Buffalo Sabres vs. Anaheim Ducks: Game Preview and Analysis The Buffalo Sabres aim to extend their recent success on the road as they face the Anaheim Ducks in Game #71 of the 2024 NHL season. The matchup, set for 8:00 pm ET at Honda Center in Anaheim, California, pits two teams with contrasting styles against each other. The Sabres, currently sitting at 44-20-6, enter the game on a positive note after a strong stretch of play since December, while the Ducks, with a 38-27-4 record, remain a formidable presence in the Pacific Division. The Ducks, ranked first in their division, have shown resilience despite their league-worst power-play efficiency. Their 16.8% success rate on the man-advantage ranks 27th, but their strong 5-on-5 play has kept them competitive. The team’s ability to maintain a high volume of shots—30.2 per game—has made them a dangerous opponent, particularly when they’re ahead. The Sabres, meanwhile, have thrived in late-game scenarios, with a 20.7% power-play success rate that ranks 16th in the league. Both teams boast similar shooting percentages when trailing, at 54.5%, which suggests the game could be tightly contested. The Sabres’ recent performance has been marked by patience and adaptability. Over their last 41 games, they’ve secured 33 victories, with a notable 11 wins in their last 12 road contests. Head coach Don Granato has emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in games where the team hasn’t established an early lead. The Sabres have relied on timely saves and a potent offense to close out games, but they’ll need to replicate that strategy against a Ducks team that has proven capable of mounting late rallies. The Ducks, despite their league-worst power-play, have shown they can overcome deficits. Their 5-on-5 play has been a key factor in their success, with a 51.#anaheim_ducks #buffalo_sabres #tage_thompson #honda_center #don_granato
Buffalo Sabres Aim for Sweep in Pacific Road Trip The Buffalo Sabres are set to extend their winning streak as they face the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on Sunday, marking the second and final matchup between the teams this season. The Sabres, riding a wave of momentum, look to secure a sweep of their four-game road trip in the Pacific Division. Their recent performance has positioned them strongly for a playoff berth, with their magic number to clinch a spot now at 14. The Sabres’ current 13-game road point streak (12-0-1) is a franchise record and ranks among the longest in NHL history, with only 15 such streaks of 14 games or more ever recorded. Their success has been fueled by a combination of strong goaltending and consistent offensive output. Alex Lyon, the team’s starting goalie, is set to make his 10th consecutive road start, tying him with Evgeni Nabokov and Devan Dubnyk for the second-longest streak in league history. If Lyon wins tonight, he would tie the record for most road wins by a goaltender. Buffalo’s offensive contributions have also been key. Sam Carrick scored the game-winning goal in their previous victory over the Los Angeles Kings, marking his fifth goal in eight games since joining the team. This performance places him among the top trade acquisitions in Sabres history, surpassing the previous record set by Steve Heinze in 2001. Zach Benson, set to play his 200th NHL game, played a pivotal role in the win, setting up Carrick’s goal and later adding an empty-net tally. Tage Thompson has also been a consistent threat, netting goals in two consecutive games. The Sabres’ defensive efforts have been equally impressive, allowing just three goals during their current four-game winning streak and only one goal in their last three victories combined.#anaheim_ducks #buffalo_sabres #john_carlson #honda_center #cutter_gauthier
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
Buffalo Sabres Head Into Clash With Los Angeles Kings After Dominant Performance The Buffalo Sabres entered Saturday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Kings following a strong showing in their previous game against the San Jose Sharks. The team secured a 5-0 shutout, extending their league-leading streak of consecutive scoreless games to 164 minutes and 7 seconds. Goaltender Alex Lyon, who earned the shutout, is now one road win away from tying the NHL record for most consecutive road victories. Lyon’s 10-game streak includes a dominant performance in San Jose, where he stopped all 31 shots faced. The Sabres’ recent success has been highlighted by their ability to secure wins even when their play isn’t at its best. In the Sharks game, Buffalo struggled offensively, managing only three shots in the second period. However, they capitalized on those opportunities, scoring three goals within a 1:43 span to take a 3-0 lead. Despite the slow start, the team’s resilience shone through, as they maintained control of the game. Tage Thompson, who had gone four games without a point, broke his drought in the third period by scoring a goal just 40 seconds into the frame. His tally came after a breakaway opportunity against Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, marking a pivotal moment in the game. Thompson’s performance underscores the team’s depth, as he has now recorded 10 goals and 23 assists in 26 games. The Sabres’ offensive surge has been complemented by their defensive prowess. Since December 9, the team has posted a league-best goals against rate of 2.43, while ranking second in goals for at 3.80. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who also contributed to the shutout streak, has been a key factor in the team’s success. With a 2.62 goals-against average and a .#los_angeles_kings #buffalo_sabres #tage_thompson #alex_lyon #ukko_pekka_luukkonen
