Storylines
1. Finding ways to finish
With 75 combined shots on goal at Calgary and Edmonton, Buffalo set a season high for a two-game span. And Natural Stat Trick credited the Sabres with 16 and 15 high-danger scoring chances in those games, their most since Dec. 11 versus the Rangers (17). But two goals didn’t cut it in either contest, both of which were tied entering the third period.
On Saturday, after taking a 2-1 lead in the second period, the Sabres failed to score on a pair of breakaway chances. They also outshot the Oilers 36-22 over the final 40 minutes.
“You get a couple breakaways you don’t finish on,” Ruff said. “A 2-on-1, you don’t finish. Some of the high-quality stuff – good teams turn that into the third goal.
“We’ve got to get better at taking advantage of our high-quality opportunities, to put the opposition in a position where it’s hard for them to come back.”
Those opportunities include the man advantage. Jiri Kulich scored a go-ahead goal Saturday just seconds after an Oilers penalty had expired, but Buffalo’s power play has gone 3-for-29 in the last eight games, compared to 8-for-19 in the previous eight.
“Plenty of good opportunities, but it didn’t make a difference for us,” Ruff said of the power play’s 1-for-14 road trip.
2. Scouting the Bruins
The Bruins beat the Sabres 3-1 on Dec. 21 in Boston, with Morgan Geekie scoring a power-play game winner 18:15 into the third.
Beginning that night, Geekie has scored nine goals in his last 17 games, and his 15 goals this season rank third among Bruins skaters. He’s benefitted greatly from a first-line role alongside David Pastrnak, who on Monday was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week after recording eight points (3+5) in four games.
Pastrnak leads the NHL with 11 goals in January. He’s factored into 22 of Boston’s 37 goals this month, keeping the Bruins (5-1-1 in their last seven games) in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Boston’s top two defenseman, Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, are nearing returns from injury but remain unavailable for Tuesday’s game. Forwards Mark Kastelic and Oliver Wahlstrom also didn’t make the trip to Buffalo.
The Bruins have won five of these teams’ last six matchups and 12 of the last 14.
The Buffalo Sabres will face off against the Boston Bruins in an exciting matchup tonight. Here’s everything you need to know to tune in and get ready for the game.
How to Watch:
Date: [insert date]
Time: [insert time]
TV channel: [insert channel]
Live stream: [insert streaming platform]
Lineup Notes:
– Keep an eye on [key player] who has been on fire lately and is a key player for the Sabres.
– The Bruins will be without [injured player] who is sidelined with an injury.
Storylines:
1. Division Rivalry: The Sabres and Bruins have a long-standing rivalry that always makes for an intense and exciting game. Both teams will be looking to secure a win and assert their dominance in the division.
2. Playoff Race: With the playoffs right around the corner, every game is crucial for both teams. The Sabres and Bruins are fighting for a spot in the postseason, so expect a high-stakes game with plenty of intensity.
3. Player Matchups: Keep an eye on the matchups between key players on both teams, as they battle it out on the ice. Whether it’s a clash between star forwards or a showdown between goaltenders, there will be plenty of exciting moments to watch.
Don’t miss out on all the action as the Sabres take on the Bruins in what is sure to be a thrilling game. Tune in to see which team comes out on top and secures a crucial win in the playoff race.
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