Predators, Sabres Clash as Both Teams Seek Consistency
The Nashville Predators and Buffalo Sabres have struggled to string together consistent success this season, and both will be looking to gain some much-needed momentum when they meet Friday night in Buffalo. With both teams sitting near the bottom of their respective conferences, every point matters as they try to claw their way back into the playoff picture.
Sabres Hoping to Build on Breakout Performance
Buffalo (20-24-3) has found wins hard to come by, but a dominant 7-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday showed what the team is capable of when firing on all cylinders. The Sabres matched their season high in goals after scoring just twice in four of their previous seven games.
Head coach Lindy Ruff has emphasized unity despite the team’s struggles.
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“We’ve said through all of these (games), even in a lot of the disappointments, we’re in this thing together.”
Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka led the offensive explosion, each recording a hat trick and an assist. Thompson has been heating up, posting nine goals and 10 assists over his last 16 games, while Peterka has four goals and nine assists in 12 January contests.
Thompson hopes the team can keep the momentum rolling.
“It’s starting to open up a little bit. And when you get stuff rolling like (Tuesday), you’ve got to just ride that wave and keep firing pucks at the net and get to the net. When you do that, good things happen.”
Despite their offensive outburst, Buffalo has struggled against Nashville, losing their last three meetings, including two at home.
Predators Searching for Stability
Nashville (23-22-3) has been one of the streakiest teams in the NHL this season. After winning five straight, the Predators have now dropped back-to-back games, including a 3-1 home loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.
The Predators have gone through multiple slumps this season, suffering at least two consecutive regulation losses on six different occasions. Meanwhile, they have won two or more in a row just four times.
Despite recent struggles, forward Tommy Novak remains optimistic after scoring Nashville’s lone goal against Vancouver.
“We’ve been creating a lot of offense, so it’s looking up for us right now creating-wise. (Wednesday night) stings to not close that one out and get the lead.”
While Nashville was held to just one goal against Vancouver, they had scored 27 total goals during their five-game winning streak, showcasing their offensive potential.
Filip Forsberg had his 10-game point streak snapped in Wednesday’s loss after racking up nine goals and 10 assists over that stretch. His production will be key if the Predators hope to snap their losing skid.
Goaltending Matchup
Nashville’s Juuse Saros has struggled in recent outings, allowing 11 goals over his last three starts. Backup Justus Annunen has a perfect 3-0-0 record in January despite a 3.00 goals-against average.
For Buffalo, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been solid, posting a 2.35 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage over his last three starts. Backup James Reimer, meanwhile, has just one win in eight starts this season but has been respectable in his limited January appearances.
What to Expect
Both teams have shown flashes of strong play, but neither has been able to sustain it for long stretches. The Sabres are coming off one of their best performances of the season, while the Predators are looking to regain their scoring touch after two straight losses.
Will Buffalo carry its momentum forward and finally get a win over Nashville? Or will the Predators snap their skid and continue their recent dominance over the Sabres? The battle in Buffalo will provide the answer.