After a tough loss last night, the Buffalo Sabres have to move on to tonight’s game against the New York Islanders. A matchup with plenty at stake.
Despite losing a tough game last night against the Edmonton Oilers, the Buffalo Sabres played a great game. However, they cannot dwell on the loss too much as tonight is a MUST WIN in a huge game against the New York Islanders. Today, this is the biggest game of the season and could determine whether or not the Sabres make the postseason.
Looking at the wild card standings, the Islanders currently hold the first wild card spot with 72 points. The Pittsburgh Penguins occupy the final spot with 71 points. Buffalo is on the outside looking in at this current moment, but are the closest team with 68 points. It is a very crowded race as the Sabres, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, and Washington Capitals all have 68 points.
Buffalo Sabres need to create space in the wild card race
Buffalo got some help last night as both Washington and Ottawa lost. With that being said, the Sabres have to win this game. These two teams already played each other with Buffalo getting the victory and they will play each other one more time after tonight. If the Sabres can play like they did last night, then they have a good chance of winning.
The last time these two got together, it was a goaltending clinic which saw the Sabres win 3-2 in overtime. It won’t be easy for Buffalo as they are playing New York in a second half of a back to back but they need to find a way to leave tonight with two points.
Tyson Jost will be back in the lineup for the outing. The question is, who will sit? Vinnie Hinostroza has been playing very well ever since being recalled and Casey Mittelstadt has also been solid. To be honest with you, I think it’s time to give Victor Olofsson a game or two in the press box.
We don’t who will be the goaltender or the status of Mattias Samuelsson and Riley Stillman, but bottom but the point is Buffalo needs to win this game. This is what we all wanted, playing meaningful games in March.
This team has come a long way. And now, it’s time to prove that they are a playoff team and it starts tonight in a crucial game.