Game 51 Preview & Open Thread: Sabres vs. Predators

Game #51

Buffalo Sabres (19-26-5) vs Nashville Predators (18-24-7)

Puck Drop: 7:00 PM ET | KeyBank Center, Buffalo NY

TV: MSG-B, NHL Network

Know Your Opponent

Nashville Predators

Record: 18-24-7 | 43 PTS

Last Game: 3-1 loss to the Canucks

Division Ranking: 7th, Central

PP: 15th, 21.7% (31/143 opps) [Sabres: 27th, 17.0% (25/1147 opps)]

PK: 9th, 81.6% (120/147 killed) [Sabres: 23rd, 77.2% (115/149 killed)]

1. Audition Time

The NHL Trade Deadline is about five weeks away. As far as the fanbase is concerned, just about the entire roster is on the chopping block, though in reality General Manager Kevyn Adams is looking to see who he can pawn off to create cap room for the summer.

Younger players like Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn who have had less than impressive seasons will be looking to correct things, while Amerks like Jiri Kulich and Tyson Kozak will be attempting to seal their berths at the senior club for next season.

As far as Lindy Ruff is concerned, he’s going to want to see some grit especially when his team are in positions of adversity, one place in particular where they folded badly this season.

2. Fathers’ Trip

The Preds trip to Buffalo is the first game of their annual fathers’ trip when the players get to bring along their dads for an away swing, with a game away at the Penguins the next stop. After a difficult season of their own which sees them contending with the Sabres for a prime NHL Draft lottery position, the Preds might have some additional motivation tonight.

Oh also, look out for Filip Forsberg who is in on a hot streak right about now, eleven points (five goals, six assists) in the last five games.

3. All Eyes on Rayzor

Tonight though will be about one man, who won’t even be dressing for the Sabres tonight. Tonight is the induction of Rob Ray who will become the 44th member of the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony will feature tributes to Rayzor’s career, with a couple of dozen of his fellow Sabres Hall of Famers present as well. Doors are at 5 p.m. with fans asked to be in their seats by 6 p.m. for the start of the ceremony.

There will be alumni appearances, Rayzor-themed giveaways, photo opportunities in the concourse, and more throughout the night.

Buffalo Sabres

Forwards

JJ Peterka – Jiri Kulich – Tage Thompson
Jason Zucker – Dylan Cozens – Alex Tuch
Peyton Krebs – Ryan McLeod – Jack Quinn
Beck Malenstyn – Tyson Kozak – Zach Benson

Defense

Bowen Byram – Rasmus Dahlin
Mattias Samuelsson – Owen Power
Jacob Bryson – Henri Jokiharju

Goalies: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (projected starter), James Reimer

Nashville Predators

Forwards

Filip Forsberg – Steven Stamkos – Jonathan Marchessault
Gustav Nyquist – Ryan O’Reilly – Vinnie Hinostroza
Tommy Novak – Fedor Svechkov – Zachary L’Heureux
Cole Smith – Michael McCarron – Colton Sissons

Defense

Roman Josi – Justin Barron
Brady Skjei – Nick Blankenburg
Adam Wilsby – Luke Schenn

Goalies:

Juuse Saros (projected starter), Justus Annunen