Sabres Face Off Against Ottawa Senators: Game 76 Preview & Discussion
The Buffalo Sabres visit the Ottawa Senators tonight with playoff implications on the line. Puck drop is 7:00 PM at Canadian Tire Center in Ottawa, Ont.
Buffalo enters at 46-21-8. Ottawa sits at 38-26-10 with 86 points. The Senators are fifth in the Atlantic Division.
Broadcast and Viewing Info
The game will air on MSG-B and stream on ESPN+. Radio coverage is on WGR 550. Fans should check local listings for availability.
Playoff Stakes and Recent Form
Buffalo has beaten Ottawa six straight times. The Sabres swept all four meetings against the Senators this season so far.
A win tonight would end Buffalo’s 14-year playoff drought. The Sabres last reached the postseason in 2010-11.
Buffalo fights for the Atlantic Division and possibly the conference’s best record. Tampa Bay, Montreal, and Boston are closing fast.
Carolina is tied with Buffalo at 100 points but holds a game in hand. The final weeks will decide seeding and momentum.
Special Teams Snapshot
- Ottawa power play: 11th, 22.4%.
- Buffalo power play: 15th, 21.4%.
- Ottawa penalty kill: 30th, 74.5%.
- Buffalo penalty kill: 5th, 81.7%.
Injury and Lineup Notes
Sam Carrick left a recent game after a fight with Anders Lee. He suffered a left arm injury and could miss extended time.
Carrick has five goals and six points in 13 games. Lindy Ruff labeled him week-to-week and did not rule out a postseason return.
Roster Adjustments
Josh Dunne moved into Carrick’s spot for a recent practice. Dunne centered Jordan Greenway and Beck Malenstyn.
Noah Östlund missed practice in Ottawa and remains day-to-day. Ruff appears to prefer a heavier fourth line to start the game.
Opposing Injuries
Ottawa is short on defense. Four blueliners are out, including Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot.
Player Focus: Josh Norris
Josh Norris produced two primary assists in the recent win over the Islanders. He had been scoreless in each of the prior four games.
Norris has 27 points in 37 games, with 10 goals and 17 assists. He has four points in his last ten games and is +4 in that span.
Goaltending and Projected Starters
Expect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in net for Buffalo. The Senators are projected to start Linus Ullmark.
| Buffalo Sabres | Ottawa Senators |
|---|---|
| Krebs – Thompson – Tuch | Batherson – Stützle – Giroux |
| Zucker – McLeod – Quinn | Tkachuk – Cozens – Greig |
| Benson – Norris – Doan | Cousins – Pinto – Amadio |
| Greenway – Dunne – Malenstyn | Foegele – Eller – Zetterlund |
| Samuelsson – Dahlin | Kleven – Zub |
| Power – Byram | Matinpalo – Thomson |
| Stanley – Metsä | Spence – Yakemchuk |
| Goalies: Luukkonen, Lyon, Ellis | Goalies: Ullmark, Reimer |
Final Notes
This Game 76 preview and discussion highlights key factors. Special teams, injuries, and goaltending will decide the outcome.
Filmogaz.com will provide updates and postgame analysis. Expect a tight, physical contest with playoff atmosphere.
