Sabres Face Blue Jackets: Game 10 Preview & Discussion Thread

The Buffalo Sabres are set to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets in an exciting matchup. The game is scheduled for 6:45 PM at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Both teams currently have similar records, with the Sabres at 4-4-1 and the Blue Jackets at 4-4-0.

Columbus Blue Jackets Overview

• Record: 4 wins, 4 losses, 0 overtime losses (8 points).
• Division Ranking: Tied for 7th in the Metropolitan Division.
• Last Game: Victory over Pittsburgh, 5-4, in a shootout.
• Power Play Ranking: 27th in the league at 15%.
• Penalty Kill Ranking: 32nd overall at 60.7%.

Buffalo Sabres Overview

• Record: 4 wins, 4 losses, 1 overtime loss (9 points).
• Power Play Ranking: 10th in the league at 23.3%.
• Penalty Kill Ranking: 1st overall at 93.9%.

Key Factors to Watch

1. Michael Kesselring’s Debut

One of the notable aspects of this game is the debut of Michael Kesselring. Acquired in a trade from Utah, Kesselring, a 25-year-old defenseman, brings size and skill. Standing at 6’5”, he had a standout season last year, posting 7 goals and 22 assists in 82 games.

2. Power Play Performance

The Sabres’ power play is improving and has opportunities to capitalize against a struggling Blue Jackets penalty kill. Buffalo’s current success rate ranks them 10th, while Columbus’s is the worst in the league.

3. Potential Future Acquisitions

There is ongoing speculation regarding a potential trade with Columbus. Yegor Chinakhov, a former first-round pick, could be a target for Buffalo. Currently, he is a healthy scratch, which adds intrigue to the game.

Projected Lineups

Buffalo Sabres

• Forwards: Benson, Kulich, Thompson; Doan, McLeod, Tuch; Zucker, Ostlund, Quinn; Dunne, Krebs, Malenstyn.
• Defensemen: Samuelsson, Dahlin; Power, Timmins; Byram, Kesselring.
• Starter: Lyon.

Columbus Blue Jackets

• Forwards: Voronkov, Monahan, Marchenko; Jenner, Fantilli, Johnson; Sillinger, Coyle, Olivier; Aston-Reese, Lundestrom, Chinakhov.
• Defensemen: Werenski, Mateychuk; Provorov, Severson; Fabbro, Gudbranson.
• Starter: Greaves.

As both teams look for a crucial victory, this matchup promises to be a significant test for the Buffalo Sabres, especially with the opportunity to showcase their new defenseman and capitalize on the Blue Jackets’ weaknesses.