The Florida Panthers are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. This contest, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, marks a pivotal moment in the Panthers’ season as they look to rebound from their recent struggles.
Recent Performance and Challenges
After starting strong with a 3-0-0 record, the Panthers have seen a decline, currently holding a 3-3-0 record. Head coach Paul Maurice emphasized the team’s need to return to their foundational structure. He noted that the Panthers have trailed for only 63 seconds in their first three games, but have struggled to maintain that momentum during road games.
Struggles on the Road
In their recent losses, the Panthers were competitive, tying all three games in the third period. Their latest outing against the New Jersey Devils ended in a 3-1 defeat, with Timo Meier scoring the go-ahead goal in the final minutes. Daniil Tarasov, the Panthers’ goaltender for that game, made 30 saves, showcasing his potential after joining the team in the offseason.
Key Players to Watch
- Sergei Bobrovsky: The two-time Vezina Trophy winner will start against Buffalo, boasting a 3-1-0 record, with a 1.77 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage.
- Brad Marchand: Currently leads the Panthers with six points, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts.
- Anton Lundell: With five points and a 60% faceoff win rate, he is stepping up during Aleksander Barkov’s absence.
Buffalo Sabres’ Recent Revival
The Sabres are coming off a confident 8-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators, marking their first win of the season. Six players scored, including Jason Zucker and Jack Quinn, who each netted two goals. Ryan McLeod noted the team’s desperation for results and the need to continue building on this momentum.
Injury Updates
Buffalo will be without forward Justin Danforth, who is sidelined for over a month due to injury. This has raised discussions about the Sabres’ lineup adjustments.
Projected Goaltenders
For the Sabres, Alex Lyon is expected to defend the net against the Panthers. Nicknamed the “Lyon King” in South Florida, Lyon has had a challenging start, with a 1-3-0 record and a .912 save percentage in his first four games.
Matchup Overview
The Panthers previously dominated their series against the Sabres last season, finishing 3-1-0 while outscoring them 13-9. As both teams look to establish their season trajectories, the outcome of this game could be pivotal for momentum heading into the coming weeks.
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, October 18
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
- TV: WSFL, WHDT, WFTX
- Radio: 104.3 WQAM-FM
The Panthers and Sabres will both enter this matchup hungry for victory, making it a key game for both franchises.
