The Buffalo Sabres are set to begin their first extended road trip of the season with a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Sabres will play four consecutive games away from home over the next eight days, each against teams currently holding playoff positions. So far this season, Buffalo has yet to win on the road, recording an 0-2-2 record but earning points in their last two away games.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff commented on the upcoming stretch: “I think the road is sometimes a good place to bond together,” Ruff said. “And you spend more time together versus at home, (when) you’re always back in your own place. I’m looking forward to the road.”
Buffalo faces a significant challenge as they attempt to break an 11-game winless streak in Carolina that dates back to 2016.
The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start and will be broadcast locally on MSG with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. Fans outside the local market can stream the game via ESPN+ or Gotham Sports App, while radio coverage will be available on WGR 550 and through the Buffalo Sabres App.
In lineup news, captain Rasmus Dahlin will not play as he is taking a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons in Sweden. There is no current timetable for his return. Earlier this year, Dahlin shared that his fiancée had suffered heart failure and was recovering from a heart transplant.
“I will say this, he said everything is OK, and through this, he’s got full support by our team,” Ruff said.
Ruff added: “What this young man has gone through, I don’t think you can describe it and I don’t think you can feel what he’s feeling. I’m pretty passionate about the fact that no one would want to walk in his shoes and have to deal with what he’s dealt with. He’s undoubtedly got the support of everybody on this. This is larger than hockey.”
Jacob Bryson will step into the lineup during Dahlin’s absence.
The Hurricanes remain strong despite injuries among their defensemen such as Jaccob Slavin and Shayne Gostisbehere. They have maintained one of the NHL’s top records at even strength with a plus-12 goal differential—tied for third best in the league—and average 3.62 goals per game across all situations despite having one of the league’s least effective power plays.
Coach Ruff noted: “We know that they’re a good team in that building,” Ruff said. “… We’re gonna change a few things around and see if we can get a little success here.”
Carolina has used three goaltenders so far this season; Brandon Bussi may start tonight with a record of 3-1-0 and a .916 save percentage.
