The Buffalo Sabres found their playoff hopes all but dashed in Week 20. Will Week 21 bring the same misfortunes, or will they figure things out?
The Buffalo Sabres had it rough last week. Missing Alex Tuch, they dropped all four games, but a narrow, overtime loss against the New York Rangers could start turning things around for the Blue and Gold. And on Sunday, we had some good news, and it was that Tuch looks like he’ll be making his way back into the lineup.
The bad news? Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is day-to-day, and as I write this, his status remains unknown for the Toronto game tonight. Mattias Samuelsson is week-to-week, and he will miss the upcoming slate of games.
But does that mean all hope is lost for the Sabres, even with Tuch returning? Let’s get bold…or try to be amidst so much adversity at the moment.
3 bold predictions for the Buffalo Sabres in Week 21
1 – Luukkonen shines this week
With goaltender Eric Comrie also week-to-week, you’re going to see more of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who I listed as one of three Buffalo Sabres slated to make a jump in 2023-24. His last three games, yes, even the Boston game, were good, and in the case of the New York game, great.
This week, I’m expecting another big week from Luukkonen, where he will log at least a 0.910 save percentage and a 2.5 GAA. Even without Samuelsson this week and perhaps even Dahlin for a game or two, I’m going bold and saying UPL rises to the challenge in this one.
2 – Alex Tuch scores multiple points in three games
Sounds ultra-bold for a guy about to return from injury, right? Well, Alex Tuch happened to put together three multi-point games between February 15th and February 21st, shortly before his injury occurred.
It’s becoming clearer that Tuch is the heart and soul of the Buffalo Sabres, and even if they’re playing with patchwork defense during his first game back, his mere presence could give the Blue and Gold a chance here. He will help the Sabres at least make things interesting.
3 – Devon Levi signs after the Selection Show
On March 19th, the NCAA will hold their Men’s Ice Hockey Selection Show. Once Northeastern gets the snub, a very important prospect will sign with the Buffalo Sabres.
Now I’m not going to get out of this world bold and say that he suits up in a blue and gold (or black, red, and silver) uniform any time soon, contrary to popular hope. But he’ll sign with the organization, and will go straight into Rochester, most likely with an ATO for the remainder of the season, ELC starting next year.
The only way Levi isn’t signing is if Northeastern makes it to the playoffs. But since the odds are not in their favor, his season is practically over…well, until he signs, anyway.
(Statistical info provided by Hockey-Reference)