Game 74
Buffalo Sabres (26-36-11) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (43-20-8)
Puck Drop: 5:00 PM | Amalie Arena | Tampa Bay, FL
TV: MSG-B
Radio: WGR 550
SB Nation Lightning Blog: Raw Charge
Know Your Opponent
Tampa Bay Lightning Record: 43-20-8 | 94 PTS
Division Ranking: 4th in Atlantic Division
PP: 13th (21.6%)
PK: 10th (81.4%)
What to Watch
1. Deadly Swede Shot
It took a while, but Victor Olofsson has regained his early season form after a wrist injury hindered his shooting ability. He has goals in four of his last five games and has been virtually automatic when given space to pick his spot. This has helped a Sabres offense that was looking for consistent secondary scoring behind their top line of Skinner-Thompson-Tuch. He has also revitalized the second powerplay unit with two powerplay goals in his last five games. Now that the threat of Olofsson’s one time has returned, there has been more space for Jokiharju and Krebs to operate on the other side of the umbrella. Brian Elliot may have a good history against the Sabres, but there won’t be much he can do if Olofsson is given time and space in the slot.
2. Be Prepared to Respond
Tampa Bay is undoubtedly one of the most skilled teams in the NHL. However, they are also no strangers to questionable physical play at times. Two examples from 2019 come to the mind of Sabres fans. One would be a low hit by Kucherov on Vladimir Sobotka that ended Sobotka’s season and his NHL Career. More infamously, Erik Cernak elbowed Dahlin in the face resulting in a concussion for Dahlin and a two -game suspension for Cernak. This Sabres team has proven to be a close-knit group. This will be tested if any Tampa Bay player takes liberties with any Sabre. Buffalo should be ready to respond to any extracurricular activities and stand up for each other. They have done well to begin building a positive culture in the locker room. Being ready and willing to stand up for each other in case of any cheap shots (looking at you Cernak).
3. Spread the Ice Time
Today’s game will be the 3rd in 4 nights for Buffalo, and their 3rd straight road game against a top 10 NHL team. It is important not to rely too heavily on one line or defensive pair on any given night, but the importance increases when playing tough opponents with practically no time to rest between games. Don Granato will have to watch the minutes of his top players to ensure they have enough gas in the tank for the 3rd period. Secondary scoring and quality shifts from the bottom six forwards will be vital to success against a Lightning team that is fighting for playoff position with Boston. Buffalo will need to keep shifts short and avoid getting pinned in the defensive zone to prevent fatigue from overtaking the team.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Skinner – Thompson – Tuch
Krebs – Cozens – Hinostroza
Asplund – Mittelstadt – Olofsson
Girgensons – Eakin – Okposo
Defense
Dahlin – Jokiharju
Miller – Pysyk
Samuelsson – Bryson
Starter: Anderson
Tampa Bay Lightning
Forwards
Palat – Point – Kucherov
Paul – Stamkos – Colton
Hagel – Cirelli – Killoran
Maroon – Bellemare – Perry
Defense
Hedman – Rutta
Sergachev – Cernak
Foote – Bogosian
Starter: Elliott