The Buffalo Sabres are back at KeyBank Center on Wednesday as they are set to play the Philadelphia Flyers after three straight games on the road. They are playing a Flyers team that got off to a horrible start to the season going 0-6-3 but playing much better as of late and winning their last two games.
For the Sabres, this is an important game as they have now gotten a point in four straight games and will want to keep that momentum going as they head right back out on the road with four straight games, including three on the West Coast.
When looking ahead to this game, these are three players that fans should watch for, starting with a player who is expected to make his season debut.
Jason Zucker
All signs are pointing to Jason Zucker making his season debut on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Sabres forward has missed the start of the season as he was recovering from offseason surgery.
During practice, Zucker has been on a line with Josh Norris and Konsta Helenius, and he may be a spark that can help both of these players. Neither player has gotten off to a great start this season as they have combined for five points, but a positive is that three of them have come in the past three games.
However, where Zucker could make the biggest impact is on the power play. He has had double-digit power-play goals in each of the past two seasons, and the Sabres desperately need something to help this group.
Rasmus Dahlin
Another player the Sabres will be getting back on Wednesday is Rasmus Dahlin. He left the game early against the Florida Panthers and has missed the past three games.
The Sabres fortunately were able to get four out of a possible six points, which is something they haven't been able to do in the past when he has had to miss games.
One of the reasons the Sabres were able to get those points was the play of Owen Power, who has looked great to begin the season. However, now with Dahlin back, along with the level that Power is playing at, this blueline has a chance to continue to build towards being one of the best groups in the league.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Is this the last game Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will play as a member of the Buffalo Sabres? The Connor Hellebuyck rumors have picked up since the weekend and the Sabres are still considered one of the favorites to acquire the star goalie.
If they do, then Luukkonen will undoubtedly be moved to create space for Hellebuyck. It would seemingly be impossible to avoid the trade rumors for a player like Luukkonen, and the question will be how it might impact his performance.
After a tough start to the season, the Sabres' goalie has been better as of late. Over the past four games, he has a goals against average of 3.25 and a save percentage of .897 with a goals saved above average of 0.99. A notable improvement compared to his first three starts, when he had a goals against average of 4.02, a save percentage of .782 and a goals saved above average of -1.73, according to Natural Stat Trick.
The Buffalo Sabres are scheduled to play the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:30 PM with the game being broadcast on TNT.
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