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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