. Jacob Bryson was called up from Rochester on Thursday and Eric Robinson also participated as part of defense.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Forwards
Steven Stamkos – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov
Brandon Hagel – Anthony Cirelli – Nicholas Paul
Michael Eyssimont – Tyler Motte – Conor Sheary
Austin Watson – Luke Glendening – Waltteri Merela
Defense*
Victor Hedman – Darren Raddysh
Calvin de Haan – Nick Perbix
Emil Martinsen Lilleberg – Maxwell Crozier
Goaltenders: Jonas Johansson, Andrei Vasilevskiy
*Erik Cernak is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.