The Carolina Hurricanes (30-15-4) have been on fire over their last two games and they are looking to continue that level of play this afternoon at 1:30 PM against the Buffalo Sabres (26-16-5) at home.
After dominating the Florida Panthers 9-1 on Friday, including six third period goals, the Canes blew past the New Jersey Devils 4-1 on Saturday thanks to an Andrei Svechnikov hat trick. There’s a lot to be excited about as Carolina currently sits with a seven point lead atop the Metropolitan Division.
Advertisement
The same reigns true on the other side of this matchup, too. Ever since the firing general manager Kevyn Adams on December 15, the Sabres have completely turned things around. In that span, Buffalo has gone 12-2-1, including a seven game winning streak. The Canes and Sabres have split the season series so far, but it’s safe to say this isn’t the same Buffalo team from October and November.
Tage Thompson has led the way for the Sabres over that stretch, netting nine goals and 21 points in that span. On the year, Thompson leads Buffalo in goals and points, with 25 and 50 in 47 games. Alex Tuch and Josh Doan have been effective complimentary goal scorers, with the pair netting 17 and 15 goals this season.
On the defensive end, Rasmus Dahlin is still showing why he was the first overall pick in the 2018 draft and one of the top defenseman in the league. Dahlin has 34 points in 43 games so far this year to lead Buffalo’s defensive core.
Between the pipes, starter Alex Lyon has missed the last nine games due to injury. In 21 games this season, Lyon has posted a 2.82 GAA and .906 save percentage.
Advertisement
Lyon practiced on Sunday for the first time since the injury, but it should be backup Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen getting the nod this afternoon. Despite the Sabres recent surge, Luukkonen has not been strong in net, posting a 3.40 GAA to go along with a .896 save percentage over his last five games.
Getting pucks to the net and generating good offensive chances will be key to coming out on top today for Carolina.
It is not clear whether Shayne Gostisbehere will suit up today. The defenseman has missed the last two games and is still listed as day-to-day. William Carrier, who has missed the last four games due to injury, is also listed day-to-day.
In net, the most likely option looks to be Brandon Bussi, who stopped 15 of 16 shots in his last start on Friday in the 9-1 win over the Panthers. Bussi will be looking for 18th win of the year.
Advertisement
After winning two straight, the Canes are looking to carry their recent momentum into today’s matchup against a red-hot Sabres team.
Here’s how to catch this afternoon’s game:
Time: 1:30 PM
TV: TNT
Streaming: HBO Max
Radio: 99.9 The Fan
Odds: Hurricanes -196 Moneyline, Hurricanes -1.5 at +120
