The Buffalo Sabres are set to face the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Thursday night, seeking to improve their early season road record. The Sabres have collected points in six of their last seven games but remain winless on the road with an 0-2-1 record. Each of those away games has been closely contested, with losses to Boston and Montreal coming after late empty-net goals and a defeat by Toronto in overtime.
Despite these results, data from Natural Stat Trick indicates that the Sabres have performed well in terms of puck possession during 5-on-5 play on the road, though they have struggled to convert those opportunities into goals. Their power play has also been underwhelming, scoring just once in nine chances over three away games. Defensive lapses in key moments have contributed to their difficulties.
“If we’re going to win road games, we’ve got to get our offense going,” coach Lindy Ruff said after Thursday’s morning skate. “The focus yesterday, the focus this morning, is talking about generating more and playing more in the offensive zone on the road.”
Forward Jordan Greenway will make his season debut for Buffalo after recovering from a middle-body injury that required multiple surgeries. His return is expected to add depth and physicality to the team’s bottom six forwards and bolster their penalty kill.
Through ten games, the line of Josh Doan, Ryan McLeod, and Alex Tuch has been among the most effective in the NHL at both ends of the ice. According to Evolving-Hockey data, this trio ranks ninth among qualifying lines in expected goal share (68.1%) and sixth in actual goals per 60 minutes (6.51). Tuch leads Buffalo with nine points so far this season.
“For the most part, I think their zone play, getting screens and people around the net, they’ve been our best line at doing that,” Ruff said.
The Bruins began their season with a win over Buffalo but have since lost seven out of nine games while allowing an average of 4.3 goals per game. Offensively, David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie have led Boston’s attack; Pastrnak has 15 points while Geekie has scored eight goals—including six in his last five appearances.
Boston will start backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo for a second consecutive game. He enters Thursday’s matchup with an .870 save percentage and a 3.62 goals-against average across five starts.
Fans can watch Thursday’s game on MSG starting at 6:30 p.m., stream it via Gotham Sports App or ESPN+ (out-of-market), or listen on WGR 550 or through the Buffalo Sabres App.
