Washington Capitals (32-27-7) at Buffalo Sabres (40-19-6)
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM | KeyBank Center | Buffalo, New York
TV: MSG-B, ESPN+
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Washington Capitals
Record: 32-27-7 | 71 PTS
Division Ranking: 6th in Metropolitan Division
Last Game: 4-1 Loss vs Bruins
PP: 26th (16.7%) | Sabres Rank: 16th (20.8%)
PK: 18th (78.9%) | Sabres Rank: 4th (82.5%)
What to Watch
1. Quick Start
The Sabres are riding high as their current 8 game win streak has propelled them into first in their division, practically a lock for a playoff spot, and threatening for the top spot in the East. As well as they’ve been playing, Buffalo cannot let the foot off the gas regardless of their opponent. Washington has been falling out of the playoff race and even traded arguably their best defenseman in franchise history, John Carlson, at their deadline. The Sabres do have the home ice and rest advantage as the Caps lost to the Flyers in Philadelphia last night 4-1. The best way to ensure success against a team gaining in the draft lottery odds is to get a lead early and let the momentum of a season slipping away do the rest of the work.
2. Leaders Locked In
Buffalo has received significant contributions throughout the lineup during their latest winning streak. Krebs has spent a lot of time with Thompson on the top line, and the McLeod line has provided key secondary scoring. Secondary scoring is huge, but nothing beats when the primary scorers are on a roll. Two notable ones are Dahlin and Tuch. Dahlin is nearing a point per game pace on the year after putting up consecutive three-point nights against Tampa Bay and San Jose. Tuch is on a 7-game point streak during which he has 6 goals and three assists. Look for Buffalo’s top players to continue their elevated play as they prepare for the playoffs. Tuch may be a game-time decision after sustaining a lower-body injury on Tuesday. If he can’t go, expect Tanner Pearson to make his Sabres debut.
3. Familiar Producers
Washington may have some new faces in the mix, but their top producers are no surprise. Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson are the team leaders in goals and points. Both players have 24 goals but Ovechkin edges Wilson for the point lead with one more assist. Surprisingly, Jakob Chychrun isn’t too far behind them with 22 goals. If Buffalo can shut down the usual suspects, they have a very good chance of extending their streak to 9 games.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Benson – Thompson – Ostlund
Doan – Norris – Tuch*
Zucker – McLeod – Quinn
Krebs – Carrick – Malenstyn
Defense
Samuelsson – Dahlin
Byram – Power
Stanley – Schenn
Starter: Luukkonen
*Alex Tuch sustained a lower-body injury against the Sharks on Tuesday. He’s a game time decision. If he can’t go, Pearson likely makes his Sabres debut and lines are shuffled.
Washington Capitals
Forwards
Ovechkin – Sourdif – Beauvillier
McMichael – Dubois – Leanard
Protas – Strome – Wison
Duhaime – Lapierre – Frank
Defense
Sandin – Roy
Chychrun – Van Riemsdyk
Fehervary – Liljegren
Starter: Lindgren