Sabres take on League’s best

⏰ 7 p.m.   ? MSG   ? WGR550

After a one-game road trip in Carolina, the Sabres head back to Buffalo to host the league’s best, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at Key;Bank Center. 

Season series: This is the third matchup of the season between these two teams. The Sabres won on home ice back on November 13th by a score of 2-1. On November 29th, in a bid for an 11-game winning streak, the Sabres fell in Tampa by a score of 5-4. The fourth and final meeting will come on February 21st in Tampa. 

Buffalo notes: The Sabres have failed mightily to muster a winning streak of late. After a great team performance against the New Jersey Devils – a 5-1 win – the Sabres fell in Carolina by a score of 4-3. Despite the loss to the Hurricanes, captain Jack Eichel made his return from injury after a three-game absence. Jeff Skinner also tallied a goal against his former team, his 30th of the season. He will also be attending the All-Star game after winning the “Last Men In” vote. 

Lightning notes: The Tampa Bay Lightning are red hot. They hold the league’s top spot in the standings by a large margin with a record of 34-8-2, good for 70 points. They are on a two-game winning streak but are 9-1-0 in their last 10. Andrei Vasilevskiy will take a spot in the All-Star game since goaltender Carey Price will not be attending and Nikita Kucherov leads the NHL in points with 72 (21 goals, 51 assists). 

Starting goaltenders: It’s likely Linus Ullmark will get the call in net for Buffalo since Hutton took the game in Carolina. Vasilevskiy should start in goal for the Lightning. 

Line Combos:

Offense

1st Line
2nd Line
3rd Line
4th Line

Defense

1st Pairing
2nd Pairing
3rd Pairing

Goaltenders

StarterBackup

 

Matt Studemeyer
Matt Studemeyer
Although born and raised in Charleston, SC, I've had a passion for both hockey and the Buffalo Sabres since childhood. In addition to writing, I'm also an avid musician/guitarist and currently work in the moving and transportation industry.
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