Game Information: Buffalo Sabres vs. Minnesota Wild
Matchup: Buffalo Sabres (11-9-1) vs. Minnesota Wild (13-4-4)
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 27th, 2024, at 7:00 PM EST
Location: Key Bank Center, Buffalo, New York
TV Coverage: MSG (local broadcast)
Streaming (Out of Market): ESPN+
Radio Broadcast: WGR 550
Sabres vs. Wild Preview: Key Storylines and Lineup Changes for Tonight’s Matchup
The Buffalo Sabres return to KeyBank Center tonight to face a formidable challenge against the Minnesota Wild. Coming off an impressive three-game sweep in California, where they stifled opponents with airtight defense and clutch goaltending, Buffalo looks to extend their momentum at home. The Sabres’ penalty kill has been exceptional, with a perfect 12-for-12 performance during their recent road trip, anchored by strong faceoff wins and timely stops from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and James Reimer. The team’s defensive resilience will be tested by the Wild, who boast one of the league’s stingiest defenses and a red-hot Kirill Kaprizov, currently tied for third in the NHL scoring race.
Offensively, the Sabres will aim to rediscover their scoring edge, with Tage Thompson returning to the lineup after a five-game absence. Thompson, who had been on a four-game goal streak before his injury, rejoins a top line that includes Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka. Tuch enters the game on a six-game point streak, while Rasmus Dahlin has been electric on the blue line with points in his last seven home games. The Sabres will need their stars to step up against a Minnesota team that excels in limiting high-danger chances and has been backstopped by stellar team defense.
The Wild present a challenging matchup, ranking second in the NHL in goals against per game and boasting a balanced attack led by Kaprizov and Matt Boldy. Buffalo’s focus will be on maintaining their defensive structure while ramping up offensive creativity, a point of emphasis in Tuesday’s practice. With both teams in playoff contention, tonight’s clash offers a crucial test for the Sabres as they look to prove their recent success is no fluke and continue climbing the Atlantic Division standings.
Sabres vs. Wild: Team Records and Division Standings Breakdown
Buffalo Sabres (11-9-1, 4th in Atlantic Division)
The Buffalo Sabres have been surging recently, riding a three-game win streak into tonight’s matchup against the Minnesota Wild. They’ve won seven of their last ten games (7-3-0), showcasing improved defensive play and timely scoring. At home, the Sabres hold a 6-5-0 record, and they’ll look to build on that as they aim to keep pace in a competitive Atlantic Division. Currently sitting in fourth place, Buffalo is just a few points away from making a push for a higher standing, and a win tonight could provide further momentum.
Minnesota Wild (13-4-4, 2nd in Central Division)
The Wild have been one of the NHL’s best road teams this season, boasting an impressive 9-1-3 record away from home. However, they’re coming off a tough 4-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets and have been slightly inconsistent in their last ten games, going 5-3-2. Minnesota currently sits second in the Central Division, leaning heavily on a strong defense and standout performances from Kirill Kaprizov. Tonight’s game presents an opportunity for them to bounce back and solidify their position in the standings.
With both teams looking to establish dominance and maintain their playoff pace, this matchup will be a battle of the Sabres’ growing momentum against the Wild’s road excellence and defensive prowess.
Top Players to Watch in Sabres vs. Wild Matchup
Buffalo Sabres
- Tage Thompson
Thompson will be a key player to watch returning to the lineup after a five-game absence. He leads the Sabres with 11 goals this season and was on a four-game goal streak before his injury. His ability to generate offense, especially on the power play, could be pivotal in breaking through Minnesota’s strong defensive setup. - Rasmus Dahlin
The dynamic defenseman is riding a seven-game home point streak and has been a force at both ends of the ice. With 17 points in his last 13 games, Dahlin is just one goal shy of tying for second-most career goals by a Sabres defenseman. He’ll be instrumental in driving Buffalo’s offense from the blue line while matching up against Minnesota’s top scorers. - Alex Tuch
Tuch is on fire with points in six straight games, including goals in each of his last two outings. His physical play and scoring touch make him a threat in all situations, especially against a defensively disciplined team like the Wild.
Minnesota Wild
- Kirill Kaprizov
Kaprizov has been one of the NHL’s best players this season, with 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) in 20 games. He’s tied for third in league scoring and is a constant offensive threat. Expect him to be heavily involved in the Wild’s attack as they look to bounce back from their recent loss. - Matt Boldy
Boldy provides scoring depth for the Wild, with 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 21 games. His ability to finish plays and generate offense makes him a player to watch, especially against a Buffalo defense that’s been improving but still vulnerable to skilled forwards. - Marco Rossi
Rossi has quietly put together a solid season with 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) so far. His two-way play and ability to create chances in high-pressure situations could give Minnesota an edge in key moments of the game.
These players will play critical roles in what promises to be an intense and evenly matched contest.
Did You Know? Facts About Tonight’s Sabres vs. Wild Matchup
Buffalo’s Penalty Kill Streak
The Sabres have been stellar on the penalty kill, allowing just one goal in their last 18 penalty-kill situations (94.4% success rate). This includes a perfect 12-for-12 performance during their recent three-game road trip. Their ability to shut down Minnesota’s power play, which ranks 17th in the league, could be a deciding factor tonight.
Minnesota’s 5-on-5 Dominance
The Wild have allowed the fewest 5-on-5 goals in the NHL this season, with only 29 conceded. Their disciplined defensive play at even strength will pose a challenge for Buffalo, who will need to capitalize on special teams or find ways to penetrate a defense anchored by top-tier goaltending.
JJ Peterka’s Home Streak
Buffalo forward JJ Peterka has been quietly consistent, registering points in four consecutive home games. A point tonight would extend that streak and set a personal best for Peterka, highlighting his growing importance to the Sabres’ offensive success.
Injury Updates and Lineup News From NHL.com
Wild projected lineup
Kirill Kaprizov — Joel Eriksson Ek — Matt Boldy
Marcus Johansson — Marco Rossi — Ryan Hartman
Marcus Foligno — Frederick Gaudreau — Yakov Trenin
Travis Boyd — Ben Jones — Devin Shore
Jake Middleton — Brock Faber
Declan Chisholm — Zach Bogosian
Marc Andre-Fleury
Scratched: Jon Merrill
Injured: Jakob Lauko (lower body), Mats Zuccarello (lower body), Marat Khusnutdinov (lower body)
Sabres projected lineup
JJ Peterka — Tage Thompson — Alex Tuch
Zach Benson — Dylan Cozens — Peyton Krebs
Jason Zucker — Jiri Kulich — Jack Quinn
Beck Malenstyn — Ryan McLeod — Sam Lafferty
Rasmus Dahlin — Bowen Byram
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
James Reimer
Scratched: Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Dennis Gilbert
Injured: Jordan Greenway (middle body), Mattias Samuelsson (lower body)
Fan Engagement: Share Your Thoughts!
What are your predictions for tonight’s big matchup between the Sabres and the Wild? Will Tage Thompson make a splash in his return, or will Rasmus Dahlin continue his dominant run at home? Let us know your thoughts, hot takes, and favorite moments during the game! Tweet us your opinions and join the conversation on X at @SabresInsight. We’d love to hear from you and feature some of your comments in future posts!