Game Information: Buffalo Sabres vs. Vancouver Canucks
Matchup: Buffalo Sabres (11-10-1) vs. Minnesota Wild (11-7-3)
Date & Time: Friday, November 29th, 2024, at 3:00 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. Canucks Preview: Key Storylines and Lineup Changes for Tonight’s Matchup
The Buffalo Sabres are set to wrap up their two-game homestand with a highly anticipated Black Friday matchup against the Vancouver Canucks at KeyBank Center. The Sabres, coming off a narrow 1-0 loss to Minnesota despite registering 39 shots on goal, will aim to rebound against a Canucks team that has been formidable on the road. The game will feature two teams jockeying for playoff position, with puck drop scheduled for 3 p.m. and coverage available on MSG and WGR 550.
Buffalo’s focus will remain on discipline and defensive structure after a zero-penalty performance against Minnesota—a first for the team since 2021. The Sabres’ penalty kill has been sharp recently, but minimizing unnecessary infractions will be key against a Canucks squad boasting a dangerous power play. Players like Rasmus Dahlin, who left practice early on Thursday but is expected to play, and Alex Tuch, who has been on a scoring tear, will be pivotal to Buffalo’s efforts to stifle Vancouver’s offense. Additionally, Tage Thompson’s strong recent performances and career success against the Canucks add another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
The Canucks come into this game after a road-heavy stretch, where they have thrived with an 8-2-0 record. Led by Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes, Vancouver’s dynamic offense will pose a challenge for Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has allowed two or fewer goals in seven of his last eight starts. Luukkonen’s recent form, including a .961 save percentage over his last three games, will be critical in this clash of playoff hopefuls.
Both teams have key absences, with Vancouver missing J.T. Miller and Buffalo without Jordan Greenway and Mattias Samuelsson. These lineup adjustments will test depth and defensive pairings, making the game a true test of resilience for both sides. As Buffalo looks to keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race, this matchup offers a compelling opportunity to make a statement against one of the NHL’s top road teams.
Sabres vs. Wild: Team Records and Division Standings Breakdown
The Buffalo Sabres enter today’s Black Friday matchup with an 11-10-1 record, placing them fifth in the Atlantic Division with 23 points. While their record reflects an up-and-down season so far, the Sabres remain in striking distance in a highly competitive division. Consistency has been a focus, as they’ve alternated impressive wins with frustrating losses. With a strong showing today, Buffalo could build momentum to climb the standings and keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
On the other side, the Vancouver Canucks bring an 11-7-3 record to KeyBank Center, sitting fourth in the Pacific Division with 25 points. Vancouver has been one of the league’s better road teams this season, boasting an impressive 8-2-0 record away from Rogers Arena. Despite a recent 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh, the Canucks have been consistent in leveraging their solid goaltending and balanced scoring to remain competitive in a deep Pacific Division.
Both teams have struggled to find dominance within their respective divisions, but their records suggest they are evenly matched heading into this game. The Sabres have relied on offensive stars like Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin, while Vancouver leans on Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson. Today’s matchup is not only a test of depth and resilience but could also serve as a measuring stick for two teams fighting to gain traction in tightly contested division races.
Top Players to Watch in Sabres vs. Canucks Matchup
Buffalo Sabres
- Rasmus Dahlin
The Sabres’ star defenseman has been a consistent force on both ends of the ice this season, tallying 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists) in 22 games. Dahlin’s ability to quarterback the power play and his impressive puck-moving skills make him a key player to watch. With his recent form, including 17 points in his last 14 games, Dahlin will be pivotal in shutting down Vancouver’s top scorers while driving offense for Buffalo. - Alex Tuch
Tuch enters the matchup on a hot streak, recording nine points (3 goals, 6 assists) in his last seven games. His physical presence and ability to finish in tight areas will be crucial against a strong Canucks defense. Tuch has also been a standout performer against Vancouver historically, with 11 points in 10 career games versus the Canucks. - Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Luukkonen has emerged as a reliable goaltender for Buffalo, allowing two or fewer goals in seven of his last eight starts. With a .961 save percentage over his last three games, Luukkonen will need to continue his stellar form against Vancouver’s high-powered offense, led by elite playmakers.
Vancouver Canucks
- Quinn Hughes
The dynamic defenseman ranks among the NHL’s top blueliners this season, with 23 points (5 goals, 18 assists) in 21 games. Hughes’ elite skating and vision allow him to impact the game at both ends, and he’ll be tasked with neutralizing Buffalo’s top offensive threats while leading the Canucks’ breakout and power play. - Elias Pettersson
Pettersson leads Vancouver with 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists) and remains one of the most skilled and creative players on the ice. His ability to generate scoring opportunities and control the pace of the game will be a focal point for the Sabres’ defense. Expect Pettersson to be heavily involved in both even-strength and special teams situations. - Conor Garland
Garland has quietly contributed 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists) this season and provides secondary scoring for the Canucks. His strong play along the boards and knack for creating chances in the offensive zone make him a player Buffalo cannot overlook.
This game will showcase some of the NHL’s most dynamic stars and rising talent. Both teams will rely on these standout players to secure a crucial win.
Did You Know? Facts About Tonight’s Sabres vs. Canucks Matchup
Jason Zucker vs. the Canucks
Buffalo forward Jason Zucker has been a consistent contributor against Vancouver throughout his career. Notably, he has recorded at least one point in back-to-back games against the Canucks, tallying three points (1 goal, 2 assists) during that span.
Historical Shutout Streaks
If the Sabres allow two or fewer goals in tonight’s game, they will tie their longest streak since December 2021, when they achieved the feat in five consecutive games from December 7 to December 16. This defensive milestone reflects their improved structure and goaltending this season.
Injury Updates and Lineup News From NHL.com
Canucks projected lineup
Jake DeBrusk — Elias Pettersson — Kiefer Sherwood
Dakota Joshua — Pius Suter — Conor Garland
Danton Heinen — Teddy Blueger — Brock Boeser
Nils Hoglander — Aatu Raty — Arshdeep Bains
Quinn Hughes — Filip Hronek
Scratched: Max Sasson
Injured: Derek Forbort (knee), Vincent Desharnais (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
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 exciting matchup between the Sabres and the Canucks? Can Buffalo’s defense hold strong to extend their impressive streak of allowing two or fewer goals? Will Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin continue their red-hot play at home, or will Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen steal the spotlight with another standout performance in net?
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts, bold predictions, and favorite moments throughout the game. Who do you think will be the difference-maker tonight? Join the conversation on X at @SabresInsight and let us know! Your comments could be featured in future posts, so don’t hold back—this is your chance to show your Sabres pride!