Chicago’s Winds Are No Hurricane

Carolina Hurricanes (14-5-2) vs Buffalo Sabres (8-9-4)

Puck Drop: 1:00 pm Eastern | Keybank Center | Buffalo, New York

TV: MSG, ESPN+

Know Your Opponent

Carolina Hurricanes

Record: 14-5-2 | 30 PTS

Division Ranking: 1st in Metropolitan Division

Last Game: 4-3 win over the Jets

PP: 13.6% 31st (Sabres 17.5% 22nd)

PK: 78.8% 21st (Sabres 88.5% 1st)

What to Watch

1) Benson Back?

Zach Benson’s return has been eminent for the past week. It seems likely today as of this writing, though no confirmation from the team as of yet. Sabres’ head coach Lindy Ruff said he was “a realistic possibility” for the Chicago game but was ultimately held out. His energy and offense would be a welcome addition. Jason Zucker made quite an impression in his return against the ‘Hawks. Anything from Taz on that level would be huge. Buffalo’s energy level has been hit and miss in Benson’s absence, perfectly evident by the Oilers, Flames and Blackhawks stinker sandwich. Boy, that kimmelweck roll was delicious but the roast beef sure went bad in the middle. Benny should supply much more consistent energy to the team with his return.

2) ‘Canes Storm Surge

Carolina is laying waste to everyone these days. They are 7-1-2 in their last ten games and already beat the Sabres this season, 6-3. But that was in Carolina, where Buffalo has not won in forever. The Sabres are much more competitive against the Hurricanes at Keybank Center. They have actually dropped the ‘Canes three straight times in Buffalo.

The Sabres do face a big challenge today though, make no mistake. Carolina is first in their division, first in the Eastern Conference and second overall in the NHL. They have a well balanced team from upfront to back in goal. They are very strong 5 on 5. The one glaring weakness is their special teams. The ‘Canes are 31st on the power play and 21st on the penalty kill. That is an area that Buffalo must edge them out for a better chance at victory.

3) Consistent Effort to Win in the NHL

The Sabres’ two best performances this season both came in their last 3 games. A convincing win over Edmonton and a blowout victory over Chicago. But that rotten egg they layed against Calgary is still not far removed. The team must BRING IT AGAIN today if they hope to beat Carolina. That means hustle from everyone, finishing checks, sustained attack and driving the net. They can’t let the likes of Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis run wild either, some punishing defense will go a long way. So would a strong effort in goal, whoever that may be.

Tage Thompson is heating up, with 5 goals and 8 points in his last 5 games. Rasmus Dahlin has 7 assists in his last 5 contests. With 2 goals in his last outing, Josh Doan is on pace for about 28 goals this year and 55 points. He is currently 4th overall in Sabres’ scoring on the season. Along with Benson, he is also one of Buffalo’s hardest workers.

Projected Lineups

Buffalo Sabres

Forwards

Zach Benson – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch
Josh Doan– Ryan McLeod – Jason Zucker
Isak Rosen – Tyson Kozak – Jack Quinn
Jordan Greenway – Peyton Krebs – Beck Malenstyn

Defense

Mattias Samuelsson – Rasmus Dahlin
Jacob Bryson – Owen Power
Bowen Byram – Conor Timmins

Goalies: Ukko Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, Colten Ellis

Carolina Hurricanes

Forwards

Svechnikov – Aho – Jarvis
Ehlers – Stankoven – Blake
Carrier – Staal – Martinook
Hall – Jankowski – Robinson

Defense

Gostisbehere – Walker
Miller – Chatfield
Reilly – Nystrom

Goalies: Kochetkov, Andersen