Bowen Byram Returns to Denver as Sabres Face the Avalanche

Thursday night’s matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and Colorado Avalanche has all the makings of a must-watch game, and not just because both teams are fighting to stay competitive. This game marks Bowen Byram’s return to Denver, where he helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022.

Byram’s Journey Back to Denver

Byram, who was a cornerstone of Colorado’s Stanley Cup run, is now thriving with the Buffalo Sabres after being traded last March. The Avalanche dealt him to Buffalo in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt, filling their need for a second-line center.

Since the trade, Byram has become a standout in Buffalo.

• Big Minutes: He’s second on the team in ice time, logging over 23 minutes per game.
• Solid Production: Byram has 21 points this season (4 goals, 17 assists) and is just eight points shy of his career-high set last year.

When asked about playing against his old team, Byram has let his game do the talking. In their last meeting on December 3, he picked up an assist as Colorado pulled off an epic comeback, erasing a 4-0 deficit to win 5-4.

Sabres: Searching for Consistency

The Sabres have had a rollercoaster season. After an awful 0-10-3 stretch, they bounced back with three straight wins before losing 4-2 to Dallas on Tuesday.

• Offensive Leaders:
  • Tage Thompson: Leads the team with 30 points (18 goals, 12 assists).
  • Alex Tuch: Close behind with 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists).
• Goaltending Spotlight:
  Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been a steady presence in net, holding a 2.95 GAA. However, he was in goal during Colorado’s December comeback, and the Sabres will need him at his best to avoid another collapse.“When we get frustrated, we’re not on the same page, and it hurts us,” Luukkonen said. “We’ve got to stay connected and play our game.”

Buffalo knows they can’t afford any lapses, especially against a red-hot Avalanche team.

Unlock Your Winning Edge!

Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

Avalanche: Heating Up Despite Injuries

Colorado is riding a five-game winning streak and has gone 10-3-0 since their December comeback in Buffalo. They’ve faced their share of injuries, but their star players have carried the load.

• Dynamic Duo:
  • Nathan MacKinnon: Leading the NHL in points (61) and assists (47), MacKinnon has been unstoppable.
  • Mikko Rantanen: Tied for third in the league with 54 points (21 goals, 33 assists).
• Injury Report:
  Valeri Nichushkin left Tuesday’s 5-2 win over Winnipeg with a lower-body injury, adding to the Avalanche’s injury list. On the bright side, Jonathan Drouin returned from a 16-game absence and chipped in two assists against the Jets.

Coach Jared Bednar acknowledged the challenges of juggling injuries but remains optimistic:

What to Watch For

• Bowen Byram’s Return: How will Byram perform in his first game back in Denver? His familiarity with the Avalanche’s system could give Buffalo an edge.
• Colorado’s Depth: With Nichushkin out, the Avalanche will need their supporting cast to step up yet again.
• Buffalo’s Resilience: Can the Sabres avoid another meltdown and stay composed for a full 60 minutes

Why This Game Matters

This isn’t just another regular-season game. For Byram, it’s a chance to shine in his old stomping grounds. For the Sabres, it’s about proving they can hang with the league’s elite. And for Colorado, it’s an opportunity to extend their winning streak and stay hot despite the injuries.

With so much on the line and plenty of star power on display, this game is shaping up to be a thriller.