Buffalo Sabres: Levi snagging a huge win headlines Week 6 predictions

Week 6 is already dawning on us, and despite snagging just three points last week, the Buffalo Sabres have played better hockey for the most part.

As the old cliche says: Time flies when you’re having fun, and while the Buffalo Sabres have been a mixed bag this year, it doesn’t mean they are any less entertaining. So far in 2023-24, none of us have a clue which Sabres team will show for the game, so it makes predicting outcomes quite an interesting job.

But we will still take a few chances, starting with yet another huge night from 21-year-old Devon Levi. It’s first on our list of three bold predictions for Week 6, so without further ado, let’s get started.

Devon Levi snags a huge win in Week 6 for the Buffalo Sabres…

1 – vs. Boston, at Winnipeg, OR at Chicago

While we have no idea who Sabres head coach Don Granato has in mind to start in the net this week, it would be epic to see Levi face the Chicago Blackhawks and their top rookie, Connor Bedard. However, there is no reason to be so rash and predict WHEN Levi will start, so let’s just say he allows one goal and snags a 0.950 save percentage against one of the Sabres three opponents.

Levi was outstanding in his appearance vs. the Minnesota Wild, and that carries over into Week 6 as the 21-year-old approaches midseason form. He was one of a few Sabres players who struggled early, but he’s 2-0-0 since returning from injury.

2 – Tuch’s return gives Sabres eight goals in two games

The Sabres need Alex Tuch in the lineup, but fortunately for the Blue and Gold, his injury doesn’t look like it will keep him shelved long-term. Once Tuch returns, it will rejuvenate a Sabres team who sorely missed him this past week, and they will snag at least eight goals in a pair of games.

Tuch may not have enjoyed the best start offensively this season, but he’s been lights out since finding his groove. That continues this week once he’s back in the lineup, and we’ll be seeing those high-octane Sabres strike again really soon.

Update: Alex Tuch will not play on Tuesday, but all signs are pointing for him to return to the lineup on Friday. 

3 – A Western Conference encore

Last year, the Buffalo Sabres were stellar when they headed out west to face opponents, and the same thing will kick off this season as they travel to Winnipeg to face the Jets before they play the Blackhawks in Chicago. Early this season, the Sabres aren’t the same road warriors they were, but that changes this week as they visit their first two opponents on a mini Western Conference road trip.

As mentioned, that Chicago game may belong to Devon Levi, but if not, then Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen secures the win. Last season, the Blue and Gold made quick work out of the Jets during their trip to Winnipeg, and this year, I’m expecting no different.