Sabres Breaking the Losing Streak, Senators Struggling to Regain Form
Buffalo Sabres vs Ottawa Senators: A Crucial Atlantic Division Battle for Playoff Hopes
The Buffalo Sabres (15-21-5, 35 points, 7th Atlantic) will face off against the Ottawa Senators (19-17-3, 41 points, 5th Atlantic) in an important inter-division clash on Thursday night at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Both teams are struggling to stay in the playoff race, with each hoping to put together a win streak to close the gap for the third and final automatic qualifying spot in the NHL’s Atlantic Division.
Buffalo Sabres: Breaking the Losing Streak, But Playoff Hopes Fading
After snapping a three-game losing streak with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Washington Capitals on Monday, the Buffalo Sabres are still facing a significant uphill climb to make the postseason. The win temporarily halted their slide, but the team is currently sitting 10 points behind the third-place team in the Atlantic Division, making this contest with Ottawa all the more vital.
Buffalo’s offense has been relatively effective, averaging 3.0 goals per game (16th in the NHL), but their defensive struggles have been evident. The Sabres are allowing 3.4 goals per game (28th), a major factor in their inconsistent play. While Buffalo generates an average of 27 shots per game (26th), they also give up 29.1 shots (21st), further contributing to their defensive woes.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has struggled between the pipes with a 3.06 GAA and .894 save percentage, which has hampered Buffalo’s defensive efforts. With backup Joey Daccord sidelined due to injury, Luukkonen will likely need to step up if the Sabres are to have any hope of a postseason run.
Ottawa Senators: Struggling to Regain Form Amidst Injury Woes
The Ottawa Senators were recently on a promising two-game win streak, but a tough 124-121 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday has left the Senators reeling. With just 41 points, Ottawa is four points behind the third-place team in the Atlantic Division, adding even more pressure for a win on Thursday. Ottawa has lost three consecutive games and five of their last six, making this game an essential opportunity to gain some ground.
Ottawa has been solid defensively, allowing just 2.9 goals per game (13th in the NHL), but their offensive inconsistency has held them back. The Senators are averaging just 2.9 goals per game (21st), making it challenging to keep up in high-scoring affairs. However, Ottawa ranks 6th in power play efficiency, converting 24.6% of their opportunities. Their penalty kill, however, ranks 25th, with opponents converting on 23.4% of their chances.
Ottawa’s Anton Forsberg will likely continue as the starting goaltender due to the injury to Linus Ullmark. Forsberg has posted a 3.03 GAA and an .888 SV%, numbers that have left room for improvement, especially if the Senators are to make a push for the playoffs.
Conclusion
As both teams fight for their playoff lives, Buffalo and Ottawa are set to clash in a critical division showdown. With the Sabres struggling defensively and Ottawa battling offensive inconsistency, the outcome could hinge on key performances from both teams’ top players. Fans can expect an exciting contest as both sides look to bounce back from tough losses and make a final push toward the postseason.
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