The Buffalo Sabres have relied on a simple philosophy all season long. They just need one more victory. That specific mindset is completely driving the locker room right now. Buffalo is only a single win away from capturing their first playoff series victory since defeating the New York Rangers in 2007. They will attempt to secure that milestone against the Boston Bruins on Friday night at TD Garden.
However, closing out a tough opponent is never easy. Buffalo currently leads this best-of-seven series three games to two. This advantage remains despite suffering a tough overtime defeat in their previous contest. Head coach Lindy Ruff has emphasized the importance of leaving that loss in the rearview mirror. The focus is entirely on capitalizing on tonight’s opportunity and improving specific areas of their game to secure a win.
Furthermore, several players on the roster are experiencing a close-out scenario for the very first time. Veterans like Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram clearly understood that Boston would play with extreme desperation. The Bruins certainly delivered on Tuesday, throwing forty-three hits and blocking twenty-four shots to protect goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Consequently, Buffalo recorded a series-low twenty-six shots on goal.
Despite that intense defensive effort from Boston, Buffalo still generated multiple high-danger scoring chances late in regulation and early in the overtime period. Ultimately, David Pastrnak found a breakaway and buried the game-winning goal. Star forward Tage Thompson noted that the team is still in an excellent position to advance. They simply need to continue executing their game plan against a Bruins squad that has its back firmly against the wall.
Lineup Adjustments and Injury News
Buffalo will face a notable absence up front tonight. Forward Noah Ostlund is officially out after suffering a lower-body injury during the first period of Game 5.
Fortunately, Josh Norris is expected to make his return to the ice. Norris has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury since the second game of the series. He will likely center the third line between Josh Doan and Zach Benson.
Meanwhile, the blue line might also see a change. Defenseman Logan Stanley missed Thursday’s practice due to an illness. If he cannot play, Michael Kesselring is prepared to step into the third pairing alongside Conor Timmins.
In the crease, Alex Lyon took the starter’s net at practice and is projected to make his fourth consecutive start. Lyon has been spectacular, posting a .953 save percentage over his first four playoff appearances. This marks the best four-game playoff stretch by a Sabres goaltender since Dominik Hasek back in 1999.
Sabres Players to Watch
Buffalo’s offense has been powered by several standout performers. Alex Tuch has tallied six points through the first five games of the series. If he records a point tonight, he will become the first Sabres skater to notch seven points in his first six playoff games since Daniel Briere in 2006.
Additionally, Peyton Krebs continues to impress. He has registered five points so far, making him the first Buffalo forward to achieve that mark in the first five playoff games of his career since Tim Connolly.
On the back end, Bowen Byram is providing massive offensive support. The defenseman has recorded five points in his last four outings. He is currently just one goal away from tying the franchise record for the most goals by a Sabres defenseman in a single playoff year.
Scouting the Opposition
On the other side of the ice, the Bruins are dealing with their own lineup issues. Viktor Arvidsson missed practice on Thursday and will likely sit out his second consecutive game.
Therefore, Boston head coach Marco Sturm will probably maintain the same forward groups that found success earlier this week. The Bruins recently promoted Marat Khusnutdinov to the top line alongside Pavel Zacha and Pastrnak. This new trio controlled over sixty-four percent of the five-on-five shot attempts in their last outing. Boston also added former Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju to their blue line to stabilize their defensive zone.
Broadcast Information
Puck drop is officially scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at TD Garden. Local fans can catch the television broadcast on MSG, while national viewers can tune in on ESPN. Streaming is available via the Gotham Sports App or Fubo TV. For radio coverage, tune your dials to WGR 550.
Be sure to follow @TheSabresHub on social media for live updates and post-game analysis as Buffalo looks to finally punch their ticket to the second round!
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