Chicago, IL. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres can clinch their first Divisional title since 2009-2010 on Monday in Chicago against the Blackhawks.
The first thing that has to happen is a regulation win by the Sabres. If that happens then the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are home against the Detroit Red Wings would need a regulation win to stay in the race. The other scenario would be the Sabres winning in overtime or a shootout and the Bolts losing in any fashion.
In their last nine games against the Blackhawks the Sabres have gotten 17 out of 18 points going 8-0-1. They have also taken five consecutive games against Chicago.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen comes into the game 21-9-3 with a 2.56 goals against and .909 save percentage. He has played in 5-of-7 games going 4-1-0 with a 2.37 goals against and .907 save percentage.
The Sabres have won five of their last seven games and that’s with going 0-for-17 on the power play in their last five. Buffalo is 18th in the NHL on the power play at 19.9%. Lindy Ruff is making one change on his power play units. Alex Tuch is going to the first unit while Josh Norris slides to the second. Both only have nine power play points all season, Tuch has seven goals while Norris has seven assists. In 2021-22 with the Ottawa Senators Norris had 16 power play goals and 23 power play points. The Presidents Trophy winning Colorado Avalanche are 25th with the extra man at 17.9%. Chicago comes in at 28th.
Monday won’t be easy for the Sabres power play to get off the mat as Chicago’s penalty kill is ranked second.
Monday’s Morning Skate was optional and Lindy Ruff gave no indication as to what his lineup will be.
The Hawks show up with a couple of dangerous players. Connor Bedard was the first overall pick in 2023. He has 30 goals and 43 assists for 73 points in 67 games. Last season defenseman Artyom Levshinov was their second overall pick out of Michigan State. In 68 games he has two goals and 24 assists for 26 points, but is a team low minus-41. In this past draft Anton Frondell went third overall and in 10 games this season he has an impressive three goals and six assists for nine points.
Spencer Knight has enjoyed playing goal against the Sabres in his career going 4-1-0 with a 2.47 goals against and .916 save percentage. This season with Chicago he’s 18-24-11 with a 2.80 goals against and a .904 save percentage. He hasn’t won in seven games and has one win in 10.
Join Brian Koziol and me for the pregame at 7:30 when you’ll hear from Ruff, Tuch and Beck Malenstyn.
The Sabres would need a win in regulation and a Tampa Bay loss
The Sabres would need a win in regulation and a Tampa Bay loss
