Buffalo Sabres: 3 bold predictions for Week 6 – 2022 (Streak ending?)

The Buffalo Sabres head into Week 6 of their 2022-23 season on an eight-game slide, but there may be a new hope brewing as they skate into Montreal. 

Mattias Samuelsson isn’t a star player, but as the old saying goes, “you can make an excellent living as a supporting actor.” And this is what makes Samuelsson’s presence so valuable to the Buffalo Sabres. This is a player that will likely never become an All-Star, but he is also one that you will suffer without.

And have the Sabres suffered without Samuelsson’s presence, allowing over four goals per game while their goaltending has logged an 0.858 save percentage. With Samuelsson, they allowed 2.2 goals per game and saved nearly 95% of all shots on goal, 98% during even strength situations with Samuelsson on the ice.

The Sabres are slated to get their best supporting actor back this week. And it provides the basis for this bold predictions piece. Let’s dive into it.

1 – Buffalo Sabres take two in a row

This isn’t a bold prediction; it’s outright irrational. But again, judging from the way this team plays with Samuelsson on the ice, it’s okay to be a little irrational at the moment. The Sabres are 3-10-0 without him, and it mainly comes from the spark he brings to the lineup, and the lack thereof when he is not playing.

So they are taking two in a row, starting with tonight’s outing against Montreal, and definitely on 90’s Night when they face the St. Louis Blues in those beautiful Goathead sweaters. This will swing momentum their way when they square off against Lindy Ruff’s New Jersey Devils.

2 – Dahlin, Tage average multiple points per game

Even amidst an eight-game skid, Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson have still found ways to provide high-octane entertainment Buffalo Sabres fans so desperately need right now. A logical prediction would entail them to score one per game over the next three contests, so let’s up the ante and go bold – Multiple points per game. 

Tage is a threat to score every time he touches the puck and has one of the most powerful shots in the NHL. Dahlin has also shown time and again that he, like Tage, can generate excellent scoring chances game in and game out. Both are also good at moving the puck around.

3 – Defense, PK unit sees dramatic improvement

Samuelsson’s return will help and Tyson Jost joining the lineup will also point the PK unit north. If you have been keeping track, the Buffalo Sabres PK has been among the NHL’s worst lately, allowing 10 goals in their last eight contests.

Needless to say, they needed help and general manager Kevyn Adams acted decisively when he saw Jost was available. As for defense, Jost can help out on the fourth line, playing center, while Samuelsson’s physical presence will force opponents into making hasty decisions with the puck.

Overall, from a bold predictions standpoint, I’m looking for the Buffalo Sabres to end their losing streak with an exclamation point. They will get the most out of their two best players, and perhaps even more from a returning puzzle piece and a new one, both of whom appear to be suiting up as early as tonight.

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