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
How to watch Sabres vs. Sharks: TV channel and streaming options for March 19 The Buffalo Sabres (42-20-6) will face the San Jose Sharks (32-28-6) in an NHL matchup on Thursday, March 19, starting at 10 p.m. ET at SAP Center at San Jose. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Sabres are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 90 points, while the Sharks are 10th in the Western Conference with 70 points. To watch the game, fans can tune in to ESPN+ for live coverage. The matchup will be highlighted by the Sabres' strong position in the conference and the Sharks' efforts to climb the standings. Odds for the game, as provided by BetMGM, indicate the Sabres are favored to win. However, the game's outcome could be influenced by the injury status of key players. Several Sabres players are listed as out or day-to-day, including Justin Danforth (lower body), Jordan Greenway (abdomen), and Jiri Kulich, who is out for the season due to an ear injury. On the Sharks' side, Ty Dellandrea is out (lower body), and Igor Chernyshov is day-to-day (concussion). The team's performance may also depend on the availability of goaltenders Yaroslav Askarov (day-to-day, lower body) and Conor Timmins (leg). These absences could impact the game's dynamics, especially given the teams' current standings and the importance of the matchup in the NHL schedule.#espn_plus #buffalo_sabres #san_jose_sharks #sap_center #bet_mgm
Buffalo Sabres vs. San Jose Sharks: Game 69 Preview The Buffalo Sabres, with a record of 42-20-6 and 70 points, face the San Jose Sharks (32-28-6, 70 points) in a crucial matchup at SAP Center in San Jose, California. Puck drop is set for 10:00 PM, marking the 69th game of the season. The Sharks, currently 6th in the Pacific Division, are battling for a wild card spot in the Western Conference, trailing the Kraken and Kings by a single point. The Sabres, who recently ended an 11-game road point drought with a win over Vegas, aim to extend their streak against a desperate Sharks team. The Sabres’ recent turnaround has been remarkable, particularly on the road. After struggling to secure regulation wins until December, they’ve set a franchise record with an 11-game road point streak. Their upcoming game against the Sharks, who they defeated 6-3 in Buffalo a week and a half ago, presents an opportunity to continue this momentum. The Sharks, however, are unlikely to be intimidated, as they’ve shown resilience in their pursuit of a playoff berth. San Jose’s offensive surge is led by sophomore sensation Macklin Celebrini, whose performance has exceeded expectations. Celebrini leads the team in goals, assists, and points, with a staggering 50-point lead over second-place Will Smith. His dominance is evident in the Sharks’ record: they’ve secured only one regulation win in games where Celebrini has registered a point. To neutralize his impact, head coach Lindy Ruff plans to deploy Daling and Samuelsson against Celebrini’s line, a strategy that will be critical in limiting his influence. The Sabres’ defensive strategy is also under scrutiny, particularly their bottom pair.#buffalo_sabres #macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #sap_center #lindy_ruff
Sabres Extend Franchise-Record Road Point Streak in San Jose Clash The Buffalo Sabres aim to continue their historic road performance as they face the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on Thursday. The team has secured at least a point in 11 consecutive road games, breaking the previous record set in the 1983-84 and 2006-07 seasons. During this stretch, the Sabres have averaged an NHL-leading 4.27 goals per game while on the road. Their recent success includes a 10-0-1 record in 11 games since the Olympic break, with five of those wins coming at home. This surge has positioned the Sabres near the top of the standings, currently two points behind first-place Carolina (which won Wednesday) in the conference and four points ahead of Tampa Bay (which plays tonight) in the Atlantic Division. The team’s momentum is bolstered by strong performances from key players, including Alex Lyon, who is set to make his second consecutive road start. Lyon has won nine straight road games, just two short of the NHL record held by Evgeni Nabokov and Devan Dubnyk. The Sharks, meanwhile, have remained competitive in the Western Conference playoff race, maintaining a slim lead over Seattle for the second wild card. However, their recent struggles have included a combined 12 goals allowed in their last two losses, pushing their season goals against total to 233—the fourth-highest in the league. Despite this, San Jose remains a formidable opponent, particularly with the emergence of teenage phenom Macklin Celebrini. The 18-year-old forward, who scored in their previous matchup against the Sabres, has accumulated 158 points in two seasons, ranking sixth among teenage NHL players behind legends like Sidney Crosby, Wayne Gretzky, and Steve Yzerman.#buffalo_sabres #macklin_celebrini #san_jose_sharks #sap_center #alex_lyon
