The Buffalo Sabres, currently tied for the Atlantic Division lead and on a five-game winning streak, will face the Nashville Predators on March 7 at KeyBank Center. The game is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.
This matchup comes as the Sabres start a five-game homestand, following a strong performance in Pittsburgh where they defeated the Penguins 5-1. The team has extended its road point streak to ten games and is aiming for its first playoff appearance since 2011. Players say they are enjoying their current run. “The most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey,” Josh Norris said. “… It’s such a fun group and authentic and just guys being themselves, really. You can’t really ask for much more.” Ryan McLeod added, “Not trying to get too high or too low, but definitely enjoying it.”
Ahead of Friday’s trade deadline, Buffalo acquired forwards Tanner Pearson and Sam Carrick as well as defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn without removing anyone from their recent lineup. Carrick will make his debut by replacing Josh Dunne on the fourth line. Coach Lindy Ruff commented on Carrick’s role: “Just play your game. You know why we got you,” Ruff said about his newest center, expecting him to contribute on penalty kills and key defensive-zone faceoffs.
Goaltender Alex Lyon is expected to start again after posting a .931 save percentage in two wins since the Olympic break; he previously beat Nashville with 31 saves in January.
Recent statistics highlight Tage Thompson’s nine-game point streak—the longest by a Sabre since Jeff Skinner’s ten-game run in the 2022-23 season—and Norris’s five points in five games since returning from injury. Owen Power has scored goals in back-to-back games for only the second time in his career.
Nashville enters this contest after defeating Boston but has traded away several depth players before the deadline while still contending for a Western Conference wild card spot. Steven Stamkos remains with the Predators despite trade rumors and continues to be an offensive threat.
