Game Preview: Buffalo Sabres vs. Calgary Flames – November 9th 2024

| Game Information |

Matchup:
Buffalo Sabres vs. Calgary Flames

Date & Time:
November 9th, 2024 at 1:00 PM EST

Location:
Key Bank Center, Buffalo, NY

TV/Streaming Info:
TV: MSG Radio: WGR550

| Game Overview |

The Buffalo Sabres, riding high after consecutive wins and a dominant 6-1 victory over the New York Rangers, are gearing up to face the Calgary Flames at KeyBank Center on Saturday. The Sabres have showcased a well-rounded offense, with 15 players contributing points in their recent rout, and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen solidifying the back end with strong performances. Special teams have also been a strength, with an effective power play and penalty kill coming through at key moments. Calgary enters with a reputation for late-game resilience and is led by Rasmus Andersson and emerging goalie Dustin Wolf, promising a competitive matchup as the Sabres look to maintain their momentum.

| Team Records |

Buffalo Sabres Record: 6-7-1, 6th in Atlantic Division.
Calgary Flames Record: 7-5-2, 4th in Pacific Division.

| Recent Form |

Buffalo Sabres’ Recent Form

The Buffalo Sabres are showing sparks of promise as they navigate the early stages of the season, bouncing back from a recent three-game skid with a couple of decisive wins. After dropping games to the Panthers, Islanders, and Red Wings, the Sabres refocused and rediscovered their rhythm in impressive fashion. A dominant 5-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators showcased a balanced offensive attack, and they followed up with a statement win over the New York Rangers, triumphing 6-1 at Madison Square Garden. The team’s renewed energy has been fueled by strong goaltending from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and a commitment to defensive discipline, allowing them to stay in control against high-scoring opponents. As they prepare to face the Calgary Flames at KeyBank Center, the Sabres aim to build on this momentum, looking to establish consistency and keep pace in the highly competitive Atlantic Division.

Calgary Flames Recent Form

The Calgary Flames have had a rocky start to the season, struggling to find consistent footing amid a mix of highs and lows. Early on, they delivered a decisive 4-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, setting a positive tone that quickly soured as they fell into a four-game losing streak, including a heavy 5-0 shutout at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights. Their resilience briefly shone through with a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils, led by a standout performance from goaltender Dan Vladar. But the Flames’ hopes of steadying the ship were short-lived, with close losses to the Oilers and, more recently, a 4-3 overtime defeat to the Boston Bruins, where their third-period surge fell just short. As they prepare to take on the Buffalo Sabres, Calgary is eager to bring greater consistency to their game, looking to harness their flashes of brilliance into a more reliable rhythm.

| Pregame Interviews and Insights |

Lindy Ruff

| Key Players to Watch |

Buffalo Sabres: Tage Thompson

For the Buffalo Sabres, all eyes will be on Tage Thompson as he looks to extend his impressive streaks both at home and against the Flames. Thompson has been a consistent thorn in Calgary’s side, boasting a five-game point streak against them, during which he has tallied four goals and two assists. His productivity on home ice has been equally formidable, with a six-game streak at KeyBank Center where he’s amassed 10 points, evenly split between goals and assists. Thompson’s dynamic presence and ability to find the net in clutch moments make him a focal point for the Sabres’ offense, and he’ll undoubtedly be a player the Flames must watch closely if they hope to slow Buffalo’s momentum.

Calgary Flames Key Player: Martin Pospisil

Martin Pospisil is a player to watch for the Calgary Flames as he brings a gritty edge and relentless energy to the lineup. Recently centering a line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Andrei Kuzmenko, Pospisil’s role is to create space and seize puck battles, using his physicality to generate offensive opportunities. Known for his heavy-hitting style—logging five or more hits in three of his last five games—the Slovak forward adds a rugged dimension that complements his linemates’ skill, making him a valuable asset against faster, skilled teams like the Sabres. His disruptive presence on the ice could be pivotal as the Flames aim for consistency.

| Did you know.? |

Jason Zucker has been on a tear recently, tallying 11 points in his last 11 games with three goals and eight assists.
In their recent matchups against the Calgary Flames, both Dylan Cozens and Alex Tuch have been significant contributors for the Buffalo Sabres. Over the last four games between these teams, each player has recorded four points. Cozens has tallied one goal and three assists, while Tuch has netted three goals and added one assist.