Game 57
Buffalo Sabres (25-27-4) at Columbus Blue Jackets (18-27-10)
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM | Nationwide Arena | Columbus, Ohio
TV: MSG-B/NHL Network
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Columbus Blue Jackets
Record: 18-27-10 | 46 PTS
Division Ranking: Last in Central
Last Game: 7-4 win at Ducks
PP: 29th (13.9%)
PK: 26th (75.8%)
What to Watch
1. Offensive Opportunity
The Sabres offense has not performed to expectations this year. Many players have struggled to find a scoring rhythm. The coaching staff also put a greater emphasis on defense which stifled their offensive efficiency. Granato has allowed the team to play with more freedom in the second half of the year which has generated more offensive opportunities. This has not turned into consistent scoring but bear fruit against a weak Columbus defense. The Blue Jackets have struggled in their previous 5 games stopping opponents from scoring. They have averaged 4.4 goals against in those games. On the season, Columbus has one of the worst penalty kills in the league. While Buffalo has been disappointing with the man advantage, they will have every opportunity to fill the net if they utilize their superior speed and skill.
2. Here Comes the Boone
While the Columbus defense has struggled in the last 5 games, team captain Boone Jenner has gotten hot. He is on a 5-game point streak and has goals in 4 of those games. His 8 points lead the team during that stretch. The Blue Jackets’ number one center will have no shortage of offensive opportunities with star winger Johnny Gaudreau by his side. Buffalo will need to maintain tight gaps to prevent room for the duo to work.
3. Surging Sabre
Jordan Greenway has found his stride as a Sabre as of late. He has 5 points in his last 5 games and is a +4 in those contests. Beyond the offensive numbers, he brings a consistent physical presence to the offense they have missed since Marcus Foligno was traded to Minnesota. The physical pressure he can put on opposing defenders on the forecheck is a unique skill he brings to a speed focused Sabre roster. His line with Mittelstadt and Cozens has been the most consistent in recent games. There is reason to believe this will continue against a weak Columbus team.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Skinner – Thompson – Tuch
Greenway – Mittelstadt – Cozens
Benson – Krebs – Peterka
Robinson – Girgensons – Okposo
Defense
Dahlin – Jokiharju
Bryson – Clifton
R. Johnson – Clague
Starter: Luukkonen
Columbus Blue Jackets
Forwards
Gaudreau – Jenner – Roslovic
Chinakhov – Voronkov – Marchenko
Johnson – Sillinger – Danforth
Texier – Kuraly – Olivier
Defense
Werenski – Boqvist
Provorov – Severson
Bean – Gudbranson
Starter: Tarasov