Game Information: Buffalo Sabres vs. San Jose Sharks
Matchup: Buffalo Sabres (10-9-1) vs. San Jose Sharks (6-11-5)
Date & Time: Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, at 8:00 PM EST
Location: SAP Center, San Jose, California
TV Coverage: MSG (local broadcast)
Streaming (Out of Market): ESPN+
Radio Broadcast: WGR 550
Sabres vs. Sharks Preview: Key Storylines and Lineup Changes for Tonight’s Matchup
The Buffalo Sabres look to continue their strong momentum as they visit the San Jose Sharks tonight at SAP Center. Coming off a thrilling 3-2 overtime win against Anaheim, the Sabres have pushed their record above .500 for the first time this season at 10-9-1. With a second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference secured for now, Buffalo is riding high, thanks to clutch performances from players like Alex Tuch and Jiri Kulich, who provided the game-winning goal on Friday. Defenseman Owen Power continues to shine, leading NHL defensemen with 15 even-strength points, including two critical assists in Anaheim.
The Sharks, meanwhile, sit at 6-11-5 and occupy last place in the Pacific Division. However, their young roster, headlined by top draft pick Macklin Celebrini, is beginning to show flashes of potential. Celebrini has been impactful with seven points in his first 10 games, including an overtime winner earlier this week. The Sharks are honoring franchise legend Joe Thornton with a jersey retirement ceremony, adding an emotional layer to the evening. Despite their struggles, the Sharks will aim to spoil the Sabres’ California sweep.
Buffalo boasts a 4-0 streak against San Jose, outscoring them 18-7 during that span. Alex Tuch, riding a five-game point streak, will be a key player to watch, having amassed 13 points in 12 career games against the Sharks. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s penalty kill has been perfect in their last two games, a trend they hope to maintain. If Tage Thompson is able to return from injury, it could provide a further boost as the Sabres aim for their sixth win in seven games and a clean sweep of their road trip.
Sabres vs. Sharks: Team Records and Division Standings Breakdown
The Buffalo Sabres enter tonight’s game against the San Jose Sharks with a 10-9-1 record, good for 21 points and fourth place in the Atlantic Division. After a slow start to the season, the Sabres have gained momentum, climbing into the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot. Their recent success has been fueled by standout performances from Alex Tuch, who leads the team with 20 points, and Owen Power, who continues to anchor the defense with a league-leading 15 even-strength points among blueliners.
The Sharks, on the other hand, are 6-11-5 with 17 points, placing them eighth in the Pacific Division. While their young core, led by Macklin Celebrini and William Eklund, is beginning to develop, inconsistency has plagued San Jose this season. Their struggles are reflected in key stats, including their 27th-ranked offense (2.45 goals per game) and a penalty kill operating at just 81.3%. With both teams looking to build on different trajectories, tonight’s game presents a classic battle of a surging contender versus a rebuilding squad.
Top Players to Watch in Sabres vs. Sharks Matchup
Buffalo Sabres
Alex Tuch
Tuch leads the Sabres with 20 points (6 goals, 14 assists) and is currently riding a five-game point streak. He has been a Sharks killer throughout his career, recording 13 points in 12 games against San Jose, including eight points in his last six meetings. His combination of size, speed, and offensive skill makes him a dynamic force on Buffalo’s top line.
Owen Power
Power has been a standout on the blue line, leading all NHL defensemen with 15 even-strength points this season. The 21-year-old is coming off a two-assist performance in Anaheim and has been a driving force behind Buffalo’s transition game and offensive attack. His ability to break up plays defensively and contribute offensively will be key tonight.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Luukkonen has been solid between the pipes, boasting a .928 save percentage and 2.02 goals-against average in his career against San Jose. With James Reimer possibly getting the start tonight, Luukkonen’s recent strong performances will serve as momentum for Buffalo’s defense to maintain their current form.
San Jose Sharks
Macklin Celebrini
The No. 1 pick in this year’s draft has made an immediate impact, tallying seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in his first 10 NHL games. Celebrini’s speed and creativity on offense make him a dangerous threat every time he’s on the ice. He will look to add to his point total against a surging Buffalo team.
William Eklund
Eklund ranks second on the Sharks with 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists) and continues to be a consistent offensive producer. The former first-round pick is showing why he’s a critical part of San Jose’s future, using his high hockey IQ to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates.
Tyler Toffoli
Toffoli leads the Sharks with nine goals and 15 points this season. Known for his sniper-like shot, Toffoli is a veteran presence on a young Sharks team. His ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities could be pivotal as San Jose looks to keep pace with Buffalo’s offense.
Did You Know? Facts About Tonight’s Sabres vs. Sharks Matchup
Historic Scoring Rate
The Buffalo Sabres average 3.61 goals per game in their all-time series against the Sharks, their second-highest scoring rate against any NHL team. The only team they’ve averaged more goals per game against is the defunct Cleveland Barons (4.15).
Road Warriors
Buffalo’s .694 points percentage against San Jose is the highest among all NHL teams they’ve faced in franchise history. The Sabres have outscored the Sharks 18-7 during their current four-game winning streak against them.
Streak Watch
A victory tonight would give Buffalo their fifth consecutive win against San Jose, which would tie their second-longest win streak in franchise history against the Sharks. The last time they won five in a row against San Jose was from February 2013 to November 2014.
Injury Updates and Lineup News From NHL.com
Sabres projected lineup
JJ Peterka — Ryan McLeod — Alex Touch
Zach Benson — Dylan Cozens — Sam Lafferty
Jason Zucker — Jiri Kulich — Jack Quinn
Beck Malenstyn — Peyton Krebs — Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Owen Power — Henri Jokiharju
James Reimer
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Scratched: Isak Rosen, Dennis Gilbert
Injured: Tage Thompson (lower body), Mattias Samuelsson (lower body), Jordan Greenway (undisclosed)
Sharks projected lineup
William Eklund — Mikael Granlund — Fabian Zetterlund
Barclay Goodrow — Macklin Celebrini — Will Smith
Luke Kunin — Alexander Wennberg — Tyler Toffoli
Klim Kostin — Ty Dellandrea — Carl Grundstrom
Mario Ferraro — Timothy Liljegren
Scratched: Givani Smith, Henry Thrun, Yaroslav Askarov
Injured: Logan Couture (groin), Marc-Edouard Vlasic (upper body), Nico Sturm (upper body)
Fan Engagement: Share Your Thoughts!
Sabres fans, we want to hear from you! What are your predictions for tonight’s matchup against the Sharks? Will Alex Tuch extend his point streak? Can Owen Power continue his stellar play on both ends of the ice?
Drop your thoughts on the game, your favorite Sabres moments against the Sharks, or even your bold predictions for tonight! Do you think Tage Thompson will make his return and have an immediate impact? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on social media @SabresInsight