The Buffalo Sabres are set to begin a four-game homestand at KeyBank Center on Monday, following an overtime victory against the Detroit Red Wings that ended a five-game winless streak. The team overcame a 4-1 deficit in Detroit, with Tage Thompson creating the game-winning play by forcing Alex DeBrincat off the puck and assisting Mattias Samuelsson for the decisive goal.
“I think it was just desperation,” Thompson said after the game.
Buffalo has collected at least one point in seven of its last eight home games, with a record of 5-1-2 during that stretch. The Sabres will face the Edmonton Oilers tonight as part of Native American Heritage Night at KeyBank Center. This event features the first of three “Community Artist Series” collaborations between the Sabres and AKG Buffalo Art Museum. Commemorative jerseys designed by Seneca artist G. Peter Jemison will be auctioned off, with proceeds supporting Western Door Hockey.
The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m., with television coverage on MSG beginning at 6:30 p.m. Fans can also stream the game via Gotham Sports App or ESPN+ (for out-of-market viewers), and listen on WGR 550 or through the Buffalo Sabres App.
On Saturday, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin returned from personal leave and contributed two assists while leading the team in ice time. However, Michael Kesselring left that game due to a lower-body injury and has been placed on injured reserve. Zach Metsa was recalled from Rochester (AHL) to provide another right-shot defensive option.
“Obviously going to be a little bit of time for [Kesselring]; I don’t have a timeframe yet,” coach Lindy Ruff said.
Colten Ellis is set to make his third start in four games for Buffalo.
Mattias Samuelsson’s recent overtime goal continued his strong offensive performance this season; he now has three goals and seven points, approaching his career highs from last year. Defensively, Samuelsson leads all Sabres players in blocked shots (39) and tops team defensemen in hits (23). His role has been important for Buffalo’s penalty kill, which ranks among the best in the NHL. According to Natural Stat Trick data, when Samuelsson is on the ice during even-strength play, Buffalo has generated more scoring chances than their opponents.
“Really since day one, Samuelsson’s play has been very good,” Ruff said last week. “His penalty killing has been outstanding, his physicality has been good. … He’s been a difference maker for us.”
The Oilers arrive as two-time defending Western Conference champions but have had mixed results this season while integrating younger players around star forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. On Saturday, Zach Hyman made his season debut and helped Edmonton secure an overtime win against Carolina. McDavid currently ranks second in league scoring with 30 points; Draisaitl is tied for second with 13 goals. The Oilers’ power play operates at over 31 percent efficiency this season.
Goaltender Stuart Skinner enters Monday’s matchup having won his last three starts—all decided in overtime—including a recent performance where he stopped 33 shots against Carolina.
