Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres Picks and Predictions October 19th 2024

Sabres Trying for a Complete Game vs. Blackhawks

The Buffalo Sabres are searching for balance as they prepare to close out a three-game road trip against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. After a sluggish start offensively, Buffalo has found its scoring touch, but defensive lapses have become a concern. The Sabres aim to get their full game in sync as they take on a Chicago team also looking to build momentum.

Sabres’ Offense Heating Up

Buffalo’s attack struggled early in the season, managing just three goals in their first three games. However, the offense has come alive recently, producing 14 goals over the past three outings. Unfortunately, that scoring surge hasn’t resulted in wins, as the Sabres are 0-1-1 in their last two games due to defensive breakdowns.

In their most recent contest, a 6-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, the Sabres repeatedly cut into two-goal deficits only to give up a goal shortly after each time. A particularly damaging sequence came when they pulled within 4-3 with 25 seconds left in the second period, only to surrender a goal 15 seconds into the third period.

Forward Alex Tuch pointed to the lack of consistency and attention to detail as the key issues plaguing the team.

“It’s just winning those battles,” Tuch said. “It’s focusing on tiny little details, just not being careless. It’s working hard for your full shift, not for 35 of the 45 seconds. It’s making sure you bear down in certain areas, and we haven’t had that consistency yet in the last couple of games.”

This followed an overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where defensive lapses allowed Pittsburgh to score the tying goal with 46 seconds left in regulation. Despite the offensive improvement, Buffalo has been unable to lock down defensively, which has cost them in tight games.

Power Play Struggles Continue

While Buffalo’s 5-on-5 play has been strong, their power play has been stuck in a rut. The Sabres are 0-for-17 with the man advantage through their first six games, a statistic they’ll need to improve if they hope to turn close games into victories.

Center Dylan Cozens has also struggled to find his form early on, with just one point (an assist) through the first six games. His production will be crucial if Buffalo wants to find success in upcoming games.

Blackhawks Seek to Build on Recent Success

The Chicago Blackhawks, on the other hand, come into Saturday’s game looking to build off a 4-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. After starting the season with two losses, Chicago has now won two of their last three games.

Although the Blackhawks aren’t supposed to fight for a season finisher spot this season, offseason increases were made to offer help for sophomore sensation Connor Bedard. One such expansion, veteran winger Teuvo Teravainen, has been a key contributor. Teravainen, who got back to Chicago after eight seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, shares the leader in focuses (seven) with Bedard and is tied for the lead in goals (three) with chief Nick Folign

Coach Luke Richardson praised Teravainen’s vision on the ice, stating, “He just sees. He sees openings and he knows exactly what the next play is before he gets it on his stick.”

Bedard’s Development

Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks’ highly touted young center, is focused on improving his overall game. Bedard is looking to become a more well-rounded player by contributing on both ends of the ice.

“I know my job, in the big scheme of things, is to create and produce,” Bedard said. “But I want to be good all around. Last year, there were a lot of times I was the guy (who was the) reason we were getting scored on. That’s going to happen here and there, but if I can limit that as much as possible, that would help us win games.”
Keys to the Game

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For the Sabers, straightening out defensively and winning the fights in their own zone will be crucial. With their offense beginning to click, a more focused way to deal with shielding their net could permit them to transform ongoing close misfortunes into triumphs.

The Blackhawks, meanwhile, will look to continue their steady offensive contributions from Teravainen, Bedard, and Foligno while focusing on limiting defensive mistakes that have cost them in their early-season losses. If Chicago can play a complete game and contain Buffalo’s surging offense, they could come away with their third win of the season.

Final Thoughts

Both the Sabers and Blackhawks are hoping to track down consistency from the get-go in the season. Bison’s superior offense will conflict with Chicago’s new accomplishment as both teams plan to figure out their separate problems. The matchup could come down to which group can can best eliminate their defensive mistakes and capitalize on their offensive opportunities.