Game Preview: Buffalo Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues – November 14th 2024

| Game Information |

Matchup:
Buffalo Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues

Date & Time:
November 14th, 2024 at 7:30 PM EST

Location:
KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY

TV/Streaming Info:
TV: ESPN+ and Hulu Radio: WGR550


| Game Overview |

The Buffalo Sabres wrap up a three-game homestand Thursday night, hosting the St. Louis Blues at KeyBank Center. Following a tough 7-5 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Monday, the Sabres aim to rebound despite a roster hit by injuries. Key players Tage Thompson, Mattias Samuelsson, and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are sidelined, with Thompson and Luukkonen listed as day-to-day and Samuelsson facing an extended absence. Devon Levi will step up as the starting goalie, with James Reimer, recently acquired off waivers, backing him up. Dennis Gilbert and Nicolas Aube-Kubel are set to enter the lineup, adding depth to defense and forward positions.

The puck drops at 7:30 p.m., and fans can tune in nationally on ESPN+ and Hulu, or via local radio on WGR 550.


| Team Records |

Buffalo Sabres Record: 7-8-1, 7th in Atlantic Division.
St. Louis Blues Record: 7-9-0, 6th in Central Division.


| Recent Form |

Buffalo Sabres’ Recent Form

  • The Buffalo Sabres have experienced a rollercoaster in recent games, showcasing flashes of offensive firepower but struggling to maintain consistency. Their recent 7-5 loss to the Montreal Canadiens snapped a three-game winning streak, marking the second time this season they’ve followed a winning streak with a setback.

St. Louis Blues Recent Form

  • The St. Louis Blues are in search of consistency as they kick off a three-game road trip, starting with Thursday’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. The Blues recently wrapped up a challenging 2-3 homestand, which began with two wins but concluded with three consecutive losses. Their latest setback was a 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins, where they initially held a 2-0 lead, only to concede three goals in the final period.

| Pregame Interviews and Insights |

Lindy Ruff


| Key Players to Watch |

Buffalo Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin

On the Buffalo Sabres’ side, Rasmus Dahlin is the player to watch. The 24-year-old defenseman and team captain enters the game on a four-game point streak, tallying two goals and four assists in that stretch. Dahlin’s vision and offensive instincts have been a vital asset for Buffalo, as he ranks among the league’s top defensemen in points this season. With Dahlin leading the charge from the blue line, the Sabres will look to capitalize on his puck-moving skills and defensive reliability to stabilize their form.

St. Louis Blues: Jordan Kyrou

For the St. Louis Blues, Jordan Kyrou stands out as a player to watch. Currently on a five-game point streak, Kyrou has been a consistent offensive contributor, leading the team with 14 points this season. Known for his speed and playmaking ability, he has proven to be a key catalyst for the Blues’ attack, with three goals and nine assists so far. As St. Louis looks to reverse recent struggles, Kyrou’s ability to generate scoring opportunities will be crucial in driving their offense.


Did you know.?

Rasmus Dahlin’s Offensive Impact

Sabres’ captain Rasmus Dahlin enters tonight’s game on a four-game point streak, amassing two goals and four assists in that span. His performance ranks him sixth among NHL defensemen this season, with 13 points (three goals, ten assists).

Buffalo’s Power Play Proficiency

The Sabres have recently been effective with the man advantage, scoring at least one power-play goal in seven of their last eight games. During this stretch, they’ve achieved a 29.6% success rate, converting 8 of 27 opportunities.


Injury Updates and Lineup News From NHL.com

Buffalo Sabres projected lineup

Zach BensonRyan McLeodAlex Tuch

JJ PeterkaDylan CozensJack Quinn

Jordan GreenwayPeyton KrebsJason Zucker

Beck MalenstynSam Lafferty — Nicolas Aube-Kubel

Rasmus Dahlin — Bowen Byram

Owen PowerJacob Bryson

Dennis Gilbert — Connor Clifton

Devon Levi

James Reimer

Scratched: Henri Jokiharju

Injured: Mattias Samuelsson (lower body), Tage Thompson (lower body), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (undisclosed)

St. Louis Blues projected lineup

Jake NeighboursPavel Buchnevich — Jordan Kyrou

Brandon SaadBrayden SchennDylan Holloway

Alexey ToropchenkoRadek FaksaNathan Walker

Mathieu JosephOskar SundqvistKasperi Kapanen

Ryan SuterColton Parayko

Pierre-Olivier JosephJustin Faulk

Scott PerunovichMatthew Kessel

Jordan Binnington

Joel Hofer

Scratched: Alexandre Texier, Leo Loof, Zack Bolduc

Injured: Robert Thomas (ankle), Nick Leddy (lower body), Philip Broberg (knee)


Fan Engagement: Share Your Thoughts!

What’s your prediction for tonight’s game? Will the Sabres hold their own on home ice, or will the Blues break their recent slump? Jump into the conversation! Drop your predictions in the comments below or join us on X (formerly Twitter) @SabresInsight for live updates and fan reactions throughout the game.