Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders: Game Details, TV Coverage, and Streaming Info
Matchup: Buffalo Sabres (11-10-2) vs. New York Islanders (8-10-6)
Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 7:30 PM EST
Location: UBS Arena, Elmont, New York
TV Coverage: MSG (Local Broadcast)
Streaming (Out of Market): ESPN+
Radio Broadcast: WGR 550
The Buffalo Sabres head to UBS Arena tonight to face the New York Islanders in the second game of a back-to-back set. After a valiant effort in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Friday, the Sabres aim to regroup and secure two points against an Islanders team that also fell in overtime last night. With just two points separating the teams in the standings, this matchup could play a pivotal role in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.
Buffalo will look to adjust its lineup following an injury to Sam Lafferty, who left Friday’s game after the first period with a lower-body issue. In response, the Sabres recalled forward Tyson Kozak, paving the way for the 21-year-old to potentially make his NHL debut tonight. Kozak’s addition, coupled with the likelihood of James Reimer starting in goal after Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen manned the crease last night, highlights the team’s need to stay fresh and competitive in the second leg of their back-to-back.
Injuries have also significantly affected the Islanders, with key players like Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Mathew Barzal sidelined. Both teams will need to rely on depth and determination to win a crucial game.
Recent Performance: Sabres vs. Islanders
The Buffalo Sabres have been riding a wave of competitive play in recent weeks, boasting a 7-3-1 record in their last 11 games. Their resilience was on full display during Friday’s overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks, as the team erased a two-goal deficit late in the third period to force extra time.
Players like Alex Tuch, who has 10 points in his last eight games, and Dylan Cozens, who contributed a goal and an assist on Friday, continue to drive the team offensively. With depth players like Tyson Kozak potentially stepping into the lineup, the Sabres will look to maintain their offensive momentum and tighten up defensively to secure a win against a divisional foe.
The New York Islanders, meanwhile, have struggled in their recent stretch, going 1-4-2 in their last seven outings. Their overtime loss to the Capitals on Friday highlighted ongoing issues on special teams, as they rank last in the league on the power play and second-to-last on the penalty kill.
Despite these challenges, the Islanders remain dangerous, especially with standout performances from players like Kyle Palmieri and Anders Lee. In their last meeting with the Sabres earlier this month, the Islanders edged out a 4-3 win, showcasing their ability to capitalize on mistakes.
With both teams eager to bounce back from Friday’s setbacks, this matchup promises to be an intense battle for valuable points.
What’s at Stake: Sabres vs. Islanders Playoff Implications
As the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders face off tonight, the stakes are high in a tightly contested Eastern Conference playoff race. The Sabres, sitting at 11-10-2, hold a slim two-point advantage over the Islanders, who are 8-10-6. However, with the Islanders having played one more game, Buffalo faces added urgency to extend their lead and create some breathing room in the standings.
For the Sabres, a win would provide crucial momentum in their push for playoff contention and serve as a statement victory on the road in the second game of a back-to-back. On the other hand, the Islanders are desperate to snap their recent skid and stay within striking distance of the wildcard spots, especially as they battle through key injuries and special teams struggles.
With valuable points on the line, this game could have significant implications for both teams as the season progresses.
Key Matchups to Watch: Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders
Rasmus Dahlin vs. Islanders Forecheck
- Rasmus Dahlin is a dynamic force for the Sabres and is closing in on franchise history as he chases Mike Ramsey’s goal tally.
- His ability to move the puck effectively and withstand the Islanders’ aggressive forecheck will be pivotal in Buffalo’s transition game.
- With New York’s offense relying on quick counterattacks, Dahlin’s defensive awareness and offensive contributions will play a critical role.
James Reimer vs. Ilya Sorokin
- James Reimer is expected to start in goal for the Sabres after making a strong impression in his debut with a 31-save performance, securing a win against San Jose on November 23.
- Reimer’s ability to manage high-danger scoring chances will be crucial as he faces Ilya Sorokin, one of the NHL’s top goaltenders.
- Sorokin’s previous 32-save effort against the Sabres demonstrated his ability to frustrate Buffalo’s offense. Reimer’s poise and consistency will be crucial in this tightly contested matchup.
Dylan Cozens vs. Islanders’ Shutdown Lines
- Dylan Cozens has been a standout against the Islanders, with nine points (5 goals, 4 assists) in his last nine games against them.
- Maintaining his scoring touch while outworking New York’s defensive forwards could give the Sabres a significant edge in creating high-danger opportunities.
Buffalo Sabres Projected Lineup and Injury Updates for Game vs. New York Islanders (From NHL.com)
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 — Tyson Kozak
Rasmus Dahlin — Bowen Byram
James Reimer
Scratched: Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Dennis Gilbert
Injured: Jordan Greenway (middle body), Mattias Samuelsson (lower body), Sam Lafferty (lower body)
Islanders projected lineup
Anders Lee — Bo Horvat — Simon Holmstrom
Maxim Tsyplakov — Brock Nelson — Kyle Palmieri
Pierre Engvall — Casey Cizikas — Oliver Wahlstrom
Matt Martin — Kyle MacLean — Hudson Fasching
Alexander Romanov — Noah Dobson
Dennis Cholowski — Scott Mayfield
Ilya Sorokin
Scratched: Grant Hutton
Injured: Jean-Gabriel Pageau (lower body), Anthony Duclair (lower body), Mathew Barzal (lower body), Adam Pelech (upper body), Mike Reilly (heart surgery)
The puck drops at 7:30 PM – don’t miss it! Join the conversation and share your thoughts with @SabresInsight on X. Follow us for live updates, in-depth analysis, and post-game reactions as the Sabres take on the Islanders in this crucial Eastern Conference matchup.