Buffalo Sabres: 3 Keys to Beating the Pittsburgh Penguins
By Paul Taylor
As the Buffalo Sabres prepare to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins, we look at three factors which could decide the outcome at First Niagara Center.
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Don’t look now, but the Buffalo Sabres are on a bit of a roll. Yes, they’re still near the bottom of the standings, but with a 5-2-3 record in their last 10 games, it appears the team is starting to gel.
Certainly, with a core including the likes of Jack Eichel, Ryan O’Reilly and Sam Reinhart, it is easy to see why Sabres fans are optimistic about the future. Now, they look to put their momentum to the test, against a Pittsburgh Penguins side desperately fighting to remain in a playoff spot.
This will be the second of three games between the sides this season, with Pittsburgh winning the first game all the way back in October. We look at three factors which will help determine if Buffalo can gain some measure of revenge.
1) Robin Lehner
When the Sabres obtained Robin Lehner from the Ottawa Senators, it was in the hope he could provide the long-term solution in net. Unfortunately, a high-ankle sprain in the home-opener put those plans on the shelf, with Lehner out of action until mid-January.
However, now that the 24-year old is back, Buffalo are once again looking to see what he can do. Since returning, he has started 11 out of a possible 16 games and gone 4-2-2 in his last eight appearances.
Lenher’s last game was his best yet, as he record a 38-save shutout against the Columbus Blue Jackets. If he can continue his recent momentum, the Sabres have an excellent chance against the Penguins.
2) Will Marc-Andre Fleury play?
Marc-Andre Fleury is having another typically consistent season for Pittsburgh. In fact, he is currently on course for the best save percentage of his career.
As such, the Penguins will be understandably concerned if the former first overall draft pick doesn’t play against the Sabres. He missed Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, because of an illness.
If Fleury is unable to go, Jeff Zatkoff is in line to start. Ironically, Zatkoff was in net the last time these teams met, and even though he recorded 50 saves, he also allowed three goals.
3) Dealing with the walking-wounded
Of course, injuries are always something to contend with, especially in a physical sport such as hockey. Regardless, the Sabres have several to consider, heading into Sunday’s encounter with the Penguins.
Ryan O’Reilly missed practice on Saturday, although Dan Bylsma indicated his leading point-scorer is probable. Unfortunately, this is not the case with Cody Franson, who was also held out of practice.
Franson is dealing with some neck issues, and Bylsma confirmed the defenceman will not feature against Pittsburgh. One final question mark surrounded Zach Bogosian, but the Sabres coach said he expects him to play.
Next: Robin Lehner provides the Sabres with a glimpse into the future
What do you expect from the Sabres against the Penguins? Let us know in the comments section below.