Nashville Predators (28-26-8) at Buffalo Sabres (37-19-6)
Puck Drop: 5:30 PM | KeyBank Center | Buffalo, New York
TV: MSG-B
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Nashville Predators
Record: 28-26-8 | 64 PTS
Division Ranking: 5th in Central Division
Last Game: 6-3 Win vs Bruins
PP: 9th (22.8%) | Sabres Rank: 17th (19.8%)
PK: 11th (80.3%) | Sabres Rank: 3rd (83.4%)
What to Watch
1. Trade Deadline Aftermath
The Sabres and Predators were active in the lead up to trade deadline day, albeit for different purposes. Nashville is headed toward a rebuild, and Buffalo was looking to add depth for their likely first playoff birth since 2011. Buffalo added Luke Schenn (D) Logan Stanley (D), and Tanner Pearson (W) from Winnipeg, and center Sam Carrick from the Rangers. These additions add some depth and experience to the Sabres. Only Sam Carrick is likely to play today as the logistics of bringing the other three to Buffalo are still being ironed out. The Predators were sellers this deadline as they’re just outside the playoff picture. Although it seemed like a mass exodus was imminent, the dust settled on Friday to reveal Michael McCarron (C), Cole Smith (W), Nick Blankenburg (D), and Michael Bunting (W) were moved for primarily draft picks. They recalled some players from Milwaukee to fill the roster holes. The roster has had turnover, but their main contributors are still there and can give Buffalo some trouble.
2. The Hunter has Become the Hunted
The Sabres have put themselves in an enviable position in the standings. With 20 games left, their 80 points put them second in the Atlantic division and 6th in the league. Buffalo will now experience what it’s like for teams to be trying to catch up with them instead of the other way around. This is welcome new territory for the Sabres but does come with new challenges. Even games against lesser teams can be tricky as they’ll likely get everyone’s best shot. The best thing Buffalo can do would be to keep playing their game, collect their points, and see where they shake out. Standings watching is fun for fans but could pull the teams focus away from the task at hand.
3. Location, Location, Location
One advantage Buffalo certainly has is the home ice advantage. They have been lights out at home this season with a 18-8-3 record. Conversely, the Preds have been mediocre at best with an 11-13-5 road record. This includes 2-3-2 since January 1st. The early start time could interrupt the winning routine the Sabres have found, but that will be more than compensated for by a raucous crowd. This fanbase is energized and ready for playoff hockey. The game will likely be a sellout. Sabres players should feed off the energy as they attempt to extend their win streak to 6 games.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Krebs – Thompson – Tuch
Ostlund – Norris – Doan
Zucker – McLeod – Quinn
Benson – Carrick – Malenstyn
Defense
Samuelsson – Dahlin
Byram – Power
Metsa – Kesselring
Starter: Luukkonen
Nashville Predators
Forwards
Forsberg – Wood – Evangelista
Marchessault – Haula – Stamkos
L’Heureux – Jost – Kemell
Schaefer – Svechkov – Wiesblatt
Defense
Skjei – Josi
Hague – Perbix
Ufko – Barron
Starter: Saros