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Penguins Eye Season Sweep Over Resurgent Sabres
The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to complete a season sweep of the Buffalo Sabres for the first time since the 2017-18 season when they meet in the finale of their three-game road trip on Thursday night. However, to achieve that, they’ll need to play significantly better than they did in their recent 6-1 blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
After a tough shootout loss to the Florida Panthers on Sunday, Pittsburgh (29-33-11, 69 points) was expected to bounce back. Instead, they were outplayed in almost every aspect against the Lightning. Forward Rickard Rakell admitted the team was working hard but not effectively.
“We were working hard, but we were working in the wrong ways,” Rakell said. “We were chasing the game too much, and they’re stretching us out and finding the open ice. It’s just not good enough.”
The Penguins were also without center Evgeni Malkin, who was a late scratch due to an upper-body injury. Coach Mike Sullivan stated, “He’s being evaluated for an upper-body injury,” leaving Malkin’s status uncertain for Thursday’s game.
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Sidney Crosby Eyes Historic Milestone
Despite the disappointing loss, there was a small silver lining as Sidney Crosby registered an assist, giving him 79 points on the season. One more point will secure an incredible milestone, as he would average at least one point per game for a 20th consecutive season, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record.
Crosby has been particularly effective against the Sabres throughout his career, scoring 85 points (29 goals, 56 assists) in 61 games. He was instrumental in Pittsburgh’s previous victories over Buffalo this season, including a goal and two assists in a 6-5 overtime win on October 16 and a 5-2 victory on January 17.
Crosby’s leadership will be crucial as the Penguins attempt to rebound from their worst game of the season and complete the season sweep against Buffalo.
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Sabres Showing Signs of Improvement
The Buffalo Sabres (29-35-6, 64 points) have quietly been playing solid hockey lately, winning four of their last six games and taking nine of their past 11 home contests. Their most recent victory came against the Ottawa Senators in a hard-fought 3-2 win on Tuesday.
Coach Lindy Ruff’s Milestone
The win against Ottawa marked the 600th career victory for coach Lindy Ruff with the organization, making him just the second coach in NHL history to achieve that milestone with a single franchise.
“I really wasn’t aware of it, but obviously it feels good. Just to get the win (against Ottawa),” Ruff said. “I’ve been fortunate, a lot of good people around me that have helped throughout the years, and unbelievable fan support here in this building.”
Bernard-Docker Making an Impact
One of the Sabres’ recent acquisitions, defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker, has made an immediate impact since arriving from the Ottawa Senators. He has recorded three points (one goal, two assists) in just three games, including a goal against his former team.
“They don’t cheat the game,” Bernard-Docker said of his linemates, Tyson Kozak and Peyton Krebs. “It’s impressive how they play.”
Skate to Victory
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Key Matchups to Watch
Sidney Crosby vs. Rasmus Dahlin
Crosby’s quest for another milestone meets Dahlin’s emerging defensive presence. Dahlin’s ability to contain Crosby will be critical for Buffalo’s success.
Evgeni Malkin vs. Jacob Bernard-Docker
If Malkin returns, he’ll need to break through the energy and tenacity of Bernard-Docker, who has quickly proven his worth on Buffalo’s blue line.
Tristan Jarry vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Both goaltenders have shown flashes of brilliance but also moments of inconsistency. Jarry must rebound after the Tampa disaster, while Luukkonen will look to build on recent success at home.
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Game Prediction
Both teams come into this game with something to prove. Pittsburgh is determined to shake off a dreadful performance and complete the season sweep, while Buffalo is fighting to maintain its recent upward trend.
The Penguins have historically dominated the Sabres, but Buffalo’s recent home success and newfound confidence make this matchup intriguing. If Crosby continues to lead the way and Malkin returns, Pittsburgh has the firepower to secure the sweep. However, if Buffalo can capitalize on their home ice advantage and disrupt Pittsburgh’s offensive rhythm, they could pull off the upset.
Prediction: Penguins 4, Sabres 3 (OT)
Look for a tight contest with Crosby reaching his milestone and leading Pittsburgh to a hard-fought victory.
FAQs
How have the Penguins performed against the Sabres this season?
The Penguins have won both previous meetings, including a 6-5 overtime win and a 5-2 victory.
Will Evgeni Malkin play against the Sabres?
Malkin is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, and his status remains uncertain.
What milestone is Sidney Crosby approaching?
Crosby is one point away from averaging at least one point per game for the 20th consecutive season, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record.
How have the Sabres been performing recently?
Buffalo has won four of their last six games and nine of their past 11 home contests.
Who has been a standout player for the Sabres recently?
Jacob Bernard-Docker has made an impressive start with three points in three games since joining the team.
Who is expected to start in goal for Pittsburgh?
Tristan Jarry is expected to start despite struggling against Tampa Bay in the previous game.
The Penguins are eager to complete the season sweep while the Sabres look to keep their home streak alive. With Crosby chasing history and the Sabres showing improvement, this matchup promises to be exciting from start to finish. Don’t miss it!
