The Buffalo Sabres are set to continue their four-game homestand at KeyBank Center on Friday, facing the Chicago Blackhawks. The game follows a 6-2 defeat against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, where the Sabres rallied from an early deficit but gave up four goals in the third period. This loss came after a strong performance in which Buffalo defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-1.
Reflecting on recent results, forward Tage Thompson said after the Calgary game, “I think we get a little too high on ourselves after a couple of wins; we think we’re better than we are, instead of remembering what got us those wins.” He added, “Looking back at the other game against Edmonton, I thought we were really hard to play against, and I thought tonight we were really easy, really light on the puck. Anytime you’re doing that, you’re going to lose games.”
Buffalo’s next opponent is a Chicago team currently holding the second wild card spot in the Western Conference as it continues its rebuilding phase. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Fans can watch locally on MSG with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m., or stream via Gotham Sports App and ESPN+ for out-of-market viewers. Radio coverage will be available on WGR 550 and through the Buffalo Sabres App.
Forward Jason Zucker is expected to return to play after missing eight games due to illness. Before his absence, Zucker recorded four goals and seven points in 12 games. Discussing his recovery process, Zucker said, “You do your best to get back into shape, do your best to get back up to speed, but until you’re in a game and it’s real life and everything’s coming at you, there’s nothing that replicates it. Just got to get back into it, keep it simple, keep my legs moving and just go from there.” Head coach Lindy Ruff commented on Zucker’s return: “It’s been a long time off, he’s dealt with a lot, but I think he’s going to give us a burst of energy tonight.”
The projected lineup from Friday’s morning skate has Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen starting in goal for Buffalo.
Chicago enters this matchup following a six-game point streak that ended with a 3-2 home loss to Seattle. Despite this setback, the Blackhawks remain in playoff contention largely due to contributions from Connor Bedard. Bedard is fourth in league scoring with 29 points and ranks among league leaders in goals and offensive metrics such as rush shot attempts per game.
Bedard is joined by experienced forwards Tyler Bertuzzi (10 goals), Andrei Burakovsky (7 goals), and Teuvo Teravainen (5 goals). With Spencer Knight having started Chicago’s previous game against Seattle, Arvid Soderblom is expected to start in net against Buffalo; Soderblom has posted three wins and maintains a .912 save percentage so far this season.