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Minnesota Wild Game Preview The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face the Minnesota Wild in a matchup that carries significant implications for playoff positioning. The Leafs’ last game was an away loss to the Buffalo Sabres on March 14, ending in a 3-2 shootout defeat. Toronto’s current record stands at 28-27-12, translating to a 0.507 points percentage. Meanwhile, the Wild’s most recent home game also ended in a loss, a 4-2 regulation defeat to the New York Rangers, with their league record at 38-17-12 and a 0.657 points percentage. The standings have shifted in recent weeks, with St. Louis now trailing at 0.485 points percentage. If the team maintains this pace, they would finish with 80 points. The Leafs would need to secure 79 points to claim the fifth-place spot, requiring them to win 0.367 of their remaining games. This target has become more achievable as other teams have secured victories, including the Rangers, who are tied with St. Louis. Outperforming both teams could secure the Leafs’ position in the standings. Los Angeles remains in the fourth-place race for a Western Conference wild card spot, while San Jose holds the second position with a 0.547 points percentage. If San Jose maintains its pace, they would finish with 90 points, forcing Los Angeles to surpass that total with a 0.688 win rate. However, the situation has grown more challenging for Los Angeles due to recent losses and San Jose’s strong performance. Minnesota, currently third in the Central Division, is 14 points ahead of the first wild card team and six points behind Dallas. Their position appears secure for the season.#minnesota_wild #toronto_maple_leafs #buffalo_sabres #filip_gustavsson #igor_shesterkin
Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals: Game 66 Preview The Buffalo Sabres, currently riding an eight-game winning streak, face the Washington Capitals in Game 66 of the 2025 NHL season. The Sabres, ranked first in their division with a 40-19-6 record, are positioned strongly for a playoff berth, while the Capitals, at 32-27-7, have fallen out of the postseason race. The Capitals traded their legendary defenseman John Carlson at the trade deadline, adding to their challenges. The Sabres hold the home-ice advantage and benefit from a rest day, as the Capitals lost to the Flyers 4-1 in Philadelphia the previous night. The game, set for 7:00 PM at KeyBank Center, will be broadcast on MSG-B and ESPN+. The Sabres’ recent success hinges on their balanced attack, with key contributions from multiple lines. Krebs has spent significant time with Thompson on the top line, while the McLeod line has provided secondary scoring. Primary scorers Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch have been dominant, with Tuch on a seven-game point streak and nearing a point-per-game pace. Thompson’s consecutive three-point performances against Tampa Bay and San Jose highlight his impact. However, Tuch’s lower-body injury from Tuesday’s game against the Sharks raises concerns, though he remains a game-time decision. If sidelined, Tanner Pearson could make his Sabres debut, potentially altering the lineup. The Capitals’ top producers remain their established stars. Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson lead the team in goals, each with 24, while Ovechkin edges Wilson in points with an extra assist. Jakob Chychrun, with 22 goals, also figures prominently in the scoring race. Shutting down these key players could be critical for the Sabres, as their ability to neutralize Ovechkin and Wilson may determine the outcome.#washington_capitals #buffalo_sabres #john_carlson #alex_ovechkin #tage_thompson
Thursday Caps Clips: Playoffs Flying By; Caps-Sabres Game Day The Washington Capitals’ playoff run continued with a fast-paced game against the Buffalo Sabres, as the team navigated the high-stakes environment of the postseason. The Capitals’ right wing, Justin Sourdif, showcased his ability to control play during the first period of the matchup, highlighting the team’s efforts to maintain momentum in the series. The game took place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marking another chapter in the Capitals’ pursuit of a deep playoff run. Beyond the on-ice action, the Capitals’ roster saw some off-ice celebrations as the team honored its players’ birthdays. Tyler Larter, a key forward, celebrated his 58th birthday, while Brent Johnson, another veteran, marked his 49th birthday. These milestones added a personal touch to the team’s playoff journey, reminding fans of the individual stories behind the team’s collective success. Meanwhile, the Capitals’ management and analysts took note of the team’s strategic advantages. Reports indicated that the Capitals were gaining value from several of their current contracts, suggesting that the team’s financial decisions were paying off in terms of player performance and stability. This insight was highlighted by Daily Faceoff, which praised the Capitals’ ability to balance long-term planning with immediate results. Leadership within the team also saw a shift as John Carlson, the team’s captain, stepped away for personal reasons. His absence created an opportunity for Dylan Strome to take on a leadership role, wearing the “A” for the first two games of the playoffs. However, the responsibility eventually passed to Matt Roy, who earned the captaincy in the most recent game.#washington_capitals #buffalo_sabres #xfinity_mobile_arena #john_carlson #dylan_strome
