Detroit Red Wings (10-13-4) at Buffalo Sabres (11-13-3)
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM | KeyBank Center | Buffalo, NY
TV: MSG-B
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Detroit Red Wings
Record: 10-13-4 | 24 PTS
Division Ranking: 7th in Atlantic Division
Last Game: 2-1 OT Loss vs Colorado Avalanche
PP: 6th (26.6%)
PK: 31st (66.7%)
What to Watch
1. Blended Lines
Lindy Ruff is trying to shake things up to avoid a 7th straight loss for Buffalo. He made changes to every line except the 4th line of Malenstyn, Kozak, and Aube-Kubel. Notably Krebs will get a look at the top line with Thompson and Tuch. He should bring a level of aggressiveness to the line that might open up some opportunities for Thompson and Tuch. It will be interesting to see if the altered lines can shake the team out of their current rut.
2. Challenge Accepted?
This morning, the Sabres top two centers were challenged by their coach. He stated that he expects a lot from centerman in his system, and they could be moved to the wing if they don’t fulfill their responsibilities. He then specifically named Cozens and Thompson in his response. Look for both to be playing with a little extra fire against Detroit. Thompson has been great at times this year, but Cozens has struggled mightily. Buffalo needs them both to at the top of their game to right the ship.
3. Special Teams Dichotomy
There is a simple way to gain an advantage over Detroit: win the penalty battle. The Red wings have one of the worst penalty kills with teams scoring on 1 out of every 3 opportunities. Conversely, they have an excellent powerplay with specialists like Kane and Tarasenko in their lineup. Even with Buffalo’s dismal powerplay, they should be able to take advantage of the second worst penalty kill in the league. However, if they don’t stay disciplined, they will find themselves behind the eight ball.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Krebs – Thompson – Tuch
Benson – McLeod – Zucker
*Peterka – Kulich – Cozens
Malenstyn – Kozak – Aube-Kubel
Defense
Johnson – Byram
Power – Jokiharju
Bryson – Clifton
Starter: Reimer
*Greenway might be in the lineup. Rotated on this line in practice yesterday.
Detroit Red Wings
Forwards
DeBrincat – Larkin – Raymond
Rasmussen – Kasper – Kane
Tarasenko – Compher – Copp
Berggren – Motte – Fischer
Defense
Edvinsson – Seider
Chiarot – Petry
Gustafsson – Holl
Starter: Husso