Buffalo Sabres Secure Atlantic Division Title with Dominant 5-1 Victory Over Chicago Blackhawks The Buffalo Sabres secured their first Atlantic Division title since the 2009-10 season and their seventh overall in franchise history with a commanding 5-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night. The win, which marked the Sabres’ fourth consecutive triumph, also propelled them to 50 wins for the third time in team history, matching their achievements in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. Tage Thompson, the team’s leading scorer, starred with two goals to reach the 40-goal milestone for the season, while Alex Tuch, Ryan McLeod, and Josh Norris added goals to solidify Buffalo’s dominance. Thompson’s performance was pivotal in the game, as he scored twice to reach the 40-goal mark, including a crucial goal 13 minutes into the second period after stealing the puck from Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier. The Sabres took a 1-0 lead early in the second, but Chicago responded with a short-handed goal by Ryan Greene 3:58 into the first period. Greene, who ended a 12-game scoring drought with his goal, also found the net in Saturday’s 5-3 loss to St. Louis. However, Buffalo quickly regained control, with Norris netting his 12th goal of the season just 58 seconds before the end of the first period. The 22-year-old forward, who has recorded two goals and six assists in his last seven games, finished the period with a 1-0 lead. The Sabres’ offensive surge continued in the second period, as Tuch capitalized on a breakaway opportunity after receiving a stretch pass from Rasmus Dahlin. The goal, Tuch’s third in four games and his 32nd of the season, extended Buffalo’s lead to 3-1. Thompson added his second goal at 11:13 of the third period, finishing a one-timer off a pass from Dahlin.#chicago_blackhawks #buffalo_sabres #tage_thompson #alex_tuch #rasmus_dahlin
Sabres regroup, try again to clinch playoff berth against Capitals Buffalo lost to Ottawa on Thursday in their first attempt to end a historic 14-season playoff drought, but the team returned to practice Friday with renewed focus ahead of their crucial matchup against the Washington Capitals. The Sabres, seeking to secure their first Stanley Cup Playoff berth since 2011, faced challenges in their initial effort to clinch the spot, prompting adjustments in their approach for the second try. The Sabres’ 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday highlighted the pressure of the moment, as a victory would have ended the longest playoff drought in NHL history. Coach Lindy Ruff noted that the team’s energy and pace during Friday’s practice were significantly improved compared to the previous day, attributing the difference to the absence of stakes in the second session. “Because we had nothing to gain today,” Ruff said, emphasizing the psychological shift. However, the pressure of the situation had clearly affected the team’s performance in the earlier game. Buffalo’s current position in the standings remains strong, with the team sitting second in the Atlantic Division behind the Tampa Bay Lightning and tied with them in points due to having played an extra game. They are also two points behind the Carolina Hurricanes for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, though the Hurricanes hold a game in hand. With only six regular-season games remaining, the Sabres are positioned to clinch a playoff berth before their next game against the Capitals. The timing of their playoff push is critical, as the outcome of the Detroit Red Wings’ game against the New York Rangers on Saturday could influence the Sabres’ path.#washington_capitals #buffalo_sabres #lindy_ruff #alex_tuch #ottawa_senators
Kings Host Hot Buffalo Sabres in Closing Game of Season Series The Los Angeles Kings will conclude their short homestand today as they take on the NHL’s hottest team, the Buffalo Sabres, at Crypto.com Arena. The matchup marks the final game of the season series between the two clubs, with the Kings looking to secure a win against a Sabres squad that has won 11 of its last 12 games. Forward Adrian Kempe, who is listed as a game-time decision, will be a key player for the Kings. Kempe scored the only goal in their previous meeting with the Sabres in January, a 4-1 loss to Buffalo. Over his last nine games against the Sabres, Kempe has recorded eight points (3 goals, 5 assists), leading the Kings in scoring since the start of the 2021-22 season. However, his availability for today’s game remains uncertain. Interim Head Coach D.J. Smith expressed cautious optimism about Kempe’s ability to play, though the Kings have not confirmed a starting goaltender. Both Anton Forsberg and Darcy Kuemper are expected to start one of the two games this weekend, with Forsberg having a .917 save percentage and a 2.54 goals-against average in 11 career appearances against the Sabres. Kuemper, meanwhile, has a 5-3-1 record in 11 games against Buffalo. The Kings’ lineup for their previous game against Philadelphia included notable line combinations, with Kempe on the top line. If Kempe is unable to play, forward Joel Armia is set to return to the lineup after missing the last 10 games with a back injury. Armia’s return could influence line adjustments, as his placement on the ice may depend on Kempe’s status. Smith hinted that Armia might slot into the penalty kill, where he is one of the NHL’s top shorthanded forwards, though his 5-on-5 role remains unclear.#los_angeles_kings #buffalo_sabres #alex_tuch #adrian_kempe #anton_forsberg
Sabres Projected Lineup for Kings Game The Buffalo Sabres are set to face the Los Angeles Kings in a matchup featuring their projected starting lineup. The Sabres, with a record of 43-20-6, will take the ice with Zach Benson, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch forming the top line. Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, and Jack Quinn will round out the second line, while Noah Ostlund, Josh Norris, and Josh Doan will play on the third line. Peyton Krebs, Sam Carrick, and Beck Malenstyn will form the fourth line, with Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson on the power play. Bowen Byram and Owen Power will serve as the first pair, followed by Logan Stanley and Zach Metsa. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start in goal. Several players are scratched for the game, including Luke Schenn, Michael Kesselring, and Josh Dunne. Injuries also impact the roster, with Tanner Pearson (lower body), Colten Ellis (undisclosed), Tyson Kozak (undisclosed), Jordan Greenway (middle body), Conor Timmins (broken leg), Jiri Kulich (blood clot), and Justin Danforth (lower body) listed as unavailable. The Sabres held an optional practice on Friday, and Luukkonen is the only expected lineup change following their 5-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks. The Kings' projected lineup includes Artemi Panarin, Anze Kopitar, and Adrian Kempe on the top line, with Trevor Moore, Quinton Byfield, and Alex Laferriere forming the second line. Alex Turcotte, Scott Laughton, and Joel Armia will play on the third line, while Jeff Malott, Samuel Helenius, and Taylor Ward will form the fourth line. Mikey Anderson and Drew Doughty will be the first pair, with Joel Edmundson and Brandt Clarke on the power play. Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci will serve as the defense pair. Scratched players for the Kings include Mathieu Joseph, Jacob Moverare, and Jared Wright.#los_angeles_kings #buffalo_sabres #tage_thompson #zach_benson #alex_tuch
