Game #79
Buffalo Sabres (37-36-5) at Dallas Stars (49-20-9)
Puck Drop: 8:00 PM | American Airlines Center | Dallas, Texas
TV: MSG-B
Radio: WGR-550
Know Your Opponent
Dallas Stars
Record: 49-20-9 | 107 PTS
Division Ranking: 1st in Central Division
Last Game: 7-4 Win vs. Colorado Avalanche
PP Ranking: 5th (24.8%)
PK Ranking: 9th (81.3%)
What to Watch
1. Shining Stars
By defeating Colorado on Sunday, the Dallas Stars put themselves in the driver’s seat for the top seed in the Western Conference. They have a three-point lead on Vancouver and five on Colorado with four games left to play for each team. They are three points back of the Rangers for the Presidents’ Trophy and home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Look for Dallas to come out firing to take advantage of a slow starting Sabres team. Even though the Stars locked up a playoff spot, they still need to clinch home ice advantage.
2. Thompson’s Found His Stride
Tage Thompson’s season was derailed in November when a blocked shot injured his wrist. It took the star center most of the year to return to form, but he’s certainly found it of late. Thompson heads to Dallas riding a 3-game goal streak with 7 goals in his last 5 games. He, JJ Peterka, and Alex Tuch have found some chemistry and Thompson is taking full advantage. Look for them to continue to build toward next season with a strong performance against the best in the West.
3. Lethal Top Line
With their place in the standings, it’s no surprise the Stars have a potent offense. They have scored the second most goals in the league and are only two goals shy of tying Colorado for the number one spot. Their top nine forwards are all dangerous in the offensive zone, but they are led by their top line of Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Joe Pavelski.
That trio accounts for 3 of their top 4 goal scorers and are in the top 5 in points on the team. Robertson leads the way with 77 points in 78 games. Buffalo will need to play smart to prevent this line from inflicting too much damage on the scoreboard.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
JJ Peterka – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch
Zach Benson – Dylan Cozens – Jack Quinn
Jeff Skinner – Peyton Krebs – Jordan Greenway
Eric Robinson – Tyson Jost – Lukas Rousek
Defense
Owen Power – Rasmus Dahlin
Bowen Byram – Henri Jokiharju
* Jacob Bryson – Connor Clifton
* Bryson will be a game-time decison
Goaltenders: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (likely starter), Eric Comrie
Dallas Stars
Forwards
Jason Robertson- Roope Hintz – Joe Pavelski
Mason Marchment – Matt Duchene – Tyler Seguin
Jamie Benn – Wyatt Johnston – Logan Stankoven
Radek Faksa – Sam Steel – Craig Smith
Defense
Thomas Harley – Miro Heiskanen
Esa Lindell – Chris Tanev
Ryan Suter – Nils Lundkvist
Goaltenders: Jake Oettinger (confirmed starter), Scott Wedgewood
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