The Florida Panthers are set to challenge the Buffalo Sabres, who are currently the hottest team in the NHL. This highly anticipated matchup will take place at KeyBank Center on Monday at 7 p.m. ET.
Standings and Stakes
The Panthers stand at 23 wins, 18 losses, and 3 overtime losses, while the Sabres have a record of 24 wins, 15 losses, and 4 overtime losses. The Panthers trail the Sabres by just three points in the Eastern Conference standings. Florida’s head coach, Paul Maurice, acknowledges the competitiveness of the Eastern Conference.
Recent Performance
- The Panthers recently secured a 3-2 victory against the Ottawa Senators. This win marked the first of their six-game road trip.
- Top players for Florida in that game included Evan Rodrigues, Carter Verhaeghe, and Gustav Forsling.
- Sergei Bobrovsky made 17 saves, earning a crucial role in the win.
- Florida excelled on special teams, converting on 2 of 4 power play opportunities and successfully killing all 5 penalties.
Player Updates
Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, and Cole Schwindt will miss the game due to injuries. Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett are leading the Panthers in scoring, with Reinhart accumulating 44 points (23 goals, 21 assists) and Bennett gathering 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists).
Fighting the Sabres’ Momentum
The Sabres have been on a phenomenal run since December 9, achieving a remarkable record of 13 wins and 1 loss. They rank fifth in the NHL for goals per game, averaging 3.64, and are second best for fewest goals allowed per game, with 2.21.
Key Sabres Players
- Tage Thompson leads the Sabres with 22 goals and 41 points.
- Alex Tuch follows with 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists).
- Josh Doan, acquired in an offseason trade, has contributed significantly to the team’s success, scoring 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists).
Goaltending Situation
With Alex Lyon sidelined due to injury, rookie goaltender Colten Ellis is expected to start against the Panthers. Ellis has a record of 5 wins and 3 losses, with a goals-against average of 3.10 and a .900 save percentage this season.
Looking Ahead
The Panthers and Sabres will face off for the second time in the current season. In their previous meeting, the Sabres secured a 3-0 win, largely thanks to Lyon’s 32-save shutout performance.
Important Stats
- The Panthers are undefeated (7-0-0) when leading after two periods on the road.
- Florida has won seven of their last ten road games since November 10.
- Aaron Ekblad is nearing a milestone, just two points away from his 400th NHL point.
Game Viewing Information
This pivotal matchup can be watched on local TV channels including WSFL, WHDT, and WFTX, as well as streamed on PanthersPlus.TV. Radio coverage will be available via several stations, ensuring fans can follow the action closely.
