The Buffalo Sabres will be playing the Florida Panthers and the game is massive for both teams. For the Sabres, it’s the their biggest game in 10 years.
Tonight is the night Buffalo Sabres fans have waited for. If the Sabres want to end the longest playoff drought in the NHL, tonight’s game against the Florida Panthers could determine if they make it into the postseason or not. This game is absolutely crucial for both teams, but let me tell you why it’s the biggest game that the Sabres are playing in a decade.
When was the last time Buffalo was playing a game in the month of April and had major playoff implications? It has to be at least a decade. The last time Buffalo made the playoffs, it was in April of 2011 where they had to gain at least one point in the final game of the season against the Philadelphia Flyers.
At this current moment, both teams are on the outside of the playoff picture with Florida only one point behind the second wild card which is being held by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The next team after the Panthers, Buffalo who are five points out of the final spot.
Even though both the Sabres and Panthers need the Penguins to lose in regulation to gain ground, both teams will be facing off against each other and it could very well determine where they finish not only in the Atlantic Division, but the playoff picture.
Hypothetically, let’s say Pittsburgh loses in regulation. If the Panthers win, they will jump Pittsburgh and be tied with the New York Islanders who are in the first wild card spot with 87 points. If the Sabres were to win, they would still be trailing Florida by two points and three points out of the final wild card spot.
Buffalo Sabres find themselves in a must-win matchup
Even though the Sabres have two games in hand on Florida, tonight’s game is so important. After this game, Buffalo will have six games left to play.
There was no morning skate but it sounds like Tage Thompson will probably be back in the lineup, which is huge. And Devon Levi will most likely be making his second career start against his former team.
When it comes to Tage and Devon, nothing is confirmed. But based on recent practices and reports, it sounds like it will be the case. This is what Sabres fans have been waiting for. Watching their team play meaningful games at the end of the season.
This is why tonight’s matchup is the biggest game for Buffalo in at least a decade. Even though their chances are low at this current moment, you never know what’s going to happen. Buckle up Sabres fans, it’s going to be a ride.