Game #69
Buffalo Sabres (27-32-9) at
Montreal Canadiens (31-30-6)
Three Questions
1. Can the Sabres avoid yet another slow start?
Buffalo is dead last in the NHL with just 36 goals all season in the first period, and has allowed the first goal in 74 of 69 games* this season. Their coach was impressed with the team’s grit and comeback effort against the Rangers, but giving up three goals to start the game put them in that hole to begin with. Maybe tonight, try starting the game strong for once?
*Or so it seems.
2. How will Robin Lehner respond to being pulled?
Lehner was vocal in his disagreement over being yanked by Dan Bylsma in the Sabres last game against the Rangers. While only one of the three goals he let in you could classify as a weak goal, the Sabres can’t really afford any weak goals with how pitiful their offense tends to be. The last two times Lehner has had a poor game, he’s responded with a strong effort, only letting in one goal in each of the following games. Let’s hope that trend continues tonight.
3. Will Eichel or Reinhart set a new career-high point streak?
Jack Eichel has five points in his last four games, and Sam Reinhart has four in his last three, both of which tie their career highs as far as point streaks go. Can either of them extend that streak to a new career high tonight?
Projected BUF lines
Deslauriers – C. O’Reilly – Girgensons
Colaiacovo – Pysyk