The Edmonton Oilers are in second place in the Pacific Division this season. They are well on their way to the postseason once again after their appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals a season ago. They are stark difference to Buffalo who will more than likely be missing the playoffs for the 14th straight season.
Edmonton is set to travel to Buffalo this Monday, as the last time both teams face offed at Key Bank Arena, the Sabres came out the victor. On March 9, 2024, Buffalo defeated the Oilers in a 3-2 shootout victory.
In the game, Ukko Pekka Luukkonen made 30 saves and Tage Thompson and Jacob Bryson scored for the Sabres to secure the victory. The defense also was able to come up big and ended Connor McDavid's point streak at 13 games.
It was a strong statement win for Buffalo, who have not provided the same kind of statements this season. One of the reasons they are staring at another year without a berth to the postseason.
Jacob Bryson this season, has only 6 points on the year and has missed several games due to injury. Him not being in the lineup may have hurt Buffalo throughout the year.
In the victory over the Oilers, Bryson had the game tying goal in the third period.
He spoke to reporters after the game a year ago, on his goal. "I saw the puck kind of lying there and kept it in and did the best I could to get it, and things worked out."
In the shootout, to finish the game, both Thompson and Alex Tuch scored to win 2-1 in the final moments. They both have had strong seasons this year but have had little help. Without players like Bryson or Jordan Greenway in the lineup it has greatly hurt Buffalo.
Luukkonen has also not played as well this season as he did in the win over the Oilers or all of last season. In addition to his 30 saves, he had a save percentage of .910 a year ago. That is compared to .890 this year.
The Sabres should be looking to close out the year strong and provide hope as they enter another long offseason. They need to start things off right against the Oilers.
They should only look back to the last time they came to Keybank Arena. Playing as well as they did a year ago for the remainder of this season could lead to a prosperous March and April.