As the Buffalo Sabres prepare to host the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at KeyBank Center, urgency looms large. Sitting in eighth place in the Atlantic Division with a 16-22-5 record, the Sabres need consistency to climb back into the playoff picture. With their aggressive play and disciplined structure, the Hurricanes present a formidable challenge in this pivotal matchup.
The Stakes
The Sabres enter the game on the heels of a 6-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken, highlighting the need for a more structured and predictable approach. With 11 points separating Buffalo from the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, a strong performance tonight could set the tone for a desperately needed winning streak. Head coach Lindy Ruff emphasized the importance of disciplined puck management and seizing opportunities at critical moments.
Carolina, meanwhile, boasts a 26-15-3 record and holds third place in the Metropolitan Division. Their relentless forecheck and NHL-best 5-on-5 shot attempt share (58.9%) reflect a team well-equipped to dominate possession and stifle opponents.
Sabres Storylines
Rasmus Dahlin’s Streak:
The Sabres’ star defenseman is riding a five-game assist streak, tying his longest stretch of playmaking excellence this season. With another assist tonight, Dahlin will continue to solidify his case as one of the league’s premier blue-liners. His ability to generate offense from the back end will be crucial against Carolina’s aggressive penalty kill and structured defensive play.
Jack Quinn Heating Up:
Since mid-December, Quinn has emerged as a potent offensive weapon, registering 12 points (7+5) in his last 12 games. His knack for finding the back of the net, combined with an evolving chemistry with linemates, makes him a key player to watch. Notably, Quinn has been lethal at 5-on-5, contributing significantly to Buffalo’s offensive production during this stretch.
Special Teams in Focus:
Buffalo’s power play has been clicking at 32.1% since December 21, ranking sixth in the NHL over that span. However, it faces a stern test against Carolina’s elite penalty kill, which leads the league with an 85.0% success rate. The Sabres’ ability to break through on the man advantage could be the difference-maker in a tightly contested game.
Hurricanes at a Glance
Carolina comes into the game after a narrow 3-2 overtime win against Anaheim. Led by Martin Necas (50 points), Sebastian Aho (44 points), and Andrei Svechnikov (32 points), the Hurricanes combine skill with relentless pressure. However, their power play has sputtered recently, converting just once in their last 19 opportunities.
Defensively, Jordan Staal continues to anchor the Hurricanes’ shutdown game. Staal’s impact is felt not only on the scoreboard but also in his leadership and defensive-zone dominance. The Sabres will need to find ways to neutralize his influence, particularly in faceoff situations and against Buffalo’s top lines.
Projected lineups from NHL.com
Hurricanes projected lineup
Seth Jarvis — Sebastian Aho — Jack Roslovic
Eric Robinson — Jesperi Kotkaniemi — Martin Necas
Andrei Svechnikov — Jordan Staal — Jordan Martinook
Juha Jaaska — Jack Drury — Jackson Blake
Dmitry Orlov — Jalen Chatfield
Shayne Gostisbehere — Sean Walker
Scratched: Ty Smith
Injured: Tyson Jost (lower body), Frederik Andersen (knee), William Carrier (lower body)
Sabres projected lineup
Jason Zucker — Dylan Cozens — Tage Thompson
JJ Peterka — Ryan McLeod — Alex Tuch
Zach Benson — Peyton Krebs — Jack Quinn
Beck Malenstyn — Tyson Kozak — Sam Lafferty
Scratched: Dennis Gilbert, Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Injured: Mattias Samuelsson (illness), Jiri Kulich (lower body), Jordan Greenway (middle body)
Final Thoughts
The Sabres have earned at least one point in three of their last four meetings with Carolina (2-1-1), but tonight presents a fresh challenge. With playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, Buffalo must bring its best effort in all phases of the game. From puck management to special teams execution, every detail will matter in this nationally televised showdown.
The puck drops at 6 p.m. on TNT, with fans eager to see if the Sabres can rise to the occasion against one of the NHL’s elite teams.