The Buffalo Sabres are set to face the Calgary Flames on Wednesday at KeyBank Center, aiming for their third consecutive win. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
This matchup marks the second contest in a four-game homestand for the Sabres. They began the stretch with a 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, highlighted by Noah Ostlund’s two goals and a defensive effort that kept Connor McDavid off the scoresheet.
The Flames arrive in Buffalo following a 5-2 loss to Chicago on Tuesday. They currently sit at the bottom of the NHL standings with 13 points and have struggled on the road, holding a 2-9-1 record away from home.
Fans in the Buffalo broadcast market can watch the game on MSG, with pregame coverage starting at 7 p.m. Streaming options include Gotham Sports App and ESPN+ for out-of-market viewers. Radio coverage will be available on WGR 550 and through the Buffalo Sabres App.
The Sabres practiced Tuesday using mostly the same lines as in their previous win, except for Mattias Samuelsson and Jordan Greenway, who were given maintenance days but participated in Wednesday’s optional morning skate and are expected to play against Calgary. Colten Ellis will start in goal for his third straight game after making 32 saves against Edmonton. Alex Lyon will serve as backup goaltender.
Tage Thompson has recorded five points over his last three games, scoring a goal in each contest since returning to center alongside Josh Doan and Alex Tuch. Reflecting on Thompson’s position change, head coach Lindy Ruff said, “Last year, his points per game were better (on the wing), so it kind of leaned toward having him over there. Right now, it leans toward leaving him right in the middle. He’s playing well, skating well. It’s a great situation to be in.”
Calgary may introduce John Beecher into its lineup after claiming him off waivers from Boston. Beecher has scored 11 goals across 136 NHL games since being drafted in 2019. The Flames have had difficulties offensively this season despite ranking sixth league-wide in expected goals-for percentage at even strength (54.28 percent). Their shooting percentage is currently lowest among all teams at 7.12 percent, and their power play ranks last with a success rate of 12.7 percent.
With Dustin Wolf starting Tuesday’s game for Calgary, Devin Cooley—who was part of the Sabres organization during the 2023-24 season—is expected to start in net against Buffalo tonight. Cooley has posted a .935 save percentage through five games this season.
