The Buffalo Sabres are facing off against a rather surprising opponent in Game 8, the Chicago Blackhawks. Here is what you need to know.
So much for tearing it down; at least in the early-going. The Chicago Blackhawks are thus far a team on-par with the Buffalo Sabres, and it is one reason why we are in for such an interesting and entertaining contest tonight.
This Blackhawks team may be a shell of what it once was, especially following the Alex DeBrincat trade last July that all but confirmed Chicago was in for a tank job of a season. But right now, some of the team’s aging veterans are keeping that from happening, including a hometown hero. Let’s take a deeper dive into Chicago.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Blackhawks: Three players to watch
Of course, every time the Sabres play the Blackhawks, all eyes turn their attention to Patrick Kane. Well, Kane has given many hockey fans a reason to turn heads in what might be his last season in the Windy City. He has eight points, including two goals. Even in his older age, Kane remains an effective player, and if the Blackhawks cannot keep up their winning ways down the stretch, his performance could make him a viable trading chip for this franchise.
While Seth Jones is leading the charge in the defensive rotation with 25:13 of average time on ice, I’m looking more at Connor Murphy. A dynamic blocker and a rather aggressive player all around, Murphy has quite a knack for seeking out his opponents’ favorite scoring lanes. He is one player the Buffalo Sabres need to account for at all times.
Max Domi is only 27, but he has been a bit of a journeyman, having played for five different NHL franchises. But he is currently tied for second on the team in points and tied for first in goals scored. Domi has also reeled off a ridiculous 40% shooting percentage through the season’s first seven games.
Want your voice heard? Join the Sabre Noise team!
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)