The NHL and NBCSN released their TV schedule on Monday morning for the 2018-19 season. There will be a total of 107 on NBCSN this season, an increase from 99 last year.
The Sabres will be on national TV this season five times, a reduction from the eight games that were televised in 2017-18, although the Winter Classic counted as one of those games. Given the fact that Buffalo was in the Winter Classic, it is not surprising they had two more games last year and most of the Sabres appearances on NBCSN were leading up to that January 1st game.
This year’s schedule is a bit more balanced as shown below:
- Tues, Nov. 13th – Tampa Bay @ Buffalo
- Wed, Nov. 21st – Philadelphia @ Buffalo
- Tues, Dec. 4th – Toronto @ Buffalo
- Fri, Dec. 21st – Buffalo @ Washington
- Tues, Feb. 26th – Buffalo @ Philadelphia
While just five games, some are pretty intriguing with Buffalo facing the Tampa Bay Lightning at home, hosting the rival Toronto Maple Leafs with newly-acquired John Tavares, and hosting the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals at home. Plus, a pair of games against the Philadelphia Flyers are a fun throwback to the old rivalry and usually have some fireworks.