Predictions for the Buffalo Sabres final six games
The 2023-2024 Buffalo Sabres regular season is almost over. After what was supposed to be a year where they made the postseason, it seems likely it's going to be 13 consecutive years of no playoffs in Buffalo. The team took a step back this season after a promising 2022-2023 campaign. Even though it seems like it will be another year of no postseason hockey, there were some positive moments.
There are six games left in the season and there are some things I would like to see happen. Whether it's a player or the team as a whole, here are some predictions for the final stretch of their season.
The power play finishes strong
All season long, the Sabres power play has been dreadful. Their power play is towards the bottom of the league at 27, even though the players who are on both units are very talented. Assistant coach Matt Ellis is the head of the power play and I think Buffalo should move on with him after the season is over.
However, the Sabres went 2/2 on the power play in their most recent win against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night. In the final six games, I think the power play will finish strong. It might be too little too late when it comes to the playoffs, but Buffalo will be the deadly power play we envisioned in the final stretch.
After some dreadful performances all year long, I want to see the power play finish hot. Yes, it's been a glaring issue all year. With the games where they would go 0/6 or just look awful when they had the man advantage. I predict we see a dangerous power play that will cash in most of the time when give the opportunity. Hopefully, we can see that happen.
JJ Peterka and Tage Thompson reach 30 goals
Tage Thompson has had a down year. After scoring 47 goals last season, Tage only has 27 goals this year. Part of me thinks he's dealing with some kind of injury. Thompson has missed time this year because of a couple of injuries as he played in 65 games this season. With that being said, he has looked better as of late.
Last week, Thompson scored four goals in a 5-2 Sabres victory against the New Jersey Devils. While he won't reach 40, I think Tage reaches the 30-goal plateau. As for his new linemate JJ Peterka, he has had a very impressive second season.
The German forward has 28 goals and is starting to heat up ever since being placed on a line with Thompson and Alex Tuch. I have both JJ and Tage reaching at least 30 goals before the season comes to an end.
Rasmus Dahlin gets 20
Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is leading the team with points this season. In 75 games played, the defenseman has 18 goals and 38 assists for 56 points. After signing a contract extension before the season started, Dahlin is having another good campaign. While he doesn't have 70 points like he did last year, he has passed his goal total from last season where he had 15 goals.
He is getting better and better and that's why I think he will finish this season with at least 20 goals. Rasmus is tied with MacKenzie Weegar in goals and is just one goal behind the league-scoring leaders in defensemen only trailing Cale Makar and Roman Josi who have 19 goals.
Dahlin is a vital part of this franchise and while he is improving each season, he will reach the 20-goal plateau before the year is over.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will get one more shutout
Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has had a very good 2023-2024 season. There were questions about him and if he could put together a complete year. I think those questions have been put to rest as UPL is still playing strong in the second half of the season. He has a record of 25-20-3 with a 2.57 goals-against average (10th best in the league) and a save percentage of .910 (17th best in the league). The goaltender also has five shutouts this year.
He is 5th in the league when it comes to shutouts. I think he will add one more before the season is over. Buffalo plays Philadelphia, Detroit, Dallas, Washington, Florida and Tampa Bay to close out the year, so I think he can get AT LEAST one more shutout before the season is over. He's been good all season for the Sabres and was a big reason why they won most of their games.
Sabres will win AT LEAST three of the remaining games
My last prediction, the team itself will win at least half of their final games. Technically, they are still alive when it comes to the playoff race. They are on life support but they still have a small chance. Even though their chances are very slim, I have them finishing the season strong.
While the Stars, Panthers and Lightning games will be tough, they can beat the Flyers as well as the Red Wings and Capitals. I just want a strong finish to the year. It might mean they will barely miss the playoffs like last year but show the fans something good heading into the offseason.
They gave them a reason to be hopeful for the last year and a half. While the 2023-2024 season hasn't gone as planned, a strong finish would be nice going into 2024-2025.
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