Buffalo Sabres: 5 most intriguing nationally-televised games for 2023
By Sion Fawkes
![Dec 19, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1) celebrates with left wing Jeff Skinner (53) and defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) after the Sabres defeated the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports Dec 19, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1) celebrates with left wing Jeff Skinner (53) and defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) after the Sabres defeated the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/88c2d781578a6a1c1206bb9fa9c7a96591bc4d515abaa5526718a6ccd64d5f20.jpg)
3 – January 17th vs. Chicago
The Chicago Blackhawks may not be a great team this season, but this will be the first time we see Connor Bedard at KeyBank Center barring injury. It also makes for a potential matchup against none other than Devon Levi, who is looking to prove to the NHL world he can handle a full NHL schedule as the 1A.
Bedard is one of the future faces of the NHL, assuming he doesn’t suffer a major meltdown, and Levi has the potential to join him. The Buffalo Sabres may be at least a rung higher than Chicago, but don’t let that take away from the sheer anticipation of a potential Levi vs. Bedard matchup.
4 – March 2nd vs. Vegas
It’s hard to say it, but Jack Eichel and Company will be entering KeyBank Center for the first time since the Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup. This should also be a revenge affair for the Sabres, thanks to the way Eichel went off the last time he visited KeyBank Center.
But this is also a Sabres team that is one year more experienced with accompanying playoff aspirations – not to mention the fact that they’re 1,000% better off without Eichel. Don’t expect them to lose in a blowout to Vegas this season, but you can also expect Eichel and his Golden Knights to bring their best game.