Preview: the Sabres and Flames meet again
Buffalo looks for redemption in Calgary
Game 29
Buffalo Sabres (13-10-5) vs. Calgary Flames (13-12-4)
Puck Drop: 9:00 PM EST | Scotiabank Saddledome | Calgary, Canada
TV: MSG
Radio: WGR 550
SB Nation Flames Blog: Matchsticks & Gasoline
Know Your Opponent
Calgary Flames
Record: (13-12-4) | 30 PTS
Last 10: 3-5-2
Division Ranking: 6th in Pacific Division
Conference Ranking: 11th in Western Conference
PP: 22nd (16.5%)
PK: 5th (85.4%)
What to Watch
1. New Coach in Town
Since the Sabres and Flames last meeting (just last week), Calgary’s former head coach Bill Peters has resigned amid repeated racist comments and alleged abuse towards players. Interim coach Geoff Ward has stepped in and Flames’ teammates have been responding well. As a former school teacher and assistant coach in the NHL for several years, it seems as though this is just what Calgary has needed as the 2019-2020 season kicks into high gear. But, what does this mean for Buffalo? Though they lost in a close overtime battle, the Sabres will have to work even harder to ‘put out’ the Flames, who have been transitioning seamlessly with the coaching change. Ward has been experimenting with different line combinations this week, but has made it clear that nothing is permanent and he is open to variety. In short - this may spark new chemistry between Flames players that opposing teams have not seen before.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Calgary has forced the last three out of four games into overtime/shootouts. Buffalo will need to play hard during the full 60 minutes in order to come out with their second win this week.
2. Looking for sustained momentum
Monday night was a big triumph at home for the Sabres - a much needed one - with a 7-1 victory over a struggling New Jersey team (who has since fired their head coach). Buffalo has not won two games in a row since the middle of October. Hopefully they can get back on the win wagon and keep it moving in the right direction.
3. Eichel’s Point Streak
During tonight’s game, captain Jack will look to extend his point streak to 11 games. He tallied one goal and two assists on Monday night and currently has the longest active streak in the entire league. He will look to surpass his previous 11-point streak from 2017 and set a new personal record these next few match-ups. Also, Eichel is an average +9 on the season thus far.
Game Prediction
Projected Lineups Based on Practices
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Victor Olofsson - Jack Eichel - Sam Reinhart
Jeff Skinner - Johan Larsson - Conor Sheary
Casey Mittelstadt - Marcus Johansson - Jimmy Vesey
Zemgus Girgensons - Rasmus Asplund - Evan Rodrigues
Defense
Jake McCabe/Colin Miller - Zach Bogosian
Brandon Montour - Rasmus Ristolainen
Marco Scandella - Henri Jokiharju
Starting Goaltender: Linus Ullmark (expected)
Calgary Flames
Forwards
Mathew Tkachuk - Elias Lindholm - Andrew Mangiapane
Mikael Bscklund - Sean Monahan - Dillon Dube
Milan Lucic - Derek Ryan - Johnny Gaudreau
Tobias Rieder - Mark Jankowski - Michael Frolik
Defense
Mark Giordiano - Rasmus Andersson
Noah Hanifin - Michael Stone
T.J. Brodie - Brandon Davidson
Starting Goaltender: David Rittich (expected)