The Buffalo Sabres will try to extend their winning streak to nine games when they host the Washington Capitals at KeyBank Center on March 12.
The Sabres are currently on their second eight-game winning streak of the season, making them the first team in franchise history to achieve this twice in one year. Their recent 6-3 victory over San Jose has put them four points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning for first place in the Atlantic Division. The Lightning, who have lost six of their last seven games, are also scheduled to play Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings.
Fans can watch Thursday’s game on MSG with pregame coverage starting at 6:30 p.m., or stream it through the Gotham Sports App and ESPN+ for out-of-market viewers. Radio coverage is available on WGR 550 and the Buffalo Sabres App.
Defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tanner Pearson will make their debuts for Buffalo, with Schenn paired alongside Logan Stanley and Pearson joining the fourth line. Pearson replaces Alex Tuch, who is out due to a minor lower-body injury. Zach Benson and Noah Ostlund will continue playing with Tage Thompson, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen gets the start in goal.
Since December 9, Buffalo has posted a record of 29-5-2, moving from last place in the Eastern Conference to just two points out of first. During this stretch, they lead the National Hockey League in points percentage (.833), goals per game (3.94), and save percentage (.915).
The Capitals’ playoff hopes suffered after a loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday. They now sit seven points outside a playoff spot and have played more games than most teams ahead of them. MoneyPuck projects Washington’s playoff chances at 10.8 percent.
This matchup is the second of three between Buffalo and Washington this season; Buffalo won their previous meeting in a shootout on November 1. The teams will face each other again in Washington on April 4. This game could also be Alex Ovechkin’s final appearance in Buffalo as he considers retirement after this season.
