Gold Medal Game Re-Match: USA-Switzerland at 2:20 p.m. ET ZURICH, Switzerland – The U.S. Men’s National Team will face Switzerland in a rematch of last year’s gold-medal game as the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship opens with a showdown at 2:20 p.m. ET on NHL Network. The matchup, set against the host nation, marks the 29th meeting between the two teams in the men’s world championships, with the U.S. holding a 17-1-1-8-1 (wins, overtime wins, overtime losses, losses, ties) record. The Americans have won four of the last five encounters in the series, including a 1-0 overtime victory in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2025, where Tage Thompson scored the decisive goal. Head coach Don Granato expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, stating, “We’re excited to get going and know we’re facing an excellent Swiss team. It’s been fun to see how our group has come together in a short period of time and we look forward to the challenge ahead.” The U.S. squad, which includes 12 first or second-round NHL Draft picks, boasts over 5,000 combined NHL games of experience and seven players with prior World Championship appearances. Notable veterans like Mason Lohrei and Isaac Howard, both part of the 2025 gold medal-winning team, add depth to the roster. The team’s preparation included a single pre-tournament game against Germany, which ended in a 5-2 victory. The U.S. utilized five different goal scorers in the win, showcasing versatility. Justin Faulk, the team’s captain, leads the squad in his fourth World Championship appearance, having earned two bronze medals in the event. Faulk, also a member of the 2014 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, is joined by alternate captains Ryan Lindgren and Mathieu Olivier. Goalie depth is another strength, with three netminders on the roster.#tage_thompson #switzerland #don_granato #usa_men_s_national_team #iihf_men_s_world_championship
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 Clinch Atlantic Division Title The Buffalo Sabres secured their first Atlantic Division title since the 2009-10 season with a decisive 5-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday. The win marked the culmination of a remarkable turnaround for the team, which had finished seventh in the Atlantic last year and struggled to climb the Eastern Conference standings as recently as December. The Sabres’ triumph over Chicago not only clinched the division but also solidified their position as a playoff contender, with home-ice advantage for their Round 1 series against the top wild card team between Boston and Ottawa. Boston currently holds the wild card spot, one point ahead of Ottawa with one game remaining for each team. Tage Thompson played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring his 39th and 40th goals of the season. His performance underscored the Sabres’ offensive resurgence, which has been a cornerstone of their success this season. The team’s 50-win campaign marks only the third time in franchise history they’ve reached that milestone, joining the 2005-06 and 2006-07 teams. Their 108 points on the season also rank among the highest in franchise history, surpassing the totals of four previous teams. The Sabres’ achievement is particularly impressive given the competitiveness of the Atlantic Division, which now features five playoff teams—each with 96 or more points. For context, the sixth-place team in the Atlantic (Detroit) would currently rank first in the Pacific Division, highlighting the division’s strength. Buffalo’s division title also marks their seventh in franchise history, with the most recent coming in the 2009-10 season when the team competed in the Northeast Division. The Atlantic Division in its current form was established in the 2013-14 season following NHL realignment.#chicago_blackhawks #buffalo_sabres #tage_thompson #keybank_center #lindy_ruff
Game 81 Preview: Buffalo Sabres vs. Chicago Blackhawks The Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks are set to face off in Game 81 of the 2025 NHL season, with the matchup carrying significant playoff implications for both teams. The Sabres, currently sitting at 49-23-8, are in a strong position to secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, while the Blackhawks, with a record of 28-38-14, are fighting to stay relevant in the Central Division. The game, scheduled for 7:30 PM at the United Center in Chicago, will be a pivotal moment in the season for both franchises. For the Sabres, the stakes are high. A win in this game would solidify their playoff positioning and potentially grant them home-ice advantage in the first round. The team has two primary paths to clinch this benefit: either by winning the game outright or by losing in overtime or a shootout while the Tampa Bay Lightning also lose in regulation. Alternatively, if the Sabres win in regulation and the Lightning secure a victory in overtime or a shootout, the Sabres would still secure home ice. These scenarios highlight the delicate balance of outcomes that could determine the Sabres' playoff fate. The team’s ability to capitalize on this opportunity will be critical, as the pressure to perform is mounting. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, are in a precarious position. Sitting in eighth place in the Central Division with 70 points, they trail the first-place team by 10 points. This gap makes it unlikely they will secure a playoff berth, but the team’s lack of pressure could lead to a more relaxed approach. The Blackhawks are a team with nothing to lose, and their players may treat the final games of the season as a chance to play freely rather than with the urgency of a playoff contender.#chicago_blackhawks #united_center #buffalo_sabres #tage_thompson #jordan_greenway
Sabres Aim to Secure Playoff Berth in High-Stakes Clash Against Capitals Buffalo’s National Hockey League team faces a critical test as it seeks to maintain its position in the playoff race with a matchup against Washington. The Sabres, currently ranked second in the Atlantic Division with 100 points, must secure a victory or a regulation loss by Detroit to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2010-11 season. A win tonight or a regulation loss by the Red Wings would guarantee their advancement, while a tie in the game could still secure a playoff berth if Ottawa and Minnesota fail to deliver a decisive result. The Sabres’ recent performance has been a key factor in their playoff hopes. Since the Olympic break, the team has earned at least one point in 23 of their last 28 contests, including a league-leading 14 wins and 30 points. They have also dominated the league in wins and points since December 9, accumulating 35 victories and 74 points, with 30 regulation wins in that span. Notably, the team has avoided consecutive regulation losses since December 3, marking a significant turnaround in their consistency. Star players have been instrumental in this resurgence. Tage Thompson, the team’s leading scorer, has tallied 55 points (25 goals, 30 assists) in 47 games since December 9. His 22 even-strength goals in that span rank tied for third in the NHL, and he is on the verge of surpassing Jason Pominville’s franchise record for career goals with Buffalo. Thompson, who needs seven more goals to pass Pominville, has also contributed six points in his last five games. Rasmus Dahlin, the team’s top assist provider, has recorded 32 assists and 47 points since December 9, with 15 goals in that span tying him for second among NHL defensemen.#washington_capitals #buffalo_sabres #tage_thompson #alex_lyon #rasmus_dahlin
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 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
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
