Thundering Buffalo Looks to Ground the Lightning
Buffalo Sabres (38-19-6) vs Tampa Bay Lightning (39-18-4)
Puck Drop: 6:00 pm | Keybank Center | Buffalo, New York
TV: MSG, ESPN+
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Tampa Bay Lightning
Record: 39-18-4 | 82 PTS
Last Game: Beat Toronto 5-2
Division Ranking: 1st in the Atlantic
PP: 13th 21.9.% (Sabres: 19th, 19.6%)
PK: 3rd 83.4% (Sabres: 5th, 83.1%)
What to Watch
1. Back to Back to Back to Back to Back to Back
Every time the Sabres have played the Lightning this year, the game has been on the second night of a back to back. Who is scheduling this? Tampa Bay has been one of the top teams in the league for several years now, it’s hard enough to take them down without this one-sided scheduling. At least the Bolts played yesterday as well this time, so they are not rested either. The Sabres have taken 3 of 4 points so far in the season series, not too shabby. But if they win today, Buffalo will officially take sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division. (though the Lightning have two games in hand) Who’d have thunk it?
2. Rough Stuff
In case you have not noticed, the Sabres and Lightning have had some very physical games as of late. We have seen mass scrums, excessive one on one battles and some wicked stick infractions. Tampa always has a heavy lineup, while Buffalo just beefed up theirs a bit at the deadline. Even without those acquisitions, the Sabres have been up to the challenge, mentally at least. They have had each other’s back for a while now, which is great to see. But the Lightning can devolve into downright nastiness and dirty play too. Buffalo’s players need to keep their heads on a swivel and be vigilant.
The Sabres have matched up well with Tampa, using their speed and smarts to capitalize on opportunities. They have also had surprising success on goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, which is why Buffalo may see old friend Jonas Johansson in net today. He played strong in relief of Tampa’s starter in Buffalo’s recent victory. (plus Vasilevskiy played last night) Meanwhile, having the likes of Sam Carrick in the lineup should add some grit. Unfortunately, Logan Stanley and the other former Winnipeg Jets will have to wait. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed none of them will play today, as their work visas coming from Canada still need to be sorted out.
3. Thunder and Lightning
The Sabres edged Nashville yesterday 3-2 in what many considered a trap game. Our boys played well for half the contest and it was enough against the mediocre Preds. The players knew Tampa was coming next and what they are in for. A more complete effort will be needed against the Lightning and drive and focus will be the key. A rough and tumble affair is expected with the division lead on the line. Keybank Center should be rocking tonight.
Nikita Kucherov had 4 assists yesterday against the Leafs to incredibly reach the 100 point plateau already. The Sabres held him in check last game, keeping him off the scoreboard. More of that will be needed in tonight’s game. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s Tage Thompson is on a ten game scoring streak. (6 goals, 4 assists) TNT looks to extend that mark and get contributions from elsewhere in the lineup to outduel the dangerous Lightning. The Sabres will be going for seven wins in a row against one of the best teams in the league. A victory tonight would cement Buffalo to that lofty status as well, if they are not there already. Drop what you are doing come game time and tune in for must see TV. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the expected starter for the Sabres in goal.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Peyton Krebs – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch
Jason Zucker – Ryan McLeod – Jack Quinn
Noah Ostlund – Josh Norris – Josh Doan
Zach Benson – Sam Carrick – Beck Malenstyn
Defense
Mattias Samuelsson – Rasmus Dahlin
Bowen Byram – Owen Power
Zach Metsa – Michael Kesselring
Goaltenders
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon
Tampa Bay Lightning
Forwards
Jake Guentzel – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov
Brandon Hagel – Anthony Cirelli – Oliver Bjorkstrand
Zemgus Girgensons – Yanni Gourde – Pontus Holmberg
Scott Sabourin – Conor Geekie – Corey Perry
Defense
J.J. Moser – Darren Raddysh
Victor Hedman – Declan Carlile
Ryan McDonagh – Erik Cernak
Goaltenders
Jonas Johansson, Andrei Vasilevskiy