Buffalo Sabres: 3 Keys Versus the Los Angeles Kings
By Paul Taylor
As the Buffalo Sabres prepare to take on the Los Angeles Kings, we look at three factors which could decide the outcome in California.
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As with any team, it’s strange how the Buffalo Sabres seem to have success against certain opponents, no matter how good they are. Look no further than their 9-0-1 record in the last 10 games against a San Jose Sharks team which has qualified for the playoffs all but once since the last lockout, twice making it to the conference finals.
In any event, it was good to see the Sabres continue to adapt to playing without Ryan O’Reilly. Now, they move on to Los Angeles, to finish their three-game California road trip against the Kings.
This will be the second of two meetings between the sides this season, with Buffalo clinching the first game in overtime, back in mid-December. We look at three factors which will help determine if they can finish on the winning side again.
1) The Kings strength in the middle
The word ‘superstar’ is probably thrown around a little too easily at times in professional sports. However, there can be few better ways to describe Anze Kopitar. The Los Angeles center is enjoying another fine season, yet again leading the team in scoring, with 52 points.
Even a recent lower-body injury did little to slow down one of the NHL’s best two-way forwards. He returned on Tuesday night, to score the game-winner against the Calgary Flames.
To highlight the Kings strength in the middle, Jeff Carter is also having a productive campaign, despite his recent seven-game goal drought (which he ended on Thursday against Edmonton). If the Sabres are to have any chance of winning, it starts with controlling the impact of the Kings centers.
2) Jhonas Enroth
In a delightful twist of fate, Jhonas Enorth could be in line to start against the team which drafted him in 2006. This will be the first of a back-to-back for Los Angeles, who will likely want to save Jonathan Quick for the second game against the red-hot Anaheim Ducks.
The 27-year old Enroth has enjoyed a decent season as the Kings backup, despite having just a 4-5-1 record in 10 appearances. He is currently on course for career-highs in save percentage (.926) and goals-against average (2.19).
Of course, you can make the argument your goaltender will always be a main key to winning any game. Regardless, expect Enroth to bring his A-game, as he looks to show the Sabres what they are missing.
3) Ability to deal with adversity
There’s no denying the Sabres face a monumental task in attempting to beat the Kings, especially in enemy territory. Los Angeles is currently well-placed near the top of the Western Conference, with games in hand.
However, Buffalo have shown their mental fortitude repeatedly this season, in the process alluding to a promising future for the organization. Look no further than their game on Friday night, in San Jose.
The Sharks took the lead just 88 seconds into the game, but Dan Bylsma‘s men recovered, to earn an impressive 3-1 victory. A similar resolve and ability to deal with adversity will likely be necessary against a team with two Stanley Cup wins in the last four seasons.
Next: Will Evander Kane be a long-term problem in Buffalo?
What do you expect from the Sabres against the Kings? Let us know in the comments section below.