Buffalo Sabres: 3 bold predictions heading into Week 10 – 2022
By Sion Fawkes
The Buffalo Sabres are facing two of the NHL’s best teams this week. Will they overcome these Vegas and Tampa-sized obstacles? Let’s predict.
The Vegas Golden Knights and Tampa Bay Lightning got a combined 99 points on the season heading into Monday, December 19th. This already shows us that the Buffalo Sabres have a gauntlet in front of them, and one could knock them off their 15-4 run over the past three games.
Up first are the Vegas Golden Knights, who appear to be the more vulnerable of the two, having come off of a 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders. The Tampa Bay Lightning are up on Friday. Winners of five straight, the Bolts are currently on a 24-7 run.
But that doesn’t meant the Sabres will falter and lose two straight. Let’s make some bold predictions.
1 – Buffalo Sabres earn three out of four points
Unfortunately, I’m predicting another heartbreaking loss to the Lightning. But with a somewhat wounded Golden Knights team in front of them tonight at T-Mobile Arena, I’m projecting the Blue and Gold to take it.
If the Sabres head into the mini-break at 16-14-3, it will be a huge boost for them going into the end of December and into the New Year. It will also at least put them somewhat in the early stages of the wild card race.
2 – Everyone on the top line scores multiple points
Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner, and Alex Tuch have been remarkable this season as one of the NHL’s best lines. And I don’t care what Greg Wyshynski said earlier this season.
If they are going to win one contest and take another into overtime, odds are, the Thompson line must play its best hockey. And you will see it from each of them, as Tage, Skinner, and Tuch log two or more points in both contests.
3 – Luukkonen answers
While he has struggled for the Buffalo Sabres this season, goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen came on strong in the win over the Colorado Avalanche. Sure, it was just one game, but it gave us reason for hope given the Blue and Gold’s decimated defensive rotation.
Sabres surge in Week 10 Atlantic Power Rankings. light. Hot
Look for Luukkonen to keep the Sabres in the game when you see him between the pipes, and it will serve as a major stepping stone heading into the break. While I foresee a return to Rochester once Eric Comrie is ready, such performances will show Luukkonen is capable of becoming a sound NHL goaltender.
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