Buffalo Sabres Pregame Versus New York Islanders

The Buffalo Sabres put on quite the show last night against the Chicago Blackhawks, and ended up losing the game 4-3 in regulation. Last night they proved that they could run with the best in the league and give them some pressure at the right times. To me, that’s a sign of progress to take into next season.

Tonight that Sabres take on the New York Islanders and look to continue to carry that momentum along with them from last night. They have another key test tonight as they will be playing against one of the best players in the league; John Tavares. Like Jonathan Toews, Tavares has the game breaking skill to take control of the situation at any time.

Buffalo Sabres Scope

Marcus Foligno was the man on point last night against the Blackhawks. He broke a 20+ game goal scoring drought, and showed his colors as a power forward. Tonight against the Islanders, Foligno and his line will be a key element to the push against the opposition.

The Sabres have had sustained support from the defensive players (thanks Andrej Meszaros for pitching in at the end of the year…) but one player in particular has been on fire and it’s a fantastic sign towards the future.

Rasmus Ristolainen has had points in his last 5 games, and now has 8 goals and 12 assists on the season for a total of 20 points. Being the two-way defenseman he is, those numbers aren’t super impressive, but considering the team he plays for, they are much better than they seem. Ristolainen will continue to man the Buffalo Sabres defensive pairing alongside Tyson Strachen tonight, and his impact should still be the same.

Tonight in goal will be Andrey Makarov. This is going to be his first NHL start of his career, and he is going to have a chance to prove himself. Throughout his career thus far, Makarov has proven to be capable of playing at the level he is presented with. Against the Islanders tonight, he will have his chance to show Tim Murray exactly what he can do.

Islanders Scope

John Tavares continues to march his team towards the playoffs and he is going to make the most of his chance. He has had the support of his entire team so far this season, and they are going to continue on their path.

Behind the lines is the strong goaltending of Jaroslav Halak, and his play is the best support that Tavares has had behind him in his entire career.

Buffalo needs to put pressure on these two heavily in order to continue with their progress.

Prediction

Buffalo is going to put some constant pressure on the Islanders, and they are going to give them a run for their money just like last night. The Islanders will end up winning this one however by a score of 5-3. Tavares and his skill will be enough to take them over the top.

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