Washington Capitals Face Hot Buffalo Sabres in Key Match as Connor McMichael Approaches 300th NHL Game The Washington Capitals will face the surging Buffalo Sabres in a crucial matchup tonight, marking the conclusion of a back-to-back set of games. The Caps enter the contest after a tough stretch, having suffered four losses in their last five contests. Meanwhile, the Sabres have been on a tear since the Olympic break, securing eight consecutive victories. All eight wins have come in regulation, with five decided by a single goal, and the Sabres have allowed two or fewer goals in six of those games. Buffalo’s dominance extends beyond their recent run. Since opening the season with 11 wins in their first 29 games, the Sabres have maintained a streak of 36 games without a point drought, posting 29 wins, five overtime losses, and two ties. Their .833 points percentage over that span is the best in the NHL, more than 100 percentage points ahead of second-place Carolina (.722). Caps coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged the Sabres’ consistent threat, noting their ability to challenge the Capitals over the past three seasons. “They’ve had our number for a while,” Carbery said. “You see their speed, their skating, and their size. It didn’t matter what their record was—they always gave us a lot of trouble.” He added that the Sabres’ recent success is a natural progression for their young team, which is loaded with first-round draft picks across all lines and pairings. “It takes time for those players to understand what it takes to win every night,” Carbery explained. “Once they figure it out, they can go on a run. That’s what’s happening with Buffalo now.” For the Capitals, the challenge is clear.#washington_capitals #buffalo_sabres #spencer_carbery #connor_mcMichael #charlie_lindgren
Senators Acquire Warren Foegele from Kings The Ottawa Senators have completed a trade with the Los Angeles Kings, acquiring forward Warren Foegele one day before the NHL trade deadline. The deal was announced on Thursday, with the Senators sending a 2026 second-round draft pick originally acquired from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the 29-year-old winger. The two teams also agreed to swap conditional third-round draft selections. Under the terms of the trade, the Senators will receive the lesser of the Kings’ or Dallas Stars’ third-round picks in 2026, while Los Angeles will get the better of Ottawa’s or the Washington Capitals’ third-round selections. If neither Ottawa nor Washington qualifies for the playoffs, the Senators will instead send the worse of those two picks to the Kings. Foegele, who played 47 games for the Kings this season, contributed seven goals and two assists. His performance this year marks his second season with the team, following a career-high 24 goals and 46 points in 82 games during the 2023-24 campaign. The six-foot-two, 205-pound forward, hailing from Markham, Ont., is under contract through the 2026-27 season at a salary of $3.5 million. Drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round, 67th overall, at the 2014 NHL draft, Foegele spent parts of four seasons with the Hurricanes before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers in 2021. He played three seasons with the Oilers in Alberta before leaving for Los Angeles via free agency in 2024. The acquisition adds depth to the Senators’ forward group, which currently sits six points behind the Boston Bruins for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With the trade deadline approaching, the move positions the team to strengthen its roster ahead of the postseason push.#los_angeles_kings #buffalo_sabres #carolina_hurricanes #warren_foegele #ottawa_senators
LA Kings Trade Warren Foegele to Ottawa Senators in 2026 Draft Pick Deal The Los Angeles Kings have traded forward Warren Foegele to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick and a conditional 2026 third-round pick. The second-round selection belongs to the Buffalo Sabres, which the Senators previously acquired. The trade includes multiple conditions, but the Kings are expected to move up several spots in the third round by trading the conditional picks. Foegele, 29, signed with the Kings in the summer of 2024 for a modest cap hit and quickly became a key contributor. During the 2024-25 NHL season, he led the team in even-strength goals and was a vital part of the “shutdown line” alongside Phillip Danault and Trevor Moore. This trio was instrumental in the Kings’ playoff run, with Foegele scoring 24 goals, 22 of which came in 5-on-5 situations. His production helped offset the team’s overall scoring struggles compared to other playoff teams. However, this season has not gone as smoothly for Foegele. After a strong debut, he has struggled to replicate his previous performance, tallying just seven goals and nine points in 47 games. Despite being utilized in various roles—ranging from the first line to the fourth line—he has not found the same chemistry that defined his first season with the Kings. While the team’s overall performance has also dipped, Foegele’s inability to adapt has been a notable issue. The Kings’ season has been marked by inconsistency, with a recent three-game losing streak following the Olympic break costing head coach Jim Hiller his job. Entering the trade deadline, the team is five points out of a playoff spot, and the move to acquire draft assets is seen as a necessary step to rebuild.#los_angeles_kings #buffalo_sabres #warren_foegele #ottawa_senators #philip_danault
