Will the Buffalo Sabres break their winless streak in Raleigh?
The Buffalo Sabres have done a lot of good since the Don Granato Era began, but they have yet to win a game at PNC Arena in Raleigh.
In under two hours from the time of this article’s publication, the Buffalo Sabres will try to break a streak that has haunted the since 2016. No, it’s nowhere near as important as breaking their 12-year playoff drought, but ending their winless streak at PNC Arena tonight will help them take one step closer to breaking the latter.
Just how bad have things been for the Sabres in their numerous trips to Raleigh since their last win there nearly eight years ago? Check out the following post from Mike Harrington of Buffalo News, and you will gain an idea.
Rough matchup for #Sabres tonight in Raleigh: Just 2-10-4 in last 16 meetings vs. Hurricanes (but 2-3 in last five after 0-7-4 stretch)
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) November 7, 2023
On the road, they've lost last 7 in regulation here -- outscored 33-17 -- and are 0-7-1 overall. Last win on 3/22/16, Eichel's rookie season.
Will the Buffalo Sabres finally win a game at PNC Arena tonight?
Fortunately for the Sabres, they have won five of their previous eight games after a meager 1-3-0 start. In those eight games, they have scored 30 goals, and that high-octane identity has shown some serious flashes in that span.
However, the Hurricanes have yet to lose at home this season, and while they will be without goaltender Frederik Andersen tonight, they will have the home crowd at their back in what was a tough arena to win games in for visiting teams. This one comes down to whether the Buffalo Sabres decide to take advantage of what could be some weak goaltending tonight.
Must Read. Expect Matt Savoie to make his Buffalo Sabres debut in Week 5. light
That didn’t happen last week when they faced a Philadelphia Flyers team forced to roll with Samuel Ersson. In fact, the Sabres only got one by the goaltender, and they ended up losing in a blowout. But if they play Carolina the same way they played the Toronto Maple Leafs, they can return home with the W.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)