As the Buffalo Sabres prepare to face off against the Utah Hockey Club in a rare Saturday matinee, both teams are looking to gain valuable points in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. The Sabres (11-12-3, 25 points) will aim to snap their five-game winless streak, while Utah (10-11-4, 24 points) comes to town well-rested and eager to climb the Central Division standings.
The game marks the first-ever meeting between the Sabres and the newly branded Utah Hockey Club, formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this contest.
Key Storylines to Watch
1. Thompson and Tuch Leading the Charge
Buffalo’s offensive production continues to rely heavily on the dynamic duo of Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch. Thompson has been red-hot, recording a goal in back-to-back games and extending his streak to three or more games for the third time this season. He’s registered 15 points (10 goals, 5 assists) in his last 12 home appearances.
Tuch, meanwhile, is pacing all Sabres skaters in even-strength points (24), plus-minus (+10), and shorthanded goals (3). His versatility on special teams has been crucial, ranking eighth among all NHL forwards in shorthanded ice time.
2. The Zucker Effect
Jason Zucker’s recent elevation to the top line with Thompson and Tuch has sparked an immediate chemistry. Over the past two games, the trio has generated 13 scoring chances at 5-on-5, including two goals. Zucker’s aggressive forechecking and net-front presence complement the playmaking abilities of Thompson and Tuch, creating a formidable offensive threat.
3. Shoring Up the Defense
Defensive toughness has been a point of emphasis for Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff. While the Sabres have struggled in their own zone during this winless streak, Jacob Bryson’s improved net-front defense and Owen Power’s steady contributions have shown promise. Power, in particular, continues to impress, ranking first among all Sabres defensemen in blocked shots (41) this season while limiting giveaways.
Scouting the Utah Hockey Club
The Utah Hockey Club comes into this game sitting sixth in the Central Division with a 10-11-4 record. Their offense is led by homegrown stars Clayton Keller (7 goals, 15 assists, 22 points) and Dylan Guenther (10 goals, 11 assists, 21 points). Keller’s playmaking ability and Guenther’s scoring touch make them the focal points of Utah’s attack.
Despite their offensive talent, Utah has struggled on special teams, with a power play ranked 24th in the NHL (16.9%) and a penalty kill ranked 23rd (76.6%). Injuries have also taken a toll on their blue line, with key defensemen Sean Durzi and John Marino out for extended periods.
In net, Karel Vejmelka has been a steady presence with a .917 save percentage, while backup Jaxson Stauber has shown promise, posting a shutout in his Utah debut last week.
Players to Watch
Buffalo Sabres
- Tage Thompson: Fourth in the NHL with 2.45 goals per 60 minutes, Thompson is the engine of Buffalo’s offense.
- Alex Tuch: Leads the Sabres in even-strength points and shorthanded goals, bringing a two-way dynamic to his game.
- Zach Benson: The rookie forward has notched four assists in his last four games, showcasing his playmaking ability.
Utah Hockey Club
- Clayton Keller: The team’s top scorer is a constant threat in the offensive zone.
- Dylan Guenther: With 10 goals this season, including five in his first three games, Guenther can find the back of the net in a hurry.
- Jaxson Stauber: After a shutout in his debut, Stauber could provide stability in net for an injury-depleted Utah lineup.
Projected Lineups and Injury Updates for Today’s Game – Courtesy of NHL.com
Utah projected lineup
Clayton Keller — Barrett Hayton — Nick Schmaltz
Jack McBain — Logan Cooley — Dylan Guenther
Lawson Crouse — Nick Bjugstad — Matias Maccelli
Alexander Kerfoot — Kevin Stenlund — Michael Carcone
Mikhail Sergachev — Olli Maatta
Juuso Valimaki — Robert Bortuzzo
Karel Vejmelka
Jaxson Stauber
Scratched: Vladislav Kolyachonok, Liam O’Brien
Injured: Maveric Lamoureux (undisclosed), Sean Durzi (upper body), John Marino (upper body)
Sabres projected lineup
Jason Zucker — Tage Thompson — Alex Tuch
Zach Benson — Dylan Cozens — JJ Peterka
Ryan McLeod — Jiri Kulich — Peyton Krebs
Beck Malenstyn — Tyson Kozak — Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Jacob Bryson — Bowen Byram
Owen Power — Henri Jokiharju
Dennis Gilbert — Connor Clifton
Scratched: Jack Quinn, Ryan Johnson
Injured: Rasmus Dahlin (back spasms), Sam Lafferty (lower body), Jordan Greenway (middle body), Mattias Samuelsson (lower body)
Game Details
- When: Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM EST
- Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
- Broadcast: MSG (12:30 PM pregame), ESPN+ (out of market), WGR 550 (radio)
Final Thoughts
With both teams eager to climb their respective standings, this afternoon’s matchup has all the makings of a competitive showdown. The Sabres will need their top line to maintain its hot streak, their defense to tighten up in front of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and their special teams to find a spark.
This game could be a turning point for Buffalo as they seek to end their winless streak and start building momentum in front of their home crowd.