Game #7
Buffalo Sabres (1-5-0) at
Anaheim Ducks (5-1-0)
Three Questions
1. Last time these two teams played, the Sabres were outshot 17-3 in the first period. Will things be any different tonight?
The Sabres can’t afford to get dominated in the first 30 minutes the way they did when these two teams met earlier this year. Anaheim has scored more goals than all but three teams in the NHL, so Buffalo needs to limit their chances as much as possible if they want to avoid another 5-1 blowout.
2. Will the Sabres score a single goal? And will it come from someone in the top six?
We’re setting our expectations low here – it’s been over 142 minutes since the Sabres scored their last goal. I don’t think I’m asking for too much to wonder if the Sabres might score ONE SINGLE SOLITARY GOAL for the first time in more than two full games. That being said, they currently only have four players who’ve actually found the back of the net – Girgensons, Ennis, Foligno, and Mitchell. It’d be nice if guys named Moulson, Stewart, Gionta, or Hodgson could re-learn how to put pucks in the net sometime before the 2015 draft.
3. After some time watching from the press box, will Sam Reinhart look a bit more comfortable tonight?
The Sabres #2 pick is currently pointless in his NHL rookie season, and some might argue that his presence in Buffalo is the same. After spending some time as a healthy scratch, will his game take a noticeable jump in any direction, linemates notwithstanding?
Projected BUF Lineup
Goal: Michal Neuvirth